Sigma Chi Lawsuit Dismissed

By Broadside Staff Reporter Ethan Vaughan

Sigma Chi fraternity’s lawsuit against George Mason University has been dismissed by a federal judge in Alexandria, Va. Sigma Chi became embroiled in controversy in the spring of 2006 when multiple allegations of hazing, providing alcohol to minors and sexual assault were raised. In the words of school officials, “break[ing] almost every major rule the university expects a social fraternity or sorority to abide by,” which led to a student panel to convict the chapter and recommend their ejection from campus.

The events in question took place in late 2005. The university accepted the panel’s ruling, expelling Sigma Chi from Mason for 10 years.

On Aug. 31, 2006, Sigma Chi filed a motion in the Federal District Court of Alexandria alleging that the school had violated their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights to free expression and due process.

The motion stated that the university had, as recorded in the Oct. 29, 2007 issue of Broadside, “conspired and retaliated against the Chapter in a series of vindictive, unfounded and un-Constitutional actions.”

Mason responded that the supposed “free expression” being suppressed was in fact hazing, while maintaining that the fraternity had been given due process and then convicted by a group of their own peers.

In addition, Mason called the accusations “unsustainable,” and requested on Sept. 27, 2007, that the suit be dismissed.

This year on Feb. 21, a federal judge sided with the university, stating that Sigma Chi’s constitutional rights had been satisfied.

According to WashingtonPost.com on Feb. 23, “Judge Leonie M. Brinkema threw out the lawsuit during a hearing in federal court.” In doing so, this may have stopped further investigation and developments in the case. Sigma Chi has not indicated whether it will appeal the decision.