Indiana State places fraternity on probation after death

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (AP) - Indiana State University placed a fraternity chapter on probation following the accidental drowning of an 18-year-old freshman during an event in Illinois.

Sigma Chi's "conduct probation" runs through May 11, 2018, and removes the organization from good conduct standing with the university, the (Terre Haute) Tribune-Star (http://bit.ly/2gCsNs3 ) reported. The chapter also won't be allowed to have any social events until the fall 2017 term.

Craig Enyeart, ISU Director of Student Conduct and Integrity, said in a Nov. 18 letter that any violations by the fraternity while on probation could result in "revocation of recognition from the university and charges filed against individual members."

Also included in the letter were two violations of ISU's student conduct code, which included providing alcohol to people under age 21 and the violation of risk management protocols adopted through the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

Sigma Chi, meanwhile, will remain as a fraternity and a student organization at ISU and may continue to host membership functions, community service activities and philanthropic activities.

The Associated Press sent an email seeking comment Thursday from the fraternity chapter.

The newspaper also (http://bit.ly/2gZFKQc ) reported that all of the fraternities on the university's campus have been placed on "social restriction" by the Interfraternity Council student leadership due to multiple instances of fighting, underage drinking, unregistered events and hospital transport for too much alcohol. The restriction prohibits the fraternities to host social events on or off campus until Jan. 21, 2017.

The council's decision doesn't affect the university's sororities.

The Clark County, Illinois, sheriff's department and the school investigated the Oct. 23 death of Yiorgo Karnezis of Munster, Indiana. The school has said that Karnezis apparently fell from a boat into a small pond during a Sigma Chi social event in the rural community of Dennison, Illinois.

___

Information from: Tribune-Star, http://www.tribstar.com