Illinois State University has suspended a fraternity for nearly three years for hazing, vandalism containing anti-LGBTQIA+ slurs and other offenses.
The disciplinary suspensions against Kappa Sigma will be in effect until Dec. 31, 2025, according to the Dean of Students’ office. The suspension forbids the Greek life organization from holding events or participating in any on-campus activities.
“The Dean of Students office will work with the national organization in advance of that date to create a return agreement should they wish to be reinstituted,” said ISU spokesperson Eric Jome.
The university determined Kappa Sigma members vandalized the Tri Sigma and Alpha Sigma houses last fall with derogatory slurs against LGBTQIA+ people spray painted on the buildings.
The university also cited five violations of its code of student conduct against Kappa Sigma on its website. That included “engaging in any act where an individual is encouraged to engage in conduct of an unbecoming or humiliating nature,” failing to prevent or discourage hazing, aiding and abetting others to violate university policy, unauthorized entry and property damage.
The vandalism was one in a series of events that caused concern among LGBTQIA+ students on campus last fall. Students staged a March for Queer rights in November to protest what they felt was a muted response from the university. Administrators said at the time internal investigations limited what they could say publicly.
Messages left with ISU Pride, the university’s interfraternity council and Kappa Sigma have not immediately been returned.
