The University of Utah has terminated its recognition of the Sigma Nu fraternity chapter this month. The termination means Sigma Nu will not be allowed to operate as a fraternity affiliated with the U for at least six years.

In a May 19 letter to fraternity leaders, Vice President for Student Affairs Lori McDonald said the fraternity’s status was revoked due to a pattern of hazing new recruits and “egregious” violations of university policies and rules and Sigma Nu’s own national fraternity policies. In addition, the chapter has had a history of alcohol-related violations and destruction of property over the past six years, McDonald noted.

Student Affairs leaders investigated allegations of chapter members hazing new pledges during the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. The confirmed incidents include:

• Coerced consumption of alcohol and unregistered parties
• Required chores and cleanup of chapter facility, sometimes in the early hours of the morning and after fraternity parties
• Encouraged the purchase and use of illegal substances to meet new member interview requirements
• Blindfolded and transported new members to an exotic dance club for pledge interviews
• Coerced participation of new members in initiation weekend activities at chapter home, including blindfolding, requiring memorization of songs and member information, cleaning, and staying overnight on basement floor

The behavior met all three categories of hazing—subtle, harassment and violent—McDonald wrote. Investigators also confirmed the involvement of chapter alumni in the behavior. As a result, the chapter has violated University Policies 6-400 and 6-402 governing fraternity and sorority life.

“I do not have confidence the Sigma Nu chapter will follow the university’s directions, policies, or the terms of a suspension, and therefore, termination of the university recognition of the chapter is warranted,” McDonald said.

Since 2002, three U fraternities have lost their official recognition from the institution. All three were allowed to re-apply and return to operations. The last, Kappa Sigma, was allowed to reinstate its recognition in January 2024.

The Greek Council Executive Board issued a statement: “Hazing is harmful, unacceptable, and has no place in our community. The actions that led to this decision, do not reflect the values or true purpose of Greek life. Greek organizations should stand for leadership, service, friendship, and personal growth.”

“As a council, we are committed to promoting education, accountability, and a culture where every member feels safe and respected,” the statement said. “We will continue to take hazing seriously, and work to ensure our community upholds the integrity of Greek life.”

Due the gravity of the hazing incidents, Sigma Nu will not be able to reapply for recognition until 2031, following the recommendations of investigators and allowing enough time for current members and leaders of the chapter to graduate. Sigma Nu’s national organization also has suspended the fraternity’s charter.

Read the hazing transparency report, redacted investigation report and full letter to Sigma Nu chapter leaders.