Southeast imposes 'interim suspension' of Sigma Nu fraternity over vandalism incident

Southeast Missouri State University has imposed an “interim suspension” on Sigma Nu fraternity as a result of campus vandalism last May.

School officials issued a brief statement Thursday, stating all Sigma Nu group activities have been restricted by the Office of Student Conduct.

The fraternity was placed on “interim suspension” Aug. 9, university spokeswoman Ann Hayes said.

The suspension will remain in place pending a review by the student-conduct office.

In addition, “some individuals” identified by campus police in their investigation of the vandalism have been barred from entering the Sigma Nu house during the “review period,” according to the statement.

Last May, vandals smashed windows, damaged wooden door frames and punched holes in plaster walls in the historic Ochs-Shivelbine house on Sprigg Street.

The house, which was owned by the university, served as home to Sigma Nu fraternity during the spring 2016 semester.

The house was slated to be torn down to make room for a new Greek Village when the vandalism occurred.

It was razed a short time later.

Two of the new fraternity houses opened last week in the new Greek Village off Alumni Drive.

One of the new buildings houses Sigma Nu fraternity members.

Southeast’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) investigated the vandalism.

Beth Glaus, DPS interim director, said at the time the incident involved “felony property damage,” which according to state statute involves more than $750 in damage.

Glaus said in May the incident was a crime regardless of whether the building was to be razed.

Laura Williams, a graduate student in historic preservation at Southeast, had been scheduled to document the once-stately home before it was torn down.

Williams voiced dismay at the vandalism when she walked through the brick structure May 17.

“I think it shows a general attitude toward old buildings,” Williams said as she looked at the damage.

According to Hayes, the school’s student-conduct investigation began after DPS completed its investigation.

Records pertaining to alleged violations of the student code of conduct are protected by the federal student privacy law, Hayes said.

“The university will have no further comment on this matter,” she said in the emailed statement.

mbliss@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

1409 N. Sprigg St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.