Quinnipiac frat issued cease and desist order over alleged hazing

HAMDEN >> Quinnipiac University officials this past weekend issued a cease and desist order to one of its fraternities over its “process for new members,” according to a statement issued by the university Monday.

“The university issued a cease and desist order to Sigma Phi Epsilon over the weekend while it investigates allegations regarding the fraternity’s process for new members,” said Lynn Bushnell, the university’s vice president for public affairs. “We have zero tolerance for any behavior which threatens the safety and security of any member of the university community.”

It’s the second time in the last year that the university has issued a cease and desist order against a fraternity for alleged hazing activity.

Last December, the university issue a cease and desist order against Tau Kappa Epsilon and expelled one student and sanctioned several others over allegations of hazing.

Members of Sigma Phi Epsilon couldn’t be reached for comment Monday, and the university declined to elaborate on the hazing allegations.

The fraternity is known more for its good works than any hazing rituals.

On Saturday, more than a dozen Sigma Phi Epsilon members volunteered at the Brooksvale Fall Festival at Brooksvale Park, according to its Facebook page. It also was involved with a university sorority, working on a campaign to end sexual assault on campus. In spring, the fraternity received an award from the university for its “excellence in philanthropy, service and advocacy.”