Sigma Chi’s Interim Suspension of Activities is the result of an Oct. 17 incident involving the use of potential drugs in the chapter house and potential hazing activities, according to a Nov. 3 letter to the Sigma Chi chapter president from Director of Student Advocacy and Accountability Matthew Gregory. LSU Media Relations released the letter Thursday.

An active fraternity member previously told The Daily Reveille that Sigma Chi Fraternity’s interim suspension was not a result of hazing and the incident spurring the suspension was isolated to a few active members.

LSU Media Relations confirmed late Wednesday night the chapter was suspended pending an advocacy and accountability investigation, but did not reveal the grounds for the suspension because the investigation is ongoing. 

The chapter received notice of the suspension on Nov. 3, and a concurrent investigation by the national chapter is also taking place, LSU Media Relations confirmed.

The active fraternity member told The Daily Reveille that Sigma Chi attempted to handle the situation internally before alumni advisers suggested the LSU chapter bring it to the national chapter’s attention.

The national fraternity then handed down the cease and desist letter for chapter activity, which allowed members to continue to live and eat meals at the house, but banned meetings or events held without approval from the national fraternity, The Daily Reveille learned.

“We are implementing a thorough investigation and accountability process regarding Sigma Chi,” said LSU Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment Kurt Keppler in an email. “We also appreciate the work being done by the national fraternity organization to ensure these types of incidents don’t occur and their quick action taken if an issue arises.”

The Sigma Chi Fraternity International Headquarters announced in a news release Thursday night that it placed the LSU chapter on interim suspension after “receiving allegations that a minority of our membership at the LSU chapter had engaged in drug use.”

In the release, LSU’s Sigma Chi chapter president Clayton Furr said, “we are working closely with Greek Life at LSU and our General Fraternity Headquarters to insure that our chapter presents a safe and drug free environment. We are embracing the challenges that college students face today in a manner that demonstrates the values of our Fraternity.” 

Director of Greek Life Angela Guillory, LSU’s Sigma Chi chapter president Clayton Furr and representatives from the Sigma Chi national office did not respond to repeated requests for comment this morning.

The death of LSU senior and Sigma Chi brother Sawyer Reed on Oct. 17 was not related to the suspension, LSU Media Relations confirmed Friday.