The Louisiana Epsilon chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon returns to LSU’s campus this semester after an almost three-year suspension.
The Daily Reveille previously reported SAE was suspended on Nov. 16, 2012, after violating LSU’s hazing policy.
The Daily Reveille reported in 2012 that hazing was cited as the reason for SAE’s suspension by its national headquarters, but an anonymous member of the Greek community said the offense was sexual in nature.
An investigation discovered that multiple hazing incidents occurred in the years leading up to SAE’s suspension.
“SAE new members/pledges, for at least the past two years and possibly prior to that, were instructed by the Pledge Educator and Pledge Council to continue a tradition involving the painting of the lions located in front of the chapter house as a result of taking the virginity of a sorority woman,” according to an outcome document following the investigation.
The organization was then given the option to either accept administrative action or present the matter to a hearing panel. SAE decided on the former with an expectation of returning in 2015.
“Our Interfraternity Council went through an extension process in the spring, working with the current groups and recognizing that SAE had an opportunity to return,” Director of Greek Life Angela Guillory said. “[SAE] had to still go through the rechartering process through the Interfraternity Council.”
Guillory said through working with IFC, SAE was able to return, as well as introduce another fraternity to campus, Beta Theta Pi.
SAE also was suspended in 1997 after a student died from binge drinking.
The Louisiana Epsilon chapter was the first fraternity established on campus after its founding on Jan. 1, 1867 — less than two years after the end of the Civil War.
Guillory said SAE already has recruited a class for the fall semester during rush week and will remain in its current house at 3743 W. Lakeshore Drive.
“We are excited about adding a new fraternity [Beta Theta Pi] to our IFC, and we look forward to SAE’s contributions to our Greek community,” Interfraternity Council President Brian Rees said.
Although SAE has returned to campus, it does not currently have a recruitment chair or president and is being led by its national organization.
Brandon Weghorst, associate executive director of communications for SAE, said the national organization looks forward to its return to LSU’s campus and finding a “group of gentlemen who are leaders, scholars and stewards of their community.”
Weghorst also said the national office expects the new members of SAE to challenge the stigma of being a fraternity man.
“SAE views the relationship between LSU administrators, the student body and the national organization as a partnership, and we are committed to providing a beneficial, rewarding experience for everyone,” Weghorst said.

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After being suspended in 2012, the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity is returning to LSU campus.