University of Iowa fraternity closing over hazing report

The Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house will be closed at the University of Iowa after its national headquarters accused the local chapter of hazing.  Around 90 members of the UI chapter have been expelled from the fraternity and their membership privledges have been removed, according to a statement from the fraternity's  national headquarters.

"This decision by the national organization comes as a result of hazing and the chapter's failure to comply with our standards, guidelines and policies set forth by the membership agreement and Sigma Alpha Epsilon's governing laws," the statement said.  "Both national staff and local volunteers will work with university administrators and the house corporation during this transition to close the chapter."

The University of Iowa is now investigating the fraternity.

"The university does not tolerate hazing or unsafe and illegal consumption of alcohol in any of its student organizations. As such, we fully support the swift action taken this weekend by Sigma Alpha Epsilon's national organization, and a further university investigation into individual violations of the Code of Student Life is in progress," the University said in a statement.

Fraternity  members living at the house have 10 days to find new places to live.  The fraternity had been present at UI since 1905, according to the local chapter website.