Back in February, members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity hung a noose around the neck of a statute erected in honor of the University of Mississippi’s first Black student, James Meredith. The national headquarters of the fraternity announced Thursday that it will shut down the chapter at Ole Miss, and the legal futures of the three student suspects hangs in the air.
Along with placing the noose around Meredith’s statue, a pre-2003 Georgia state flag which features the Confederate Flag was also placed across the statue as well. Although it appears that the defiling of the statue was the catalyst in removing the Ole Miss chapter, other issues with the fraternity have long been present.
The Associated Press reported in full on the matter, revealing that the Meredith noose hanging was not the main reason for the Sigma Phi Epsilon shut down at the school. In fact, there has been various reports such as underage drinking and rough hazing levied against the chapter.
“The closure is not a result of what happened with the Meredith statue, but the Meredith statue precipitated the intensive review of how they conduct business,” said Danny Blanton, director of public relations at Ole Miss.
The students have not been charged with a crime, but the university intends to discipline the men. The FBI is still investigating the matter also.
The frat said it may apply to be reinstated at the college in the future.
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Photo: AP
