Spring 2021 Recruitment for the UCSD Chapter of Sigma Chi is currently underway, despite the Fraternity’s deregistered status which prohibits recruitment.
Due to sexual misconduct allegations, which include sexual assault and drugging, a Panhellenic wide social ban prompted the University to suspend the fraternity. Following a lengthy investigation in May of 2020, they were officially deregistered, in light of findings from the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) investigation.
The Triton reached out to OPHD and current Director, Michael Diaz, regarding Sigma Chi’s current status, but no response was received.
In addition to being deregistered, sanctions were placed on the fraternity by both the university and their national chapter. Specifically, the fraternity will not be recognized as a student organization until after June 2022; without being officially acknowledged by the university, they cannot plan events, utilize funds, or book rooms on campus.
As per their sanctions, the fraternity is not to engage in any recruitment until the Winter 2023 quarter. Despite this, recruitment is ongoing on Sigma Chi’s social media. Their instagram @sigmachiiotachi has posted a recruitment video and schedule and has otherwise been hosting events in the Spring, like a Career Summit.
The Triton also received anonymous tips in Fall 2020 alleging ongoing recruitment and events by Sigma Chi.
Many students have taken to Reddit to post about these rush recruitment events. A petition calling on Sigma Chi to halt all recruitment efforts has been circulating on Reddit and other student forums.
The petition asks supporters to “hold Sigma Chi accountable and spread the word about the danger they present to safety on our campus.” Furthermore, the author asserts that Sigma Chi “perpetuat[es] rape culture.”
Erika Johnson, Assistant Director of Communications, said in a statement to The Triton that the University, despite sanctions, cannot restrict activities or recruitment happening off campus. Currently, all Greek life recruitment for the Spring quarter is happening online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The organization may not register or operate as a registered student organization at UC San Diego. As is the case with any group, the students, in collaboration with their national organization, may operate independently under Freedom of Assembly,” said Johnson.
The Interfraternity Council (IFC) executive board met on Sunday, April 11 to discuss the situation.
“Beyond actions taken within our community, IFC continues to meet with staff from the Office of Student Conduct to address concerns regarding Sigma Chi’s operations. IFC is also partnering with our fellow Sorority & Fraternity Life councils to provide information on Sigma Chi’s de-registered status to both their active members and their potential new members,” said IFC President, Nicholas Ericson in a statement to the Triton.
Ericson further elaborated that the IFC executive board continues to monitor the Sigma Chi situation and aims to prioritize the health and safety of the community.
“We ask that if anyone has information regarding Sigma Chi’s active operations to report that information to IFC, ifcpresident@ucsd.edu or the Sorority and Fraternity Life (SFL) staff, cmelal@ucsd.edu so we can continue to act and enforce their sanction,” said Ericson.
As of now, the University is not taking any action regarding the chapter’s active recruitment. If you have any information or tips regarding Sigma Chi recruitment, feel free to submit them to The Triton here.
Sahana Narayan is the News Editor for The Triton. You can follow her @sahanasnarayan