Fresno State suspends Sigma Chi fraternity

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A well-known Fresno State fraternity is suspended after a party at the Sigma Chi house earlier this year ended in the discovery of underage students drinking, multiple instances of physical assaults, and noise violations.

"There was a member of the fraternity that was injured. It was a serious injury," said Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Frank Lamas.

The fight caught on camera involved several students led to the investigation and later led to the suspension.

University officials say the fight happened on May 5, 2019, and the fraternity was immediately put on interim suspension as they conducted their investigation.

Lamas says because of privacy laws, they can't give specifics on the students involved but say student-athletes allegedly took part in the fight.

"Everyone that violated university laws, and other laws have been dealt with appropriately by the university and athletic team," he said.

Neighbors living near the fraternity say they aren't surprised by the suspension.

"It's the number one party house on the block," said one neighbor named Michael.

Michael didn't want to show his face but says he has seen fights at the house while dealing with damaged property and loud events.

"People call the police all the time for noise, but it keeps happening," he said.

The fraternity will now have to satisfy University imposed conditions and could regain recognition by February 3, 2020.

"If they meet some of the conditions, they'll be able to rush members in the spring..and they will be able to have parties again," Lamas said.

Sigma Chi members will be allowed to have chapter meetings to discuss risk management programs, however, members will not be allowed to serve alcohol to anybody until May 25, 2020.

Action News reached out to the fraternity and received a response from the chapter president moments ago.

He says they were holding a private event, and more than 20 athletes from the University came in uninvited and "violently assaulted our guests."

He goes on to say that they're disappointed they couldn't prevent injuries and have enhanced protocols to ensure this never happens again.