Attorneys representing UT and members of Sigma Alpha Epsilon have agreed to restructure the fraternity's new member and initiation processes and social activities, following the death of a pledge.
Tyler Cross, an engineering freshman and Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledge, died on Nov. 17, 2006, after falling from the fifth-floor balcony of the University Towers private dormitory. His blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit after returning from the SAE house that night.
The fraternity - in conjunction with their advisory board, the president's office, the dean of students and the dean's representatives - has been in negotiations with UT attorneys for the past six months to remedy their relationship with the University, said Jeff Miller, an attorney representing SAE members. The agreement became official on April 7.
The new 13-page agreement recognizes the fraternity as a conditionally registered student organization. Restrictions not only hold members accountable for their actions, but also alumni and the organization at a national level.
"The old approach was, 'You do something, you get in trouble.' That's true in all fashions," said Phil Butler, student affairs administrator. "The new agreement is trying to help chapters facilitate everyone. There are a lot of stakeholders involved now to add some accountability; it's not just the students."
In addition to the restrictions, hazing of any kind will not be tolerated.
"In the past, there have been individual students who have been disciplined, but in the future any member who engages in hazing will be permanently barred from the fraternity," said Juan Gonzalez, vice president for student affairs.
Roy Minton, another attorney representing SAE members, said that the new agreement had been previously stifled by some alumni wanting to preserve traditions.
"The problem we've always had in dealing with fraternity cases is the unwillingness from the alums to be involved in amending their ways," Minton said. "They think part of the tradition is hazing, but over the last decade there has been a major change. We are pushing for an absolute end to hazing, and I think we are taking wonderful strides with this new agreement."
SAE is the first chapter of any UT-affiliated fraternity to enter into a mutual resolution with attorneys representing both UT and SAE.
"We want people to specifically recognize that there are consequences of illegal activity, Gonzalez said.
SAE President Charlie Nettles said the members are very excited and happy the University has reached this agreement.
"We're really focused on community service and getting to know each other in a legal and safe way," Nettles said. "The agreement is worth following 100 percent of the way."
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