The process by which the new suspension status was given to the Sigma Chi fraternity in May has raised some serious concerns for us.

The Student Association had a great deal to say about the incident when it occurred. The SA’s position was sought by the NIU Student Affairs Office, followed by a suspension inflicted by the university. However, when it came to lightening that suspension five months later, the SA was not informed of any discussion about changing it or of any changes that had been implemented. It was not until after noticing a rush advertisements for Sigma Chi, that the SA was informed by the University Programming and Activities Office of the changes made in the fraternity’s suspension.

In addition to this, the composition of the administrative review team, which will supervise the fraternity, questions whether or not this team can be objective. The committee is composed of three faculty and staff members and three Sigma Chi alumni. There are other groups on this campus who are concerned to see improvement in the fraternity who can be much less biased than alumni of Sigma Chi.

The students first received knowledge of the Sigma Chi issue on Sept. 7 from The Northern Star. Since the decision was made in May, we have all been uninformed of the status of this suspension.

We hope that in the future the appropriate groups can give consistent input on issues that they are a part of. In this case, the appearance of under-the-table negotiations indicates to students that their concerns are unimportant.

Morenike Cheatom

SA Campus Welfare adviser

Joan Clay

SA Minority Relations adviser

uda Scheidelman

SA president