The Greek organization Sigma Iota Sigma has been recruiting on University property by putting up fliers and advertising their rushes throughout campus, much to the dismay of the Greek Women’s Council (GWC).
Last year, Sigma Iota Sigma was de-recognized based on incidents of hazing. Although Rodney Mondor, assistant dean of student life, would not comment on the nature of the sanction, he did say that, “based on the findings, the organization was de-recognized.”
Recently, Jessica Blackmon, president of the Greek Women’s Council, took down a few fliers promoting Sigma Iota Sigma. The fliers were not stamped by Student Life, which is mandatory for any flier on campus. She showed the unstamped flyers to Mondor, as no one had taken them down.
According to Blackmon, there are certain freedoms, such as freedom of speech and freedom of association, that allow these women in Sigma Iota Sigma to put up fliers and write with chalk on campus to promote rushes despite their de-recognized status.
Steve Nelson, student conduct code officer, said Sigma Iota Sigma “are held accountable for hazing.” According to Nelson, when an organization gets punished for hazing, the board of trustees for the state of Maine requires that they lose recognition from the University.
“Part of our goal is to help people understand why hazing is not tolerated,” Nelson said.
Nelson said when an organization is de-recognized it cannot use University resources or seek University support.
Sororities give out bids after the pledges have met the requirements of completing 12 credit hours, having a minimum grade point average of 2.0, and attending rushes. The files of the pledges also come through Mondor’s office for review, according to the GWC.
However, because Sigma Iota Sigma is de-recognized, the sorority doesn’t have to follow the rules of the GWC. They can give out bids before any other sorority and therefore attract a larger number of women who do not want to wait to see if they get a bid from any other sororities.
“The issue at hand concerning the sanctioning of Sigma Iota Sigma has yet to be reviewed,” Nelson said.