The Delta Chi fraternity allegedly violated its probation last February by holding a gathering in Marion involving alcohol. The result was a suspension of Delta Chi’s status as a Registered Student Organization on campus for four years. Some said it was because of select 2000 some said it was not, but one fact is few are willing to say anything about it.

If this suspension is because of Select 2000, then SIUC will be the first University in the country that this statute will affect. There would be a broad spectrum of implications. Greek organizations on campus would take the new system seriously, understanding the administration is not playing around with the rules of Select 2000. Those looking in from outside SIUC could draw the same conclusions. Therefore it is extremely important for this issue to be addressed. Those involved need clear the air before it becomes too thick with confusion.

Conflicting media reports have left the public confused about the incident because no one knows exactly what happened to prompt the actions by Student Development. With a situation like this, there should be no hesitation in the delivery of facts. This is an issue that could affect SIUC on a national level. Those involved need to stop biting their tongues and allow media to inform the public.

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Unfortunately, the confusing information led to errors in reporting. A perfect example appeared in the Daily Egyptian March 20. The headline stated Delta Chi falls as first victim of Select 2000, with an accompanying story saying that it was not about Select 2000 at all obviously even our copy editors were confused. WSIL channel 3 news reported that the fraternity was not suspended for Select 2000 violations, and then reported a story about Select 2000 itself. This dual representation stems from a lack of those involved to cooperate, which leaves some to wonder what the fear is of revealing the facts of the incident.

What about those involved? Jay Curtis, SIUC Delta Chi Chapter president, said he received a letter from Student Development saying its suspension stemmed from violations of University and Select 2000 guidelines. Student Development Assistant Director Katie Sermersheim declined to comment on the validity of Curtis’s statements. Now it seems that everyone has decided to follow that same lead. Also, stories have been switched as to what happened that night, from a party in the chapter house to a formal at a Marion hotel. So who is to be believed, and just what is going on?

Many people already believe this issue is about Select 2000. If administrators have proof otherwise, it would seem beneficial to provide facts to support such an argument.

Rumors partly caused this situation to occur, and they might cause further problems with a program designed to help the greek system. Was it Select 2000? Unfortunately, the Daily Egyptian and everyone else looking at the situation have had to guess.