The University of New Mexico warns students about unrecognized fraternities that are still recruiting, even after one group was suspended for allegedly hazing new members.
UNM no longer recognizes Sigma Chi as an official student group because it broke school rules. But since their house is on private property, they can still recruit and house students, and they remain connected to the national Sigma Chi organization.
Monday marks the start of the new school year at UNM, which is usually a busy time for Greek Life to recruit new members. However, the Beta Xi chapter of Sigma Chi was suspended in April. Because of this, they can’t take part in official UNM events like Greek Week, community service days, or on-campus recruitment.
Distribution of Alcohol Led To Suspension
According to an incident report from September 27, 2025, the chapter worked with the Women’s Resource Center and the Arcoíris Center to hold a stay-sober event before a UNM football game. At the event, new members wore high-visibility vests and were asked to hand out alcohol and help with cleanup.
At the same time, some current members wrote and drew sexually explicit and gender-insensitive statements on the new members’ bodies and vests.
The investigation began on October 27, 2025, and lasted nearly four months, ending on February 12, 2026. During the investigation, UNM found that the chapter broke the university’s anti-hazing policy, the student code of conduct, and other rules. These included illegal use, possession, or distribution of controlled substances, breaking posted university rules, and not following previous disciplinary sanctions.
The university decided to suspend the group for two years. Before they can return, they must complete certain requirements. If they come back, they will have a year of disciplinary probation, undergo operational restrictions, and need to complete an alcohol skills training program, a hazing prevention workshop, and other steps.
One UNM student said that while some initiation traditions can be fun, there needs to be a clear line to prevent hazing. They do not agree with any tradition that puts lives at risk, breaks the law, or harms someone’s body or mental health. They believe it is easy for hazing to go too far, especially when drugs or alcohol are involved.
The Fraternity’s House Is Not Under UNM’s Control
The Sigma Chi group can do things on their own because their house is on private property. They are still part of Sigma Chi, so their connection with the national organization remains ongoing.
Still, UNM Greek Life is warning students not to join fraternities that are not officially recognized. They say these groups do not follow the same standards as recognized Greek organizations and urge students to put their safety first if they are thinking about joining.
Some students still want to join a fraternity. They find it appealing to be part of Greek life, and previous incidents do not change their desire to join as long as they feel safe.
The exchange of safety between Beta Xia and the university
The Sigma Chi – Beta Xi chapter released a statement about the situation. They say they are still active and focused on the future, and they respect the university’s authority over campus recognition.
However, they disagree with the idea that their chapter is unsafe. They say the incident involved language that did not meet their standards, but there were no claims of physical harm, hazing, sexual misconduct, or threats to anyone’s safety.
Now, the fraternity says it has implemented a new plan focused on accountability, education, engagement with alumni, and observance of community standards.o released a statement in response to the fraternity’s statement.
UNM maintains a zero-tolerance policy for hazing and commits to keeping all students safe. The university suspended the fraternity after an investigation found that it had violated the anti-hazing policy.
After the disciplinary action, the organization decided to separate from the university and keep operating on its own. As a result, UNM no longer recognizes it as a student group. Even if the organization is no longer affiliated with UNM, the individual students remain subject to the Student Code of Conduct and all applicable university policies.
