Michigan State University placed its Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity chapter under interim suspension Sunday, Nov. 1, while investigating alleged misconduct.

The restriction prohibits chapter activities, including meetings, events and community service, according to MSU’s fraternity and sorority chapter status page. The page lists the investigation as pending.

The action followed the circulation of a video that The State News described as showing alleged fraternity members apparently using drugs. The outlet reported that the video was posted Oct. 30 on X.

MSU spokesperson Emily Guerrant told WLNS that the university did not know when the footage was recorded.

MSU’s status page says interim restrictions imposed during an investigation do not establish a finding of responsibility.

In a Nov. 1 campus message, President Kevin Guskiewicz said SAE’s national organization had ordered the local chapter to stop operations at the university’s request. The order covers social gatherings, recruitment, activities and member education until further notice.

Guskiewicz said MSU had also begun its own process to investigate and address the allegations.

Earlier sanctions

The chapter already faced two sanctions that deferred the loss of its university registration, according to MSU’s status page.

One took effect Oct. 27 and runs through May 7, 2027, for conduct categorized as “other prohibited conduct.” MSU’s listing does not specify the underlying incident.

The other began Jan. 31, 2025, and runs through Dec. 31, 2026. It concerns findings involving physical violence, hazing and other prohibited conduct.

Under deferred loss of registration, a chapter remains recognized by MSU but must meet its sanction requirements and avoid further policy violations. Failure to do so triggers loss of recognition and separation from the university.

MSU also lists a probation period from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2027, associated with the earlier physical violence, hazing and other prohibited conduct findings.

The State News reported Nov. 1 that SAE’s national organization was not immediately available for comment.