Sigma Chi fraternity members are looking to reinstate their chapter at OU.

Big surprise.

When Sigma Chi was removed from OU's campus last year after the alcohol-related death of Blake Adam Hammontree, an OU freshman and Sigma Chi pledge, some people, including former Sigma Chi members, were unsure whether the fraternity would return any time soon, let alone, ever.

What is refreshing about this situation are the actions taken by OU President David L. Boren and the 17 members of Interfraternity Council, who met Monday night to discuss the logistics of the fraternity's return.

The fact that Boren and IFC met to discuss the issue is responsible in and of itself.

The decision of whether or not to allow Sigma Chi to return to campus is obviously an important issue that must be taken seriously and one that affects not only the fraternity members, but also the integrity of the greek system as well as the entire OU campus.

But what is even more notable are the discussions between Boren and IFC.

At the meeting, Jordan Cluff, IFC president and business junior, and other members of IFC suggested to Boren that OU not rush the process for Sigma Chi's return.

(The options for Sigma Chi's possible return include membership review, which would involve reinstating a select number of former members, and recolonization, which involves starting over with a new set of members.)

Both Boren and Cluff also said that for Sigma Chi to return to OU, it would have to come back with a different culture and set of values than the fraternity that existed when Hammontree died.

We are not in a position to place blame on any particular party in this matter.

But because Sigma Chi is looking to return, we support Boren and IFC for doing their best to make sure that if this, in fact, happens, it is done in such a way that is both fair and responsible -- for Sigma Chi and OU.
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