Sigma Alpha Epsilon was founded at the University of Alabama in 1856 . Charter member rejected idea of expansion to the North because of 'agitation over the slave question ' No black members invited until 1966 - and even then it took seven ballots to get him in , it is claimed . Comment: In October 2006 , the University of Memphis chapter was investigated after a freshman member complained that his brothers made inappropriate remarks to and about his black girlfriend . Two members were later suspended . In February 2013 , Washington University in St. Louis suspended its SAE chapter while investigating claims that pledges engaged in racially offensive behavior toward minorities . In December 2014 , Clemson University suspended the frat after a gang-themed 'Cripmas party ' at which white members dressed in T-shirts bearing images of handcuffs and the murdered rapper Tupac Shakur .
Sigma Alpha Epsilon was founded at the University of Alabama in 1856 . Charter member rejected idea of expansion to the North because of 'agitation over the slave question ' No black members invited until 1966 - and even then it took seven ballots to get him in , it is claimed . History of racist incidents at chapters in recent years - including a 'Cripmas party ' at Clemson University . In October 2006 , the University of Memphis chapter was investigated after a freshman member complained that his brothers made inappropriate remarks to and about his black girlfriend . Two members were later suspended . In February 2013 , Washington University in St. Louis suspended its SAE chapter while investigating claims that pledges engaged in racially offensive behavior toward minorities . In December 2014 , Clemson University suspended the frat after a gang-themed 'Cripmas party ' at which white members dressed in T-shirts bearing images of handcuffs and the murdered rapper Tupac Shakur .