The Interfraternity Council (IFC) would like to clarify statements made in the editorial "IFC needs to respond to questions about fraternity" (April 10). In February, Sigma Alpha Epsilon was denied recognition into the council as a result of not achieving a two-thirds majority that is required.

The chapter asked the IFC executive board to allow them to present again and were denied the chance to do so. As allowed in the Student Organization handbook, the chapter was allowed to appeal the vote to the Student Organization Appeals Board. This appeals board has the right to review and rule on situations that are appealed in regards to recognized student organizations. This board has deemed the vote taken by the chapter presidents to be invalid.

Evidence was presented to the board indicating previous agreements made with Sigma Alpha Epsilon and IFC prior to the term of my executive board. The vote was not taken on the terms which were previously agreed to by IFC and the chapter. The current IFC executive board was not made aware of such an agreement until well after the vote. A letter read at the presidents' meeting was also deemed inadmissible.

Let me remind people that this chapter came very close to winning the two-thirds majority required for recognition and did achieve a majority vote in their favor. In this country our judicial system has a set of checks and balances. Penn State University is no different. This chapter had every right to appeal to this board and did not go around IFC.

I personally have dealt with two strong leaders from the chapter and a chapter advisor; all of these men are very good people and have been cooperative with the council. In talking with these men I feel very comfortable with this chapter being a part of this community. This chapter will be recognized starting this fall and will be granted probationary status. This probationary status is the same status any newly recognized organization would receive.

In this country we do not try people for the same crimes twice. This chapter has served their punishment and is looking forward to bringing nothing but positive aspects to our community. It will receive fair treatment from the council. IFC is committed to the success of this chapter and is confident they will make valuable contributions to the community.