Associated Press

DALLAS — Southern Methodist University has banned a fraternity for two years amid allegations a student from another fraternity was beaten.

Sigma Phi Epsilon was put on deferred suspension after three members were charged with misdemeanor assault following the Feb. 10 incident. A fourth was charged with unlawful restraint.

SMU spokesman Kent Best said Tuesday that Sigma Phi Epsilon is banned from operating on campus for two years. Fraternity officials didn’t immediately comment.

An affidavit says the altercation happened after members of another fraternity allegedly spray-painted the door of Sigma Phi Epsilon. A Lambda Chi Alpha member says he was beaten and held against his will.

SMU owns the Sigma Phi Epsilon house. Current residents will be allowed to remain through spring semester. The house will become general student housing next year.