Police investigate suspected hazing after 30 young men found partially clothed and covered in food at Wisconsin fraternity house
Police are investigating a suspected hazing incident at a fraternity house near the University of Wisconsin-Madison after approximately 30 young men were found partially clothed and covered in food, condiments, and other liquids in the basement.
Madison police said several of the men, who were identified as fraternity pledges, appeared to have suffered physical injuries consistent with being assaulted.
Officers went to the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house Wednesday night after receiving an anonymous report. Two 20-year-old fraternity members were arrested on tentative misdemeanor allegations of hazing and disorderly conduct. No formal charges had been filed as of Friday morning.
The university has launched its own investigation and said it takes allegations of hazing seriously. Students found responsible for violating university policies or the law could face disciplinary action ranging from a written reprimand to expulsion.
Police released a photograph showing roughly two dozen shirtless men in the fraternity basement. Food, trash, and other debris could be seen scattered across the floor, while the individuals’ faces were blurred.
Investigators said the basement thermostat was set to 81 degrees, creating hot and humid conditions. Most of the people found inside were 18 years old.
The fraternity has a history of disciplinary issues at UW-Madison. The university ended its recognition of the chapter as a student organization in 2015 after it held events while under suspension.
The chapter had previously been suspended in 2013 following a party where a 17-year-old and another person were taken to detox after being served alcohol. The university said the termination followed a fourth incident involving events, alcohol, or both.
Since 2016, the university has received seven additional allegations involving the fraternity, including claims related to intramural sports, disrespectful behavior, alcohol consumption and hazing.
Although the chapter is no longer recognized by UW-Madison, the university said it remains affiliated with its national fraternity organization and can continue operating independently of the university.
The national fraternity said it is taking the allegations seriously and will cooperate with the investigations. Members found to have participated in hazing could be expelled from the organization.
The fraternity house is located only a few blocks from the UW-Madison campus, which has approximately 52,000 students.
Both the Madison Police Department and the university’s Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards are continuing their investigations.
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