Arizona Fraternity Suspended After Pledges Reportedly Forced to Eat Goldfish
Sigma Tau Gamma faces activities suspension following hazing allegations that include consuming live goldfish and excessive alcohol.
The University of Arizona has suspended the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity after allegations surfaced that new members were forced to eat live goldfish, consume large amounts of alcohol, and endure verbal abuse as part of a hazing ritual. The university placed the fraternity on an activities suspension on Friday, prohibiting all organizational activities except for business meetings until the case is resolved.
According to a disciplinary letter from University President Suresh Garimella obtained by KOLD, the hazing incident involved pledges being subjected to "screaming, degradation and threats from active members" in addition to being forced to swallow goldfish and chug alcohol. The university has stated that it is committed to preventing hazing.
As part of the suspension, fraternity members will be required to meet with university officials to discuss the allegations. The duration of the suspension has not been specified. It remains unclear if organizers of the University of Arizona chapter will face individual discipline.
This incident occurs as pledging season is underway at universities nationwide. In a separate event on September 23, approximately 30 partially clothed students were found in a basement at the University of Wisconsin in what authorities described as a suspected hazing incident involving the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. Fraternity leaders at Wisconsin were arrested in connection with that event.
Neither the University of Arizona nor Sigma Tau Gamma immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the specific allegations or the ongoing investigation.