Fraternity Leaders Arrested in Alleged Hazing Incident at University of Wisconsin
Police discovered dozens of partially clothed pledges in a sweltering, filthy basement, some with injuries.
Two leaders of an unrecognized University of Wisconsin fraternity were arrested Wednesday on misdemeanor hazing and disorderly conduct charges after police responded to an anonymous tip and found approximately 30 partially clothed teenage pledges in a basement.
Police arrived at the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house in Madison around 8:20 p.m. and found the young men, many of whom were 18 years old, covered in food, condiments, and other liquids. According to the incident report, some of the pledges exhibited "visible injuries consistent with being physically assaulted."
The basement room was described as overheated, with the thermostat set to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. All individuals present were escorted out of the house by law enforcement and checked for injuries and incapacitation.
The university identified the fraternity chapter as "unrecognized and unaccredited," noting that it had been "terminated" by UW–Madison over a decade ago. In a statement, the university said it is "fully committed to preventing and addressing hazing" and takes such incidents seriously.
UW–Madison indicated that students found in violation of regulations or university policy could face sanctions ranging from reprimands and disciplinary probation to suspension, termination, or educational measures, as outlined in Wis. Admin. Code Chapter UWS 17. The university also clarified that while the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter is unrecognized by the school, it remains a nationally recognized fraternity and is legally permitted to operate independently of the university.