Police Investigate Hazing at University of Wisconsin-Madison Fraternity

Madison, Wis. -- Police are investigating suspected hazing after approximately 30 partially clothed young men, covered in food and condiments, were discovered in the basement of a fraternity house near the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus this week. Some of the individuals, described as pledges, showed signs of physical assault, according to police.

Authorities responded to the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house on Wednesday night following an anonymous tip. Two fraternity members, both 20 years old, were arrested on tentative misdemeanor charges of hazing and disorderly conduct. As of Friday morning, no formal charges had been filed.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison stated it is taking the incident seriously and has launched its own investigation. A university statement on Thursday affirmed a commitment to preventing and addressing hazing, noting that any student found to have violated university policy or the law could face sanctions ranging from a written reprimand to expulsion.

Police released a photograph depicting about two dozen shirtless men in a basement littered with trash and debris. The university records indicate that the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter's status as a recognized student organization on the Madison campus was terminated in 2015 due to holding events while suspended. The fraternity had previously been suspended in 2013 for hosting a party where alcohol was served to a minor.

Since 2016, university records show seven additional allegations involving the fraternity related to intramural sports, disrespectful behavior, drinking, and hazing. Despite the termination of its university recognition, the fraternity can still operate as a chapter unaffiliated with the university because it remains recognized by its national organization.

A spokesperson for the national fraternity, Jon Pierce, said the organization is treating the allegations with extreme seriousness and will fully cooperate with the investigations. Pierce added that any member found to have participated will be expelled, stating that hazing is a "betrayal of everything our fraternity stands for."

The fraternity house is located a few blocks from the main University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, which serves about 52,000 students. The Madison Police Department's investigation is ongoing, as is the university's Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards' inquiry.