Texas State Fraternity Pledges Arrested on Hazing Charges

Four Texas State University pledges have been arrested and charged with hazing offenses. The arrests follow an incident where multiple members of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity allegedly forced an active member into a truck against his will, as he called for them to stop.

The San Marcos Police Department responded to reports of the incident on Tuesday. The individuals arrested were identified as Noah Lara, 20; Wyatt Carr, 18; William Oldner, 19; and Tyler Fogg, 18. Each faces a charge of hazing, a Class B misdemeanor. If convicted, they could face fines of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.

Texas State University issued a statement asserting its commitment to social and ethical responsibility, stating that it does not tolerate hazing. The university emphasized that participation in hazing activities, even if voluntary, is against state law and university policy. Due to federal privacy laws, the university declined to comment on specific disciplinary actions.

A spokesperson for Phi Delta Theta stated that the fraternity is gathering information and cooperating with the university and law enforcement. The spokesperson added that the organization does not support or condone behavior that endangers others.

This incident occurs amidst a broader national focus on fraternity misconduct. Earlier in October, the University of Arizona suspended all Interfraternity Council chapters following allegations of physical assault, hazing, and drug and alcohol use. West Virginia University also took action against a fraternity chapter due to hazing allegations that posed a threat to the campus community.

Fraternities have been under increased scrutiny following several high-profile incidents, including gang rape accusations against Cornell University frat members and arrests related to drug dealing at Penn State. Reports indicate that at least 36 hazing-related deaths have occurred at U.S. colleges and universities since 2017.