Two leaders of a fraternity in Wisconsin have been arrested after police found about 30 partially clothed young men in a hot basement, some with injuries officers said were consistent with physical assault.
Madison Police Department said officers discovered the men at an Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity residence near the University of Wisconsin–Madison on Wednesday, September 23, after receiving an anonymous report of suspected hazing.
Most of those found inside the basement were 18 years old, according to police.
The young men were covered in food, condiments and other liquids, while the thermostat in the room had been set to 81F — about 27C — creating hot and humid conditions.
Police declared the gathering unlawful and moved everyone outside before checking the pledges for injuries or signs that they were incapacitated.
Several had visible injuries which officers said appeared consistent with having been physically assaulted.
Brayden J. Klein and Samuel N. Vane, both 20, were arrested on suspicion of hazing and disorderly conduct and taken to Dane County Jail.
Police identified Klein as president of the fraternity chapter and Vane as its vice-president.
The investigation remained active following the arrests. As of Friday morning, no formal criminal charges had been filed against either man, according to an Associated Press report.
The allegations have also prompted separate investigations by the university and Alpha Epsilon Pi’s national organisation.
Wisconsin fraternity ordered to stop activities
The University of Wisconsin–Madison said the Alpha Epsilon Pi group involved in the incident is not a recognised university student organisation.
The university terminated the group’s recognised status in 2015 following earlier disciplinary issues.
However, Alpha Epsilon Pi’s national organisation continued to recognise the Madison chapter, meaning it was able to operate independently from the university.
Following Wednesday’s incident, the national fraternity issued a cease-and-desist order requiring the Madison chapter to immediately stop its activities while an investigation takes place.
UW–Madison Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lori Reesor confirmed the action in a message to students on Friday.
She said the university’s Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards would also investigate individual students involved in the incident.
Students found to have breached the law or university rules could face sanctions under Wisconsin’s administrative code.
The university stressed that the group was not part of its official Fraternity and Sorority Life community.
It has urged students not to join or participate in activities organised by fraternities or sororities that are not recognised by the institution.
Police say cooperation was limited
Madison Police Captain Kipp Hartman said officers received limited cooperation from some of those present as they tried to establish what had happened.
Police believe those involved were students at UW–Madison, according to local reporting.
The police department released a photograph showing a group of shirtless young men sitting in the basement, with their identities concealed.
Officers said they had been called to the property, in the 100 block of Langdon Street, at about 8.20pm.
The anonymous information received by police led officers to enter the property and discover the suspected hazing event.
Police have asked anyone involved in the incident, or anyone with further information, to contact Madison Area Crime Stoppers.
Information can be provided anonymously.
What is hazing?
Hazing generally refers to abusive, humiliating or dangerous activities imposed on people as part of joining or remaining in a group.
Alpha Epsilon Pi’s own health and safety rules prohibit members, new members and guests from permitting, encouraging or participating in hazing.
Its policy includes physical brutality, forced or unusual consumption of food or liquids, activities that create physical or psychological harm and conduct that threatens an individual’s health or safety.
The national organisation has not treated the allegations against the Wisconsin chapter as an established finding of guilt.
Its suspension of activities allows an investigation to determine what happened and whether fraternity rules were breached.
The arrests also do not amount to criminal convictions.
Any criminal liability would have to be determined through Wisconsin’s legal process if prosecutors decide to bring formal charges.
Hazing investigation remains open
Madison police continue to describe the case as an active investigation.
The department has also issued a wider warning as fraternity and sorority recruitment takes place in Madison, asking students to contact authorities if their safety is placed at risk during recruitment activities.
UW–Madison, meanwhile, said it remained committed to preventing hazing and would investigate the conduct of students allegedly involved.
The combination of the police investigation, the university inquiry and the national fraternity’s cease-and-desist order means further disciplinary or legal action could follow depending on their findings.
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What readers should know
Two fraternity leaders have been arrested, but the allegations against them have not resulted in convictions.
Police say about 30 young men were found in the basement and several showed injuries consistent with physical assault. The Madison chapter is not recognised by UW–Madison, although it remained recognised by Alpha Epsilon Pi nationally before the national organisation suspended its activities pending investigation.
