A fraternity at UW-Madison has been terminated as a student organization, after an investigation found that chapter leaders “permitted and fostered a dangerous hazing environment” and allowed actions which “seriously threatened the health and safety” of new members.
According to a press release from UW, the dean of students received reports in January of alleged hazing that occurred at the Chi Phi fraternity chapter during initiation week in December. At that time, the chapter was put on interim suspension.
The investigation found the following violations:
-Chapter leaders permitted and fostered a dangerous hazing environment.
-Chapter members engaged in food deprivation, stints of hooded isolation and other acts that seriously threatened the health and safety of all of the new members and resulted in one student suffering a concussion.
-The chapter violated the terms of the Student Organization Alcohol policy by forcing underage new members to excessively drink and failing to have any risk management protocols in place.
-The chapter violated a provision against humiliating, degrading and sexualized conduct, regardless of a person’s willingness to participate.
As a result of the investigation, Chi Phi is no longer recognized by the Interfraternity Council. The chapter can appeal the decision.
