University of Central Florida Investigates Fraternity Hazing Allegations

ORLANDO, Fla. — Fraternity brothers at Sigma Chi allegedly hit pledges with a car as part of a hazing ritual now under investigation by the University of Central Florida, according to an incident report obtained by the Orlando Sentinel late Wednesday.

A sorority member whose house sits next door to Sigma Chi’s told police she heard yelling, saw a car strike a young man and then heard someone shout “help!” and “my bones, my bones, they’re broken,” the report said.

UCF confirmed on Friday that it is investigating allegations of hazing at Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon. Both have been suspended by the university and their national organizations while the investigations are underway.

Incident Report Details

The report provided some details on how UCF police ended up at the Sigma Chi house in the early hours of Feb. 24.

A member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority called UCF’s police department at about 3 a.m. that day. She reported that she heard yelling and saw a grey Kia car from the Sigma Chi house hit someone — she assumed a pledge — while driving about 10 to 15 miles per hour, according to the report.

She reported seeing several men all wearing white shirts or polos with khaki pants, which she told police was common fraternity pledge attire. Other residents of the sorority later told police “one of the boys got hit by a car.”

A detective assigned to the case wrote in the report, “Sigma Chi brothers had allegedly forced new members to stand in front of cars while members of the organization hit them with cars.”

Police Investigation

Police interviewed three Sigma Chi brothers who said they had no knowledge of anyone being hit by a car or hurt and that they were playing basketball just before police had arrived. One officer described a fraternity brother as being “evasive” when questioned.

A Kia matching the eyewitness description tried to leave the area driving with its headlights off, but police stopped the car. It’s unclear what police found when they stopped the vehicle.

Police officers also checked inside the fraternity house and with local hospitals, but they did not find a victim they thought was related to the incident at Sigma Chi, the report said.

Suspension and Investigation

Investigations into both Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon’s alleged hazing incidents remain open as of Wednesday evening, UCF spokesperson Courtney Gilmartin said.

In a statement sent through Instagram on Tuesday evening, Sigma Chi said it could not comment on an ongoing investigation. It had not responded to a follow-up question about the hit-and-run allegations as of Wednesday evening.

“We are committed to cooperating with the university and with UCF PD during this process to resolve any actions and misunderstandings,” the fraternity’s statement read.

Sigma Chi has been a repeat offender at UCF, having been suspended eight times between 2015 and 2020, including four suspensions in 2019 alone. One of those 2019 incidents involved allegations the fraternity had blindfolded a pledge and forced him to use cocaine.

University Response

In an emailed statement Monday, Gilmartin said both fraternities had been put on an “interim organization suspension,” which means they cannot conduct activities on or off campus.

Gilmartin said the university commended those who came forward to report the incidents.

“UCF unequivocally condemns hazing in all forms, and we are committed to holding individuals and organizations accountable for actions that threaten the safety and well-being of our students and others,” she said.

The fraternity’s national organization did not respond to a request for comment on Monday. But Gilmartin said the national organization had suspended the UCF chapter.

Justin Kirk, Delta Upsilon’s international executive director, said in a statement Monday that the organization placed its own, separate suspension on the UCF Delta Upsilon chapter. The suspension is a temporary one while the investigation is underway and means all activities must cease. It could last up to 60 days.

Conclusion

The allegations of hazing at Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon are serious and disturbing. The University of Central Florida is taking steps to investigate and address the situation, and the national organizations of the fraternities have also taken action. It is essential for students, faculty, and staff to be aware of the dangers of hazing and to report any incidents to the authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is hazing?

A: Hazing is any activity that is intended to humiliate, intimidate, or harm someone, often as a form of initiation or punishment.

Q: Why is hazing a problem?

A: Hazing can cause physical and emotional harm, damage relationships, and create a culture of fear and intimidation.

Q: What can I do if I witness or experience hazing?

A: If you witness or experience hazing, report it to the authorities immediately. You can also talk to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor for support.

Q: How can I prevent hazing?

A: You can prevent hazing by promoting a culture of respect, inclusivity, and empathy. Encourage others to treat each other with kindness and dignity, and speak out against behaviors that are hurtful or harmful.