A University of Arizona fraternity is being removed after an investigation found that its members had engaged in hazing and assault and provided alcohol to minors.
Alpha Sigma Phi was ordered by the UA’s dean of students office to cease all activities starting April 28. One student was arrested in connection with the assault.
The name of the arrested student and the charge were not immediately available.
During an incident on March 23, new members were “forced to drink alcohol, blindfolded, hazed and physically assaulted,” a letter from the dean’s office to the fraternity’s leadership said.
Alpha Sigma Phi was hosting a puzzle night when pledges were blindfolded and led down a hallway to a dark room, during which a new member was shoved into a pillar, according to the letter, which detailed the investigation’s findings.
Shortly after, the person who was shoved was “hunched over, complaining of stomach pains,” according to the letter. He was subsequently taken to the hospital.
Interviews revealed that alcohol was present at the event, though a member said no one was required to drink it. However, another student told investigators new members were forced to drink and “placed in a room where music was blaring,” the letter said. The investigation also found evidence of intimidation by Alpha Sigma Phi members. Witnesses “expressed fear of retaliation.”
The UA police department also interviewed several fraternity members and identified the student who shoved him.
“The serious nature of the assault allegation warranted the university’s decisive action,” UA Dean of Students Kendal Washington White said in a release.
Alpha Sigma Phi has until May 25 to appeal the decision.
