Police are investigating suspected illegal hazing after approximately 30 partially clothed young men were discovered covered in food and condiments in the basement of a fraternity house near the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The incident occurred recently, prompting a response from Madison police after receiving an anonymous tip.
Arrests Made
Upon arrival at the Alpha Epsilon Pi (AEPi) fraternity house on Wednesday night, officers found signs of physical assault among some of the pledges. Two fraternity members, both aged 20, were arrested on tentative misdemeanor charges of hazing and disorderly conduct. As of Friday morning, no formal charges had been filed against them.
University Response
The university has stated that it is taking the situation seriously and has initiated its own investigation. "UW–Madison is fully committed to preventing and addressing hazing and takes all incidents involving our community seriously," the university said in a statement on Thursday. Students found to have violated the law or university policy could face sanctions ranging from a written reprimand to expulsion.
