Wisconsin police arrested two people after finding dozens of partially clothed students with injuries in a fraternity basement.
The hazing incident at the University of Wisconsin-Madison resulted in the arrest of two 20-year-olds. Both the president and vice president of the unaccredited Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity were charged with hazing and disorderly conduct and booked into the Dane County Jail.
According to a press release from the Madison Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity around 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday after receiving an anonymous tip.
“Inside the basement of the residence, officers found around 30 other partially clothed males covered in food, condiments, and other liquids,” the Madison Police Department (MPD) wrote.
“The vast majority of those in attendance were 18-years-olds. Several of these men had visible injuries consistent with being physically assaulted. A thermostat in the room was set to 81 degrees creating hot and humid conditions.”
Officers then led everyone outside after deeming the event illegal and examined each pledge for injuries and incapacitation.
Madison police said not everyone involved was cooperative
Madison Police Captain Kipp Hartman told WMTV/Gray News that everyone involved gave statements to the police, but some of them were contradictory.
“Some statements also did not align with what everybody else’s statements were, so there were some concerns with what was being said,” Hartman said. “I would say we had limited cooperation.”
On Thursday, Alpha Epsilon Pi national leaders met with university officials to review the incident and discuss potential future measures. The national group is reportedly cooperating, according to the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
The fraternity is not recognized by the university
After the University of Wisconsin terminated its recognition of it over ten years ago, Alpha Epsilon Pi is an unrecognized, unaccredited student organization. It is, however, recognized by its national organization and operates independently of the university.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, will “investigate any students implicated in the incident according to its nonacademic misconduct process,” according to a statement, adding that “any student determined to be in violation of law, regulation, or university policy may be subject to sanctions.”
The Office of Student Assistance and Support and University Health Services also encouraged students and community members to continue to “report misconduct, such as hazing,” by calling 911 or utilizing university resources available online.
Alpha Epsilon Pi called the alleged bheavior a ‘betrayal’
Alpha Epsilon Pi spokesperson Jonathan Pierce told People that “any member found responsible for criminal conduct in this matter will be expelled from AEPi, and we will support prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Hazing is a betrayal of everything our fraternity stands for,” CBS News reports Pierce said.” There is no place for it in AEPi. No exceptions. No excuses. We educate our members about their responsibility to ‘Be Your Brothers’ Keeper.’ This is not an optional value. It is a fundamental expectation of membership. Anyone who engages in hazing forfeits the privilege of being an AEPi brother.”
At a press conference, Captain Hartman said the Madison Police Department will be in contact the Alpha Epsilon Pi national chapter.
“The Madison Police Department is aware the recruitment process is underway for sororities and fraternities in our community. Officers are asking for anyone to reach out if their safety is jeopardized during this process,” the MPD press release added.