Rutgers Fraternity Suspended After Student Hospitalized from Hazing Incident

A fraternity at Rutgers University has been placed under interim suspension following a serious incident that left a 19-year-old student critically injured. The local chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi was suspended after emergency services responded to a call early Wednesday morning, where they found the student unresponsive at a residence in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was subsequently taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

Rutgers University officials confirmed on Friday that they issued a cease and desist order on all fraternity activities. The chapter has also been placed on organizational disciplinary probation until May 18, 2024, and is under social probation until November 3, 2024. The university’s actions come as part of a broader effort to address hazing within its Greek life community.

Investigation Underway Following Incident

At approximately 12:26 a.m. on Wednesday, local authorities received a disconnected emergency call from the fraternity house. Upon arrival, they discovered the injured student, prompting a swift response from medical personnel. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident but has not yet disclosed specific details regarding the location within the residence where the student was harmed.

In response to the ongoing investigation, Gordy Heminger, a spokesperson for Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc., emphasized the organization’s zero-tolerance policy toward hazing. He stated, “If it is determined by the fraternity, the university, or law enforcement that the undergraduate members hazed that evening, the chapter will be closed, and any member who directly or indirectly participated in those activities will be permanently expelled.”

Heminger further noted that the fraternity regularly educates its members about health and safety guidelines, including hazing prevention. Notably, the Rutgers chapter completed this training just last month.

Campus Reaction and Impact

The incident has raised significant concerns on campus, particularly as the university welcomes students and families for homecoming and Family Weekend. Freshman Adriana Lesniak expressed her shock, saying, “The whole scenario is insane because people pay a lot of money to join frats and stuff like that happens. You really have to think about, like, is it worth the money.”

Students in nearby fraternity houses declined to comment, and the university has directed all media inquiries to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office as the investigation continues. The fraternity house has been marked by local authorities as an unsafe structure, reflecting the seriousness of the situation and the need for further scrutiny of fraternity activities on campus.

As the investigation unfolds, Rutgers University is expected to maintain a firm stance against hazing, reinforcing its commitment to student safety and well-being.