Hazing allegations have led the University of Central Florida to suspend two fraternities, Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon, pending further investigation into activities that may have put students in danger. As reported by ClickOrlando, the fraternities are accused of engaging in “dangerous and degrading” behaviors that warrant not only university scrutiny but also law enforcement attention, with ongoing investigations by UCF police for felony hazing.
In addition to the hazing charges, Sigma Chi is implicated in an incident on Feb. 24 labeled as both a hit-and-run and college hazing with risk of injury or death. Amid serious misconduct allegations, both fraternities have been removed from all on and off-campus activities, effectively isolating them from the broader social web of collegiate life. In this tumultuous time for the organizations, they have been prohibited from engaging in recruitment and social events by the university, pointing to the gravity of the accusations.
Further compounding the fraternities’ troubles, last month’s suspension of Phi Gamma Delta shed light on another egregious behavior within the UCF Greek system – antisemitism. A photo displaying a student blindfolded with a tin foil swastika emerged, causing outrage and prompting university action. “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,” said Courtney Gilmartin, assistant vice president of Strategic Initiatives and Communications, in a statement detailed by ClickOrlando…