Rutgers Fraternity Suspended After Student Found Critically Injured
Rutgers University has ordered the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity to cease operations following an incident that left a 19-year-old student in critical condition, prompting an investigation into possible hazing.
University police responded to a location in New Brunswick, New Jersey, near the Rutgers campus, shortly before 12:30 a.m. Wednesday after a disconnected 911 call. They found the student injured and unresponsive and transported him to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. His name has not been released. The incident underscores the serious risks associated with fraternity life and the potential for dangerous practices.
The university has placed the fraternity on “social probation” until November 3 and “organizational disciplinary probation” through May 18, effectively halting all chapter activities. Gordy Heminger, president and CEO of Alpha Sigma Phi, stated the fraternity has suspended its Rutgers chapter and is cooperating with the investigation. “If it is determined by the Fraternity, the University or law enforcement that the undergraduate members hazed that evening, the chapter will be closed, any member who directly or indirectly participated in those activities will be permanently expelled and the Fraternity will encourage the University and law enforcement to pursue the maximum penalties allowed,” Heminger said. The fraternity regularly provides training on hazing prevention, with the Rutgers chapter receiving such training last month.
The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation and has asked anyone with information to come forward. Rutgers University and local police have not yet provided updates on the investigation as of today. For more information on the dangers of hazing, visit StopBullying.gov.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the student’s injuries and are seeking any information that may assist in determining what occurred.
