University of Central Florida suspends 2 fraternities for alleged hazing, including hitting pledges with cars

An investigation is currently underway at the University of Central Florida (UCF) following the suspension of two fraternities, Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon, due to severe hazing allegations. The university took this action after receiving multiple reports of dangerous and degrading hazing incidents, which have left the campus community deeply concerned. In a statement shared with WKMG, a UCF official confirmed that both fraternities are now on interim organizational suspension and are under active investigation by the UCF Police for felony hazing offenses. The allegations include a risk of injury or death, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.

One of the most disturbing incidents involved fraternity brothers at Sigma Chi allegedly hitting pledges with a car as part of a hazing ritual. An incident report obtained by the Orlando Sentinel revealed shocking details, including a witness account from a sorority member who lives next door to the Sigma Chi house. She reported hearing yelling, seeing a car strike a young man, and then hearing someone shout for help, saying, “My bones, my bones, they’re broken.” This harrowing incident underscores the dangerous and inhumane practices that have been taking place within the fraternity. The report also stated that Sigma Chi brothers had allegedly forced new members to stand in front of cars while members of the organization hit them with vehicles, further illustrating the brutal nature of the hazing.

The suspensions have brought to light Sigma Chi’s troubled history at UCF. The fraternity has been suspended eight times between 2015 and 2020, with four of those suspensions occurring in 2019 alone. One of the incidents in 2019 involved allegations that the fraternity had blindfolded a pledge and forced him to use cocaine. These repeated violations demonstrate a concerning pattern of behavior within the fraternity, raising questions about how such incidents were allowed to persist for so long. The national chapters of Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon have also temporarily suspended their UCF chapters, indicating that the hazing allegations have drawn attention beyond the university level.

The alleged incidents took place on and off campus, with records showing that the oldest incident occurred in November at a fraternity house off campus. This incident was not reported until January 22, and it remained undisclosed to the public until now. A second hazing incident allegedly occurred on campus at the Sigma Chi house between February 3 and February 24 and was reported on March 7. A third incident involving Sigma Chi stemmed from allegations of a hit-and-run that occurred on February 24 on campus, further adding to the list of serious violations. A fourth hazing incident was reported on March 4, though authorities have not released specific details about these incidents or whether any individuals have been charged. It is also unclear how long the suspensions will last or what disciplinary actions the fraternities may face in the future.

This is not the first time UCF’s Greek system has faced scrutiny for hazing. The suspensions of Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon follow another recent incident involving Phi Gamma Delta, which was accused of antisemitism after members allegedly used hate symbols. These incidents have added to growing concerns about a broader hazing culture on campus, with many calling for stronger measures to prevent such abuses. Courtney Gilmartin, UCF’s assistant vice president of strategic initiatives and communications, emphasized the university’s stance on hazing, stating, “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.”

The suspensions have barred the fraternities from participating in on- and off-campus activities, including recruitment and social events, effectively halting their operations. While the university has taken decisive action, questions remain about how to address the root causes of hazing and ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full extent of the violations and the appropriate consequences for those involved. As the university grapples with these challenges, the hope is that this incident will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change, fostering a safer and more inclusive environment for all students on campus.