The University of Arizona is investigating six fraternities after the Dean of Students sent them letters citing hazing allegations, with Sigma Alpha Mu, Sigma Chi and Phi Delta Theta facing the most serious claims. Two of the fraternities were placed on Interim Loss of Recognition, while Phi Delta Theta was put on activities suspension.
The allegations are stark. Sigma Alpha Mu is accused of burns from hot liquids, forced alcohol consumption, alcohol poisoning, blackouts and hospitalizations. Sigma Chi allegedly hosted a party that was supposed to be alcohol-free, but alcohol was consumed, drugs were knowingly and unknowingly given to members, and multiple students had to go to the hospital. Phi Delta Theta members were allegedly subjected to forced drinking, degradation, humiliation and other threatening and endangering behavior.
For students on campus, the case lands against a backdrop of a university that says it has kept a strict no-hazing policy since 2001 and last updated it in May 2025. Acacia Fernandez said that hazing is what people think of when they think of fraternities, and not sororities, adding that it is not surprising that it is still happening despite being banned in most places. She also said she felt bad for the students affected because of the social pressure to fit in.
Phi Delta Theta met with the dean on April 15, Sigma Alpha Mu on April 27 and Sigma Chi was set to meet on Tuesday, April 28. A university spokesperson said the allegations are being investigated by the Dean of Students Office. The school’s response comes after it cut ties with Pi Kappa Phi in 2024 for hazing and code-of-conduct violations, and after Kappa Alpha Order was found in violation of the student code of conduct related to hazing and failure to comply last month. Kappa Alpha Order remains on probation until May 2027.
The university of arizona now has three fraternities facing the most serious allegations at once, and the result will show whether its long-standing anti-hazing policy has real teeth when the evidence is in front of it. Charlie Heck said the allegations should be investigated and each fraternity should have the chance to state its case, a reminder that the next step is not another warning but a decision on whether these chapters stay in good standing at all.
