Madison police arrest two after finding 30 injured pledges in sweltering fraternity basement

Key points

• Police responded to an anonymous tip on September 23 and found about 30 men in the basement of the Alpha Epsilon Pi house on Langdon Street.
• The basement thermostat was set to 81 degrees, creating hot and humid conditions, and the men were covered in food, condiments, and other liquids.
• Two 20-year-olds, identified as the fraternity president and vice president, were arrested on tentative misdemeanor charges of hazing and disorderly conduct.
• Several victims showed visible injuries consistent with physical assault, though no one was reported to have been transported for medical treatment.
• The Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter is unrecognized by the University of Wisconsin-Madison but remains legally operational through its national organization, which has suspended all chapter programming.

Background

The Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter at the University of Wisconsin-Madison was terminated in 2015 after a series of incidents involving alcohol and events. The chapter had previously been suspended in 2013 after a 17-year-old and another person were taken to detox following a party hosted by the fraternity. Since 2016, there have been seven additional allegations involving the chapter related to drinking, hazing, and disrespectful behavior. The national organization still recognizes the chapter, allowing it to operate unaffiliated with the university.

How outlets are covering it

All sources agree on the basic facts of the incident, including the number of victims, the conditions in the basement, and the arrests. However, there are slight differences in emphasis. Fox News highlights the national fraternity's condemnation of hazing and the fact that the chapter is still recognized by the national organization. CBS News focuses on the visible injuries and the lack of medical treatment for the victims. The University of Wisconsin-Madison emphasizes its commitment to preventing hazing and the sanctions that may be imposed on students involved. The Madison Police Department notes that there were inconsistencies in the statements of those present, raising concerns for investigators.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of hazing in college fraternities and the challenges of enforcing safety standards, especially when a chapter is unrecognized by the university but still recognized by its national organization. The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of current hazing prevention measures and the need for stronger enforcement of safety guidelines.

What to watch

The Madison Police Department and the University of Wisconsin-Madison are continuing their investigations. The national Alpha Epsilon Pi organization has suspended all chapter programming and is cooperating with the investigation. The Dane County District Attorney's Office will review the case to determine if formal charges will be filed against the two arrested individuals.