Wisconsin police probe alleged hazing at fraternity near UW-Madison after men found in heated basement

Madison police are investigating a suspected illegal hazing incident after an anonymous tip led officers to the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house near the University of Wisconsin-Madison. About 30 men, described as pledges, were found partially clothed and covered in food, condiments and other liquids in a hot, humid basement where the thermostat was set to 81 °F. Police noted that several of the men showed signs of physical assault.

Two fraternity members, both 20, were taken into custody on tentative misdemeanor charges of hazing and disorderly conduct. No formal charges had been filed as of Friday morning. The university announced it is conducting its own investigation and said any student who violates law or policy could face sanctions ranging from a written reprimand to expulsion.

"UW–Madison is fully committed to preventing and addressing hazing and takes all incidents involving our community seriously," the university said in a statement.

The fraternity, which lost its recognized student organization status in 2015 after multiple prior violations, remains affiliated with its national body and can operate as an unaffiliated chapter. National spokesperson Jon Pierce said the organization is "taking the allegations very seriously" and will cooperate with investigations, adding that any member found to have participated will be expelled.

"Hazing is a betrayal of everything our fraternity stands for. There is no place for it in AEPi. No exceptions. No excuses," Pierce said.

The university’s Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is also reviewing the case under its non-academic misconduct process.