Sigma Chi Fraternity at UCF Under Investigation for Alleged Hazing Incident
The Sigma Chi fraternity at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is under investigation following reports of a dangerous hazing ritual that allegedly involved pledges being struck by moving vehicles. Authorities were called to the fraternity house on February 24 after a nearby sorority member witnessed a disturbing incident.
Allegations of Hazing
According to police reports, a Kappa Alpha Theta sorority member called campus authorities around 3 a.m., claiming she saw a gray Kia from the Sigma Chi house hit what appeared to be a pledge. The car was reportedly traveling at speeds between 10 and 15 miles per hour. Witnesses also recalled hearing a male voice cry out in pain, exclaiming, "My bones, my bones, they’re broken!"
A police detective stated that Sigma Chi brothers allegedly forced new members to stand in front of oncoming vehicles as part of a twisted initiation ritual. However, when questioned, three fraternity members denied the allegations, insisting that no one had been injured and that they had been playing basketball.
Ongoing Investigation and Fraternity’s Response
Police were unable to locate the pledge who was allegedly struck, and when officers attempted to stop the Kia that matched witness descriptions, the vehicle initially tried to leave with its headlights off. The outcome of that police stop remains unclear.
Sigma Chi has a history of disciplinary actions, with the fraternity facing at least eight suspensions between 2015 and 2020. One previous incident reportedly involved forcing a blindfolded pledge to ingest cocaine. In response to the recent allegations, Sigma Chi released a statement on Instagram, pledging to cooperate with university officials and law enforcement to address any concerns.
University and Expert Reactions
UCF has placed Sigma Chi under interim suspension, preventing the fraternity from holding any events on or off campus. The university issued a statement reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy toward 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."
Dr. Susan Lipkins, a clinical psychologist specializing in hazing culture, emphasized that hazing is a deliberate and structured activity designed to establish power. "They know exactly what they’re doing, and they believe that nobody will get hurt. The problem is when you do risky things, people do get hurt," she explained.
The Bigger Picture
This incident is part of a growing concern about fraternity hazing at UCF. The university is also investigating allegations against Delta Upsilon, and just last month, Phi Gamma Delta was suspended over reports of antisemitic hazing.
As investigations continue, authorities and university officials stress the importance of holding organizations accountable and protecting student safety. Whether Sigma Chi will face further disciplinary action remains to be seen, but the fraternity’s troubled history raises serious concerns about the culture within Greek life at UCF.
