Wisconsin police investigate alleged fraternity hazing after basement discovery

Police in Madison, Wisconsin, are investigating suspected hazing after about 30 partially clothed young men were found covered in food, condiments and other liquids in the basement of a fraternity house near the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Officers went to the Alpha Epsilon Pi house on Wednesday night after receiving an anonymous tip. Police said some of the men, described as fraternity pledges, showed signs of physical assault.

Two fraternity members, both 20, were arrested on tentative misdemeanor allegations of hazing and disorderly conduct. No formal charges had been filed by Friday morning. A photograph released by police showed about two dozen shirtless men in the basement, with rubbish and debris on the floor.

Police said the thermostat was set to 81 degrees, creating hot and humid conditions. Most of those found in the basement were 18 years old. The university said it was taking the incident seriously and had opened its own investigation.

It said students found to have violated the law or university rules could face sanctions ranging from a written reprimand to expulsion. The university’s Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards is handling the matter under its non-academic misconduct process. University records show that the fraternity’s recognised student-organisation status was terminated in 2015 after it held events while suspended.

It had been suspended in 2013 following a party at which a 17-year-old and another person were taken to detox after being served alcohol. The national fraternity said it would cooperate with the investigations. Its spokesperson, Jon Pierce, said members found to have participated would be expelled, adding that there was no place for hazing in the organisation.

Police said their investigation remains ongoing.