A fraternity at Miami University in Ohio has been suspended following a hazing complaint, according to a hazing incident report obtained by ABC News. The report was filed by a member of another fraternity, who detailed allegations of extreme hazing involving a student pledging Sigma Alpha Epsilon.
According to the report, the student was coerced into accepting a bid from Sigma Alpha Epsilon and then subjected to hazing over multiple days. He was allegedly forced to cut communication with others and endure degrading activities. One of the most serious allegations states that he was required to ingest an entire can of chewing tobacco and perform a handstand, which caused him to vomit. He was then instructed to eat the vomit but refused.
Other pledges were reportedly forced to do wall sits while covered in baby oil and required to drink alcohol every time they slipped. Additionally, they were confined to a basement and only allowed to leave for food and showers.
The report also includes a threatening message that one active member allegedly sent to a pledge. The message stated that he would hold a “12 gauge down his throat and watch his brain splatter.” Fearing for his safety, the student reached out to the individual who reported the incident and expressed a desire to join his fraternity instead, stating that Sigma Alpha Epsilon was not a good fit for him. The reporting student noted that the victim sounded shaky and fearful during their conversation.
When the student decided to drop out of the pledging process, Sigma Alpha Epsilon members allegedly tried to persuade him to stay, claiming that the first week was always the hardest and that the hazing was a rite of passage. They reportedly said, “we all had to go through it” and “some of the guys haze just to haze.”
Following the report, Miami University suspended Sigma Alpha Epsilon and launched an investigation. The university confirmed the suspension through a statement to local ABC affiliate WCPO but did not provide further comment. The fraternity chapter and national organization did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
