Rutgers Fraternity Suspended Following Critical Student Injury

A fraternity at Rutgers University has been placed on interim suspension following a serious incident that left a 19-year-old student hospitalized in critical condition. The local chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi on the university’s New Brunswick campus was suspended after authorities responded to an emergency call early Wednesday morning.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:26 a.m. on Wednesday, when Rutgers police were called to a residence on College Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered the student unresponsive and subsequently transported him to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. He remains in critical condition, although details regarding the circumstances of his injuries have not been disclosed.

In response to the incident, Rutgers University issued a cease and desist order on all fraternity-related activities. The Alpha Sigma Phi chapter has been placed on organizational disciplinary probation until May 18, 2024, and is under social probation until November 3, 2024. Additionally, a notice has been affixed to the fraternity house, designating it as an unsafe structure, according to officials from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Gordy Heminger, a spokesperson for Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc., emphasized the organization’s zero-tolerance policy towards hazing. Heminger stated, “We are currently gathering information as to what happened that evening, but to be very clear… if it is determined by the fraternity, the university or law enforcement that the undergraduate members hazed that evening, the chapter will be closed.”

He further noted that any member involved in hazing would face permanent expulsion and that the fraternity would support the pursuit of maximum penalties by the university and law enforcement. Heminger highlighted that the chapter at Rutgers had received training on health and safety guidelines, including policies against hazing, just last month.

As the incident unfolded, students on campus were left shocked. Many expressed concern over the implications of such events, particularly during a busy weekend that coincides with homecoming and Family Weekend. Freshman Adriana Lesniak remarked, “The whole scenario is insane because people pay a lot of money to join frats and stuff like that happens. You really have to think about, like, is it worth the money.”

Nearby fraternity houses declined to comment on the incident, directing inquiries to the university. In a statement, Rutgers University reiterated that all questions regarding the incident should be directed to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.

The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the facts surrounding the incident, with authorities committed to holding individuals and organizations accountable if hazing is confirmed. The university and the fraternity face increasing scrutiny as they navigate this serious situation, emphasizing the need for safety and accountability within Greek life on campus.