U Of A Withdraws Recognition Of Fraternity On Charges Of Hazing

TUCSON, AZ — Officials at the University of Arizona in Tucson announced Wednesday that the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity will no longer be recognized by the university, based on several Arizona Board of Regents Student Code of Conduct violations. In other words: causing bodily harm and hazing.

The exact nature of the hazing incidents was not disclosed by university officials, who say this “permanent” recognition loss is its most serious sanction possible. Alpha Epsilon Pi had been on “interim” loss of recognition since September on hazing allegations, but the new “permanent” recognition loss is effective until May 2025 anyway, and can be appealed any time from now until December 5.

Loss of recognition by the University of Arizona means the fraternity can’t use U of A resources or facilities, and it is prohibited from participating in U of A events.

The policy violations that caused the university to sever ties with the fraternity have proven frustrating to U of A officials. “I am so disappointed and frustrated with AEPi members who actively disregarded university policies and expectations,” said Kendal Washington White, U of A dean of students. “This behavior is a serious disservice to the 50 fraternities and sororities who are following the rules and providing positive experiences for their members.”

The university does work to prevent hazing, according to Assistant Dean of Students Marcos Guzman. “Over the last several years, we have worked closely with sororities and fraternities on campus to combat hazing through prevention and disciplinary programs.”

Those efforts begin as soon as student orientation, and proceed through the rush and recruitment phases. Part of it includes fraternity and sorority chapter leaders submitting “anti-hazing paperwork” that university officials say “reinforce[s] the university’s zero-tolerance hazing policy” and serves as a reminder to pledges, officers and members that hazing is forbidden and that consequences result after harm is done.

Guzman says another method the university uses to thwart hazing is to bring it into the light, through a hazing reporting hotline and through the university’s Greek organization listing, which shows students and parents which sororities and fraternities are being investigated or are under sanction. The list gets updated every semester.