Rutgers fraternity closed following hazing incident that involved electric wires and water.

A fraternity at Rutgers University has been permanently disbanded following a hazing incident that critically injured a 19-year-old student earlier this month. The university’s chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi has been under scrutiny since October 15, when police responded to an emergency call from the fraternity house located on College Avenue. The call was disconnected before any details could be conveyed, prompting an immediate investigation.

Upon arrival just after midnight, officers discovered the unresponsive student, who was subsequently transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. He was reported to be in critical condition but has since shown signs of improvement and remains hospitalized as of this past Saturday. The identity of the victim has not been made public.

According to officials from the Middlesex County prosecutor’s office, the victim sustained injuries after making contact with exposed electrical wires while in the basement of the fraternity house. The conditions in which the incident occurred reportedly involved the presence of water, a factor that heightened the electrical hazard. Another student also experienced electric shock but was not seriously injured.

In the wake of the incident, some have raised concerns regarding the state of the fraternity house itself, emphasizing its poor maintenance rather than hazing as the primary issue. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs has documented a history of serious safety violations associated with the property since 2014, including exposed wiring, missing fire alarms, blocked exits, and pest control issues. A recent inspection on September 18 highlighted 19 safety violations still unaddressed.

Despite these claims of neglect, the national office of Alpha Sigma Phi asserts that the incident was indeed linked to hazing activities, which have led to the fraternity’s closure. Gordy Heminger, president of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc., confirmed the fraternity’s findings, stating that their investigation indicated hazing had taken place. As a consequence, the fraternity plans to expel any members involved in the incident.

Hazing practices are not only prohibited by both the university and the fraternity but are also illegal under New Jersey state law. The Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, with the potential for criminal charges still on the table. This incident has raised significant concerns about fraternity culture and safety on college campuses, prompting a broader conversation about the regulations surrounding Greek life and student safety protocols.