What is hazing and how is it legally defined?

What hazing allegations are three University of Arizona fraternities facing?

Last updated: April 30, 2026

Sigma Alpha Mu, Sigma Chi, and Phi Delta Theta face hazing allegations including forced alcohol consumption, burns from hot liquids, drug administration, and hospitalizations.

Continue in Reels Listen and swipe through more answers in Current Events

Fraternities under investigation	Sigma Alpha Mu, Sigma Chi, and Phi Delta Theta
Sigma Alpha Mu allegations	Burns from hot liquids, forced alcohol consumption, alcohol poisoning, blackouts, and hospitalizations
Sigma Chi allegations	Alcohol consumption and drugs given knowingly and unknowingly to members; multiple members hospitalized
Phi Delta Theta allegations	Forced alcohol consumption, degradation, humiliation, and threatening and endangering behaviors
Disciplinary actions	Sigma Alpha Mu and Sigma Chi placed on interim loss of recognition; Phi Delta Theta placed on activities suspension
University policy	Strict no-hazing policy implemented since 2001, last updated May 2025
Prior enforcement	University cut ties with Pi Kappa Phi in 2024 for hazing violations

Sigma Alpha Mu Allegations

Sigma Alpha Mu faces allegations that new members experienced burns from hot liquids, forced consumption of alcohol, alcohol poisoning, blackouts, and hospitalizations. The allegations were submitted to campus authorities on April 22. The fraternity was placed on interim loss of recognition, barring it from using campus facilities for events during the investigation.

Sigma Chi Allegations

Sigma Chi was accused of hosting two events where UA students were provided with and consumed alcohol and were knowingly and unknowingly given drugs. Several UA students were reportedly sent to the hospital as a result of the alleged alcohol and drug consumption. Sigma Chi was also placed on interim loss of recognition.

Phi Delta Theta Allegations

Between fall 2025 and spring 2026 semesters, Phi Delta Theta's new members were allegedly subjected to forced alcohol consumption, degradation, humiliation, hazing, and other threatening and endangering behaviors. The fraternity was placed on activities suspension, meaning the organization is only permitted to conduct business meetings. Phi Delta Theta met with the dean on April 15.

University Response and Investigation Status

The University of Arizona dean of students sent letters to all three fraternities citing hazing allegations. The university stated it takes these issues seriously and investigations are being conducted by the Dean of Students Office. Sigma Alpha Mu met with the dean on April 27, and Sigma Chi was set to meet on Tuesday, April 28. Sigma Alpha Mu and Sigma Chi are scheduled to learn if their loss of recognition will be permanent.

Broader Context

Six University of Arizona fraternities are under investigation, with three facing the most serious allegations. Three other fraternities face less serious allegations related to noise complaints and unauthorized gatherings. The university has enforced a strict no-hazing policy since 2001. The last time the university cut ties with a fraternity was in 2024 when Pi Kappa Phi was found guilty of hazing and violating the school's code of conduct.