MADISON, Wis. — Two 20-year-old men have been taken into custody following a disturbing alleged hazing event at an unaccredited fraternity chapter in Wisconsin, where authorities discovered approximately 30 young men covered in food and condiments.
The Madison Police Department initiated their response on September 23 after receiving an anonymous report regarding an incident at the Alpha Epsilon Pi house. Upon arriving at the residence, officers found roughly 30 males, mostly 18 years old, in the basement who were partially dressed and coated in various liquids, including food items.
According to police reports, the thermostat in the basement had been set to 81 degrees. Several of the young men exhibited visible injuries that officers stated were consistent with physical abuse. The group was escorted outside, where officers checked them for signs of incapacitation and further harm.
Brayden J. Klein and Samuel N. Vane were arrested and charged with hazing and disorderly conduct. They were transported to the Dane County Jail. While the university’s fraternity leadership was present and spoke with responding officers, police did not confirm whether Klein and Vane held official positions within the chapter.
Alpha Epsilon Pi is classified as an unrecognized and unaccredited student organization at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. However, university officials noted that because the chapter retains recognition from the national Alpha Epsilon Pi organization, it is permitted to operate legally as an unaffiliated fraternity.
In a statement, the University of Wisconsin confirmed it is investigating the incident under its nonacademic misconduct process and is providing support to the affected students. A spokesperson for Alpha Epsilon Pi Headquarters expressed that the allegations are being taken “extremely seriously” and promised full cooperation with the investigation. The national organization stated that any members found responsible for criminal conduct would be expelled.
“Hazing is a betrayal of everything our fraternity stands for,” the spokesperson said. “There is no place for it in AEPi. No exceptions. No excuses. … Anyone who engages in hazing forfeits the privilege of being an AEPi brother.”
No additional charges have been announced as the investigation continues. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the Madison Police Department, and they reminded students that recruitment processes should never jeopardize their safety.
Two arrests for thirty guys? I hope these charges carry serious weight, not just a slap on the wrist.
Unaccredited chapter, yet still operating on campus? The university needs to revoke that permission immediately.
I thought AEPi had tightened its policies significantly after the 2016 tragedy. Did they really slip back like this?
This is absolutely horrifying. Eighty-one degrees with food and liquids? How is this legal anywhere?