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UW-Madison Police Arrest AEPi Leaders in Hazing Incident

By Drooid · Sep 26, 2026, 3:24 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Police arrest fraternity leaders

U.S. police arrested two Alpha Epsilon Pi leaders on hazing and disorderly conduct charges at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Officers entered the basement after an anonymous tip and found about 30 shirtless men covered in food and liquids.
Several men showed visible injuries, including red marks consistent with physical assault.
UW-Madison’s Office of Student Conduct will investigate participants and may impose sanctions up to expulsion.

Summary

Advocates warn underground

Police released the arrested Madison leaders on $400 bail each, classifying the offenses as misdemeanors.
Anti-hazing advocates warn underground chapters pose unique risks because they lack college oversight.
HazingInfo.org records 130 U.S. hazing deaths since 2000, averaging five fatalities annually.
The Madison chapter remains recognized by AEPi’s national body, allowing operation despite university termination.
AEPi chief communications officer Jonathan Pierce says members must follow health and safety policies.

History

Historical Context

In 1999, the death of a Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledge at the University of Texas sparked statewide outrage and prompted legislative action. The Texas Legislature, led by Governor George W. Bush, enacted the Anti-Hazing Statute within the Texas Penal Code, imposing up to $10,000 fines and five-year prison terms. Today’s Madison AEPi hazing raid mirrors that tragedy, as police uncovered shirtless initiates, injuries, and a national fraternity’s lax oversight echoing the 1999 incident’s warning. The 1999 law now guides university policies and criminal prosecutions, suggesting renewed enforcement could curb similar clandestine rituals nationwide.

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Police arrest fraternity leaders

U.S. police arrested two Alpha Epsilon Pi leaders on hazing and disorderly conduct charges at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Officers entered the basement after an anonymous tip and found about 30 shirtless men covered in food and liquids.
Several men showed visible injuries, including red marks consistent with physical assault.
UW-Madison’s Office of Student Conduct will investigate participants and may impose sanctions up to expulsion.

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