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University of Arizona Suspends Sigma Tau Gamma for Hazing

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 11:39 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The University of Arizona suspended Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity for hazing violations.
The suspension allows only essential business meetings while an investigation proceeds.
A university letter said pledges were forced to drink excess alcohol, swallow live goldfish, and endure screaming, degradation, and threats.
Senior student-rights coordinator Jasmin Hayes warned repeat violations could bring harsher penalties.
Arizona law classifies hazing causing death as a Class 4 felony since 2022.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, the New York State Legislature passed the first comprehensive anti-hazing statute, criminalizing hazing with up to one year imprisonment. Governor George Pataki signed the bill, which imposed $5,000 fines and mandated annual reporting by over 200 college fraternities statewide. Today, the University of Arizona suspended Sigma Tau Gamma after hazing allegations involving forced alcohol, live goldfish, and threats, echoing the violations the 1995 law aimed to curb. Arizona’s 2022 classification of fatal hazing as a Class 4 felony reflects the nationwide shift toward stricter penalties first championed in New York.

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Story summary

The University of Arizona suspended Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity for hazing violations.
The suspension allows only essential business meetings while an investigation proceeds.
A university letter said pledges were forced to drink excess alcohol, swallow live goldfish, and endure screaming, degradation, and threats.
Senior student-rights coordinator Jasmin Hayes warned repeat violations could bring harsher penalties.
Arizona law classifies hazing causing death as a Class 4 felony since 2022.

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