Police in Madison, Wisconsin, are investigating alleged hazing after finding about 30 partially clothed young men in a hot fraternity basement during rush week. Officers said several appeared to have fresh marks or redness consistent with being struck, while those inside were covered in food, condiments and other liquids. The fraternity president and vice president were arrested on misdemeanor hazing and disorderly conduct allegations. Investigators said conflicting statements and limited cooperation have complicated efforts to determine what happened.
The incident occurred Wednesday evening at an Alpha Epsilon Pi house on Langdon Street. Police said most of those found inside were 18 years old and believed to be University of Wisconsin-Madison students.
| 1) | Police respond to an anonymous hazing tip |
| 2) | Conditions inside the fraternity basement |
| 3) | Arrests and the status of the investigation |
| 4) | University and fraternity recognition questions |
| 5) | National organization promises cooperation |
Police respond to an anonymous hazing tip
Madison police were dispatched to the Alpha Epsilon Pi house on Langdon Street at about 8:20 p.m. Wednesday, following an anonymous report of hazing. Officers declared the gathering unlawful, escorted everyone outside and checked the young men for injuries or signs of incapacitation.
The response took place during rush week at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Police said they believed everyone involved was a university student, although the investigation remains ongoing and authorities have not released a complete account of the alleged activities.
Conditions inside the fraternity basement
Officers found roughly 30 partially clothed young men packed into the basement. Police said the group was covered in food, condiments and other liquids, and that the basement thermostat was set to 81 degrees, producing hot and humid conditions.
Madison Police Capt. Kipp Hartman said he observed fresh redness and marks that appeared potentially consistent with people being struck. He did not see open wounds, and he said he was not aware of anyone being transported for medical treatment.
Arrests and the status of the investigation
Fraternity president Brayden J. Klein, 20, and vice president Samuel N. Vane, 20, were arrested and taken to the Dane County Jail. Each faces allegations of hazing and disorderly conduct. Hartman said both alleged offenses are misdemeanors, and the Dane County District Attorney’s Office will review the case.
Investigators obtained statements from people at the scene, but Hartman said cooperation was limited. He also said some accounts did not match one another, leaving police to determine which details can be corroborated and what events occurred inside the house.
“We had limited cooperation,” Hartman said.
University and fraternity recognition questions
Police said the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter involved is not recognized or accredited by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was terminated by the university more than a decade ago. The national fraternity organization, however, said it continues to recognize the Madison chapter.
Alpha Epsilon Pi describes itself as the world’s Jewish college fraternity and says it has chapters on more than 150 college campuses in four countries. The differing recognition status may affect how the university and the national organization respond while police and prosecutors review the allegations.
National organization promises cooperation
Jonathan Pierce, the fraternity’s chief communications officer, said national officials take the allegations seriously and that members remain subject to the organization’s health and safety policies. He said the organization would cooperate fully with authorities investigating the Madison incident.
“Hazing is a betrayal of everything our fraternity stands for. There is no place for it in AEPi,” the statement said.
Pierce said any member found responsible for criminal conduct would be expelled and that the organization would support prosecution. The fraternity also said hazing violates its stated responsibility for members to “Be Your Brothers’ Keeper,” adding that anyone who engages in hazing forfeits the privilege of membership.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Police found about 30 young men in a hot, crowded basement. |
| 2 | Several people had marks or redness potentially consistent with being struck. |
| 3 | Two fraternity leaders were arrested on misdemeanor allegations. |
| 4 | Police said statements from those present were inconsistent. |
| 5 | The national fraternity said it would cooperate and support prosecution where appropriate. |
Summary
The Madison investigation centers on alleged hazing during rush week, the treatment of people inside the fraternity basement and the conduct of the chapter’s two arrested leaders. Police and prosecutors must still establish what occurred, while the national organization has pledged cooperation and potential disciplinary action. No final determination of criminal responsibility has been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Madison police find?
Police found roughly 30 partially clothed young men in a hot basement, with food, condiments and other liquids covering them. Several showed redness or marks that appeared potentially consistent with being struck.
Who was arrested?
Brayden J. Klein and Samuel N. Vane, both 20 and identified as the fraternity president and vice president, were arrested on hazing and disorderly conduct allegations.
What happens next?
Police will continue examining statements and other evidence, while the Dane County District Attorney’s Office reviews the misdemeanor allegations. The national fraternity said it would cooperate and expel members found responsible for criminal conduct.
