Rutgers Fraternity Suspended After Student Critically Injured

UPDATE: A Rutgers University fraternity has been suspended following a critical incident involving a 19-year-old student who was hospitalized with severe injuries early Wednesday morning. This shocking event has sent ripples through the university community, especially as it coincides with the busy Homecoming Weekend.

The local chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi in New Brunswick, New Jersey, is now on interim suspension, as confirmed by university and national fraternity officials. A cease and desist order has also been placed on all fraternity activities, with the chapter under organizational disciplinary probation until May 18. Furthermore, it faces social probation until November 3.

Rutgers police responded to a distress call at a residence on College Avenue at 12:26 a.m. on October 25, 2023. Upon arrival, they found the student unresponsive and seriously injured. He was quickly transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he remains in critical condition, according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.

The prosecutor’s office has not disclosed specific details regarding the location within the residence where the incident occurred. In light of the situation, New Brunswick authorities have posted a notice on the fraternity house, deeming it an unsafe structure.

“We are currently gathering information as to what happened that evening, but to be very clear … if it is determined by the fraternity, the university, or law enforcement that the undergraduate members hazed that evening, the chapter will be closed,” stated Gordy Heminger, a spokesperson for Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc. He emphasized, “Hazing has no part in the Alpha Sigma Phi experience. It is not condoned nor is it tolerated.” Heminger also noted that the chapter had received health and safety training just last month.

Students on campus expressed shock over the incident. Freshman Adriana Lesniak commented, “The whole scenario is insane because people pay a lot of money to join frats, and stuff like that happens. You really have to think about if it is worth the money.”

While the university has directed all inquiries to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the community is left grappling with the implications of such a serious event during a festive time.

As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The fraternity’s future hangs in the balance, and students are increasingly concerned about safety in Greek life on campus.

Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.