Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Hazing Scandal at the University of Central Florida

1. Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s Hazing Scandal at the University of Central Florida Sharon Johnson PR Research & Strategies, Florida A&M University March 27, 2012

2. The situation • Campus police summoned the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house Oct. 26, 2006. • Police said they found pledges crawling on their hands and knees wearing items such as pink fairy wings, a rainbow-colored wig and a diaper, a striped prison uniform, a pink tank top, women's underwear and a blond wig. Three men were taken to a hospital, and the house smelled of beer, urine and vomit. www.google.com/images

3. The situation continues • School officials investigating the apparent hazing ritual told the Orlando Local 6 News that there is evidence that several of the pledges may have been sexually assaulted.

4. Sigma alpha epsilon’s history • The chapter was previously suspended for a year in 2003 for a suspected hazing. • The university suspended the group for a year after an incident in 2003. One man had his nose nearly ripped off in a truck crash, at least one man's hands were duct-taped together and drinking was suspected. The chapter was on university probation for alcohol-related misconduct at the time. www.google.com/images

5. consequences • Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity has been barred from the University for at least six years after UCF found that members committed hazing, disorderly conduct, and alcohol and drug-related offenses. • University officials said the fraternity members admitted to disorderly conduct and alcohol and drug-related misconduct during an administrative hearing. The university found the fraternity in violation of UCF's policy against hazing. • The Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at The University of Central Florida has been disbanded and closed. www.google.com/images

6. Moving forward • SAE national headquarters closed the UCF house and suspended the local chapter Nov. 8, 2006. The house no longer bears the SAE letters, and the 33 men who lived there were forced to move. • Students eventually can ask for permission to form a new SAE chapter, but the university would require a national fraternity representative to be present at all activities and meetings for the first year. www.google.com/images

7. PR lessons • University should sever its tie with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon because they are repeat hazing offenders. • University needs to re-educate students about the dangers and consequences of hazing.