USF Shuts Down Fraternity for Hazing; Police Investigating

University of South Florida

A chapter of a national fraternity has been suspended at USF amid an investigation into hazing.

USF President Judy Genshaft revealed the hazing incident in an e-mail to faculty and staff Monday afternoon.

According to Tampa Police, on Friday two Tampa Police Officers responded to the USF Police Department to investigate a complaint of hazing involving the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Detectives began interviewing potential victims, witnesses and suspects over the weekend.

Police say none of the suspects are current USF students. The university has suspended the fraternity pending the outcome of the investigation, which is anticipated to take several more days.

Genshaft said USF will suspend any students involved in this hazing incident.

This isn't the first time a fraternity at USF has been suspended. In 2006, Lambda Chi Alpha shut down its USF chapter because of alcohol and hazing issues, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

Full text of Genshaft e-mail:

To: All members of the USF community

I am reaching out to the USF community to inform our faculty, staff and students about an incident that occurred last week. The Tampa police are investigating a fraternity hazing incident which took place off-campus. I'm writing to remind all members of our community that hazing is illegal.

It is against university policy, and it is totally unacceptable at USF. It is why all American universities and student organizations condemn hazing.

As soon we became aware of the allegations, USF took the severest possible action. The chapter was suspended and the national fraternity was notified to begin its investigation. Pending the police investigation, USF will suspend any students involved in this hazing incident. We will respond to all hazing incidents in the same way.

USF has great student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, which provide rewarding, enriching experiences to our students. Unfortunately, this group held a secret off-campus meeting and violated the standards and policies of not only our university, but the rights of our students.

USF will remain vigilant and continue to ensure that our students remain safe and follow the policies created to foster a positive, successful learning environment. In our "new member academy” for our fraternity and sorority students, we make clear to all members that we will not condone this type of behavior and that they have an obligation to report hazing. Dr. Kevin Banks, Dean of Students located in the Marshall Student Center (Room 4301 or by phone 974-6677) is available to talk with students at anytime.

Thank you.