University of Georgia pauses pledging for fraternity chapter over hazing allegations

The University of Georgia paused “new member activity” for the school’s Sigma Chi chapter following accusations of hazing.

A complaint to the University of Georgia Police Department alleged that incoming freshmen were punched in the stomach and forced to drink large amounts of alcohol at events on Aug. 9 and Aug. 10, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

While one fraternity named in the complaint, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, was cleared and allowed to resume pledging, Sigma Chi remains on hold while under review.

“Pausing all activity for an individual organization while a review is conducted is standard operating procedure,” the school told the Journal-Constitution.

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department is also investigating the incidents because they took place off campus in Athens, and thus fall under its purview.

Sigma Chi’s national executive director Michael Church told Atlanta’s WSB-TV that “the Sigma Chi International Fraternity has been made aware of the investigation into our chapter at the University of Georgia, and we are further aware that the chapter is fully cooperating with both the University and local authorities.