PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University (WSU) has suspended the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity for five years following an investigation into hazing activities spanning multiple semesters. The fraternity will lose its university recognition until May 2030 and face additional rules and reviews upon potential reinstatement.
The investigation, initiated on January 28, uncovered repeated hazing violations dating back to the fall semester of 2022 and continuing through the fall semester of 2024. These violations included coercing new members to consume alcohol and cannabis, subjecting them to punishments such as cleaning duties and physical activities for poor quiz performance, and enforcing tasks assigned by initiated members. WSU determined such practices created “an imbalance of power between new and initiated members.”
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The fraternity faced charges of hazing, physical harm or threat, reckless endangerment, and misuse of alcohol and drug paraphernalia.
WSU Imposes Sanctions on Alpha Sigma Phi
The suspension strips the fraternity of its university recognition until 2030, during which it cannot use WSU facilities, participate in university events, or access university resources. Upon seeking reinstatement, the fraternity will be required to remain alcohol-free for two years and hold meetings with the Center for Community Standards.
“Loss of recognition means that Alpha Sigma Phi is no longer affiliated in any way with Washington State University,” the university clarified in its announcement
Gordy Heminger, President and CEO of Alpha Sigma Phi International Fraternity, issued a statement to KREM addressing the suspension.
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“We support the decision of the University,” he said. “We partnered with Washington State throughout this process and appreciate their collaboration. Despite extensive efforts — including health and safety training, a membership review, and a re-organization of the chapter — the pattern of behavior continued. It was time to take a pause from being an active chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi.”
