Rutgers Fraternity Suspended After Student Critically Injured

A fraternity at Rutgers University has been suspended following a serious incident that left a 19-year-old student critically injured. The local chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi, situated on the New Brunswick campus of the university, is currently under an interim suspension as confirmed by both university and national fraternity officials.

On the morning of November 1, 2023, Rutgers University imposed a cease and desist order on all fraternity activities. The chapter has also been placed on organizational disciplinary probation until May 18 and is under social probation until November 3. This action follows an emergency call made to local authorities early Wednesday morning.

According to a statement from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, police responded to the residence on College Avenue at 12:26 a.m. after an emergency call was disconnected. Upon arrival, they discovered the student unresponsive. He was subsequently transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

While the prosecutor’s office has yet to confirm the exact location of the incident within the fraternity house, a notice has been posted declaring it an unsafe structure.

“Hazing has no part in the Alpha Sigma Phi experience. It is not condoned nor is it tolerated,” stated Gordy Heminger, a spokesperson for Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity, Inc. He emphasized the fraternity’s commitment to safety and noted that the Rutgers chapter had received training on health and safety guidelines, including anti-hazing measures, just last month.

As the incident unfolds, the university community is reacting to the news, particularly as it coincides with busy events such as homecoming and Family Weekend at the New Brunswick and Piscataway campuses. Freshman Adriana Lesniak expressed her concern, stating, “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, like, is it worth the money.”

Nearby fraternity houses on College Avenue declined to comment on the situation. Rutgers University has directed all inquiries to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office as the investigation continues into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The university’s response to the fraternity’s actions and the ongoing investigation will likely shape future discussions about hazing and student safety on campus.