ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Central Florida has suspended one of its fraternities while it investigates an allegation that members were involved in sexual misconduct, hazing and alcohol violations, according to student conduct documents.
An anonymous tipster contacted the school's hazing hotline at 2:19 a.m. on June 19 alleging that members of Lambda Theta Phi forced three pledges to live together for about a month during the spring semester.
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"The three had to complete physical exercises that pushed them to physical and mental exhaustion while reciting information about their chapter's history, as well as the national history about Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Incorporated," the complaint read.
The tipster goes on to allege that during an after party for the new member presentation, or probate, that underage members consumed alcohol and that one fraternity member had sex with a person who is under 21 who was too drunk to consent.
"[The victim] was severely mentally, physically incapacitated due [to] the alcohol consumption and was unable to legally consent to any form of sexual intercourse," the email read.
A photo of the victim that illustrated how drunk he or she was circulated among fraternity members, according to the complaint.
The Office of Student Conduct contacted Lambda Theta Phi on June 20 notifying them of the interim suspension while school officials investigate hazing, sexual misconduct and alcohol misconduct allegations.
While on suspension, Lambda Theta Phi is prohibited from participating in fundraisers, socials, mixers, intramural competitions, chapter meetings or any other fraternity events either on or off campus.
A hearing to discuss the allegations is scheduled for Monday at 1 p.m.
UCF Police Department public information officer Courtney Gilmartin said the department is aware of the allegations, but is not currently investigating because the victim has not come forward.
"Certainly, as Student Conduct gathers more information through their investigation, it could be shared with [police] for potential law enforcement follow-up," Gilmartin said. "However, it may not necessarily be UCFPD’s investigation, since the location of the allegations could be outside of our jurisdiction."
Lambda Theta Phi executive director Jarrod Cruz called the allegations "disturbing."
"Upon receiving an anonymous report concerning our Alpha Alpha Chapter at University of Central Florida, Lambda Theta Phi immediately placed the chapter on interim suspension pending an investigation by the national organization and university. The chapter and national organization are cooperating with the university, and we will take any additional action necessary when the institution concludes its investigation. We find the allegations disturbing as they stand in direct contradiction to our mission and values to promote the spirit of brotherhood, empower Latinx students and promote Latinx culture," Cruz said.