TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – Six University of Arizona fraternities are under investigation.
Three of them, Sigma Alpha Mu, Sigma Chi, and Phi Delta Theta, face the most serious allegations. The fraternities received a letter from the Dean of Students citing hazing allegations.
Two of them were placed on Interim Loss of Recognition.
The allegations against Sigma Alpha Mu include burns from hot liquids, forced alcohol consumption, alcohol poisoning, blackouts, and hospitalizations. Sigma Chi allegedly hosted a party that was alcohol-free, but alcohol was consumed, drugs were knowingly and unknowingly given to members, and multiple members had to go to the hospital.
Phi Delta Theta was placed on activities suspension for hazing, where members were allegedly subjected to forced alcohol consumption, degradation, humiliation, and other threatening and endangering behaviors.
Phi Delta Theta met with the dean on April 15, and Sigma Alpha Mu went on April 27. Sigma Chi was set to meet on Tuesday, April 28.
13 News knocked on the doors of all three fraternities and reached out online; however, no one answered. Several members of Greek life were aware of the allegations but declined to speak on camera.
Phi Delta Theta headquarters responded to our request for comment in a statement, writing, “Phi Delta Theta holds the safety of every member of the Fraternity as well as the individuals of the campuses and communities they are a part of, in the highest regard. The organization does not tolerate any actions that directly contradict the values and policies of the Fraternity and holds strict rulings against members and chapters that violate Fraternity expectations and the law”.
Acacia Fernandez, a University of Arizona freshman, said she was not surprised by the news.
“I mean that’s what you really think of when you think of fraternities, not so much sororities in my opinion, but not a surprising thing to know they’re still doing all that despite it being banned most everywhere, I want to say,” Fernandez said.
The University of Arizona has implemented a strict no-hazing policy since 2001, which was last updated in May 2025.
In a statement sent to 13 News, a university spokesperson said, “The university takes these issues seriously, and they are currently being investigated by the Dean of Students Office.”
“I do feel bad for the students who were affected by the hazing, just, you know, the social pressures that people have to go through to fit in, I feel bad for them, honestly,” Fernandez said.
The last time the University of Arizona cut ties with a fraternity was in 2024, when Pi Kappa Phi was found guilty of hazing and violating the school’s code of conduct.
Kappa Alpha Order’s former president, Charlie Heck, is familiar with the university’s judicial process. His fraternity was found in violation of the student code of conduct related to hazing and failure to comply last month and remains under probation until May 2027.
Heck said it was a learning experience and an opportunity to work with the university to do better.
“These conversations do make you, you know, reflect and have a chance to actually, like I said, review these processes that maybe led to something like this happening,” Heck said.
He said it’s important that each allegation is investigated and each fraternity receives the opportunity to state its case.
Heck feels these investigations negatively impact the Greek community, but emphasizes that many fraternities take these accusations seriously.
“I think that all these fraternities really take it very seriously. It’s something that when I was president, I was discussing with the rest of our members continuously, and it’s something that I know they keep continuing to do,” Heck said.
Three other frats face less serious allegations.
Sigma Phi Epsilon was sent a letter on April 21 saying that on April 9, the University of Arizona Department saw women going into the fraternity house at the direction of fraternity members despite not having any events scheduled for that day. They are set to meet with the dean on April 29.
Delta Kappa Epsilon was sent a letter on April 21, citing loud music and noise complaints.
Theta Xi was sent a letter on April 21 saying that on April 9, the fraternity hosted a party with a DJ, loud music, and women. They have a meeting with the dean on April 29.
Are you streaming 13 News?
Watch a free live stream of Tucson Now and 13 News at TucsonNow.Live.
Be sure to download the free Tucson Now app, which you can find on Apple and Google.
If you are using a desktop computer, you can use your mobile device to scan the QR code below.
Tucson Now QR code(13 News)
You can submit your breaking news or weather images here.
Copyright 2026 13 News. All rights reserved.
