The University of Iowa banned four fraternities after a two-month investigation uncovered hazing and alcohol-related violations, according to officials.
Fraternities Delta Chi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the UI chapter of Kappa Sigma International Fraternity are banned from operating as school organizations, Iowa City school officials said Thursday.
The Kappa Sigma chapter, known as Beta-Rho, was also axed from its national organization Dec. 3 after alcohol-fueled hazing allegations surfaced, the AP reported.
University officials said Beta-Rho put 2018 pledges — many of whom were underage — through a hazing ritual known as “the gauntlet” in which they were forced to drink alcohol quickly.
Pledges were also instructed to carry a book around the fraternity house. If they dropped the book, older students body-slammed them, according to KCRG.
Fraternity brothers reportedly squirted hot sauce into pledges’ eyes and told them if they were accepted into the fraternity, they’d be required to arrive at school a week before classes began in the spring for “hell week,” during which they would not be able to leave at any time.
The ban of the four fraternities will affect 400 students, school officials said. In addition to the four banned fraternities, the school put six others on probation, and one on suspension.
“Parents and families send their loved ones to the UI with the expectation that their safety, health, and well-being will be the top priority,” university president J. Bruce Harreld said in a statement Thursday. “These decisions honor that expectation.”
The university launched an investigation into Greek life activities following the death of first-year UI student Kamil Jackowski at a Sigma Chai formal at Lake of Ozarks. Following Jackowski’s death, the school banned alcohol at all fraternity and sorority events.