A UB student is currently hospitalized following a possible hazing incident involving Sigma Pi fraternity, at 69 Custer St., last night, according to a UB press release and the Buffalo Police Department.
Following the incident, UB President Satish Tripathi has suspended all official fraternity and sorority activities until further notice, according to the release.
Tripathi said the university will conduct a review of all fraternities and sororities and “strongly counsel all Greek organizations” about UB’s hazing policies.”
“Let me reiterate that our university has zero tolerance for hazing. Not only are hazing incidents a violation of our university policies, but they are also crimes,” Tripathi wrote in the statement.
The release UB cannot comment on individual students’ involvement, due to federal laws, but that students involved in hazing face possible suspension and even expulsion.
The release said UB officials will refrain from further commenting on the case at this time, “out of respect for the family’s privacy.”
Vice President for Student Life A. Scott Weber wrote in a school-wide email that all Greek Week-related activities were cancelled and violations may “subject these organizations, and their individual members, to disciplinary action.”
"At this time I don't feel it's appropriate, in respect to the student going through the situation and their family, to provide further comment until we have more information on the final decision," Student Association President Gunnar Haberl said.
Associate director for Student Engagement Jude Butch, and director of Fraternity and Sorority life Pamela Stephens-Jackson declined to comment for this story.
UPD Deputy Chief Joshua Sticht said he could not comment on the matter, as it is an active investigation.
This is a developing story.
Hannah Stein contributed reporting to this story.
Tanveen Vohra is a co-senior news editor and can be reached at tanveen.vohra@ubspectrum.com and on Twitter at @TanveenUBSpec
Tanveen Vohra is a former senior news editor and covered international relations and graduate student protests.
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
