UFPD sends hazing allegations to state attorney's office

February 24, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida Police Department has completed its investigation of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and has forwarded sworn allegations to the state attorney’s office that nine UF students and one alumnus engaged in serious physical hazing.

State Attorney Bill Cervone will now review the allegations and evidence to decide if he will pursue charges against these individuals. According to UFPD, five prospective members of Alpha Phi Alpha received injuries — some serious — after being repeatedly paddled and struck in the chest by members of the fraternity in a hazing ritual in late January.

“Someone who physically or otherwise abuses you is no friend and we are extremely disappointed with the alleged conduct of the 10 individuals charged with hazing,” said Dave Kratzer, UF’s interim vice president of student affairs. “We will not tolerate hazing or any behavior that threatens the health and safety of our students.”

All of the suspects have been trespassed from UF. Two of the individuals working as employees of the university — one student and the alumnus — were terminated this week. Hazing is prohibited by the UF regulations and state law. It is addressed through the disciplinary process and also may be addressed through criminal prosecution.

“We commend the injured students for their courage during this very difficult investigation,” Kratzer said. “It is critical the university make every effort to stem any hazing before someone is irreparably harmed.”

The university encourages any student who is a victim of hazing, or who learns of any abusive or dangerous conduct toward others, to step forward. Reports can be made to the UFPD at 352-392-1111, the Office of the Dean of Students at 352-392-1261, or the Office of Student Activities and Involvement at 352-392-1671.

The university’s Anti-Hazing Task Force, which first convened in January, has begun evaluating effective programs in place at universities around the country such as the online posting of historical disciplinary sanctions against organizations so that students and their parents have access to the information. It also will review UF’s anti-hazing policies, regulations, procedures and enforcement measures and will make recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of our long-standing commitment against hazing.

The Division of Student Affairs has for years proactively conducted educational programs addressing the dangers of hazing and identifying bonding, team-building and organization-building activities that do not involve physical and emotional injury to individuals.

Additionally, UF will host a statewide conference on hazing that will include the sharing of best practices and training from noted experts. Faculty, staff and university police from across the state will be invited to participate.

In the fall, UF launched an initiative called “U Matter We Care,” urging faculty, staff, students and their families to take notice of signs of distress and to get the person in distress or information about that person to one of UF’s many helping resources. The U Matter team is available at umatter@ufl.edu or 352-294-CARE.

Contact: Janine Sikes, 352-846-3903, jysikes@ufl.edu(After 5 p.m. and during weekend, please use email to contact Sikes)