Officials from the University of New Hampshire alerted the local police department about a gathering for new members at the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter house, prompting an investigation.
After an initiation ceremony last month, over fifty members of a student social organization in the United States were accused of hazing.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon was also suspected of committing the misdemeanor, according to a statement from the Durham, New Hampshire, police department.
Investigation began on April 13 after officials from the University of New Hampshire alerted the department about an event for new members at the fraternity’s chapter house.
The cause of the claims remains unknown. The institution was made aware of the event by the fraternity’s national headquarters, according to a university spokeswoman, and authorities were alerted promptly.
She stated that the institution is assisting the police investigation and that the fraternity has been suspended.
The spokesperson continued, “We take any allegations of hazing extremely seriously, and once the police investigation is complete, we will initiate a formal conduct process.”
The pressure group StopHazing.org defines hazing as “any activity expected of someone joining a group (or to maintain full status in a group) that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical injury, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate.”
The organization notes that it is outlawed in 44 states.
The police agency stated it conducted an urgent investigation into the allegations and found there was probable cause to arrest individuals allegedly responsible for the crime.
Infraction punishable by a $1,200 fine
According to the police department, arrest warrants have been issued for 46 members of the fraternity and its local chapter.
According to NBC Boston, the Strafford County Attorney’s Office stated that some children went to police stations on their own.
Others had already departed the area following the conclusion of the academic year’s classes, the station stated.
According to the government, the offense is penalized in New Hampshire by fines of up to $1,200 (£960). The organization faces a fine of $20,000 (£16,000).
Fraternities (for males) and sororities (for females), whose names typically begin with Greek letters, are notorious in the United States for conducting controversial initiation ceremonies and for promoting elitism, and discriminating against non-white students and other marginalized groups, and encouraging alcohol abuse.
