Phi Delta Theta, UCF fraternity under investigation for hazing

Fraternity president says they have 'found nothing to support' allegations

ORLANDO, Fla. – The UCF chapter of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity is under investigation after allegations of hazing, a University of Central Florida spokesperson confirmed to News 6.

UCF's Office of Student Conduct is investigating Phi Delta Theta, UCF Police Department public information Officer Courtney Gilmartin said.

The fraternity is accused of violating student conduct, specifically hazing, Gilmartin said.

UCF’s student conduct policy states that “any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health and/or safety of a student” for recruiting to an organization may be punished by felony charges.

Phi Delta Theta President Gary Burns said the fraternity is aware of the allegations and are internally investigating them.

"We take all allegations seriously," Burns said. "The safety of our chapter, our members and external community as whole is our main priority."

Burns said the fraternity is working with UCF to obtain specifics about the allegations, but have received little information to go on.

"So far, I have found nothing to support any validity of these allegations," he told News 6.

[View UCF's "Golden Rule" student hand book here.]

Famous Phi Delta Theta was founded at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, in 1848. Today, there are 190 active chapters in 42 states and five Canadian provinces, according to phideltatheta.org. Famous brothers include MLB Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig and astronaut Neil Armstrong.

UCF fraternities have faced hazing allegations in the past.

Most recently, a Zeta Beta Tau fraternity brother, Kevin Estrada, was arrested in December on child pornography charges. Estrada helped raise money for the Orlando Children’s Miracle Network, a News 6 investigation found.

In March, Delta Upsilon was accused of making pledges run until they vomited, and Kappa Alpha Psi members were accused of beating a man.

News 6 has reached out to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity president for a comment. Check back to ClickOrlando.com for updates.

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