ORLANDO, Fla. – A fraternity at the University of Central Florida is under investigation after school officials received a complaint that a brother threatened a pledge, according to documents provided by the school.
An informant sent an email to the school's hazing hotline on Jan. 5 begging someone to help a freshman who was pledging Phi Delta Theta.
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"After weeks of 'pledging' Phi Delta Theta he has come to seek aid from me as he says it has been one of the most psychologically harming experiences he has ever experienced. It has taken a toll on him both mentally and physically," the informant wrote. "On top of that his grades have dropped due to this. He simply doesn't seem the same and I need action to be taken."
The person who wrote the email urged administrators to step in before "hell week," which was to begin a few days later.
"I am please asking you to take action and investigate before this Saturday as it could potentially save the mental state or even possibly the lives of the kids that are too scared to take action for themselves," the email read.
The informant also included a screenshot claiming a brother threatened the freshman student. UCF officials redacted the screenshot in documents provided to the media and did not give further details regarding the nature of the threat.
UCF officials did not see the email until Jan. 20. The Office of Student Conduct sent a letter to the fraternity that same day notifying its members of an interim suspension while the school investigates the hazing accusation.
The school also received a separate complaint about the fraternity on Jan. 17. Two students told their resident assistant that their roommate came home extremely drunk around 3 a.m. after his Phi Delta Theta initiation ceremony on Jan. 14, documents said.
The students said their roommate banged on doors, yelled and tried to start fights. They said their roommate has had similar problems during the past academic year.
[View UCF's "Golden Rule" student hand book here.]
Phi Delta Theta President Gary Burns provided a statement to News 6 Friday when word of the investigation first came to light.
"We take all allegations seriously. The safety of our chapter, our members, and external community as whole is our main priority," Burns said. "We will continue to work with UCF officials, alumni and our general headquarters to solve this investigation."
While on interim suspension, the fraternity is prohibited from participating in social events, fundraisers, intramural activities and other events. Members are also barred from hosting chapter meetings.
The interim suspension will remain in effect until the university reaches an outcome in the fraternity's disciplinary case.
UCF Greek Life members have faced hazing allegations in the past. Below is a list of some of the most notable hazing accusations in recent years.
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