Former ASU Students Sue Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Alleging 'Waterboarding,' Forced Drugs and Brutal Hazing

Two former Arizona State University students have filed a detailed lawsuit accusing Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) — its national organization, the ASU chapter and 54 individual members — of months of violent and degrading hazing that they say included forced binge drinking, coerced drug use and a shower incident the complaint calls "waterboarding."

The plaintiffs, Devin Stevens and Spencer Brajevic, both 19 at the time, submitted a 76-page complaint alleging the abuses took place during the spring 2024 semester at fraternity-associated residences in Tempe and Mesa. The suit names SAE’s national body, the ASU chapter and 54 individual fraternity members as defendants, and was reported by outlets including 12News, Yahoo News and the Phoenix New Times.

The complaint describes roughly three months of ritualized hazing, alleging that pledges were pressured to engage in forced binge drinking — at times to the point of vomiting — and were coerced into ingesting illegal drugs, which the filing lists as cocaine, ketamine and psychedelic mushrooms.

Among the most serious incidents described, the filing alleges that pledges were placed under cold showers with cloths pressed over their mouths while water was poured over their faces, an act the complaint characterizes as "waterboarding." Another recurring rite identified in the complaint, called "Punishment Night," allegedly involved being struck with wooden paddles that left welts and scarring. The suit also says recruits were forced to eat extremely spicy cheese balls with limited access to water before performing additional physical exercises.

"They are not seeking attention — they are seeking accountability," said attorney Jeremy Goad, who represents Stevens and Brajevic. Goad tied the claims to broader concerns about hazing culture, referencing a recent Northern Arizona University student death linked to a fraternity rush event.

Arizona State University confirmed the SAE chapter was placed on interim suspension in April 2025 and was formally suspended in October. The university said the formal suspension followed a separate lawsuit alleging fraternity members distributed a secretly recorded nude video as part of a hazing ritual. ASU also stated the new allegations in the Stevens-Brajevic complaint are under investigation and encouraged anyone with information to contact the Dean of Students Office.

According to the complaint, both plaintiffs have struggled with substance abuse since the alleged hazing; Stevens ultimately withdrew from ASU, citing academic and psychological harm. The men are seeking damages for physical injuries, educational setbacks, emotional and psychological harm, and medical expenses.

SAE’s national organization had not provided a comment to reporting outlets at the time of publication. The lawsuit arrives amid heightened scrutiny of fraternity hazing across Arizona, including the January death of an 18-year-old Northern Arizona University student after an off-campus rush event; three people were later arrested in that case.

This litigation is ongoing and the allegations in the complaint have not been proven in court. The university's investigation and any potential criminal or civil proceedings may produce additional evidence and outcomes.