University of Arizona Suspends Sigma Tau Gamma Chapter After Alleged Hazing Involving Live Goldfish

The University of Arizona has suspended the campus chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma after university officials said new pledges were allegedly given alcohol and forced to swallow live goldfish as part of initiation rites.

In a letter to the chapter earlier in September, Jasmin Hayes, the university's senior student rights and responsibilities coordinator, said the group is under investigation for multiple alleged violations of the student code of conduct, including actions that "endanger, threaten, or cause physical harm" to members of the campus community.

Allegations and Immediate Sanctions

According to the letter, the alleged hazing occurred during the fall 2025 semester. Hayes wrote that new members were "forced to consume large quantities of alcohol and live goldfish" and were subjected to "screaming, degradation, and threats from active members."

"New members of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity were subjected to hazing," Hayes wrote.

The chapter has been barred from all activities except essential business meetings while the university's investigation continues. The letter warned that a repeat violation or any attempt to contact or interfere with witnesses could result in more severe sanctions.

Context and Related Incidents

University of Arizona officials said this is one of several recent hazing probes on campus. Earlier in 2026, another UA chapter, Sigma Phi Epsilon, was placed on 12 months' probation and fined $4,000 for hazing-related violations, local media reported. The outlet also reported that six UA fraternity chapters faced hazing investigations in 2026, with allegations including forced alcohol or drug consumption and incidents that led to hospitalizations.

The case at Arizona follows several high-profile hazing stories at other U.S. campuses. Authorities recently found dozens of partly clothed pledges locked in a University of Wisconsin–Madison fraternity basement and covered in food during a ritual. In New York, prosecutors said they had reopened a 2024 investigation into the alleged drugging and sexual assault of a student by members of Cornell University's Chi Phi fraternity.

Fraternity Background

On its national website, Sigma Tau Gamma lists values such as "integrity," "excellence" and "citizenship." In 2020, Pennsylvania State University and Sigma Tau Gamma's national board jointly announced the permanent closure of the fraternity's Alpha Psi chapter over hazing violations, including providing alcohol to minors.

The university's investigation is ongoing. The Guardian contacted Sigma Tau Gamma for comment.