University of Arizona Suspends All 21 Fraternities Amid Hazing, Assault and Drug Investigations

The University of Arizona has suspended activities across all 21 of its Interfraternity Council chapters as the school investigates a wave of misconduct allegations involving nearly half of its fraternities, including claims of hazing, physical assault, drugs and alcohol.

Dean of Students Chrissy Lieberman announced the interim action in an October 5, 2026, memo to the university’s Greek community, saying the number of cases under investigation and the severity of the allegations had reached an “egregious” level.

Six fraternities, Zeta Beta Tau, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Chi, Theta Xi and Phi Gamma Delta, were immediately suspended. The remaining chapters are also barred from organizational activities until their advisers attend mandatory meetings with Lieberman. Chapters otherwise in good standing can resume normal operations after completing that requirement.

The order effectively shuts down fraternity events and programming, allowing only business meetings while chapters move through the university’s review process.

The Dean of Students Office is reviewing the misconduct allegations alongside the University of Arizona Police Department, and some of the more serious matters are also under criminal investigation. Lieberman said the surge has pushed her office to capacity, with every organizational misconduct case now involving an IFC fraternity.

The broader action follows months of warnings to fraternity leaders. University President Suresh Garimella met with fraternity presidents on August 27 and warned that further conduct putting students at risk could prompt university action.

Sigma Tau Gamma was placed on an activities suspension in September after the university accused members of forcing new members to consume large amounts of alcohol and live goldfish during alleged hazing in the fall 2025 semester. The university also alleged that new members were subjected to screaming, degradation and threats.

School conduct records separately list Delta Chi, Delta Kappa Epsilon, Sigma Tau Gamma, Zeta Beta Tau and Zeta Psi as subjects of ongoing investigations involving allegations that include hazing, alcohol violations, endangering behavior and possible violations of law.

Phi Delta Theta remains on probation through May 2027 over earlier findings involving alcohol, hazing and endangering conduct, while Sigma Phi Epsilon is serving a probation term through the same month following findings involving hazing, alcohol and conduct that put others at risk.

The allegations also carry potential criminal consequences under Arizona’s hazing law, which covers forced or coerced conduct tied to joining or maintaining membership in an organization, including consuming alcohol, drugs, food or other substances when the activity creates a substantial risk of harm.

Hazing is generally a Class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona and can rise to a Class 4 felony if it results in death. A student’s consent does not provide a defense.

Arizona law also requires public universities to investigate hazing complaints and allows schools to sanction organizations independently of any criminal case.

Lieberman said reports are continuing to come from students, parents and other members of the community. Chapters in good standing can begin returning to activity after mandatory adviser meetings, while those facing active misconduct cases remain under separate investigation or sanction.

The university has not set an end date for the broader fraternity review.