Wisconsin Fraternity Leaders Charged After Pledges Found in Basement
Two leaders of an unrecognized University of Wisconsin-Madison fraternity were arrested after about 30 pledges were found in a hot, dirty basement, some injured and covered in food and liquids. Brayden Klein and Samuel Vane, both 20, face hazing and disorderly conduct charges and were released on bail. The university said it will investigate students involved, while the national fraternity still recognizes the chapter.
Alpha Epsilon Pi was removed from University of Wisconsin-Madison’s recognized chapter list in 2015, yet its national organization continued to recognize the Madison chapter, according to the university. Police acted on an anonymous tip about an off-campus chapter house event. Around 8:20 p.m. Wednesday, officers found roughly 30 pledges, most 18, partially clothed in a basement with the thermostat set to 81 degrees.
Brayden Klein and Samuel Vane, both 20, face hazing and disorderly conduct allegations. Each posted $400 bail early Thursday and left Dane County Jail. Madison police continue investigating, and the university said it will look into students implicated in the incident.
The charges may prompt campuses and national fraternities to review oversight of unrecognized chapters, which can operate with less university supervision. Students considering pledge activities could face greater scrutiny, and victims may feel more encouraged to report hazing. If the case proceeds, it could renew debate over how institutions and national organizations share responsibility for off-campus Greek life.