Four members of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at Florida State University were arrested Saturday at 1:30 a.m. in relation to a hazing incident.
Sigma Phi Epsilon was immediately suspended from the university, according to Major Jim Russell of the FSU police department.
After receiving a hazing complaint, patrol officers of the FSU police department took an unmarked car and went to the fraternity house, Russell said. Upon arriving, they heard yelling and screaming coming from the rear of the house. FSU police and Tallahassee police then found 31 pledges in a crawlspace underneath the house.
According to Russell, the pledges were covered in catfish stink bait, flour, raw eggs and vinegar. Profanity and vulgar language had been written on their shirts.
Tallahassee Community College students Eric Fernandez and Nicholas Finazzo, as well as FSU students Drew Johnson and Joshua Vincent, were arrested and taken to Leon County Jail, where they were booked under the Florida misdemeanor statute of hazing, Russell said.
Russell added that bond was posted and the four men were bailed out.
FSU Dean of Students Jeanine Ward-Roof said the university is concerned about the safety of its students.
"We are working cooperatively with the Florida State police department," Ward-Roof said. "Once we receive the report, we will review the report and determine what immediate action needs to be taken based on the student code of violation."
According to the University of Virginia's Undergraduate Record, hazing is defined as "any action taken or situation ... that is designed to or produces mental or physical harassment, discomfort or ridicule. Such activities and situations include, but are not limited to, creation of excessive physical or psychological shock, fatigue, stress, injury or harm."
Aaron Laushway, University director of fraternity and sorority life, said hazing is taken seriously by the University.
"Upon completion of [an] investigation, a report and its recommendations are discussed with the vice president for student affairs and a determination is made as to which avenue one should pursue," Laushway said. "In the past, charges have also been brought before the University Judiciary Committee."
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