UCF Fraternity Under Fire After Allegedly Hitting Pledges With Cars
A disturbing hazing ritual at the University of Central Florida (UCF) has left the campus community shaken. Police reports claim that members of Sigma Chi forced pledges to stand in front of moving cars as part of a hazing stunt. Now, both Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon face suspension as UCF and their national organizations dig into the details.
Hit and Hazed
It all started around 3 a.m. on Feb. 24, 2025, when a member of the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority called UCF police. She reported hearing yelling outside the Sigma Chi house, followed by the sound of a car striking someone. According to the police report, the woman saw a gray Kia allegedly hit a young man at about 10 to 15 miles per hour. Moments later, someone screamed, "Help!" and "My bones, my bones, they're broken!" as reported by the Orlando Sentinel.
The witness told police that several men wearing white shirts or polos with khakis — typical fraternity pledge attire — stood nearby. Other sorority members backed up her account, saying, "one of the boys got hit by a car," according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Police arrived at the Sigma Chi house soon after, but they didn't find an injured victim. A gray Kia matching the description allegedly tried to slip away with its headlights off, but police stopped the car. What they found remains unclear.
Sigma Chi's Not-So-Clean Record
This isn't Sigma Chi's first trip to the disciplinary office. Between 2015 and 2020, the fraternity racked up eight suspensions, including four in 2019 alone. One 2019 incident involved allegations that Sigma Chi brothers blindfolded a pledge and forced him to use cocaine.
In an Instagram statement, Sigma Chi addressed the latest allegations but stayed tight-lipped on specifics. "We are committed to cooperating with the university and with UCF PD during this process to resolve any actions and misunderstandings," the fraternity said, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
UCF didn't hold back in its response. Courtney Gilmartin, a university spokesperson, confirmed Sigma Chi faces interim suspension. "UCF unequivocally condemns hazing in all forms, and we are committed to holding individuals and organizations accountable for actions that threaten the safety and well-being of our students and others," Gilmartin said, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
The Psychology of Hazing
Dr. Susan Lipkin, a clinical psychologist and hazing expert, explained why hazing persists despite the risks. "Hazing has a beginning, a middle, and an end. It is planned. It is not an impulsive activity," Lipkin told WSVN. "They know exactly what they're doing, and they believe that they're in control. And they believe that nobody will get hurt. The problem is when you do risky things, people do get hurt."
Lipkin added that hazing culture thrives on fear and peer pressure. "As a group, it's possible that they could stop it. But as an individual, when the individuals try to stop the hazing, they are typically hazed worse," she said, according to WSVN.
What Happens Now?
Both UCF and Sigma Chi's national office have launched separate investigations. UCF's suspension of Sigma Chi blocks the fraternity from holding any events or activities on or off campus until the investigation wraps up.
No charges have been filed yet, but the severity of the allegations could lead to criminal action. For now, UCF students and parents are left wondering how something this dangerous could happen — and whether the university's response will be enough to stop it from happening again.
References: UCF fraternity under investigation following accusations of harmful hazing incidents | University of Central Florida fraternity allegedly hit pledges with cars in hazing incident, police says | UCF fraternity allegedly hit pledges with cars in hazing incident, police report says
