Multiple hazing allegations surface against suspended fraternity Theta Chi at VCU

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Multiple allegations of hazing incidents have been reported to Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in connection with Theta Chi, a fraternity that is not recognized by the university after it was suspended in 2024.

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the university released a VCU Alert regarding multiple alleged hazing incidents that occurred related to the pledging process of Theta Chi, a fraternity that is not recognized by VCU.

According to the alert, allegations against Theta Chi relate to extreme physical calisthenics, physical battery, forced alcohol consumption and mental degradation. These incidents reportedly occurred between Oct. 3 and Oct. 6 at multiple off-campus locations.

The university noted that VCU's Chapter of Theta Chi was suspended from November of 2024 until September of 2028 after it was found responsible for violating VCU's Student Code of Conduct.

In 2024, the University of Virginia terminated its chapter of the same fraternity, Theta Chi, for hazing.

The university's Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity is investigating these allegations with assistance from VCU Police and other university offices.

Anyone with information about hazing incidents can fill out an online reporting form, call the Office of Student Conduct & Academic Integrity at 804-828-1963 or email stuconduct@vcu.edu.

Any crime or suspicious activity should be reported to the VCU Police Department at 804-828-1234. For incidents that happen off-campus in the city of Richmond, you should call 911 for emergencies.

Back in February of 2021, 19-year-old Adam Oakes, a VCU freshman, was pledging the VCU Chapter of a different fraternity, Delta Chi, and was found unresponsive after a party.

Oakes' death was found to be caused by alcohol poisoning. This sent a shockwave through the university community and sparked a larger conversation about hazing at universities.

Both VCU and the Delta Chi national chapter suspended the fraternity. The investigation into alleged hazing and the individuals involved resulted in 11 men being charged with related crimes.