This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
UPDATE 2/12: This story has been updated to include a statement from the Ann Arbor Police Department.
The chapter of Alpha Epsilon Pi at the University of Michigan was recently suspended from the national AEPi organization over an alleged hazing incident. According to the U-M Fraternity and Sorority Life webpage, the recognition of AEPi was updated Thursday to “Cease and Desist of all chapter activities” by the chapter headquarters.
In an email to The Michigan Daily, Chris Page, Ann Arbor Police Department spokesperson, said no arrests have been made regarding a video of the hazing that was posted online.
“There have been no arrests,” Page wrote. “The Ann Arbor Police Department is aware of the video circulating online. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the AAPD tip line at 734.794.6939 or email tips@a2gov.org.”
Jonathan Pierce, former international president of the national AEPi organization and current external communications and media relations spokesperson, wrote in an email to The Daily that all operations within the chapter at the University have ceased. Pierce said the organization is cooperating with ongoing investigations into the incident and will suspend any members found to have violated the University’s student Code of Conduct and state of Michigan laws.
“At this time, all operations of the Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter at the University of Michigan have been completely suspended,” Pierce wrote. “Alpha Epsilon Pi is supporting investigations by proper authorities. We hope that anyone found to have engaged in this behavior will be fully prosecuted under the laws of the State of Michigan and that the University of Michigan will take action against them for violations of its student code of conduct. Anyone found guilty of these activities, in any way condoning it, or failing to intervene, will be suspended from AEPi pending their expulsion from membership in accordance with our internal procedures.”
Pierce said AEPi condemns any acts of hazing as a violation of the principles of the organization and takes reports of hazing seriously.
“(AEPi) does not condone hazing in any way, shape or form. Such behavior is antithetical to our values and our mission: developing the future leaders of the Jewish community,” Pierce wrote. “Despite our best efforts to educate our undergraduates, it appears that these men decided to take on this aberrant behavior. When we learn of it, we act swiftly and decisively to end it.”
Pierce also wrote that the national organization is in communication with individuals who were affected and is working to restructure the U-M chapter.
“We are already working on plans to support victims and to reorganize our chapter at the University of Michigan with a group of men who will uphold our values and mission and be a credit to our fraternity,” Pierce wrote.
Daily Staff Reporter Claudia Minetti can be reached at cminetti@umich.edu.