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Kappa Alpha Psi Suspended 15 Years at Miami University Following Violent Hazing Allegations

@SpectacularMag Staff

OXFORD, OH—A prominent fraternity at Miami University has been suspended for years following a troubling investigation that uncovered disturbing activity involving both students and alumni. The university’s decision marks one of the most severe disciplinary actions in its recent history, and the details are difficult to ignore.

Miami University has suspended the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. chapter for 15 years following serious allegations of violent hazing involving both current members and alumni. The decision, finalized on April 11, stems from a series of alleged abuses that occurred during the fall 2024 pledge process, despite the chapter already being on probation for prior misconduct.

From Permanent Ban to Long-Term Suspension

The Kappa Delta chapter, established at Miami University in 1980, was initially permanently banned on March 6 by Wesley Highley, associate director of the Office of Community Standards. Following an appeal from fraternity leaders, the sanction was later reduced to a 15-year suspension. The chapter is now barred from campus until March 15, 2040.

Senior Vice President for Student Life Jayne Brownell emphasized the need for strong disciplinary action:

“Our hope is by that time, the alumni from Miami will no longer be an influence on the culture for a recolonization,” she wrote. “There may be a time when Kappa Alpha Psi could become a thriving chapter after a long enough period of time has passed to erase this culture.”

During the suspension, the fraternity forfeits all university privileges and may be required to complete anti-hazing training if reinstated.

Allegations: Physical Abuse, Psychological Harm

According to Merriman Legal LLC, representing one of the alleged victims, pledges were subjected to “nightly hazing rituals” from late August to early October 2024, including:

  • Beatings with paddles and canes, allegedly up to 60 times a night
  • Sleep deprivation, forced wall sits, and meetings lasting until 3 a.m.
  • Verbal abuse and psychological manipulation

Attorney Tom Merriman described the student client as being in a “catatonic” state after enduring the alleged abuse for five weeks. Some of the hazing is said to have occurred during unauthorized meetings attended by alumni, some of whom were also linked to the 2022 hazing incident that had placed the chapter on probation.

Second Fraternity Suspended at Miami in 2024

Kappa Alpha Psi is the second fraternity to be suspended this year. In February, the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter was also suspended after pledges were allegedly forced to:

  • Ingest chewing tobacco
  • Do wall sits covered in baby oil
  • Participate in other activities deemed “inhumane”, according to The Enquirer

University Stance on Hazing

Miami University explicitly bans hazing, defining it as any act of initiation that creates a substantial risk of mental or physical harm — including coercion to consume alcohol or drugs.

“Failure to intervene, prevent or report any act of hazing may also constitute a violation,” states the university’s policy.

Officials maintain that their goal is to ensure a safe campus environment where students can engage in organizations without compromising their well-being.