COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — An Ohio State University fraternity has been suspended until 2029 after an investigation into alleged hazing, according to documents obtained by NBC4.
The Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity was suspended effective Feb. 12 and will remain suspended until Jan. 1, 2029, according to the documents. The organization was previously placed on interim suspension in December pending a full investigation.
During the spring semester in 2024, the fraternity allegedly provided and encouraged new members to drink a bottle of liquor, requiring two members to seek medical attention, documents show.
A witness reported that one of the members was forced to drink nearly the whole bottle by himself, which was 35% alcohol by volume.
“It’s every week [the member] comes back saying what he was forced to do for them, but this is where I draw the line. Completely unneeded and cruel by the frat to make him down that much alcohol,” the witness wrote.
The fraternity was also accused of misrepresenting information or providing false information during a student conduct investigation.
ATO was on disciplinary probation through Monday and did not “diligently complete required sanctions from the earlier conduct case, including finding an advisor,” according to the documents.
“If you choose to reestablish a chapter of Beta Omega Alpha Tau Omega at Ohio State, the inter/national organization must begin communication at least one year prior to reestablishing, but no sooner than January 10, 2028,” according to the documents. “With the revocation of the chapter’s recognition as a registered student organization at Ohio State, the chapter no longer has the rights and privileges afforded to a recognized student organization.”
The national fraternity also revoked the charter of the Beta Omega chapter in December.