UGA fraternity investigated for hazing

The University of Georgia has paused pledging for one of its fraternities amid an investigation into alleged hazing.

The university said it is conducting a review of the Sigma Chi fraternity "following a third-party complaint."

The Athens-Clarke County Police Department said it is also investigating the reported incident.

UGA received an email complaint on Aug. 12 that reported "'gross student misconduct and abuse' in reference to 'hazing by male Greek Life leaders,'" a University of Georgia Police Department complaint stated.

The complainant reported that "incoming freshmen were punched and forced to drink copious amounts of alcohol beyond their capacity.”

One of two fraternities cited in the complaint has been allowed to resume activities following a "thorough review," university spokesperson Rod Guajardo said.

A review into the other fraternity, Sigma Chi, is ongoing, with all potential new member activity currently paused, Guajardo said.

"Pausing all potential new member activity for an individual organization while a review is conducted is standard operating procedure," Guajardo said in a statement.

The complaint was referred to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department because the fraternity is located off-campus.

A police spokesperson the investigation but said details were currently unavailable.

Hazing is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.

It’s also against university policy.

"Students and organizations are prohibited from participating in, condoning, encouraging, requiring, or allowing opportunity for hazing," UGA on its website.