In a recent development at Indiana University (IU), a fraternity hazing case involving Phi Kappa Psi has come to light. According to The Hill, seven members of the fraternity have been criminally charged for allegedly subjecting new members to dangerous challenges during the initiation ceremony, resulting in two individuals being hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis.
Court documents reveal that all seven defendants were members of the fraternity’s Member Education Committee and are each facing two felony charges related to hazing. Additionally, the fraternity president, Arjunkumar Patel, has been charged with obstruction of justice.
The incident took place in October 2025, where over twenty new members were instructed to engage in approximately three hours of intense physical activities, including collective squats known as “brother squats.” As a result, two new members suffered severe muscle damage and were diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that can lead to complications such as acute kidney failure and even life-threatening situations if not promptly treated.
Court documents also revealed that Patel, while one of the new members was hospitalized, sent text messages falsely claiming that the injuries occurred during a gym workout and attempted to delete relevant messages, leading to the obstruction of justice charge against him.
Furthermore, several new members and active members informed law enforcement that Joseph Moon was directly responsible for overseeing the initiation ceremony and determining the activities new members were required to complete, while the other five defendants were accused of being present and participating in the process.
Following the exposure of the incident, Phi Kappa Psi fraternity received a cease and desist order in October 2025. Indiana University stated that the fraternity is currently under suspension.
Lamar Hylton, the Vice Provost for Student Affairs at IU Bloomington, emphasized that the university expects all fraternities and sororities to adhere to the highest standards of safety, responsibility, and respect, and the charges brought forth by the prosecution are not in line with the university’s core values and student code of conduct.
“Hazing” within fraternity culture refers to the practice of subjecting new members to humiliating, dangerous, or potentially harmful initiation rituals. In recent years, universities across the United States have intensified regulations on fraternities due to incidents of severe injuries and fatalities, imposing disciplinary actions such as suspension or dissolution on violating organizations.
Tammy Meyer, the attorney representing one of the affected students, highlighted that many still perceive hazing as a campus tradition or rite of passage. However, when students end up hospitalized with life-threatening injuries, it demonstrates the serious consequences of such practices. Meyer hopes that the criminal charges will prompt a shift in campus culture to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Currently, two law firms representing the affected students have filed civil lawsuits against Indiana University, alleging that the university failed to fulfill its duty to ensure student safety. One of the victims stated in a press release that the experience robbed them of the enriching freshman year they were supposed to have and expressed hope that the case will encourage more students to speak out against hazing and remind all campus organizations that no tradition should come at the cost of students’ lives and well-being.
The modern fraternity system in the United States traces back to the late 18th century, initially serving as literary, debating, and academic societies for students. Over time, it evolved to emphasize lifelong membership, leadership development, networking, and social activities, managed jointly by national fraternity organizations, chapter houses, and universities, rather than solely by universities.
(Credit to The Hill for reference)