NC State fraternity under investigation for alleged hazing amid suspension

NC State University is investigating allegations of hazing at the Sigma Nu Beta Tau fraternity chapter, which remains under an interim suspension imposed by both the university and the fraternity's national organization, ABC11 WTVD reported. The suspension requires the chapter to halt all activities while the investigation continues.

A message reading 'Relax Pal' was displayed on a white sheet outside the fraternity house on Wednesday afternoon but was later removed. It is unclear if this message was related to the ongoing criminal hazing investigation, according to WTVD.

WRAL reported that a man leaving the fraternity house said, 'We're innocent,' in response to the allegations. The investigation is connected to a separate criminal inquiry, with an anonymous report filed on October 14 describing hazing and the use of date rape drugs by an unspecified fraternity, though it is not confirmed if this involves Sigma Nu.

Hazing prevention experts emphasize the widespread nature of hazing on college campuses. Meredith Stewart of StopHazing noted that 55% of college students involved in clubs or organizations experience hazing, highlighting the harm it causes as students seek community and support.

NC State had three reports of hazing in 2025, according to university crime statistics. The Stop Campus Hazing Act passed by Congress in December 2024 requires schools to report hazing incidents more transparently, making it harder for such issues to be ignored, WRAL reported.