Arizona frat suspended after allegedly making new recruits swallow live goldfish

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Published: 2026-09-28T18:03:37.800Z • Permanent link

Fraternity members at the University of Arizona were allegedly forced to swallow live goldfish in a hazing ritual, sparking outrage and prompting the suspension of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. The incident occurred on November 12, 2022, at the fraternity's house, where new recruits were subjected to the bizarre and disturbing practice. According to reports, several members of the fraternity were involved in the incident, including the chapter's president, who has since resigned. The incident is the latest in a series of high-profile hazing incidents involving US fraternities, with many institutions taking steps to address the issue.

The University of Arizona has a long history of fraternities and sororities, with over 40 chapters on campus. The Alpha Tau Omega fraternity has been a part of this community since 1904, and has a reputation for being one of the largest and most active chapters on campus. However, the incident has raised questions about the fraternity's leadership and its commitment to creating a safe and respectful environment for its members. The university's president, Dr. Robert Nellis, has condemned the incident, stating that "hazing is never acceptable and will not be tolerated" at the university.

The incident has also sparked a wider conversation about the role of fraternities and sororities in American higher education. Many institutions have struggled to balance the benefits of Greek life, such as community service and leadership development, with the risks of hazing and other forms of misconduct. The Alpha Tau Omega fraternity has faced criticism in the past for its handling of hazing incidents, and this latest incident has raised questions about its ability to provide a safe and respectful environment for its members.

The incident at the University of Arizona has significant implications for the research community, which has long studied the effects of hazing on students. The American Psychological Association has estimated that hazing can have long-term negative effects on mental health, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The incident also highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the Greek life system, as well as more effective prevention and intervention strategies.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of social media in perpetuating hazing culture. Many social media platforms have been criticized for allowing hazing incidents to go viral, with some users sharing videos and photos of hazing rituals without fully understanding the severity of the incidents. The Alpha Tau Omega fraternity has been accused of using social media to promote its brand and recruit new members, despite the controversy surrounding the hazing incident.

Hazing incidents are not unique to the University of Arizona or the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Similar incidents have occurred at other institutions of higher education, including universities in California, New York, and Ohio. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards greater accountability and transparency in the Greek life system, with many institutions implementing new policies and procedures to prevent and address hazing incidents.