Thats simply so that we can do our due diligence and take a look into the case and see if theres anything there that the police need to act on or need to refer for prosecution.. View the full letter here:FSL STATEMENT - Feb 14, 2023. function mobileAndTabletcheck() { EAST LANSING The Ingham County Prosecutor's Office has dropped charges against one of three members of the since-disbanded Pi Alpha Phi fraternity at Michigan State University in . The CRC and its services are designed to empower students to thrive in the fullness of the college experience, free from alcohol and other drugs. Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment in which all students have the right to belong to student organizations without undergoing hazing as a right of entry. Sigma Phi Epsilon is not an active chapter on campus. ", In surveillance footage taken inside the frat house shortly after 9 p.m. on Oct. 19, pledges can be seen blindfolded and led downstairs for a ritual known as "pledge dad reveal night.". The State News attempted to contact multiple Pi Alpha Phi members. Alcohol consumption was determined to have played a factor in the case. The party ended with the death of MSU business student Phat Nguyen and three other pledges transported to Sparrow Hospital. We take those cases, Gonzalez said. Pi Alpha Phis national boards policy statements and risk management information state that hazing, along with other actions, can have a devastating effect on their brotherhood. By Randall. "That personal integrity, I think, is critical to who we believe that we are as an organization. The State News attempted to reach the three pledges. People would go down there and look at them and come back up. Prosecutors have charged one fraternity member with two misdemeanors for supplying alcohol to a minor. Weeks later, the Pi Alpha Phi National Board and MSU closed the chapter for a minimum of 10 years. But this inability to charge Sigma Chi with a criminal offense is one that legislators are trying to change. The question becomes whether or not this is hazing, or and this is where I am not minimizing anything was this drinking at a college party, which occurs right, wrong, or indifferent all day, every day throughout the county, Brian Morley, attorney for Andrew Nguyen, told the Journal. None of the three men are enrolled for the fall semester at MSU, university spokesperson Dan Olsen said in June. Hazing is illegal in Michigan under Garret's Law. We're glad you're here. The MSU chapter of Phi Kappa Psi declined to comment, deferring to IFC. Three Michigan State University fraternity members have been charged over the November 2021 hazing death of a student who was found unconscious and covered in vomit in a basement. Only one of the 19 cases details a male allegedly accused of assaulting another male. Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK, 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Black fraternity boots three officers involved in Tyre Nichols death, Frat member found dead at accused Idaho killers former university, Memphis cop involved in Tyre Nichols killing was president of scandal-scarred fraternity, Bowling Green reaches $3.9M settlement over students hazing death. The three accused former frat boys, who are facing up to 15 years in jail and a fine up to $10,000, are not enrolled in MSU for the fall, the Lansing State Journal reported. One, Philip Jeon, responded and said that everything the pledges did was completely voluntary. At the end of the day you could be saving someones life and that is more important.. Thirty fraternities have been shut down by either their university or national headquarters since the beginning of March due to hazing, alcohol-related problems, criminal investigations and other student conduct infractions. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Phat Nguyen died from acute alcohol consumption after attending off-campus party in East Lansing, Michigan, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? The witness recount and students reports. Data was requested for the 29 fraternities that either are or were part of MSU's Interfraternity Council, or IFC, and had a chapter house in the past five years. Phat Nguyen died from acute alcohol consumption after attending an off-campus party in East Lansing, Michigan, at the now-disbanded Pi Alpha Phi fraternitys house. Shaw Hall (CAPS services) 591 N. Shaw Lane, East Lansing.Community providers will remain at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing, with the WorkLife Office supporting. Several universities suspended Greek life after allegations of hazing, sexual assault and alcohol abuse, including the University of Michigan, Indiana University and Florida State University. So when they do that usually people are supposed to be there just like looking after them, but I guess this time there wasnt, the student said. We have had cases where victims have claimed, or we have substantiated their claim, that some type of drug was slipped into a drink of theirs unbeknownst to them. Hazing Prevention 101 Course Resources New Membership Paperwork . aScriptAttributes.push('data-spotx_content_height="250"'); Police responded to a call for medical assistance about 2 a.m. and found fourindividuals passed out," one of whom wasunresponsive and not breathing, according to a press release provided at the time. They reported scenes of a basement room with three individuals stripped down to their shorts, writings on their back and lying unconscious over mattresses. A lot of these reports are made to the police after the fact. Housed in the Health Promotion Department, MSUs Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) serves students in or seeking recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction. Fraternity & Sorority Life is meant to be a safe, positive, and educational part of the university experience. He was," his mother, Mary Pat Santulli, told ABC News. The defense can request the judge remand the case back to district court before the end of 2022. Coontz said Pham was permanently dismissed from the university on the last day of his class of his senior year, when he was due to complete his final credit hours for graduation. Across the Country, Fraternity Hazing Rituals Are Still Killing Young Men Ethan Tin Cao, Andrew Hoang Nguyen and Hoang John Huu Pham of the now defunct MSU fraternity Pi Alpha Phi face three misdemeanor charges of hazing causing physical injury and one felony of hazing resulting in death. The four were allegedly found unconscious and reeking of urine in a dirty basement, wearing nothing but shorts, reports said. (function(a){if(/(android|bb\d+|meego).+mobile|avantgo|bada\/|blackberry|blazer|compal|elaine|fennec|hiptop|iemobile|ip(hone|od)|iris|kindle|lge |maemo|midp|mmp|mobile.+firefox|netfront|opera m(ob|in)i|palm( os)?|phone|p(ixi|re)\/|plucker|pocket|psp|series(4|6)0|symbian|treo|up\. "So both of those specific student leaders will have their own specialized training that they go through in the spring. Fraternity suspended after Michigan State student's death EAST LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - Three people have been charged in the hazing death of Phat Nguyen, a Michigan State University student. The "Greeks Take the Lead" Program serves to: MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services counselors are moving to Akers Hall, Brody Square and Shaw Hall private dining rooms to provide services. ", Tom Santulli, his father, added, "We will get through it. All the IFC presidents will be required to go to a training specific for presidents, as well as our risks managers," Alexander said. var check = false; If either the victim or the suspect are affiliated with MSU, the police alert the university of the alleged assault, Gonzalez said. Three MSU fraternity members face felony charge over Phat Nguyen's The MSU chapter of Theta Chi declined to comment because it was not charted during the alleged incidents. Seventeen cases had investigations stall because the victims did not want to pursue an investigation. Pi Alpha Phi works to address negative behaviors associated with alcohol and drug abuse, hazing, and sexual abuse and harassment., Rule 9 of the Pi Alpha Phi Member Code of Conduct states that, in order to promote a strong brotherhood, members agree to not misuse nor support the misuse of alcohol or drugs.. The Santulli family and their lawyer are fighting to make a difference. One person said they saw a pledge convulsing with blood dripping from his nose, the News reported. The other two individuals lay on top of each other on another mattress to the right. aScriptAttributes.push('data-spotx_channel_id="186661"'); Lin recommends all students speak up if they see something that seems wrong or makes them feel uncomfortable, even if they are afraid at the moment. It wasnt secret everyone knew what was going on, the witness said. At MSU, the highest number of reported assaults occurred at Delta Kappa Epsilon. All rights reserved. Michigan State University shares the same sentiments. They found four individuals passed out with one, Nguyen, unresponsive and not breathing. The Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Health Promotion staff offers educational sessions for students concerned about their own alcohol and other drug use or that of a friend or family member. Regardless, when we have a sexual assault case we will work all of the leads, if you will, that we can, even if the victim does not want to follow through or is uncooperative with our investigators. Collegiate Recovery Community Coordinator: Hazing is illegal in Michigan under the law commonly known as . MSU's official hazing prevention statement says Greek Life is meant to be a safe, positive, and educational part of the university experience and that hazing is contradictory to the values held by fraternities and sororities. It just happened to be that people would go down there, I guess take photos, go back up, dance, party, get bored, go back down there.. MSU's chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon has four alleged assaults reported since September 2015. So its hard to establish independently with a blood test or even first person observations of the officer whether or not that accused had been using drugs or alcohol as well.. Michigan State University Defines Hazing as:Requiring or encouraging any act, whether or not the act is voluntarily agreed upon, in conjunction with initiation, affiliation with, continued membership, or participation in any group that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm or humiliation. Our mission is to provide a safe and supportive campus community in which students in recovery from addiction can achieve their academic, personal and professional goals. One of those cases reportedly happened at Pi Kappa Alpha in March 2012. twitter, Alcohol is lead contributor in death of MSU student Phat Nguyen, autopsy reports, Pi Alpha Phi fraternity closed, minimum of 10 year disband, Phat Nguyen remembered at candlelight vigil outside Minskoff Pavilion, MSU Community: Share your voice post-shooting, A playlist for falling in love during the summer, An alternative academic path: Graduating transfer students reflect on their time at Michigan State, MSU student services break down barriers, support students in overcoming graduation obstacles, All hands on deck: Behind-the-scenes of MSU commencement, Graduating seniors reflect on growth during college, MSU seniors reflect on lasting college friendships. East Lansing Police responded to a call for medical assistance at about am on 20 November and found four students passed out, one of whom was unresponsive and not breathing they said at the time. A Michigan State fraternity death has resulted in the suspension of Pi Alpha Phi. The air got really thick, one witness told the publication. Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity shut down by the University amid hazing concerns Investigators say that there is video of Andrew Nguyen pouring alcohol into the pledges mouths, while Mr Cao was the fraternitys pledge master, and Mr Pham was the organisations president. Ethan Cao, Hoang Pham, and Andrew Nguyen have been charged in the case. 3 members of Asian American frat charged in hazing death The purpose of the hotline is to provide an anonymous method to report known or suspected misconductat Michigan State University. Police responded to a call for medical assistance about 2 a.m. and found fourindividuals passed out," one of whom wasunresponsive and not breathing, according to a press release provided at the time. Joining a Fraternity or Sorority brings life long relationships, opportunities for personal and career growth, and a national network of alumni across the globe. The family of a University of Missouri student who nearly died while pledging a fraternity is speaking out to help ensure that no one else experiences their pain. These actions led to the hospitalization of (three) crossing members and the death of (one).. All three are scheduled for pre-exam conferences on June 17. On Nov. 19, the MSU chapter of Pi Alpha Phi held a crossing party to welcome four new members into their fraternity. This section doesnt apply to an individual that was the subject of hazing if the individual voluntarily allowed themself to be hazed. "They were given their family bottle of alcohol and then they drank from it and they took them upstairs and for the next two hours, they drank and drink and drink," David Bianchi, the family's attorney, told "Good Morning America. The Greeks Take the Lead Program is a mandatory workshop series for all fraternity and sorority chapters that are currently registered student organizations (RSOs) or are hoping to become a RSO. Emergency medical personal responded to a 911 call on Saturday at 2:00 a.m. ZBT fraternity shutters University of Michigan chapter after hazing Michigan State University officials said they have a strict zero-tolerance policy when it comes to hazing. Other fraternity members carry him out of the room, pick him up and drop him onto a sofa. One student that was not at the house that night, but has spoken with members in the MSU Asian American community, said that the pledges had been drinking throughout the day. Members of the IFC voted unanimously to terminate Alpha Sigma Phi's Theta chapter following an investigation by the . Michigan State Law:Hazing is illegal in Michigan under the law commonly known as Garrets Law, which is codified under M.C.L.A. 3 frat members charged in hazing death of Michigan State student "I saw Danny in the medical ICU at the hospital at Mizzou. Michigan State University student's death leads to hazing charges - WILX Because the incident happened in 2012, the current Phi Gamma Delta president was still in high school, President Jack Rose said. Health and Safety | Fraternity & Sorority Life - Michigan State University The bros made sure to say to us that everything is voluntary and that we couldve said no to anything that night of the party. var bMobile = mobileAndTabletcheck(), 750.411(t). According to the witnesses, students from other MSU Greek life organizations attended the party as well. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Alcohol consumption being investigated in the off-campus tragedy. Nguyen died last November after going to a welcome party at the fraternity house, while three other pledges also passed out and were hospitalised. "We are heartbroken by this loss to our Spartan community and our thoughts and prayers are with the student's family and friends," Dan Olsen, a spokesperson for the university, told the Lansing State Journal. In addition, Michigan State has a strict zero-tolerance policy towards hazing. Support student media! The Independent has reached out to MSU for comment. "It makes me stick -- sick to my stomach seeing the people involved -- that harmed Danny walking around campus, acting like they did nothing wrong," his sister said. Pham was the fraternity's president and organized the "crossing party," at which attendees were to celebrate four pledges becoming full members of Pi Alpha Phi. I think especially more than ever its really important.. We work substantially to try to educate our community to prevent this from happening," Assistant Director of Greek Life Linda Alexander said. Needless to say, the individual involved in such an incident on October 8, 2015, is no longer associated with our organization. "That being said, the Beta Epsilon chapter like all other chapters of Zeta Beta Tau, have a zero tolerance policy towards sexual assault/sexual harassment being committed by brothers of the fraternity. Theta Chi is now part of IFC. It did not have any reports before then. It wasnt secret everyone knew what was going on. They did not see the fourth pledge in the basement room, the witnesses confirmed. Early that Friday morning, the Asian American interest fraternity made a Facebook post welcoming four pledges into their fall 2021 class, including Nguyen. Since 1872, Michigan State University's Fraternity and Sorority Community has been a thriving part of campus life. Michigan State University campus sign in East Lansing, Mich., Feb. 1, 2018. The Ingham County Prosecutors Office received the charges at the end of March, he said. Fraternity & Sorority Life here at Michigan State is full of Spartan pride, however we encourage all of our members to celebrate with class. Our brothers accept the responsibility to participate in society as active and safe citizens, and having that social responsibility in the integrity," Schwartz said. "Sigma Phi Epsilon provides training opportunities each year to our members on consent and healthy relationships, and our Live Your Oath campaign teaches brothers how they can help end sexual assault on our campuses.". The charge became law in 2004 with Michigans passage of Senate Bill 0783, which prohibited the hazing of an individual by someone affiliated with an educational institution. Cao's attorney, Edwar Zeineh, did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. The chapter gave a statement promising to hold people accountable. When youre looking at the numbers themselves, certainly that shows a spike, Gonzalez said. Other fraternity brothers come into the room and carry Danny toward the door, dropping him on the floor. And it's just -- it's just a bunch of tubes everywhere," his brother, Nick Santulli, told ABC News. Michigan State fraternity members face felony over pledge's hazing death One witness said that one pledge, not moving, was laying alone on top of the mattress in the far left corner of the room. That's on the video.". He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Ingham County Medical Examiner. It is a huge commitment that our campus is working towards, to educate, IFC fraternities specifically.. According to court records they have been charged with one count of hazing-death and three counts of hazing-injury. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. We always are conscientious of the facts and circumstances surrounding a case, and namelyhere, we have a young person who died. In a lot of the cases there is a component of either alcohol or drugs use, to the extent that will vary, Gonzalez said. Witnesses who attended the party contacted The State News. Hazing is also strictly prohibited at Michigan State. If any members are found responsible for sexual misconduct, DKE will immediately use its judicial process to hold members accountable for their actions.". I do not have any comments about this incident, Cao said in a text. -- The Zeta Beta Tau fraternity said it is revoking its chapter at the University of Michigan, alleging members there violated multiple policies, including hazing. Hazing can result in irrevocable harm to students, their families, and the University community. The one thing with the St. Patricks Day timeline, too, is thats generally when we see the weather start to warm up again. Michigan State University has implemented a telephone hotline including a web reporting feature to help maintain adherence to ethical practices. His blood alcohol level was a near-lethal .46. Every time Id see him he was smiling, laughing with other people, Zhou said. Misconduct related to the following areas can be reported through the hotline: fiscal, conflicts of interest, employment, medical/HIPAA, research, safety, athletics, discrimination/harassment, privacy, retaliation, and any other issue that does not fit another category. Brian Morley, the attorney for AndrewNguyen, said the tragedy of the case can't be overstated, butthe criminal case will come down to whether the incident had "somebody forcing somebody to do something.". The Zeta Beta Tau page has already been taken down from the University of Michigan's Greek life website. Three MSU Fraternity Members Face Felony Charge Over Phat Nguyen - TFNL As they were walking down the stairs they saw people standing in a room on the right side of the basement, one witness described. Id more expect them to be equally distributed throughout the school year, especially you might see more during the fall and during the spring when the weather is warmer, Gonzalez said. It was really gross like you could smell something, and it wasnt even just urine, it was a mix of something just kind of like vomit.. The 5 Colleges That Have Passed Strong Hazing Rules in 2023 https://ossa.msu.edu/hazing-information-and-resources. In a statement to ABC News, the fraternity said, "Danny should not have been put in such a situation" and the "fraternity prohibits hazing" and giving alcohol to minors. His mother and sister Meredith agreed. Joining a Fraternity or Sorority brings life long relationships, opportunities for personal and career growth, and a national network of alumni across the globe. Pi Alpha Phi's national board confirmed to the State Journal in an email that its "Michigan State University chapter has been placed under interim suspension pending investigation upon the death of a student member last weekend.". Makethe call. According to the police documents, officials observed video of AndrewNguyen pouring alcohol into the pledges' mouths. An MSU fraternity, Pi Alpha Phi, was suspended after Nguyen was found to have died in a hazing incident. We investigate all the cases equally on the merits of the evidence that we can discover and turn over to the prosecutors office. Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism. Location information: Akers Hall (CAPS and EAP services) 908 Akers Road, East Lansing. "At the end of the day, it's still Danny. Minutes before 11 p.m., Danny Santulli can be seen losing his balance and falling backward. Fraternity hazing is any activity that takes place in fraternities on college campuses across the U.S. There have been more than 50 hazing-related deaths, and far more uncounted injuries, since 2000. EAST LANSING The Ingham County Prosecutor's Office has dropped charges against one of three members of the since-disbanded Pi Alpha Phi fraternity at Michigan State University in connection with the death of Phat Nguyen in November 2021. We will get through it.". However, there is no national headquarters for Beta Zeta, meaning no one is able to comment. The remaining two cases were referred to a prosecutors office, but both cases were denied warrants due to lack of evidence. If you decide to report, please be as specific as possible including organizations involved, date of incident and time, location, people involved, etc. Michigan State Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is an on campus support center located in Olin Health Center. Alleged cases were also reported in January, September, October and November. Violence and tragedy have struck our campus and community. } He was hazed to death and that is the truth.. Hazing means an intentional, knowing, or reckless act by a person acting alone or acting with others that is directed against an individual and that the person knew or should have known endangers the physical health or safety of the individual, and that is done for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, participating in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, according to the Michigan Penal Code. Michigan State University removed the fraternity'sregistered student organization statusand suspended its charter for at least 10 years in December, while Pi Alpha Phi's National Board closed the chapter. ]; "We have never been informed of these allegations or related investigation, charges or adjudication concerning chapter members. Michigan State University spokesperson Dan Olsen said none of the three men charged are enrolled for the fall semester at the university. Edwar Zeineh, Cao's lawyer, said his client entered a not guilty plea. The case was referred to the Eaton County Prosecutor's Office, but a warrant for the suspect was denied because the burden of proof was not met. { According to the Michigan Penal Code Section 750.411t, if hazing results in a death, the person is guilty of a felony punishable by no more than 15 years in prison or a fine no more than $10,000, or both. 3 charged in hazing death of Michigan State University student - WILX EAST LANSING Three members of the since-disbanded Pi Alpha Phi fraternity at Michigan State University are facing criminalcharges in connection with thedeath of Phat Nguyen in November 2021, court records show. "Just the fact that they knew he was in distress and his lips were blue, and nobody called 911. Background: East Lansing police believe alcohol likely contributed to MSU students death. We notify the university of the incident so that they can on their end, provide some resources and care to the victim as well.. Chapters and Councils - Fraternity & Sorority Life - Grand Valley State MSU's DKE fraternity faces demands for - Spartan Newsroom Greek Life is also partnered with MSU's Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Prevention Program, Alexander said. When police officers responded to a medical emergency call at the residence, they found four individuals passed out inside, including Nguyen, who was unresponsive and not breathing, according to a statement from the East Lansing Police Department. We were actually encouraged to drop, Jeon wrote in an Instagram direct message. A lawyer for one of the accused said the case will come down to whether Nguyen was forced into drinking. He's in a wheelchair. We dont have as many of those cases as opposed to a male assaulting a female, but I wouldnt say its unusual to see a case like that. "He did organize the party, but there was absolutely nothing to show that he individually contributed to what happened beyond that," Coontz said. Their preliminary exams are slated for June 23,Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Mike Cheltenham said. Three Michigan State students face charges in the hazing death of Phat Nguyen, reports State News. We meet with her regularly. Beyond the classroom, these leaders set a precedent for the greater MSU student body representing what it truly means to be a Spartan. Hazing, secrecy leave University of Michigan fraternities in turmoil But he hears us, and he knows we're there," she said through tears.
