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By Suzanne Blake
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A fraternity at Ohio State University has been suspended after a disturbing video circulating on social media appeared to show two people engulfed in flames during an off-campus party.
The university placed its chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, or SAE, on interim suspension pending an investigation after becoming aware of the video.
The video appears to show one person's sweatpants already on fire before he lunges at another individual, whose clothing then catches fire. The pair fall to the ground and attempt to remove their burning clothes as others intervene.
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University officials said the people involved were receiving medical care and referred the matter to both the university and Columbus police.
“The university is aware of this extremely concerning incident, and the individuals in question are receiving medical care,” University spokesperson Benjamin Johnson said in a statement. “Ohio State is committed to a safe and healthy environment and expects students and student organizations to uphold that commitment and the university's values.”
Why It Matters
The incident adds even more scrutiny of fraternity safety at Ohio State University, where other Greek organizations have also faced serious disciplinary action for hazing and alcohol violations this year.
In July, the university revoked the registered student organization status of Pi Kappa Phi for 10 years following an investigation into an incident that left a student hospitalized. Investigators found violations involving “hazing, endangering behavior and alcohol.”
Earlier in the year, Kappa Delta Rho also had its university recognition revoked through May 2030 after Ohio State University found that the chapter violated hazing and alcohol rules.
The SAE investigation is also emerging amid increased national scrutiny of safety at fraternity events more broadly.
Last month, police investigated a woman's report that she was sexually assaulted during a party at the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house near the University of Chicago. A person of interest was identified and banned from the campus, but authorities had not filed charges when the university announced the development. That individual was not affiliated with the university.
While all the incidents have been unrelated, they’ve added to questions about how colleges and fraternities monitor safety and conduct at Greek life events.
“Sigma Alpha Epsilon holds its collegiate members to high standards of conduct and accountability,” the national chapter said in a statement. “Behavior that violates these standards has no place in our organization. We are committed to holding those responsible accountable and will take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.”
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What Is SAE?
Sigma Alpha Epsilon is a national social fraternity. Its Ohio Theta chapter operates at Ohio State University.
Before the suspension, the chapter's stated mission was to promote "the highest standards of friendship, scholarship, and service.”
Ohio State University's student organization directory now lists the chapter's status as inactive, while the Office of Student Conduct lists SAE among organizations currently under interim suspension.
The national fraternity said it was taking the latest incident seriously and cooperating with university officials and law enforcement.
The organization said it would "take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation."
The Ohio State chapter has faced disciplinary problems before. In 2001, the university revoked its recognition for two years following multiple violations of university and Interfraternity Council rules, including alcohol policy violations.
Why Was SAE Suspended?
The immediate reason for SAE’s suspension was the video and concerns surrounding the incident shown in it.
University spokesperson Benjamin Johnson said Ohio State University had placed SAE on interim suspension while investigators determine what happened.
"The university is aware of this extremely concerning incident, and the individuals in question are receiving medical care," Johnson said.
"Ohio State is committed to a safe and healthy environment and expects students and student organizations to uphold that commitment and the university's values."
The reported incident occurred Saturday in the 1900 block of Indianola Avenue during a party associated with the fraternity. The Hill reported that the event was not held at SAE's primary fraternity house but at another nearby property.
The university's interim suspension means SAE cannot hold or participate in activities as a registered student organization while the case is investigated.
However, an interim suspension is not itself a finding that the fraternity violated university policy.
How Have Police Responded to the Incident?
Ohio State University referred the incident to both university police and the Columbus Division of Police, while city law enforcement opened an investigation.
Joe Albert, a sergeant with Columbus Police, said police believe the incident occurred Saturday. The department did not initially receive a call for service at the location, but someone contacted police Sunday evening after the video began circulating online.
As of Monday afternoon, authorities had not disclosed precisely how the first person's clothing caught fire or the severity of the injuries. No charges had been publicly announced.
Recent Disciplinary Actions Against OSU Greek Life
The SAE suspension is not an isolated disciplinary action involving Greek life at Ohio State.
The university's current records list multiple organizations whose recognition has been revoked, including Alpha Tau Omega, Delta Kappa Epsilon, Kappa Delta Rho, Pi Kappa Phi and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc..
In July, the university revoked Pi Kappa Phi's registered student organization status through July 23, 2036.
The chapter had also faced disciplinary action in 2017 for hazing and alcohol violations and in 2020 for alcohol and endangering-behavior violations.
Kappa Delta Rho's recognition was also revoked in April following findings that the fraternity violated hazing and alcohol policies. It cannot return as a recognized organization until at least May 5, 2030.
What Happens Next
Ohio State University is conducting its own investigation while law enforcement separately examines whether any criminal activity occurred. The Columbus Division of Fire's arson bureau is also investigating the fire.
In the meantime, Sigma Alpha Epsilon remains on interim suspension and cannot participate in activities as a registered student organization.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Steve Mollman, Gray R. Thomas
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