The University of North Florida suspended its Chi Phi fraternity chapter for five years after a Student Conduct Panel found it responsible for hazing, endangerment and other violations. The suspension took effect in March and runs through May 3, 2031.
UNF Spinnaker, a student-run media organization, first reported the suspension.
The investigation began after an anonymous complaint received Dec. 10, 2025, alleged hazing during the fall semester. The complaint included screenshots and photos that investigators described as appearing to show shirtless students being sprayed with a hose, a blindfolded person kneeling while holding drug paraphernalia and three partially undressed people.
The university said the images also showed possible new members posing nude, using drugs and holding items believed to be fraternity ritual objects.
The investigative report said university staff identified some people in the photos, but the redacted report does not disclose their names. Investigators said one image appeared to show conduct that could cause extreme embarrassment. The report said the images did not establish the exact date of the events.
READ MORE: University of North Florida plans dorm for honors students
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reviewed the photos and interviewed a person connected to how they were shared. The agency’s report said the activities depicted did not meet the threshold for criminal hazing under Florida law, a conclusion the State Attorney’s Office agreed with. The case was classified as noncriminal. That finding was separate from UNF’s student conduct process.
UNF issued a cease-and-desist order to Chi Phi on Dec. 18, barring the organization from operating, contacting members about chapter activity or participating in chapter meetings and events while the investigation proceeded.
The order did not prevent members from attending class. The university’s investigative report later cited a Jan. 21 “Wine Wednesday” event and possible continued recruiting during the order. The Student Conduct Panel found the chapter responsible for failing to comply, citing an active member’s presence at the event and the member’s failure to report it.
The investigative report also documented a separate incident involving a party students told university police was hosted by Chi Phi on Jan. 17. Students said they had consumed alcohol while underage.
One student could not be located for several hours after his phone was crushed at the party; police later confirmed he was safe with his parents. The report included the incident among the information reviewed during the investigation.
The panel found Chi Phi responsible for endangerment, two hazing violations, lewd or disruptive conduct, failure to comply with the university conduct system, and violations of university regulations, including policies on alcohol and other drugs. The decision letter said the chapter admitted responsibility to the endangerment and hazing charges.
During the suspension, Chi Phi may not operate, recruit, host events or represent itself as affiliated with UNF. Before returning, the chapter and its national headquarters must submit a reentry plan for university approval. The plan must address risk management, hazing prevention, substance use, recruitment and ongoing organizational oversight.
The university provided a statement regarding the suspension. It said in part:
“The safety and wellbeing of our students is UNF’s top priority. UNF’s official policy on hazing is the Prohibition on Hazing, Policy Number 5.0020R and applies to group or individual actions, whether they are conducted on or off campus. All UNF students involved in Greek life are required to complete hazing prevention education to ensure students know how to identify when hazing occurs and take the appropriate steps to stop and report it. The University takes strong and swift action against any instances of hazing and refers to local or state authorities for criminal prosecution when appropriate. Anyone with knowledge of a suspected act of hazing at UNF can report through various campus resources.”
This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.
The post UNF suspends Chi Phi fraternity over hazing incidents appeared first on Jacksonville Today.