The University of Virginia has taken decisive action against fraternity hazing, expelling Theta Chi following an investigation into troubling incidents earlier this year. This expulsion marks the second removal of a fraternity from U.Va.'s campus in recent months, following Pi Kappa Alpha. Additionally, Sigma Alpha Mu and Pi Lambda Phi are currently under investigation, according to a university report released recently, which revealed previously undisclosed hazing incidents.

At Theta Chi, new members were reportedly subjected to verbal harassment, menial tasks, and forced ingestion of various substances, resulting in physical discomfort. Pi Kappa Alpha's hazing incidents were even more severe, with new members enduring physical assault, consumption of unpleasant items like cat food, and in one instance, being taped to a wooden cross and subjected to humiliating treatment with hot sauce.

The university's actions come in the wake of heightened scrutiny over fraternity hazing practices, intensified by incidents such as the 2021 hazing-related death of Virginia Commonwealth University student Adam Oakes. This tragedy prompted anti-hazing legislation in Virginia and a substantial settlement to the Oakes family. Both expelled fraternities, Theta Chi and Pi Kappa Alpha face strict sanctions barring them from seeking reinstatement until at least 2028, underscoring the university's commitment to addressing hazing culture on campus.

The fraternity headquarters of Theta Chi and Pi Kappa Alpha have not responded to requests for comment, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding accountability and responsibility in Greek life organizations within higher education.