A 19-year-old Rutgers University student was taken to the hospital in critical condition after suffering an electrical shock during what authorities believe was an alleged fraternity hazing incident at an off-campus Alpha Sigma Phi house, according to NJ.com. A second student was also injured when they tried to pull the victim away from the wire, a parent of a fraternity member reported. In response, Alpha Sigma Phi’s national organization suspended the university chapter, effectively shutting down the College Avenue house. Rutgers has also placed the fraternity under a cease and desist order and organizational disciplinary probation. While investigators are still working to determine the exact events that led to the injury, the incident has sparked broader concerns about the safety of off-campus Greek life housing and the risks associated with hazing. The house, which is owned and managed by the fraternity, had a long history of safety violations and was recently declared uninhabitable after multiple inspections revealed ongoing code violations. Despite the fraternity’s claims that maintenance issues were addressed, the incident has led to calls for greater transparency and oversight from universities to ensure student safety in such environments. As the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office investigates potential criminal charges, the case has reignited discussions about the responsibilities of universities, fraternities, and parents in safeguarding students living off-campus.
The fraternity’s chapter house in New Brunswick had a documented history of safety concerns, with multiple inspection reports dating back to 2014 highlighting structural neglect, fire hazards, and other code violations. In 2023, inspectors found missing carbon monoxide alarms, broken door hardware, and damaged flooring, resulting in a $10,000 fine. By 2025, the house was found to have over 50 reported issues, including open wiring, blocked fire escapes, pest infestations, and missing safety equipment. Less than a month before the incident, the Department of Community Affairs had revoked the property’s certificate of inspection, and subsequent re-inspections revealed significant life-safety issues that had not been resolved. Despite the fraternity’s assurances that maintenance problems were handled, the incident underscores the challenges universities face in ensuring safety in privately owned off-campus housing. Rutgers has stated it has no involvement in the oversight of the property, raising questions about the extent of institutional responsibility in such cases.
The tragedy has also reignited broader debates about the role of universities in regulating off-campus student housing. Campus leadership and safety officials face mounting pressure to provide greater transparency and accountability, particularly as parents and students demand more assurance about the safety of their living environments. While some universities have taken steps to increase oversight, others remain hesitant due to the complex legal and liability implications. The incident has been used by advocacy groups to push for policy changes aimed at better protecting students, including stricter regulations on off-campus Greek life housing and greater involvement from universities in safety assessments. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance, transparency, and shared responsibility in safeguarding the well-being of students in off-campus housing environments.