Ohio State Suspends SAE Fraternity Over Fire Incident

The Ohio State University placed Sigma Alpha Epsilon on interim suspension on Sunday following a fire incident at a social gathering.

University officials reviewed video footage posted on the platform X that depicts the event. The clip shows one individual with flaming pants lunging toward a second person. The contact sets the second individual on fire as well. A third person is visible in the background using a fire extinguisher. The two burning individuals roll on the ground and remove their clothing to extinguish the flames.

Ben Johnson, a spokesperson for the university, confirmed that the individuals are receiving medical care. He stated that the university made referrals to both the campus police and the Columbus police. City law enforcement is currently investigating the circumstances of the event. Johnson said the university expects student organizations to reflect its core values and maintain a safe environment.

Reports from The Columbus Dispatch indicate the incident occurred at a party hosted by the fraternity. The event took place at a nearby property rather than the main fraternity house. The university has not released specific details regarding the severity of the injuries.

Steve Mitchell, the chief executive officer of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, acknowledged the video in a statement. He said the organization is actively investigating the situation in coordination with university officials and local law enforcement. Mitchell asserted that behavior violating the organization's standards of conduct has no place within the group and that responsible parties will be held accountable based on the investigation's findings.

This is the second fraternity suspension at Ohio State this academic year. Phi Kappa Alpha was suspended earlier in the year following hazing allegations that led to a student's hospitalization. The current incident adds to scrutiny of Greek life at the university, which follows a nationwide review triggered by an alleged gang rape case at the Chi Phi fraternity at Cornell University.

The interim suspension serves as a precautionary measure while the university and the fraternity gather facts. Both parties are working to resolve the matter and restore confidence in the student community.