National board of suspended UConn fraternity responds to hazing allegations

The National Executive Board of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity has responded to hazing allegations involving its chapter at the University of Connecticut, which was suspended this week after its former chapter president was arrested twice.

“As our track record shows, Lambda Theta Phi is committed to working with our host institutions and communities to ensure the safety of our students, and when our host institutions engage them, we do not hesitate to take swift action for accountability when it comes to safety of students goes to risk,” said Dr. Andrew Ramjit, Executive Director of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.

Ramjit told The Courant board members they were “aware of the allegations made against Brother David Vallejo and the suspension of our Lambda Chapter at the University of Connecticut.”

UConn suspends fraternity for assault against former president after hazing incident

Vallejo, 23, was arrested by Connecticut State Police and the UConn Police Department on charges of assault, strangulation, unlawful restraint and disorderly conduct.

State police said their charges stem from incidents reported on two consecutive nights in February at a Willington home where Vallejo allegedly assaulted a UConn student who was struggling on the fifth and sixth nights of the admissions process to recite the words of the pledge masters, according to the university’s Lambda Theta Phi chapter, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

The student claimed he was forced to do push-ups because he and another believer recited the lines incorrectly. After he became tired and fell to the floor, Vallejo threw him across the room, the affidavit states. He also claimed Vallejo placed his forearm against his throat on both nights.

The pledge later sent a text message to Vallejo saying he was no longer interested in joining the fraternity. He met him on campus the following month to return his deposit uniform. At that point, Vallejo allegedly placed his arm around the victim’s throat again, preventing him from breathing, because he refused to pay the remainder of his initiation fee to the fraternity, according to UConn police and the state police affidavit.

“Upon learning of the allegations, he was immediately suspended pending an investigation. We will work with all parties involved to gather information and determine next steps for Brother Vallejo and the chapter,” Ramjit said.

“We politely ask that all speculation and assumptions be withheld until the investigation is complete.”

UConn issued a statement this week saying the university “takes a zero-tolerance approach to behavior that puts others at risk and is committed to maintaining a safe, to create a healthy and respectful environment.”

According to university officials, Lambda Theta Phi has operated a campus chapter at UConn since 1991. The suspension, issued Thursday, was effective immediately while officials continue to investigate the hazing allegations.

Vallejo is free on $30,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in Rockville Superior Court on May 21 in connection with both cases.