UConn suspends Lambda Theta Phi fraternity after hazing arrest

The University of Connecticut announced it was suspending the Lambda Theta Phi fraternity, just days after its president was arrested for allegedly violating a new pledge.

UConn spokeswoman Stephanie Reitz confirmed Thursday that Lambda Theta Phi has been ordered to suspend all operations until the university completes an investigation.

“The university is prohibited by federal student privacy laws from disclosing whether individual students may also be subject to behavioral disciplinary reviews,” Reitz told WFSB. “The university takes a zero-tolerance approach to behavior that endangers others and is committed to creating a safe, healthy and respectful environment throughout UConn organizations and on the UConn campus.”

The investigation stems from complaints from an 18-year-old student who claimed he was “physically assaulted” during a hazing ritual on Feb. 8 and 9 at a house on Tolland Turnpike in Willington, according to an affidavit obtained by the Hartford Courant . Despite his best efforts, the victim said he eventually became exhausted and his arms gave out.

“Every time one of us fell to the ground, they forced us to start over,” the victim claimed.

Fraternity President David Vallejo, who also served as the pledge master, eventually became frustrated and began yelling at the victim.

“I couldn’t do push-ups anymore,” the victim claimed, according to the affidavit. “He grabbed me by my uniform shirt, which I was forced to wear, and threw me across the room against the wall.”

As he stood up, Vallejo allegedly took his right forearm, pressed it against the victim’s throat and continued to yell at him.

The following day – the sixth in the entire initiation process – the pledges were collected again and brought to the house on Tolland Turnpike. They had to present important information again, much of which was new this time, according to the affidavit. When they stumbled, they were forced into a push-up position as punishment.

The victim, exhausted from the previous day, began to fight much faster than the others.

“Pain is just an excuse; I know you can do better,” Vallejo reportedly said before firing him outright.

He continued his promise and was determined not to give up, but he still couldn’t do the push-ups while reciting the Fraternity Code. Vallejo then allegedly pushed him against the wall and pressed his right forearm into his neck.

“Afterwards, I took off my uniform and David talked to me without anyone else there,” the accuser said. “David was much nicer to me after that.”

Vallejo was arrested Friday and later released on bail.