Clemson fraternities Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Nu and Kappa Sigma were individually charged with hazing and alcohol violations, and have been placed on disciplinary probation.
Each fraternity was assigned different sanctions and disciplinary actions per the University’s Student Code of Conduct violation report in compliance with the South Carolina Tucker Hipps Transparency Act.
The report notes that Phi Delta Theta was charged with hazing and alcohol violations during the 2024-25 school year. New member pledges were blindfolded and driven to an unknown location, where they were forced to “crawl on the ground and contents of the earth.”
Phi Delta Theta was prohibited from participating in the spring 2025 recruitment process, but was able to participate in the most recent fall 2025 cycle. Additionally, the memberships of the fraternity’s undergraduate members at the time of the incident have been suspended until they graduate from the University. An advisor and/or fraternity volunteer is required to be present at all educational events, and all events must be held on Clemson’s campus.
Phi Delta Theta’s disciplinary probation will last until Jan. 1, 2027. However, the fraternity is currently not registered under the University as a student organization, per TigerQuest.
Further, Sigma Nu was charged with a violation of hazing in which pledges were forced to lie down on the floor, tables and chairs face-first. The report noted that other hazing situations likely occurred, but weren’t specified.
The fraternity was not able to participate in the spring 2025 recruitment process and as placed on social probation for the entirety of the spring semester. The chapter was unable to host or co-host any events with or without the presence of alcohol.
Sigma Nu’s probation will conclude at the end of 2028, but members may petition the Office of Community and Ethical Standards at the beginning of Jan. 2028 if there are no conduct incidents within the three previous years of probation.
Kappa Sigma’s hazing violations, as outlined in the conduct violation report, included new members being “forced to consume food, perform acts of personal servitude, forced sleep deprivation, designated driving hours and new member activities after 10 p.m.”
The fraternity has been placed on social probation until a full membership review is completed by the national organization of Kappa Sigma.
Probation is in place until Feb. 27, 2029, but members are allowed to petition the OCES at the beginning of the spring 2028 semester.
“This is an issue that CUSG does not take lightly, as we are committed to aligning with Student Affairs to support the #1 Student Experience,” Zachary Freeman, Clemson Undergraduate Student Government president, told The Tiger in an email.
“While CUSG does not play a large role in the fraternities currently on probation, we know that the chapters are actively working alongside OCES and IFC to address the concerns and ensure a positive path forward,” Freeman continued.
Clemson University’s Interfraternity Council oversees and governs all 24 IFC fraternities on campus.
“IFC provides structure and guidance through recruitment, education, programming, and advocacy — ensuring a safe, impactful, and values-driven fraternity experience for every member of our community,” its website states;
“The IFC’s top priority is ensuring all of our 24 chapters uphold the highest safety, accountability, and integrity standards. When any fraternity is placed on probation, it is part of a structured process with the school and legal departments, meant to provide guidance, corrective action, and an opportunity to grow,” Dylan Odin, president of IFC, told The Tiger in an interview.
Odin said that IFC was unable to specifically comment on the circumstances within the individual chapters found in violation of University standards.
“IFC works closely with University administration, national organizations, and chapter presidents to address any and all concerns constructively,” he said.
Moving forward, Odin confirmed that IFC intends to strengthen educational initiatives, which includes a peer-led new member education. The organization is also working on providing resources for the current chapters to “reinforce polices promoting positive fraternity life.”
“Our goal is clear, and our focus still remains on building a community where all of our members thrive academically, socially, and personally, while contributing meaningfully to Clemson University and the local community,” Odin continued.
Phi Delta Theta, Sigma Nu and Kappa Sigma did not respond to The Tiger’s request for comment by publication.
