Nov. 9 (UPI) — Ohio State University has suspended the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity while it investigates a video showing two people who were set on fire.
The video circulated on social media over the weekend, showing a person whose pants were ablaze before a second person caught fire. The video was taken at a party hosted by Sigma Alpha Epsilon on Saturday.
University spokesperson Ben Johnson said referrals have been made to university and Columbus, Ohio, police.
“The university is aware of this extremely concerning incident, and the individuals in question are receiving needed medical care,” Johnson said in a statement. “Ohio State is committed to a safe and healthy environment and expects students and student organizations to uphold that commitment and the university’s values.”
The Columbus Police Department has confirmed that it is investigating the incident.
“We will be working with the Ohio State University, as well as the Columbus Division of Fire’s arson unit to determine if any criminal acts occurred,” the police department said in a statement.
While it happened at an event hosted by the fraternity, the incident appears to have taken place off the fraternity’s grounds.
“Sigma Alpha Epsilon holds its collegiate members to high standards of conduct and accountability,” Steve Mitchell, CEO of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, said in a statement. “Behavior that violates these standards has no place in our organization.”
Mitchell said that his organization is also investigating the incident and working with local officials.
Ohio State University revoked Pi Kappa Alpha in July over an apparent hazing incident that left a student hospitalized.
