Gainesville, Florida (CNN) -- The University of Florida has temporarily suspended its chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity after learning about a hazing incident involving fraternity members, a university spokeswoman said Tuesday.
University President Bernie Machen called it a "serious physical hazing incident" in an e-mail to students. University authorities learned about the incident on Saturday, said UF spokeswoman Janine Sikes.
"We believe the incident took place several weeks prior," she said. "The hazing incident is currently under investigation with the University of Florida police."
When contacted by CNN, Alpha Phi Alpha referred all questions to the university.
Alpha Phi Alpha is a historically black fraternity, founded in 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. According to its website, the fraternity "has a zero tolerance level in regards to hazing/pledging and strongly prohibits these illegal activities in any form."
The alleged hazing incident happened off campus, according to Machen's e-mail to UF students, obtained by CNN.
"As that investigation proceeds, I want to reinforce the university's prohibition against all forms of hazing -- and ask each of you to help us guard against this dangerous and destructive behavior," Machen wrote. "Hazing is specifically prohibited by UF regulations, and it is also classified as a crime in Florida. We cannot tolerate hazing on our campus or in our university community, and anyone found responsible will face the gravest possible consequences, including expulsion and criminal penalties."
Machen did not provide any specifics about the incident. He urged anyone who has experienced or witnessed any hazing incidents to contact campus police.
An e-mail from the university's Office of Sorority and Fraternity Affairs sent to UF's fraternity and sorority members said Alpha Phi Alpha would be placed "on interim suspension pending the outcome of a formal hearing."
"Alpha Phi Alpha has been a strong member of the Florida Greek Community for many years," the e-mail stated. "While we are all disappointed to learn of such allegations, we all need to respectfully allow our Greek Conduct process to take place before making decisions or speculations of the fraternity's responsibility in this matter. We will share information with the community as and when that is appropriate."
The incident comes less than a month after four students at Florida A&M University were arrested after the hazing-related death of the school's drum major in November. Robert Champion's death prompted FAMU's board of trustees to approve a three-part plan to tackle the issue of hazing on campus, including an independent investigation panel. FAMU is located in Tallahassee, Florida.
The FAMU incident prompted Florida Gov. Rick Scott to order all Florida universities to examine their hazing and harassment policies in December. Scott also asked all university presidents to remind their students, faculty and staff "how detrimental hazing can be."
source: CNN
