The suspension began in March and prohibits the chapter from operating, recruiting, hosting events or presenting itself as affiliated with UNF. To return, Chi Phi and its national headquarters must submit a reentry plan for university approval covering hazing prevention, risk management, substance use, recruitment and organizational oversight.

The university opened its investigation after receiving an anonymous complaint on Dec. 10, 2025, about alleged hazing during the fall semester. Investigators reviewed images that appeared to show shirtless students being sprayed with a hose, a blindfolded person kneeling with drug paraphernalia, and three people who were partially undressed. The university said other images appeared to show possible new members posing nude, using drugs and holding items believed to be fraternity ritual objects. The redacted investigative report did not establish when the images were taken or identify the people shown.

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reviewed the images and interviewed someone connected to their distribution. The agency and the State Attorney’s Office concluded the depicted activities did not meet the threshold for criminal hazing under Florida law. That noncriminal determination was separate from UNF’s disciplinary process.

UNF issued Chi Phi a cease-and-desist order on Dec. 18, barring chapter activity while the investigation continued. The panel later found the chapter responsible for violating that order, citing an active member’s presence at a Jan. 21 “Wine Wednesday” gathering and the member’s failure to report it. The university’s report also cited possible continued recruiting during the restriction.

The investigation included a separate Jan. 17 party that students told university police was hosted by Chi Phi. Students reported drinking alcohol while underage. One student was missing for several hours after his phone was crushed at the party; police later confirmed he was safe with his parents.

The panel found the chapter responsible for endangerment, two hazing violations, lewd or disruptive conduct, failure to comply with the university conduct system and violations of university rules, including its alcohol and other drugs policy. The decision letter said Chi Phi admitted responsibility for the endangerment and hazing charges.

UNF said it referred the complaint to its Title IX and Civil Rights office, campus police, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Children and Families. The university said student safety is a priority and that students involved in Greek life must complete hazing-prevention education.

The student-run UNF Spinnaker first reported the suspension.