ORLANDO, Fla. — The University of Central Florida (UCF) has temporarily suspended its Phi Gamma Delta fraternity chapter following the emergence of a disturbing photo showing a blindfolded pledge holding a Nazi swastika.
UCF officials first learned of the image during the fall 2024 semester, although it reportedly originated from an off-campus hazing incident in spring 2023. The university’s investigation was prompted by an anonymous tip submitted alongside the image, which was also shared with local news outlets.
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The whistleblower noted, “I have come into possession of this picture of hazing and antisemitism…This picture is appalling and I thought the matter should be looked into. Especially in light of recent political events,” reports Knight News.
UCF Condemns the Incident
UCF has strongly condemned both the alleged hazing incident and the antisemitic symbolism captured in the photo.
“We are appalled to have recently received an image that was taken in Spring 2023 as part of a hazing ritual that took place at an off-campus location,” the university shared in a formal statement. “UCF unequivocally condemns hazing and acts of antisemitism.”
The university clarified that the pledges pictured were blindfolded and therefore reportedly unaware of the swastika’s presence. However, UCF emphasized that this in no way diminishes the severity of the situation or the harm caused.
The Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity launched an immediate investigation upon receiving the image. On December 2, 2024, UCF placed Phi Gamma Delta under interim suspension, prohibiting the fraternity from participating in all activities, including recruitment, meetings, and social events. Additional sanctions may follow as the investigation continues.
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“UCF remains committed to upholding the values of integrity, respect, and compassion that define our community,” the university statement read. “This incident will not deter us from our mission to provide a welcoming, safe campus environment for every student.”
Phi Gamma Delta Responds to Antisemitism Allegations
Jordan Denitto, president of UCF’s Phi Gamma Delta chapter, addressed the incident, stating, “This incident was terrible, and we would never condone it. The current chapter members were not aware of this occurrence, and the members responsible are no longer at the University. We continue to cooperate with the University in its investigation.”
The fraternity’s national leadership echoed a similar sentiment in a statement.
“The International Fraternity has temporarily suspended its Omega Phi Chapter at the University of Central Florida and is working with the university to investigate the incident from spring 2023,” reports MSN. “Phi Gamma Delta does not condone acts or depictions of hazing or antisemitism, and will take appropriate action once the investigation is complete and facts are known.”
The hazing incident has drawn significant backlash from the campus community, including Hillel Central Florida, a Jewish student organization, which condemned the fraternity’s actions and praised UCF’s proactive response.
Eleven percent of UCF’s undergrad student population is Jewish, according to Hillel International. At about 6,300, it’s the college campus with the third highest number of Jewish students in the U.S.
UCF Continues to Investigate Incident
The university investigation has revealed that anonymous individuals strategically placed copies of the image outside the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life earlier this semester, which eventually brought the matter to administrators’ attention. UCF continues to work closely with Student Conduct and Academic Integrity to identify all individuals and organizations involved.
As UCF works to resolve the matter, the fraternity remains barred from participating in all campus activities. Further disciplinary actions are expected pending the investigation’s findings.
