Two UW–Madison Students Face Hazing Charges After Basement Incident
Police say about 30 college students were splashed with condiments and other liquids during a Wednesday incident in a hot basement. Two University of Wisconsin–Madison students face hazing-related charges.
Two University of Wisconsin–Madison students face charges of suspicion of hazing after an incident in which about 30 college students were splattered with condiments and other liquids, officials said. The episode took place Wednesday in a basement described as sweltering.
The reported conduct affected a large group of students gathered in the basement. Police said the students were hit with a range of substances, including condiments and liquids. Officials have not provided further details in the information available about what was used, how the students came to be there or whether anyone was injured.
The two UW–Madison students are accused in connection with the episode. The charge designation identifies hazing as the suspected offense; the allegations have not been established in court. No names, ages or other identifying details about the accused students were provided.
Hazing generally refers to activity imposed on people as a condition of joining or participating in a group, particularly when it involves humiliation, discomfort or potential harm. The circumstances described by officials—including the number of students involved and the hot basement setting—form part of the reported incident, but no group or organization has been identified.
Officials have not said whether the students who were splattered were prospective members of a club, team or other campus organization, or whether participation was voluntary. They also have not outlined the sequence of events or explained what led police to suspect hazing.
The available account does not specify the exact charges filed, the court in which the matter will proceed, or when the two students are expected to make an appearance. It also does not indicate whether the university has opened a separate disciplinary review or announced any action involving a campus organization.
The case remains at the allegation stage. Further information about the investigation, the identities of those charged, the students affected and any potential university response was not provided.
