Binghamton U. orders halt to hazing

VESTAL -- Binghamton University administrators have ordered an immediate halt to pledging and recruiting at fraternities and sororities after receiving "an alarmingly high number of serious hazing complaints."

The more than 50 fraternity and sorority chapters recognized by the university were prohibited starting Wednesday from recruiting for the rest of the spring semester while an investigation takes place. The university declined to add details about the hazing complaints.

"We regret to take such an extreme action, but student safety is paramount and we have a responsibility to handle dangerous situations," school officials said in a letter, according to the Press & Sun-Bulletin of Binghamton.

Hazing is illegal in New York.

The letter notes that hazing "poses a serious physical and psychological health risk to all involved," according to the paper.

-- AP