UB review of alleged fraternity hazing evidence leads to campus disciplinary proceedings

BUFFALO, N.Y.  – The University at Buffalo is conducting disciplinary proceedings involving eight students, following an internal review of evidence gathered by the Buffalo Police Department investigating the tragic death of student Sebastian Serafin-Bazan on April 12, 2019.

The review by University Police and UB’s Office of Student Conduct and Advocacy found enough evidence to warrant university disciplinary proceedings for suspected hazing, a serious violation of UB’s Student Code of Conduct.

UB’s decision to initiate disciplinary proceedings was based on the review of Buffalo Police interviews with several students believed to have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the death of Serafin-Bazan at the Sigma Pi fraternity house off campus. In January of this year, Sigma Pi’s national charter was revoked by its national parent organization and it is no longer a recognized fraternity at UB.

“The university appreciates the efforts of the Buffalo Police Department to investigate this tragic incident and share detailed files from its investigation,” said Christina Hernandez, UB’s interim vice president for student life. “We’re also very appreciative of the students who voluntarily came forward to help with the investigation.”

UB’s student conduct process is separate from legal proceedings that take place off campus and could lead to a range of sanctions including suspension or expulsion from the university. A finding of hazing also results in a permanent notation on a student’s official transcript. UB’s disciplinary procedures provide students with a fair hearing and at which they can present their own position, information and explanation. No final disciplinary sanctions will be given unless the charges are substantiated by the preponderance of evidence.

Immediately following Serafin-Bazan’s death, UB suspended all activities for four months and launched a comprehensive review of all Greek-letter, social, fraternal organizations at the university. The review is leading to extensive changes to Greek life at UB, with the goal of eliminating incidents of hazing and promoting greater accountability among students and Greek organizations.