National board of suspended UConn fraternity responds to hazing allegations

The National Executive Board of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity has responded to allegations of hazing surrounding its chapter at the University of Connecticut, which was suspended this week after its former chapter president was arrested twice.

“As our track record shows, Lambda Theta Phi seeks to collaborate with our host institutions and municipalities in ensuring the safety of our students, and, when included by our host institutions, we do not hesitate to take swift accountability steps when student safety is at risk,” said Dr. Andrew Ramjit, executive director for Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.

Ramjit told The Courant board members were “aware of the allegations that have been levied against Brother David Vallejo and the suspension of our Lambda Chapter at the University of Connecticut.”

UConn suspends fraternity amid assault charges against former president following hazing incident

Vallejo, 23, was arrested by Connecticut State Police and the UConn Police Department on charges of assault, strangulation, unlawful restraint and disorderly conduct.

State police said their charges stem from incidents reported on back-to-back nights in February at a home in Willington where Vallejo allegedly assaulted a UConn student who struggled to recite what pledge masters were saying during the fifth and sixth night of the initiation process into the university’s Lambda Theta Phi chapter, according to the arrest warrant affidavit.

The student alleged he was made to do pushups when he and another pledge recited the lines incorrectly and after growing tired and falling to the ground, he was thrown across the room by Vallejo, the warrant affidavit said. He also alleged Vallejo put his forearm against his throat during both nights.

The pledge later sent a text to Vallejo indicating he was no longer interested in joining the fraternity. He met up with him on campus the following month to give him his pledge uniform back, at which time Vallejo allegedly once again put his arm against the victim’s throat, stopping him from breathing, because he refused to pay the rest of his initiation fee into the fraternity, according to UConn police and the state police affidavit.

“Upon learning of the allegations, he was immediately suspended pending investigation and we will work with all stakeholders involved to gather information and determine the next steps for Brother Vallejo and the chapter,” Ramjit said.

“We kindly ask that all speculation and assumptions be held until the investigation is complete.”

UConn this week issued a statement saying the university “takes a zero-tolerance approach to behaviors that endanger others, and is committed to providing safe, healthy, and respectful environments in all UConn organizations and on UConn’s campuses.”

According to university officials, Lambda Theta Phi has operated a campus chapter at UConn since 1991. Its suspension, issued Thursday, was effective immediately while officials continue to investigate the hazing allegations.

Vallejo is free on $30,000 bond and is expected to appear in Rockville Superior Court on May 21 in connection with both cases.