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WFTV gets recording of meeting between UCF, president of suspended fraternity

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Channel 9 obtained an audio recording of a meeting between University of Central Florida officials and the president of a fraternity that was suspended because of hazing accusations.

The hazing allegations began when a photo, which allegedly shows hazing by members of the Sigma Chi fraternity, came to the attention of university officials.

A University of Central Florida spokesman told Channel 9's Ryan Hughes that the alleged hazing case was handed over to the sheriff's office for a possible investigation. He said that no investigation has yet been launched.

The president of Sigma Chi said the fraternity conducted its own review of the picture in question and found the allegations to be completely false.

Dana Juntunen with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities at UCF said when UCF officials learned of the picture they had every student on their minds.

"I had a concern for the general welfare of the university community and some members," said Dana Juntunen with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities at UCF.

Eyewitness News obtained an audio recording from an interim suspension hearing between university leaders and Sigma Chi president David Barley.

Barley was adamant that the picture, which surfaced in early February, doesn't show hazing.

"Each of the three parties involved strenuously deny any forcible drinking of any kind," said Barley in the meeting.

Barley said the photo shows a night on the town.

"I see a typical night at a college bar," said Barley.

The picture was reportedly taken at On Tap, an off-campus bar along University Boulevard.

Shortly after the picture came to light, Greek activities at the university were put on hold.

"We're certainly concerned about some recent events we've had and that's what promoted the overall halt of some Greek life activities," said Chad Binette, a UCF spokesman.

WFTV learned that UCF plans to form a Greek Advisory Committee. The university said the Sigma Chi fraternity will remain on suspension.

The formal hearing to determine if the fraternity was in violation started Friday and will continue after spring break.