Student Allegedly Forced To Eat Cat Food In Towson University Hazing Incident

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- The investigation continues into an alleged hazing incident off-campus at Towson University. Now this is more fallout for the fraternity allegedly involved.

Amy Yensi has the latest on the allegations.

The fraternity is still suspended at Towson, but it's not the first time. Other TKE chapters have been banned from campuses across the country.

Towson University and Baltimore County police are still investigating claims that a student was nearly poisoned while pledging the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

"Everyone here knows now. But had that not come to light, nobody would know about it. They would still be here," said Jared Welsh, student.

Now TKE members are not allowed to have any contact with pledges whatsoever.

"When we get an allegation of hazing, we respond immediately," said Ray Feldman, Towson University spokesperson.

A relative of the victim tells WJZ, last week, he was allegedly forced to eat cat food and drink a substance, causing him to vomit blood.

The national chapter suspended its Towson branch.

"Hazing is OK if it brings people closer together, if it's fun. But when it gets to the point where you're putting someone down and that's supposed to be your brother, that's really sad," said Lauren Hoke, student.

It's the latest blow to a fraternity fraught with problems.

From 2014 to 2016, universities in Maryland, Florida, Missouri, Washington, D.C., Rhode Island, Connecticut, Arizona, California, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Alaska have suspended their Tau Kappa Epsilon chapters -- facing allegations of hazing, rape, sexual harassment, drug use, excessive drinking and wild parties.

A Rhode Island State student is suing that TKE chapter for torture.

Students at Towson say they're worried the actions of a few could have a lasting impact on the other fraternities and sororities on campus.

"The positives outweigh the negatives by far," one student said.

Hazing in Maryland carries a $500 fine and six months of jail time.

In 2014, lawmakers tried but failed to get harsher penalties.

"I think think they should all be gone, but especially if there is some type of repeated issues," said Anshuman Goswami, student.

The national chapter of the fraternity tells WJZ that it's taking the allegations very seriously. The victim has not been identified.

Last month, the University of Maryland revoked its TKE chapter at the College Park campus. Now it cannot be reinstated until 2020.