University leaders react to SAE investigations, call for accountability and cultural change

Ohio State University President Ravi Bellamkonda listens to a question during an interview with the Lantern at University Square South on Nov. 12 2026. Credit: Michael Goulet | Campus Photo Editor. University and student leaders are calling for greater accountability and campus culture changes following an incident involving the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity — or SAE — that left two students with second- and third-degree burns. The Ohio State chapter of SAE was placed on interim suspension after a video posted online showed two individuals related to the chapter on fire, per prior Lantern reporting. Columbus Police are investigating the incident as hazing. In an exclusive, sit-down interview with The Lantern, Ohio State President Ravi Bellamkonda said the university knows about the situation and is in contact with the families of those involved. This is the first time Bellamkonda has publicly spoken about the incident. “Obviously, we take it very, very seriously,” Bellamkonda said.

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