Madison police are investigating suspected hazing at an Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house near the University of Wisconsin-Madison after about 30 young men were found Wednesday night in the basement covered in food, condiments, and other liquids.

Police said many of the men were 18-year-old pledges and that some showed signs of physical assault. Officers responded after receiving an anonymous tip and arrested two 20-year-old fraternity members on tentative misdemeanor allegations of hazing and disorderly conduct. No formal charges had been filed as of Friday morning.

A police photograph showed about two dozen shirtless men in the basement, with trash and debris scattered across the floor. Officers said the thermostat was set to 81 degrees, creating hot and humid conditions.

UW-Madison said it has launched its own investigation and that students found to have violated university policy or the law could face penalties ranging from a written reprimand to expulsion.

The fraternity has a history of disciplinary issues at the university. UW-Madison terminated its recognized-student-organization status in 2015 after the chapter held events while suspended. The suspension followed a party in which a 17-year-old and another person were taken to detox after being served alcohol.

Since 2016, the university said there have been seven additional allegations involving the fraternity, including claims related to drinking, disrespectful behavior and hazing. The chapter remains affiliated with its national fraternity organization and can therefore operate independently of the university.

Jon Pierce, a spokesperson for Alpha Epsilon Pi, said the organization is taking the allegations seriously and will cooperate with investigators. Members found to have participated in hazing will be expelled, he said.

"Hazing is a betrayal of everything our fraternity stands for," Pierce said. "There is no place for it in AEPi. No exceptions. No excuses."

Both police and the university's Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards are continuing their investigations