A fraternity at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is under investigation for hazing surrounding a scavenger hunt which specifically involved photographing Asian students.

The fraternity, which has not been named, is currently under investigation by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, and has also been reported to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

The incident involved an individual member of a fraternity who told recruits to approach Asian students and ask to take a photo of them, according to Jonathan Thomas. Thomas is a member and leader of several Asian-American student organizations on campus, including the campus ministry Asian American InterVarsity, and said this is at least the third year in a row where something like this has happened.

Thomas said the fraternity that holds the scavenger hunt has changed from year to year, but it has continued to happen. Thomas said he knew of several female students who had their picture taken by fraternity members or recruits this year.

"It seems like they were targeting mostly Asian girls," Thomas said. "And in some cases, they were taking pictures without consent."

Thomas said as far as he knows, the individual who planned the scavenger hunt has been disciplined internally by his fraternity and it is being investigated by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.

"I know that they've been talking with all of the sororities and fraternities about this behavior and telling all of them that this is unacceptable," Thomas said.

The fraternity has also contacted the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards about holding a diversity training, both for the members involved and the fraternity as a whole, Thomas said.

"I think, for me, this practice has gone on for many, many years, and I'm just wanting to make sure that it doesn't continue," Thomas said.

Thomas said students who have had their pictures taken, both with and without consent, have said it "makes me feel like I'm a zoo animal."

"That's not something we want, as a student," Thomas said.

Katherine Saxon, coordinator of student communications at UT, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing.

"The information has been reported to us and we take this and all allegations of student misconduct seriously," Saxon said in an email. "I can confirm that the university is investigating the incident and will take individual or organizational action as necessary."

Saxon said additional information about the investigation and specifically which fraternity was being investigated could not be discussed at this time.

Thomas said having to endure "racial profiling incidences" like the one with the fraternity was "really sad."

"I want to make sure the voices of Asian Americans are present here at UT," Thomas said.