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Univ. Police begin fraternity hazing inquiry
Kevin Robillard
Issue date: 4/11/08 Section: News
University Police launched a criminal investigation of Delta Tau Delta fraternity members yesterday as details of alleged hazing incidents emerged in an Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life document, officials said.
The document, a copy of which was obtained by The Diamondback, details a six-week hazing program involving the forced consumption of alcohol and a vomit-inducing mix of liquids and mandated exercise, ending with multiple days in a closet called the "Cave."
University Police Spokesman Paul Dillon said the department began its investigation after the university completed its own, which was jointly conducted by the Office of Student Conduct and OFSL, said Linda Clement, vice president for student affairs.
Dillon declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
"I'm not going to discuss what steps we've taken," Dillon said. He added that it's "way too premature to discuss any charges."
Hazing, which the university has repeatedly called "a fundamental violation of human dignity," is illegal in the state of Maryland and is punishable by up to six months in jail, a $500 fine, or both.
Clement said punishment from the university is "still a possibility," but added the university will wait for the conclusion of the criminal investigation before moving forward with any penalties
The university's investigation began on Feb. 28, when OFSL received an anonymous tip alleging hazing by the fraternity. Delta Tau Delta's national office soon revoked the local chapter's charter and the fraternity was disbanded by the university two weeks later.
When reached last night, Will Cole, the president of the local chapter of Delta Tau Delta before it was disbanded, declined to comment.
The allegations against Delta Tau Delta, if true, would be the second hazing incident at the university this academic year. A university investigation found Zeta Beta Tau guilty of hazing last semester after a pledge was injured.
The document, a copy of which was obtained by The Diamondback, details a six-week hazing program involving the forced consumption of alcohol and a vomit-inducing mix of liquids and mandated exercise, ending with multiple days in a closet called the "Cave."
University Police Spokesman Paul Dillon said the department began its investigation after the university completed its own, which was jointly conducted by the Office of Student Conduct and OFSL, said Linda Clement, vice president for student affairs.
Dillon declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
"I'm not going to discuss what steps we've taken," Dillon said. He added that it's "way too premature to discuss any charges."
Hazing, which the university has repeatedly called "a fundamental violation of human dignity," is illegal in the state of Maryland and is punishable by up to six months in jail, a $500 fine, or both.
Clement said punishment from the university is "still a possibility," but added the university will wait for the conclusion of the criminal investigation before moving forward with any penalties
The university's investigation began on Feb. 28, when OFSL received an anonymous tip alleging hazing by the fraternity. Delta Tau Delta's national office soon revoked the local chapter's charter and the fraternity was disbanded by the university two weeks later.
When reached last night, Will Cole, the president of the local chapter of Delta Tau Delta before it was disbanded, declined to comment.
The allegations against Delta Tau Delta, if true, would be the second hazing incident at the university this academic year. A university investigation found Zeta Beta Tau guilty of hazing last semester after a pledge was injured.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 12
Jerry
posted 4/11/08 @ 8:23 AM EST
Anyone who is found to have participated in hazing at UM (in frats or on athletic teams) deserves to be prosecuted to the fullest. Can't think of anything nicer than idiots who practice hazing ending up in jail for 6 months and having to pay a fine. (Continued…)
Zack
posted 4/11/08 @ 9:21 AM EST
Thanks for your radical opinion Jerry, its always nice to hear from those who have never been involved in an organization where seniority is respected, hazing or no hazing, you've probably spent your life in a closet. (Continued…)
qwerty
posted 4/11/08 @ 4:35 PM EST
It's impossible to have a true friendship with somebody who hasn't kicked your ass, or forced you to get out of bed in the middle of the night to fetch them a piece of pizza. (Continued…)
Joe
posted 4/12/08 @ 11:16 AM EST
The article failed to mention that in the wake of Reardon's death, a criminal hazing investigation was launched and no charges were filed, and that the Reardon lawsuit was predicated on a theory of "implied pressure" being hazing, i. (Continued…)
crybabies
posted 4/13/08 @ 7:01 AM EST
Bunch of crybabies. Can't haze anymore? Your parents raised weak individuals. Christ, what is this world comming to
hazedandunphased
posted 4/14/08 @ 2:03 PM EST
first off crybaby...you're an idiot. spell "comming" correctly. I was hazed at a different university before transferring here and there is absolutely no need for any physical hazing of any sort. (Continued…)
Mmmm...pizza
posted 4/14/08 @ 3:17 PM EST
I'm tempted to rush a frat, just so some jackass can wake me up in the middle of the night to fetch him a pizza, and I can have my way with it before giving it to him. (Continued…)
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