Alpha Delta Phi at the University of Iowa is facing criticism for a purported hazing routine that is inciting indignation after 56 pledges were discovered to have been tortured.#IowaCityIA #News #Iowa #Crime
IOWA CITY—Last week, authorities in Iowa discovered what they called a purported hazing routine at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity at the University of Iowa. The chapter has been suspended while investigations are conducted by the institution and the national headquarters of the fraternity in response to the event.
56 Pledges Found in Fraternity Basement During Alleged Hazing
When Iowa City police and university officials responded to a fire alarm at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house at approximately 12:45 a.m. on November 15, the alleged hazing was discovered. According to a criminal complaint published by the Iowa City Press-Citizen, authorities found 56 blindfolded pledges in the basement, some of whom had food dumped on them.
The fraternity was ordered to immediately cease all operations while authorities looked into the claims by the university’s Office of Student Accountability after the finding. The chapter was also suspended by the national Alpha Delta Phi organization.
Arrest Made During Police Response
Joseph Gaya, age 21, was taken into custody by police during the reaction and accused with interfering with governmental acts. Local reports claim that Gaya, who does not reside in the fraternity home and is not a University of Iowa student, prevented officers from accessing the basement where the pledges were kept.
According to the complaint, Gaya tried to prevent witnesses from speaking to police by ordering them not to do so while standing in a doorway and refusing to move. He allegedly refused to move aside when ordered to do so, telling one officer, “You can (expletive) leave, how about that?”
Additionally, two witnesses reportedly assured Gaya that they were okay and open to talking to police, but Gaya persisted in interfering.
University and Fraternity Response
“The University of Iowa is committed to protecting the health and safety of its students and will address any behavior that puts student safety at risk,” the university said in a statement underscoring its dedication to student safety. The Office of Student Accountability is now reviewing its student group disciplinary procedure, which includes possible penalties for infractions including hazing.
Fraternities are expected to respect the university’s ideals as registered student groups, and their members are expected to abide by the Code of Student Life, the statement added. Counseling and other resources have been made available to students affected by the alleged hazing.
Other than announcing that its University of Iowa branch has been suspended, the national Alpha Delta Phi organization has not commented.
The claims of hazing are still being investigated. University representatives stressed that there will be repercussions for organizations that do not adhere to safety regulations and university principles. This instance emphasizes how critical it is to address hazing culture in order to guarantee that student organizations place a high priority on respect and safety.
RELATED TOPICS: Iowa Crime
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