Dozens of pledges found blindfolded in basement, IA officials say. Fraternity suspended
.png "A Alpha Delta Phi fraternity chapter was suspended after a potential hazing incident, according to officials.")
A University of Iowa fraternity is suspended after officials say several dozen pledges were found blindfolded in a basement.
The Alpha Delta Phi chapter was placed on interim suspension after a “potential incident of hazing,” according to a Nov. 15 statement from the University of Iowa’s Office of Strategic Communication.
Authorities responded to a fire alarm at the fraternity house the morning of Nov. 15, the statement said.
Officials “found several dozen pledges blindfolded in the basement,” according to the statement.
The incident involved 56 pledges “with food thrown on them,” according to a criminal complaint obtained by the Iowa City Press-Citizen.
One person, who is not a student and does not live at the house, was arrested and charged with interference with official acts, the university said.
The 21-year-old man “stood in front of the officers in the doorway of the room full of pledges” and “refused to move for officers,” the complaint said, according to the Iowa City Press-Citizen. He then told witnesses “not to talk to police” and told an officer “You can (expletive) leave, how about that?” the outlet reported.
The Alpha Delta Phi national chapter also suspended the chapter until further notice, the statement said.
“The Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity is deeply disturbed by the recent hazing allegations involving our chapter at the University of Iowa. As a fraternity, we stand firmly against all forms of hazing. Our values are rooted in fostering respect, integrity, and responsibility in all aspects of life,” a statement sent to McClatchy News said.
The fraternity launched a third-party investigation into the allegations.
“The fraternity and the chapter are fully cooperating with the local authorities and university officials,” the statement said.
The University of Iowa’s Office of Student Accountability and law enforcement are each conducting their own investigations as well, according to officials.
“The university is committed to protecting the health and safety of its students and will address any behavior that puts student safety at risk,” the university’s statement said.
Counseling is being provided for students along with resources.
The university said fraternities are required to go through training on different topics including alcohol use, violence prevention, and leadership development.
