The University of Iowa recently took action against one of its fraternities, Alpha Delta Phi, placing them on interim suspension due to an alleged hazing incident involving 56 pledges in the fraternity house’s basement. The situation came to light when Iowa City police and university police responded to a fire alarm at the fraternity house around 12:45 a.m. on Nov. 15, discovering the blindfolded pledges with food thrown on them.
As a result of the hazing allegations, the fraternity was directed by the university’s Office of Student Accountability to cease all operations pending the investigation. Additionally, the fraternity’s national organization also placed the UI chapter under suspension. A non-student individual, identified as 21-year-old Joseph Gaya, was arrested and charged with interference with official acts for obstructing the officers during their response to the incident.
The university’s Office of Student Accountability will be following its discipline procedure for student organizations in handling this situation, which includes issuing sanctions for prohibited behaviors like hazing. It is emphasized that registered student organizations, including fraternities, are expected to adhere to the university’s values and the Code of Student Life. The affected students have been offered counseling and resources by the university in light of the incident.
Campus police at the University of Iowa are actively investigating the matter alongside the university’s Office of Student Accountability to ensure that appropriate actions are taken. The university has stated its commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of its students and addressing any behaviors that jeopardize student well-being.
Efforts have been made to reach out to Alpha Delta Phi’s national organization and the University of Iowa police for their perspectives on the situation. It is essential for universities to swiftly address incidents of hazing and other harmful behaviors to maintain a safe and conducive environment for all students. Such actions not only uphold the values of the institution but also ensure the well-being of the student body.
