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Last updated on Thursday, October 8, 2015
(BLOOMINGTON) - A fraternity at Indiana University has been suspended while officials investigate allegations of hazing.
The university tweeted late Wednesday that its Alpha Tau Omega chapter has been placed on immediate suspension, pending the investigation.
IU Spokesperson Mark Land says the allegations, of which there appears to be credible video evidence, include a purported new chapter member being encouraged to perform a sex act on a female in the presence of several other chapter members.
"Indiana University takes its responsibility to foster a culture of care and respect among the students on its campuses extremely seriously," Land wrote in an email. "If true, the alleged actions on the part of some members of the Alpha Tau Omega chapter run completely contrary to that commitment. They also would represent violations of the university's student code of conduct and will not be tolerated."
As a result of these allegations, the decision was made to order the chapter to cease and desist all activities immediately pending a full investigation. Notification of the suspension was made to chapter leadership and to the ATO national leadership on the evening of Oct. 7.
"The investigation is ongoing, and in order to preserve the integrity of the adjudicative process, the university will have no further comment at this time," Land wrote.
Below is the text of the letter sent to ATO chapter and national leadership from the IU Office of Student Life and Learning outlining the suspension decision:
Alpha Tau Omega President,
Indiana University is committed to creating a student organization community that fosters a culture of care. Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) is alleged to have violated the student code of conduct -- specifically for hazing activities which perpetuate sexual misconduct.
ATO is ordered to suspend all activities immediately. Suspension of activities has been imposed pending the outcome of this investigation because it has been alleged that your organization presents a substantial risk to members of the university community. Activity suspension prohibits hosting, attending, pairing, participating and sponsoring any new member, chapter or social activities or events until the final disposition of this case.
It is expected that ATO will fully cooperate with this investigation. Any acts impeding the disciplinary process are prohibited. The university prohibits retaliation against those who file complaints or otherwise participate in the disciplinary process. Violations include but are not limited to any type of phone call, voice mail message, personal contact, social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.), text messaging, letter, email, message delivered by a third party, being in their presence or contact with others' personal property. Failure to comply with this order will result in penalties, including, but not limited to, filing of additional charges under the Student Code of Conduct and loss of recognition.
National Fraternity Chief Executive Officer Wynn Smiley of Alpha Tau Omega released the following statement:
"The National Office of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity has revoked the charter and closed the Delta Alpha chapter at Indiana University following the release of a highly inappropriate and vulgar video.
The video from a smartphone shows a sex act that occurred last week. The event was unauthorized involving about half of the chapter's membership The National Fraternity investigation revealed the 21-year-old man in the video was an initiated member, not a pledge, and the two women in the video were exotic dancers hired by one of the members. Our investigation revealed that no pledge was compelled to participate. Regardless, the actions are contrary to the ideals and principles of Alpha Tau Omega and are highly offensive.
The National Fraternity, with strong encouragement from local alumni advisors, investigated the incident and took swift disciplinary action. The revocation of the charter means the chapter is closed, effective immediately and all chapter activities must cease. The National Fraternity will con-
tinue to work closely with Indiana University officials."
This Immediate Suspension of Activities and Cease Contact Order is being copied to your organization's advisors for assistance in determining the organization's responsibility in the incidents.
Further, ATO is mandated to provide a complete roster of new and active members. This roster must include a full list of Fall 2015 new members and sent to Student Life and Learning by noon tomorrow (Friday).
Please cooperate fully with IUPD, Student Life and Learning and the Office of Student Ethics.
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