Ironweed
05-11-2006, 12:14 PM
UVM alumni deny hazing
April 7, 2006
Associated Press
BURLINGTON — Alumni members of a University of Vermont fraternity that has been suspended on allegations of hazing say the charges aren't true.
The Phi Gamma Delta chapter has been suspended during an investigation of a party that may have included hazing and underage drinking, a top university administrator said.
The investigation by university police started Tuesday. Preliminary reports alleged that fraternity members required pledges to wear cowboy clothes in a theme inspired by the movie "Brokeback Mountain." Pledges then allegedly were taunted with homophobic comments.
The Alumni Association of Phi Gamma Delta said the event was a "private social function" in which people wore costumes depicting characters from Oscar-nominated films.
"At no time was there any hazing or taunting of pledges. In fact, both pledges and brothers alike were dressed in cowboy attire," the statement said. "It is unfortunate that someone apparently mistook a costume party for a hazing event."
Joseph Thibault, a graduate adviser for the fraternity, said after meeting with the fraternity's president and members that he believes no hazing took place.
Members on campus will be permitted to live in their fraternity house, but no chapter activities can be held while the fraternity remains under the interim suspension, said Tom Gustafson, student and campus life vice president.
Link (http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/NEWS/604070324/1003/EDUCATION05)
April 7, 2006
Associated Press
BURLINGTON — Alumni members of a University of Vermont fraternity that has been suspended on allegations of hazing say the charges aren't true.
The Phi Gamma Delta chapter has been suspended during an investigation of a party that may have included hazing and underage drinking, a top university administrator said.
The investigation by university police started Tuesday. Preliminary reports alleged that fraternity members required pledges to wear cowboy clothes in a theme inspired by the movie "Brokeback Mountain." Pledges then allegedly were taunted with homophobic comments.
The Alumni Association of Phi Gamma Delta said the event was a "private social function" in which people wore costumes depicting characters from Oscar-nominated films.
"At no time was there any hazing or taunting of pledges. In fact, both pledges and brothers alike were dressed in cowboy attire," the statement said. "It is unfortunate that someone apparently mistook a costume party for a hazing event."
Joseph Thibault, a graduate adviser for the fraternity, said after meeting with the fraternity's president and members that he believes no hazing took place.
Members on campus will be permitted to live in their fraternity house, but no chapter activities can be held while the fraternity remains under the interim suspension, said Tom Gustafson, student and campus life vice president.
Link (http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060407/NEWS/604070324/1003/EDUCATION05)