Indiana University’s Alpha Tau Omega fraternity has been suspended after a hazing video leaked online. The 29-second clip features an ATO pledge going down on a naked stripper while surrounded by half-clothed brothers cheering him on.
As soon as administration caught wind of the footage, they announced ATO was suspended and ordered to cease all fraternity activities immediately.
Our campus is committed to a culture of care. Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) is suspended immediately, pending investigation into hazing allegations.
— IU Bloomington (@IUBloomington) October 8, 2015
Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) ordered to suspend all activities immediately, pending investigation into hazing allegations. http://t.co/KmwdWVKXmg
— IU Bloomington (@IUBloomington) October 8, 2015
If true, the alleged actions of Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) run completely contrary to our commitment to fostering a culture of care and respect.
— IU Bloomington (@IUBloomington) October 8, 2015
Indiana University released a full statement authorizing the frat’s suspension and investigation:
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.
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.
Please cooperate fully with IUPD, Student Life and Learning and the Office of Student Ethics.
Update, 3:14 pm:
ATO fraternity has released a statement saying the guy going down on the stripper in the video was not a pledge, but an active brother.
[Lead image via]
