Bodycam Captures Blindfolded College Students in Alleged Hazing Incident Basement
A disturbing incident has emerged from the University of Iowa, involving allegations of hazing at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. On November 15, 2024, police and fire department officials responded to a fire alarm at the fraternity house, only to discover 56 blindfolded pledges in the basement, some shirtless and covered in substances.
Details of the Hazing Incident
The body camera footage reveals officers entering a dark basement and encountering numerous young men in a troubling state. Many were covered in brown, white, and red substances, leading to urgent questions from law enforcement.
As officers attempted to assess the situation, they expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from the pledges. One officer stated, “This stops here, guys. Who is in charge?” The silence from the young men only heightened the tension.
Response from Law Enforcement
Amidst the chaotic scene, officers continued to question individuals present. One fraternity member, claiming to be the president, described the experience as part of a ritual leading up to initiation. He noted, “It’s basically a ritual where they’re blindfolded and get messed with.”
Officers were particularly concerned not only about the hazing activities but also about the failure of pledges to evacuate in response to the fire alarm. An officer expressed: “We were trying to get people to evacuate because of the fire alarm, but you guys refused.”
Consequences of the Incident
This incident prompted an investigation by the University of Iowa, which concluded that the fraternity had breached campus policies concerning hazing. As a result, the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity was suspended on February 25, 2025, with the possibility of reinstatement not available until 2029.
- The investigation found proof of hazing rituals.
- One individual faced charges related to the incident, which were later dropped.
- The fraternity’s national office appealed the suspension, attributing blame to specific members.
Actions Taken by the Fraternity
In light of the allegations, the national chapter of Alpha Delta Phi reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance hazing policy. They conducted an independent investigation, resulting in the removal of those deemed responsible. The fraternity has also engaged in anti-hazing education and programming to prevent future incidents.
This alarming event at the University of Iowa continues to raise questions about the practices within college fraternities and the need for stricter regulations against hazing activities.
