Twenty-one fraternity members at a New York college have been charged with hazing pledges in several shocking and degrading ways.
Charges against members of the Pi Alpha Nu fraternity at State University of New York at Plattsburgh include hazing in the first degree, criminal nuisance in the second degree and unlawfully dealing with a child, pertaining to providing alcohol to people under 21.
Authorities say campus police were informed on September 29 that pledges of the fraternity were subjected to abusive behavior, including being hit with a paddle and forced to eat food off the floor, reports Fox News.
“One of the brothers hit me so hard that my knees buckled and I had to be held up,” says a 19-year-old pledge who told police of the alleged abuse. “After a while, the pain got so bad I felt like I was going into shock.” The 19-year-old also says he was forced to swallow a live goldfish.
University police say the alleged abuse of ten pledges happened at an off-campus house in February and September.
Pledges were forced to binge drink alcohol, according to court documents, along with other liquids. Some also allege they were forced to eat foods that would make them throw up, such as raw sardines, clam juice and chewing tobacco, according to Trib Live.
Another pledge told authorities that during “Hell Week” last February, pledges were forced to get down on the floor in a plank position while some members vomited on and threw cups of urine on them.
SUNY Plattsburgh officials suspended the fraternity while an investigation was conducted by University Police, Plattsburgh City Police and the Clinton County District Attorney’s Office.
A campus judicial process is currently underway to determine the future of the fraternity and the enrollment status of its members.
Plattsburgh City Court officials say nine of the current students were arraigned on Wednesday. All pleaded not guilty, including fraternity president Evan Floreck, 21.
Additional court appearances will occur throughout the month of November. Six former members are also expected to be charged.
