The University of Iowa suspended its chapter of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity Monday after police discovered 56 blindfolded pledges covered in food in the basement of the group’s house during the early hours of Nov. 15, The Iowa City Press-Citizen reported.
Authorities are investigating the incident for alleged hazing.
One individual, Joseph Gaya, 21, was arrested and charged with interference with official acts that night, court records show. Gaya allegedly “stood in front of the officers in the doorway of the room full of pledges” and “refused to move for officers.” He is not a registered University of Iowa student and does not live at the Alpha Delta Phi house, according to police.
The university’s Office of Student Accountability has begun an investigation and informed the chapter president that the group must “suspend all operations” due to “the gravity of the allegations.” The chapter has 10 business days to file an appeal.
“The university is committed to protecting the health and safety of its students and will address any behavior that puts student safety at risk,” officials said in a news release.Â
The release also noted that affected students have been offered counseling services. Any students “with information or evidence” related to the incident should contact the university police department or report concerns to the accountability office, it said.Â
The national fraternity has also suspended UI’s charter and vowed to “fully cooperate” with authorities. Â
“The Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity is deeply disturbed by the recent hazing allegations involving our chapter at the University of Iowa,” the national office told the Press-Citizen. “As a fraternity, we stand firmly against all forms of hazing. Our values are rooted in fostering respect, integrity and responsibility in all aspects of life.”
Two other University of Iowa fraternities, Kappa Sigma and the Acacia fraternity, have also been suspended for hazing and alcohol-related offenses.
