Paddling, mocking of UA policy among revelations in report

Pledges were paddled until their "asses were black," at Delta Chi last fall, according to a detailed report recently released from the Dean of Students Office.

The report described instances of drunken chapter members shouting obscenities at pledges, mocking the university's anti-hazing message and forcing pledges to perform "Roman Chair" calisthenics ö in which pledges were made to squat in the position of chairs for extended periods of time.

Some fraternity members paddled the pledges with full force and, in some instances, pledges had been beaten until their "asses were black," the report stated.

Pledges were also ordered to stand and stare at walls and had cigar smoke blown in their faces.

Delta Chi president Sean Harding had no comment on report's findings.

The report was largely the product of investigation by Delta Chi's national branch, said Alexis Hernandez, associate dean of students.

Dean of Students Melissa Vito stripped Delta Chi of its UA recognition in May for the incidents reported in August and September 2001.

Delta Chi will not be able to reapply for recognition until 2004. Without that recognition, the fraternity is not able to take part in a number of university-sponsored events, including Homecoming.

Since the events of last fall, 25 Delta Chi members were kicked out of the fraternity for hazing-related infractions, unwillingness to stop hazing, or refusal to participate in an interview about the subject, Delta Chi international treasurer and president of the alumni board Michael Woolbright said in August.