Nine members of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity chapter at Louisiana State University have been arrested for multiple hazing incidents. Charges against the young men include felony attempted battery, false imprisonment, felony battery, and criminal hazing.
On Thursday, the university issued a statement, saying:
“This type of behavior is unacceptable and at complete odds with what we expect from our students. It does not belong at LSU. This is a sad day for the university, but one that illustrates the cultural shift occurring at LSU.”
Delta Kappa Epsilon’s national organization reported the alleged hazing-related incidents to police after being made aware of the allegations. It has revoked the LSU chapter’s charter as well.
“In our ongoing educational programming regarding hazing prevention, we emphasize to our undergraduates that individuals should and will be held accountable for their actions,” the fraternity said.
According to a report by NBC News, one pledge claimed a fraternity member kicked him with steel-toed boots after he failed in his attempt to name the first 10 Delta Kappa Epsilon chapters while doing pushups.
Another allegation involves a game called “Edward 40 Hands.” Pledges had 40-ounce bottles of beer taped to their hands and were required to finish both bottles while remaining in the plank position on their elbows.
This isn’t the first time LSU has had serious issues with hazing on campus. In 2017, freshman Maxell Gruver died after a hazing incident where he was ordered to recite the Greek alphabet while being hit with condiments. He was forced to chug hard liquor if he made mistakes. The incident was allegedly part of his initiation to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.
When he died, Gruver had a blood alcohol level of .495, which is more than six times the legal limit.
In that incident, ten men were charged, and the Phi Delta Theta organization suspended the LSU chapter’s charter.
Jenn Bentley’s writing has been featured in publications such as The Examiner, The High Tech Society, FansShare, Yahoo News, and others. When she’s not writing or editing, Jenn spends her time raising money for Extra Life and advocating for autism awareness.
