Graphic Video Gets Indiana University Frat Suspended

Alpha Tao Omega pledge allegedly seen performing sex act on woman
By Jenn Gidman,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 8, 2015 11:57 AM CDT
Graphic Video Gets Indiana University Frat Suspended
Stock photo   (Shutterstock)

A fraternity has been suspended from Indiana University after a video circulated online showing a pledge performing oral sex on a woman as other members watch, the Indianapolis Star reports. A university rep cited "credible video evidence" that led to its decision, while the Alpha Tao Omega national office said Thursday the video in question was "highly offensive" and that "if confirmed, swift disciplinary action will be taken [against] the men who were a part of such a vulgar incident," the Washington Post notes. A letter sent to the ATO chapter from the university Wednesday night says the frat can't host, attend, or participate in any social events or sponsor any new members until the investigation is complete, the Star notes, while a tweet from the university Wednesday noted: "Our campus is committed to a culture of care." The university spokesman says ATO members can still attend classes during the investigation, the AP reports.

The Post, which credits the Total Frat Move site for first mentioning the video, describes the 29-second cellphone clip that made its rounds on social media as "a male pledge in nothing but boxer shorts … seen performing a sex act on a naked woman atop a dirty inflatable mattress." There's also laughter and shouting as other members in various states of undress watch the incident, and it appears the woman uses her legs at one point to prevent the man from getting up. The Post notes this isn't the IU ATO's first run-in: In 1992, more than two dozen ATO brothers were suspended after a pledge got alcohol poisoning, and in 2010, two-thirds of its members were dumped after hazing and alcohol violations. The AP adds that in June, Indiana State University suspended its chapter for serving alcohol to minors. (More fraternity stories.)

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