Hazing at University of Iowa: Bodycam Footage Reveals Disturbing Rituals
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Newly released police body camera footage following a viral YouTube video offers a chilling glimpse into a 2024 hazing incident at the University of Iowa’s Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. The footage, obtained following public records requests, depicts a chaotic scene encountered by officers responding to a fire alarm in November 2024.
The video shows a crowded basement filled with shirtless men, many covered in ketchup and alcohol, with some individuals blindfolded. The sheer disarray prompted a stunned reaction from one officer, who exclaimed, “You gotta see it from my perspective, what the f— did I just walk into?”
The Scene Unfolds
Upon arrival, officers discovered 56 pledges confined to two dimly lit rooms. “Looks like we have quite a bit of hazing,” one officer observed. The bodycam footage captures officers attempting to ascertain the situation, inquiring about medical needs and whether anyone was being held against their will. Remarkably, pledges responded in unison, stating that no one was present unwillingly.
The investigation was hampered by a lack of cooperation from fraternity members. Officers searched the house for someone in charge, but were met with silence and a deliberate lack of direction. Adding to the tension, one individual repeatedly interrupted police questioning and hurled slurs at the officers.
“You got f—— nothing, there’s no fire here, no nothing,” the individual shouted, attempting to dismiss the situation. This individual was subsequently arrested and charged with interference with official acts, although the charges were later dropped.
University Response and Consequences
The University of Iowa responded swiftly and decisively to the incident. Alpha Delta Phi fraternity was suspended from campus activities until the summer of 2029. This suspension underscores the university’s zero-tolerance policy towards hazing, a dangerous and illegal practice. Currently, three fraternities are under suspension at the University of Iowa, highlighting a concerning pattern of misconduct.
Hazing is a serious issue with potentially devastating consequences. Organizations like StopBullying.gov provide resources and information about recognizing and preventing hazing. The dangers of hazing are well-documented, ranging from physical harm and emotional trauma to even death. HazingPrevention.org is another valuable resource dedicated to eliminating hazing.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students on college campuses.
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