June 22, 1999

Possible hazing still under investigation


A suspected hazing incident involving the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity is being reviewed for possible criminal charges by the McLean County State's Attorney's office.

Meanwhile, the Illinois State University Student Judicial Office also will review the case in July to determine if the alleged incident violated the school's code of conduct.

The SJO will first review cases against individual students, and then will address potential violations against the fraternity, which has been placed on suspension pending the outcome.

ISU police became involved after a local photo developing business turned over film to university officials because the photographs appeared to depict hazing.The photos, apparently taken in March or April, allegedly show fraternity pledges being paddled and partially nude men who had whipped cream or shaving cream placed on their genitals. Pledges also may have been blindfolded and possibly wore dog collars or ropes around their necks.

The photos are believed to have been taken in both the Twin Cities and the Chicago area.

One or more of the men in the photos wore clothing with Kappa Alpha Psi insignia on it.

Investigators recently completed their investigation, which mostly involved talking to witnesses and/or suspects about the incident.

"We got almost everybody we wanted to talk to," said Capt. Don Knapp.

A regional representative for the national Kappa Alpha Psi organization could not be reached for comment. The fraternity and any individuals who are proved to have participated in hazing face suspension.

The status of the state's attorney's review was not available Monday.


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