Towson University Cheerleaders Suspension: Hazing Incident Rituals Included Drinking, Diapers and Dancing
After sparking national attention for hazing allegations, details about the ritual that lead to the suspension of Towson University's cheerleading team have finally been revealed.
According to The Baltimore Sun, the ritual involved drinking and adult diapers. The paper reports that veterans on the award-winning cheerleading squad made freshmen drink beer or shots before blindfolding them and making them dance around wearing adult diapers over there shorts.
After an anonymous tip exposed the off-campus hazing incident late last year, the school launched a nearly three week investigation and suspended the team for an academic year. The team then appealed the decision for a lighter punishment.
The cheerleaders downplayed the incident and contended that it was nothing more than a bonding experience to bring them closer together. The cheerleading team also insisted that no one was forced to do anything against their own will.
However, the university has a no tolerance policy on hazing.
While Deadspin called the incident "the tamest hazing ritual ever," students at the Maryland college voiced concern and criticism toward the squad.
"Any form of hazing is bad and they shouldn't have done it," said senior student Ida Khan, according to CBS Baltimore.
"With alcohol being involved, that kind of makes the situation a lot worse. Considering the girls are freshmen, a lot of them are not over the age of 21," said Soronia Taylor, sophomore.
"Everyone knows what hazing is. Degrading anyone, especially your teammates, is just morally wrong," said Melanie Bulavinetz.
"You're asked to do something you might not want to do, but you think you might have to do it because that is how you become a member of the organization. That's the power dynamic that's there," said Jana Varwig the V.P. of Student Affairs.
The top ranking cheerleading team also offered an apology for their conduct.
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