A college frat is banned after a hazing accident that left a 19-year-old with one testicle, The Smoking Gun reports.
A judicial board at Wilmington College ruled that Gamma Phi Gamma’s “rights…are permanently extinguished and henceforth the college will no longer recognize” the fraternity.
Police are still investigating a hazing incident that affected three pledges while about 20 fraternity members watched or participated. According to police, during the hazing in the fraternity house basement known as “Gobbler House,” pledges were subjected to acts of nudity, violence and simulated sex.
In one part of the initiation, fraternity members placed blindfolds on the pledges while they had “a substance described as being like ‘Icy Hot’ applied to their nipples, back, buttocks and scrotum.”
Tyler Lawrence, was struck in the testicles with “a towel fashioned as a weapon,” according to a search warrant affidavit. Lawrence fell to the ground in pain but was forced to his feet while a vinegar-soaked banana was stuffed in his mouth. The pledges were told the items could be poop or shit. After concluding the ceremony, Lawrence received a fraternity shirt.
Lawrence complained of pain in the groin and was taken to a local hospital in which he had surgery to remove one testicle resulting from “damage caused to him when he was struck by the towel.” Doctors reported Lawrence had “large bruising and contusions upon much of his torso.”
During an October 31 search of Gobbler House, police recovered “towels with balled ends, ‘icy-hot’ liniment, and other props which may have been used” during the initiation ceremony.
The fraternity was previously suspended for hazing pending an official investigation. Student could face suspension for their involvement in the ceremony. No charges have been reported.