|
Citadel cadet dismissed, 9 others punished for hazing
March 10, 1997Web posted at: 3:17 p.m. EST (2017 GMT)
CHARLESTON, South Carolina (CNN) -- A male cadet at The Citadel has been dismissed and nine others are being punished for hazing and harassing two women cadets at the military school.
Acting President Roger C. Poole made the announcement at a news conference Monday following private hearings for 11 cadets at the school earlier this month. One cadet was cleared.
In addition to the cadet who was dismissed, one cadet was given the maximum penalty possible short of dismissal. School officials did not explain the exact nature of that punishment.
Poole said the other eight cadets were given "sitting confinement" and walking tours. "We are hoping this is the end of the darkest era in Citadel history," Poole said.
Cadets Kim Messer and Jeanie Mentavlos, who did not return to school for spring semester, had complained they were hazed and harassed last fall. Neither woman attended the hearings but earlier gave lengthy statements to college officials.
They alleged, among other things, that their clothes were set afire, cleanser was put on their heads, that they were forced to stand in a closet while being shoved and kicked, and were forced to drink tea until they became ill.
Four other cadets had been implicated in the case previously. Two resigned, a third was disciplined and another did not return this semester. The names of the cadets have not been released.
The FBI and South Carolina law enforcement officials are investigating the case. No criminal charges have been filed.
Related stories:
- Report: Citadel told of harassment months ago - January 13, 1997
- Interim president says Citadel 'safe' - January 13, 1997
- Two female cadets withdraw from Citadel - January 12, 1997
- New president to lead Citadel into coed era - January 6, 1997
- Citadel suspends second male cadet - December 17, 1996
Related site:
Note: Pages will open in a new browser windowExternal sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
|
Tell us what you think! You said it... |
|
© 1997 Cable News Network, Inc.
All Rights Reserved.