Tulane fraternity suspended after alleged hazing

Published 9:20 am Wednesday, May 7, 2008

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — More than 10 fraternity pledges at Tulane University were burned with hot water and pepper spray during a “hell night” initiation, an attorney representing one of the pledges say.

Five members of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity were arrested Tuesday and five other members were being sought, police said. The university suspended the fraternity and started its own investigation into the alleged hazing, which took place April 25-26.

“This fraternity is no longer a recognized fraternity at Tulane,” the university said in a news release.

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The five fraternity members who surrendered Tuesday were booked with felony aggravated second-degree battery, said Officer Garry Flot, a New Orleans police spokesman. The other five were arranging to surrender, he said.

Police and the university provided few details.

Attorney Frank D’Amico Jr., who represents one of the pledges allegedly burned, more than 10 men were burned. He said at least two pledges were severely burned and reported the attack to police. D’Amico said his client suffered second- and third-degree burns.

The aggravated second-degree battery charge carries up to 15 years in prison.