COLUMBIA, Mo. - University of Missouri officials are investigating a fraternity accused of giving pledges date rape drugs and instructions on how to use them on female students.
A school spokeswoman confirmed to KTVI that Delta Upsilon fraternity, which has already been suspended for possible racial problems, is also being investigated for allegedly serving alcohol to underage students and hazing pledges.
In a letter to the fraternity from the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Assistant Vice Chancellor, Assistant Vice Provost Ellen Eardley wrote:
“Active members of delta upsilon fraternity allegedly provided each new member with three pills and instructed them to drug women for the purpose of incapacitating them prior to engaging in sexual activity. it has been alleged that new members are required to engage in such conduct in order to complete the initiation process.”
News of the investigation has students like Kenya Liddell talking, “We’re supposed to be doing the right thing and being leaders of tomorrow.”
Student Sam Nelson said, “It’s frankly terrifying that men think it’s okay to drug women and take advantage of them.”
The documents are from police reports and the Department of Student Life, among other organizations, and contain claims from young women who believed they were drugged.
In one report, a female in the Brooks Hall residential building was found drunk with no pants on after she allegedly smeared feces on a wall. She said she had been to a party at Delta Upsilon and had been drinking. Her friends said she was not acting normally and believe she may have been drugged.
Some people don’t believe the accusations. Student Peter West said, “I think it’s absurd, I just can’t see that happening I can’t."
There are also accusations of hazing. A Delta Upsilon pledge was found in Lathrop hall with a bloody hand. He said he couldn’t talk about it. According to the report he said, “They made us fight each other.”
Members of the local fraternity declined to be interviewed.
The fraternity has already been suspended over alleged use of racial slurs against black students.
Delta Upsilon’s national office released a statement saying the university documents are deeply concerning and Delta Upsilon will not condone or tolerate such alleged activities.
The findings of the investigation could result in Delta Upsilon losing recognition from the school which for all intents and purposes it would be closed down at the University of Missouri.
