Indiana University officials announced Thursday that it has suspended the chapter of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity in Bloomington, Ind. as it investigates a video allegedly showing a pledge performing a sex act on a woman during a hazing ritual.
The university reports the recording surfaced on social media and "appears to be credible video evidence" of the hazing allegations, reported SFGate. In the video, the pledge is in his underwear while surrounded by a horde of onlookers, some of whom are partially dressed.
The university suspended the local chapter as it investigates, but it hasn't made clear if it will pursue any criminal charges.
"Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) is alleged to have violated the student code of conduct - specifically for hazing activities which perpetuate sexual misconduct," the school said in a letter to the fraternity, according to Reuters.
National Alpha Tau Omega leadership is also investigating the footage, frat CEO Wynn Smiley said in a statement Thursday.
"The video is highly offensive and is antithetical to the values of Alpha Tau Omega. If confirmed, swift disciplinary action will be taken. The men who were a part of such a vulgar incident do not represent the fraternity and damage the fraternity's name for thousands of ATO undergraduates and alumni across the country," he wrote, according to a copy obtained by NBC's Indiana affiliate WTHR.
This isn't the first time the fraternity chapter has found itself in hot water. In 2010, the national headquarters kicked out more than two-thirds of its members after an investigation into hazing and alchohol violations. Fewer than 20 of the 126 members were allowed to remain within the local chapter after the dust cleared.
