Lawrence police announced Monday they were investigating a possible hazing incident last week at the Sigma Nu fraternity after a 19-year-old ended up at the KU Medical Center following a pledging ritual.

Officers were called to the Sigma Nu Fraternity house, 1501 Sigma Nu Place, just before 10 p.m. last Wednesday.awrence Police Sgt. Mike Pattrick said the student, from Olathe, was found unconscious at the house.
Pattrick said the student was injured during a fraternity ritual for pledges.

“During some portion of this ritual, the pledge is thrown and is supposed to land on his feet,” Pattrick said. “He did not. He struck his head and was unconscious.”
The student was originally taken by ambulance to Lawrence Memorial Hospital. He was later transferred to the KU Medical Center to be treated for a head wound. A hospital spokesman said the student was released on Thursday.
Police are investigating five suspects between the ages of 19 and 21 for their involvement. Pattrick said the suspects are also under investigation for furnishing alcohol to a minor.
No one was arrested. Police will forward the results of their investigation to the Douglas County District Attorney’s office for possible criminal charges.
The following is a statement released Monday afternoon by Marlesa Roney, vice provost for student success, concerning the incident:

“Hazing of any kind is a violation of human dignity. It is always taken
seriously and immediately confronted by this university. We absolutely will
not tolerate this type of behavior.

“Hazing is an egregious violation of our student code of rights and
responsibilities, and the penalties can be severe. The university’s Center
for Campus Life and its department, Fraternity and Sorority Life, have
already begun a thorough investigation of the report, and we have been in
contact with the police, the local chapter and the national Sigma Nu
organization.

“We are equally concerned about the report of use and abuse of alcohol,
particularly the alleged furnishing of liquor to a minor. The university has
campus programs and campaigns aimed at educating students about alcohol and
their legal and personal responsibilities. We are committed to this
important effort to keep our students safe.

“We have been in contact with the family of the injured student. We are
thankful that this young man is recovering and will be in class this
semester.”

For more on this story, tune in to the 6News reports at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Sunflower Broadband’s Channel 6 and pick up a copy of Tuesday’s Journal-World.