The fraternity house involved, Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, is still being investigated by the college.
“In the current case involving alleged hazing by individual members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, information initially presented to the UJAO supported the charges. Information received subsequently, however, indicated that the initial information contained inaccuracies and was not a sufficient basis for the charges to proceed to hearing. Accordingly, all those charges against individuals have been rescinded.
Organizational charges against SAE remain pending,” said Justin Anderson, Dartmouth director of media relations, in a statement on Monday.
Last month allegations of fraternity hazing at the college led to 27 students being charged with hazing offenses by the college. The hazing violations allegedly took place during the fall 2009 and 2011 pledge term.
The hazing allegations were brought forward by former SAE member Andrew Lohse earlier this year.
In a Jan. 25 column in the student newspaper, Lohse laid bare his firsthand accounts of hazing as a member of SAE, which included accounts of pledges being asked to swim in a kiddie pool full of vomit, urine, fecal matter, semen and rotten food and to eat omelets made of vomit and chug cups of vinegar.
In the April of Rolling Stone Lohse said he had also been charged with hazing, after he implicated himself when he came forward.
As to why the charges were dropped, Anderson wrote, “When Dartmouth College receives a credible allegation that an undergraduate student or student organization has violated Dartmouth’s Standards of Conduct, that allegation is investigated by the Undergraduate Judicial Affairs Office.
If the investigation indicates that there is reliable evidence that a Standard of Conduct has been violated, a charge is issued and the case is referred to the Committee on Standards and/or the Organizational Adjudication Committee for a hearing.
Following the issuance of the charge and prior to hearing, the UJAO continues to gather witness statements and other information. Charges may be modified or withdrawn in light of the information received.”
