Phi Gamma Delta is under investigation for a possible hazing incident depicted in a video, a spokesperson from the fraternity’s national headquarters said Monday.
In a 20-second Snapchat video obtained by The Oracle, a man is shown with his hands tied behind his back, his head covered and his ankles tied together. He is being forced into a shower by what appears to be three other men.
“We are aware of an incident involving members of our chapter at Tennessee Tech alleged to be a hazing activity,” Rob Caudill, executive director of The International Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta, said. “The chapter is cooperating with the university as it investigates and we collectively work to resolve this matter.”
Phi Gamma Delta’s President Landon Allison said the organization is cooperating with the investigation.
“This was admittedly a misguided, juvenile prank by members of our chapter,” Allison said.
Phi Gamma Delta, also known as FIJI, has been on campus since 1981. The international council is located in Lexington, Kentucky.
In the video viewed by Oracle staff, one of the participants is seen wearing what appears to be one of FIJI’s purple intramural jerseys.
The overall quality of the video is poor. The incident begins in what appears to be the bed of a truck at night. A male in a black T-shirt, blue jeans and tan cowboy boots has his hands tied behind his back with white rope. His ankles are also bound together. What appears to be a pillow case covers his head and is knotted around his neck.
The video skips to a bathroom where a man in what appears to be a purple FIJI intramural jersey is shown with his hands on the subject’s head, forcing him onto his back into a small white standup shower. At least two other men are in the bathroom holding the subject’s feet vertically.
His clothing appears to be wet from the water being turned on in the shower.
Students from Journalism 4820 contributed to this report.
