vTech Corps cadets get hammer for hazing complaint

N

NJ_Dad

5-Year Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2016
Messages
87
A hammer came down at VT for possible hazing complaint. Univ Expulsions. Kicked out of corps. Defferd probation Or commission lost. I have been told by DS. He is not happy what happed to some of his upper class men. as he said non of it was any big deal or demeaning or dangerous. And I had to option to not participate if it was not of interest to you. Rough day for many there I heard.
 
have not heard anything of this. I wonder what was reported as hazing.

As for the option not to participate - is that referring to those doing the hazing or the ones being hazed - not saying there was actual hazing as I have no information, just trying to verify what you are saying. If it is he ones being hazed I would say that sometimes when something is "optional" there can still be fear of reprocussions for opting out, so even if it is mentioned as an option, many may decline for fear of retribution / issues later.

Sounds like a rough day for many for certain.
 
Yeah. The opt out is to the cadet if they wish to participate in the initiation process of their company. And yes. Opting out also comes with a negative stigma. Hence why even the hint of hazing or the pressure if not permitted
 
MaximusPrime82101 said:
Were there any details that even came of this?
Click to expand...

I was curious about this so did a quick Google search: https://www.roanoke.com/news/educat...cle_bd34019d-134b-559a-8152-77e68958e300.html

It appears that the hazing incident in question was a blood pinning ceremony - which is explicitly identified as hazing and forbidden by, I believe, each service's policy. I have no relation to VA Tech other than a casual interest so I can't speak to their policy.

To the OP's post, and in no way trying to criticize his DS, this shouldn't have happened, especially if conducted by cadets seeking a commission in a service where it is banned. It serves no real purpose and there are other, more legitimate "trials" someone can be put through to test their grit and dedication to something. I understand that this, at one point, was a rite of passage - my parents are old school AF and I'm fairly certain they've mentioned tacking before. However, that's no longer the case and cadets seeking a commission should know where the line is, unless VA Tech has absolutely failed in their instruction on hazing.

In terms of the ceremony being "optional," that is irrelevant to me as it never should have occurred. I understand the pressure to participate would be immense as there is the potential for an individual to be stigmatized for not participating. That is poor leadership from the upperclassmen to allow it to occur. I'm all in favor for a "Corps running the Corps" mindset, but there needs to be a check and balance process as, despite whatever people say about a SA/ROTC/SMC student, these are still primarily 18-22 year old "kids" in a learning environment who are still trying to figure out how life works. Unfortunately, it looks like the consequences will provide a rather crushing life lesson to those involved.
 
trackandfield08 said:
I was curious about this so did a quick Google search: https://www.roanoke.com/news/educat...cle_bd34019d-134b-559a-8152-77e68958e300.html

Just WOW! Thanks for sharing!
It appears that the hazing incident in question was a blood pinning ceremony - which is explicitly identified as hazing and forbidden by, I believe, each service's policy. I have no relation to VA Tech other than a casual interest so I can't speak to their policy.

To the OP's post, and in no way trying to criticize his DS, this shouldn't have happened, especially if conducted by cadets seeking a commission in a service where it is banned. It serves no real purpose and there are other, more legitimate "trials" someone can be put through to test their grit and dedication to something. I understand that this, at one point, was a rite of passage - my parents are old school AF and I'm fairly certain they've mentioned tacking before. However, that's no longer the case and cadets seeking a commission should know where the line is, unless VA Tech has absolutely failed in their instruction on hazing.

In terms of the ceremony being "optional," that is irrelevant to me as it never should have occurred. I understand the pressure to participate would be immense as there is the potential for an individual to be stigmatized for not participating. That is poor leadership from the upperclassmen to allow it to occur. I'm all in favor for a "Corps running the Corps" mindset, but there needs to be a check and balance process as, despite whatever people say about a SA/ROTC/SMC student, these are still primarily 18-22 year old "kids" in a learning environment who are still trying to figure out how life works. Unfortunately, it looks like the consequences will provide a rather crushing life lesson to those involved.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top