GC fraternity suspended over hazing incident

A fraternity at Georgia College has been suspended following a hazing incident that left one student hospitalized.

In an internal statement released to GC students, faculty and staff university President Cathy Cox condemned the “disturbing conduct that has come to our attention in recent days,” Cox said. “There is no time and no place at which hazing activity is acceptable or tolerable on or around the GCSU campus or involving GCSU students.”

Milledgeville Police Chief Dray Swicord confirmed to Lake Country Today that his office is investigating the incident. Authorities say they can release no information at this time.

The name of the students involved and the fraternity have not been disclosed. Still, President Cox said the GCSU chapter had been suspended by both the university and the national organization of the unnamed fraternity.

“Georgia College has issued the student-members a cease-and-desist order, already in effect, which forbids any further fraternity activity until the matter is finally adjudicated,” said Cox.

“We are deeply concerned about the health, safety and well-being of all Georgia College students, and will do our part to hold accountable those who jeopardize the well-being of our students.  We will also expand our anti-hazing programs to help prevent conduct like this from ever happening here again.  But we also need each and every one of you to take an equally strong stand against conduct that has no place in civilized society; it is dangerous and criminal, not fun or funny.”

We’ll post more updates as they become available.