An incident at Carleton College has resulted in a number of suspensions and sanctions. An email was sent out to the student body and staff late yesterday afternoon regarding a hazing incident on April 28th. While there are no specific details, President Steve Poskanzer and Dean of Students, Carolyn Livingston, called it a “disturbing incident” that involved “hazing and extreme alcohol consumption as part of initiation into a secret co-ed social club”. The email goes on, after a thorough investigation, 13 students were found responsible for serious
violations of the College’s student code of conduct and they were suspended from Carleton for 3 terms. The events of April 28th were “meticulously planned”. The email states further that school administrators are “greatly troubled” by these events and they run counter to the values and principles of the school. The investigation is ongoing. Hazing across the country is a serious problem. In fact, the University of Dayton reports that 55{b5761be34e80a16b6d0e4dabc1869c131a263f96a745c82bebdd3b8a4330bfa9} of college students involved in clubs, teams and organizations experience hazing and that alcohol consumption, humiliation, isolation, sleep-deprivation, and sexual acts are hazing practices common across all types of student groups. The Northfield Police Department confirmed a report of a sexual assault the weekend of April 28th but could not confirm that the two incidents were related. Carleton Director of Media and Public Relations Eric Sieger released this statement over the noontime hour today:
Media Statement—Social Misconduct Investigation
May 19, 2017
From Joe Hargis, associate vice president for external relations
Carleton College can confirm that an incident took place on and around campus in the early morning hours of April 28, 2017 that involved hazing and extreme alcohol consumption as part of initiation into a secret, co-ed social club.
After a thorough investigation, thirteen students were found responsible for serious violations of the College’s student code of conduct and yesterday were suspended from the College for three trimesters.
In addition, Carleton officials acknowledge an allegation of a sexual assault following this hazing incident. The Northfield Police are investigating the allegation, as is the College. Carleton staff is supporting the student who filed the allegation, consistent with our policies. Consistent with Carleton’s sexual misconduct policy, the College will not comment on any details of the sexual assault investigation to protect the privacy of the students involved.
The actions of the individuals involved in the hazing incident compromised the safety of at least thirteen fellow students and violated policies and standards that require all members of the Carleton community to be treated with care, respect, and dignity. These include policies that strictly forbid hazing and other conduct that threaten the health, well-being, and safety of oneself and fellow community members.
In addition to suspensions, sanctions for those involved in the hazing incident include alcohol education and community service.
The safety of Carleton students and the campus is of the utmost importance. A cornerstone of the Carleton community is respect for one another. The College is committed to protecting these fundamental core values.
KYMN will continue to monitor this story.
Bar ablaze – complete loss
The Naughty Pine bar in Hampton is a complete loss. Formerly, Frank’s Place, the bar was fully engulfed early yesterday afternoon. The Dakota County Sheriff’s office reports that firefighters continued to fight the blaze for over an hour. KARE 11 reports that 2 dogs died in the fire. However, Sheriff Leslie could not confirm that. He said the owners had some workers inside doing some cutting and that may have led to the fire but, it is still under investigation. They do not suspect foul play.
Crash looked worse than it was
A crash on Hwy 246 near the Middle School yesterday looked worse than it was. Northfield Police and emergency responders were at the scene around 4 yesterday afternoon. Both vehicle were traveling northbound when one was stopped to turn left into a driveway before the Middle School. That vehicle was rear-ended. The drivers both sustained non life-threatening injuries.
Climate Change a priority for Northfield
Climate Change is among the 6 priorities of the Northfield City Council and staff. Mayor Rhonda Pownell said the EQC had brought forward a plan earlier to reduce carbon emissions including planting more trees as well as ways for cost savings. Pownell cited energy saving efforts by the colleges and their use of solar. She added that the EQC will put together a Climate Action Plan to look at ways to further reduce carbon emissions and yield savings for the City. From the six priorities will come 18 initiatives that staff will work on. By July, Administrator Ben Martig said they should have some real plans.
TCL has more more surprise for Northfield
The Contented Cow was packed with people hoping to be caught on camera as Steve Patterson of Twin Cities Live broadcasted from the local bar. It was the culmination of a week of highlighting Northfield on the show. There is one more surprise in store for today’s show. He said along with some dancing with Northfield folk, he also experienced something he never has before or ever thought he would. And it was in a business in Northfield! That will air sometime just after 3pm today.
