Gents hazing involved dunkings in ‘jungle juice’

New details have surfaced about the spring 2008 incident that led to the probation of one of UNH’s popular a cappella groups. The New Hampshire Gentlemen accepted responsibility for nine violations of UNH policy, including hazing and providing alcohol to minors.

According to the disciplinary hearing decision released by the Office of Conduct and Mediation, the hazing occurred at a large party that involved punch with high alcohol content, a drink commonly referred to as “jungle juice.” Members of the singing group dunked the heads of new recruits in the punch as a rite of initiation.

The Gents’ musical director, sophomore Jon Blauvelt, admitted to the New Hampshire Union Leader on Tuesday that the dunking occurred and that it had been a tradition within the organization.

In the UNH Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook, hazing is defined “as an act which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student… for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, a group or organization.”

In finding the Gents violated this and other rules, the judicial officer in the case, who wasn’t named in the release, wrote “this type of activity sends a message to all students that drinking and particularly, high-risk drinking, is desirable.”

Anne Lawing, senior assistant vice-president of student and academic affairs, agreed with the judicial officer’s sentiments.

“I believe it was hazing,” said Lawing. “One of the hallmarks of hazing is that the victim agrees to something under subtle or overt pressure from officers or other leaders.”

The fact that no members of the Gents were hurt doesn’t preclude them from sanctions, according to Lawing. “When we receive a report of high risk behavior, we’re obligated to follow up on it, and we will meet our obligation,” she said.

As punishment, the group is on organization probation through Dec. 31, 2010, and won’t be permitted to have on-campus shows until the beginning of fall semester 2009. The group cannot have off-campus shows until the beginning of spring semester 2010.

The Gents were granted an exception to be able to perform, for no financial gain, for primary and secondary schools, as well as assisted-living facilities. The group was also allowed to perform its annual winter show on Dec. 13.

The group must also participate in a hazing workshop and develop a comprehensive plan to educate new members.

man files suit against UNH and TNH

Bert J. Allen III, of Newmarket, is suing The New Hampshire, the University of New Hampshire, the UNH Police Department, the UNH Conduct Office and the UNH Student Affairs Office, among other agencies.

The UNH Police Department banned Allen from campus in September for posting fliers asking to “lease a wife or bride” or “concubines.”

Allen, who is representing himself, filed the suit against 18 defendants on Nov. 25. He is asking for more than $300 million combined from the defendants.

“There’s not a legal issue to be established in that entire document,” said Joanne Stella, attorney of Student Legal Services. “Not only does he not establish any duty that anyone has violated, but how that has caused him any pecuniary loss.”

“He hasn’t even established a single dime of damages or alleged that he has any damages,” Stella continued.
In the eight-page document, Allen alleges he didn’t put up the signs. He says someone else did it to “retaliate against me for putting in a state report against them UNH police [sic].”

The case goes before Strafford County Superior Court on Jan. 8, 2009.