Hazing allegations forced the Shippensburg University Student Senate to freeze the school’s male rugby team’s budget for the 2015–2016 academic year.

Allegedly, a Shippensburg resident recorded the team engaging in hazing-like practices on Washington Street. The resident then posted the video to social media, where it was seen by SU authorities.

The Budget of Student Senate and Finance Committee brought the proposal to freeze the team’s budget to the Student Senate floor, where it passed 14-4.

Near the end of the proceedings, an audience member inquired about the decision. The visibly uncomfortable senators refused to comment, stating that the details of the rugby team’s insubordination were confidential.

While he is unable to directly address the alleged hazing that transpired, Student Senate President Dominic Giovanniello aims to establish student conduct as a top priority.

“Student Senate will hold true to the fact that we have a no tolerance policy when it comes to violating student conduct, especially when it affects lives of other students,” Giovanniello said. “We will stand for upholding the student handbook and student conduct policies, whether that’s anything from having a candle in your dorm room to plagiarism.”

Jameson Barker, a junior at SU and sitting vice president of the rugby team, admits that the team made mistakes.

“We messed up. There was a lot of pressure from [rugby] alumni to continue certain traditions. However, we plan on removing that type of behavior from our club’s culture,” Barker said.

Giovanniello was not alone in voicing his disapproval of this type of student misconduct.

“Hazing is never warranted and is strongly condemned as it is demeaning and against the values of SU. When made aware of hazing we will and have responded in an assertive manner,” said Roger Serr, SU’s vice president of student affairs.

Despite the uncertain future of the team, Barker claims that cohesion is high.

“Things are great,” Barker said. ” We had a lot of great kids come out this year. For now, we are just bonding as a whole and staying positive.”

Without a budget, the team will struggle to exist this season.

“It’s extremely difficult for us to find ways to continue functioning as a club,” Barker said. Due to high out-of-pocket expenses, the team cannot operate without financial assistance from the university.

Rugby members will appeal the Student Senate’s decision this fall. The team hopes to retain a portion of its $4,100 budget to cover vital expenses, such as league and referee dues.

Share