Judge drops hazing charges against Rider University officials

Update to my previous blog posting on the Hazing Death at Rider University in New Jersey

Superior Court Judge Maria Sypek approved a request by Mercer County Prosecutor Joseph Bocchini to dismiss charges against Dean of Students Anthony Campbell and Director of Greek Life Ada Badgley.

The prosecutors reviewed the case and decided the evidence was insufficient to prove the charges against the two officials beyond a reasonable doubt.

Gary DeVercelly Sr, the father, decried the decision:
"We're upset about it, that the charges are being dismissed, because we feel that Rider has responsibility -- definitely has responsibility -- in this issue."

No civil lawsuit has been filed yet.

The charges against Adriano DiDonato, a student and residence director and house master of the PhiTau fraternity house; Dominic Olsen, pledge master of Spring 2007; and Michael J. Torney, the chapter president remain the same.

As such, if convicted, the three students face up to 18 months in prison and a fine up to $10,000. All three have pleaded not guilty.

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The hazing death at Rider had somewhat of a mixed effect on other area universities. At Rowan University, it has banned alcohol in all dorms, and only allows it in campus apartments and townhouses occupied solely by students over 21. Intoxication is prohibited. It also will require all Greek organizations to sign a document on hazing.

At Rider itself, alcohol is now banned in all residence halls and Greek housing, as well as all school-sponsored events. It has also decided to place directors in all Greek houses. All greek groups will be assessed on their actions annually, and the University will enact action plans when expectations are not met.

Rutgers University in New Brunswick and Camden, and the University of Delaware plan no major changes, stating that their current hazing and alcohol policies are stringent enough.