Disturbing Hazing Footage Emerges from Iowa Fraternity

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Disturbing footage has emerged of a hazing incident at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity at the University of Iowa. The video, which circulated widely online, shows multiple young men standing together in a fraternity basement, covered in various substances and blindfolded. The incident occurred in November 2024 and led to the fraternity's suspension for four academic years.

Why it matters

Hazing is strictly forbidden at the University of Iowa and is a misdemeanor under Iowa law. At least one school hazing death has occurred every year from 1959 through 2026, according to research, highlighting the serious risks involved. The incident at Alpha Delta Phi raises concerns about the prevalence of hazing and the need for stronger enforcement and education to prevent such dangerous activities.

The details

In the early morning of November 15, 2024, Iowa City and University of Iowa police responded to a fire alarm at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house. They then found 56 pledges blindfolded in the fraternity's basement with food thrown on them, according to a criminal complaint. The video shows a prolonged back-and-forth between the individuals and law enforcement, as officers tried to establish what had happened and who was in charge. The fraternity president later said it was 'their lead up to initiation' and a 'ritual where they're blindfolded and get messed with.'

• On November 15, 2024, police responded to a fire alarm at the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity house.
• The hazing incident occurred in November 2024.
• The fraternity was initially placed on interim suspension less than 24 hours after the incident.
• The fraternity was formally suspended in May 2025 for the next four academic years.
• The earliest reinstatement date for Alpha Delta Phi is July 1, 2029.

What’s next

Alpha Delta Phi's earliest reinstatement date is July 1, 2029.