ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, April 17, 1996 TAG: 9604170042
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ALLISON BLAKE STAFF WRITER
AFTER BEING EXCUSED from "rat line" rigors, a student became the target of jealously that led to an alleged assault Easter morning. In addition to those suspended, nine cadets have been disciplined as a result of the episode.
Virginia Military Institute has suspended six students whom it says assaulted a freshman classmate who had been excused from part of the grueling ``rat line'' because of medical problems.
A Virginia Military Institute freshman excused from "rat line" rigors under doctor's orders apparently became the focus of jealousy from his brother rats, leading to an Easter morning assault that has prompted the college to suspend six freshmen.
Nine other freshmen, or "rats," have been disciplined as a result of the Easter morning episode, described by administrators as an apparent prank that went awry.
"This shocked folks big," said John L. Buchanan II, president of the Corps of Cadets and head of the cadet committee that investigated the incident.
A group of freshmen entered their classmate's barracks room, overturned his bed and attempted to shave his head; in the process, his shoulder was partially dislocated, VMI spokesman Mike Strickler said.
The freshmen also apparently tried to spray burning analgesic balm on his genitals but got it on his leg instead, Strickler said.
The cadet's arm is in a sling, but otherwise he is all right and attending classes, Strickler said.
The victim apparently became the focus of jealousy from fellow cadets because he was excused from "rat line" rigors. The young man was on the VMI "gim," or physician-approved sick list, after having problems with bone spurs, said Gen. Michael Bozeman, commandant of cadets.
Buchanan said the young man, a swimmer, had had two surgeries on each heel and had a problem with his rotator cuff. He apparently had been excused from jobs such as 24-hour sentry duty, where rats go on foot patrol for two hours, are off for six, then back on for two, Bozeman said.
"Immediately, right after it happened, the rat that it was done to came down to - we call it a dyke,[an upperclassman], like a big brother, who came and got us," Buchanan said. "We handled the investigation that night. We didn't wait until the next morning. By the next morning, I was already prepping the commandant to [tell] the superintendent what happened."
"That type of behavior isn't going to be condoned," Strickler said.
Bozeman echoed Strickler: "This type of incident, I can't remember when anything like this has happened, it's not tolerated, and it's not going to be tolerated."
The incident occurred about two months after the freshmen were released from the rigors of their first year, known as "breaking out of the rat line." The breakout signals an end to closely monitored behavior for freshmen, whether they're "straining," which is walking with their chins pulled in and shoulders erect, or eating in a strictly monitored style.
The idea is to create a bond among cadets by breaking each freshman physically and emotionally before rebuilding him into a "citizen soldier."
"The rat line is certainly a key aspect in challenging entering freshmen, and it does lay a foundation for a bonding experience; but once you get out of the rat line and become a fourth classman, that is when you really participate and give back to VMI. That's probably the most meaningful experience; the rat line must be the most memorable," Bozeman said.
The shared, adverse experience also is credited with inspiring the uncommon loyalty many students and alumni have for the college.
VMI is not releasing the names of the students who were punished, Strickler said. One cadet is suspended for three semesters, and five are suspended for two semesters. The other nine received penalties that included demerits and 30 to 60 of what VMI calls "tours," when cadets march for an hour or are confined to their rooms, he said.
The student Executive Committee, consisting of the officers of each class, recommended the sentences. Bozeman and VMI Superintendent Josiah Bunting III upheld them.
``The corps essentially policed themselves,'' Bozeman said. ``I think it sends the right message, not only from the administration but from the corps.''
Buchanan said six students were in on the planning; "others may have stood by or watched or tolerated. We won't tolerate the fact that somebody tolerated that act."
VMI doesn't consider the incident to be hazing, because "there wasn't any attempt to do malicious harm," Bozeman said.
Earlier this semester, seven members of Virginia Tech's Corps of Cadets were suspended for hazing - the first since 1988. Gen. Stan Musser, commandant of that corps, said he expects to use the incident as an example to ensure such problems don't occur again.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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