CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Citadel has subpoenaed two female cadets who left the college alleging they were hazed by male cadets, the military school’s president said.
Jeanie Mentavlos of Charlotte, N.C., and Kim Messer of Clover did not return to school for the spring semester, saying they did not feel safe or welcome.
The women alleged that, among other things, their clothes were set afire, cleanser was placed in their mouths, and they were sexually harassed.
They are being subponenaed as part of the federal court case that challenged the school’s all-male policy. The women’s attorney said they have no objection to providing their statements.
Eleven cadets face disciplinary action and interim college President Clifton Poole said those cases cannot be resolved until the women’s statements are in hand.
The FBI and the State Law Enforcement Division also are investigating the allegations for possible criminal or civil rights violations.
School officials maintained Wednesday they knew nothing of the alleged hazing until last month, although Ms. Mentalvos’s father said the incidents were reported much earlier.
“I can look you in the eye and tell you the president’s office, and that includes everybody right here, knew nothing of these allegations,” Poole said. “And the commandant assured me again this morning…that they did not know.”
Nick Mentavlos said from his Charlotte home that he “absolutely… would dispute that. This is the truth. These things were brought to their attention.”
COPYRIGHT 1997 Cox, Matthews & Associates
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
© Copyright 2005 by DiverseEducation.com
