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13 Carleton College Students Suspended After Hazing Incident

NORTHFIELD, Minn. (WCCO) -- Thirteen students at Carleton College have been suspended for an entire school year.

Administrators said it's because of a hazing incident involving extreme alcohol consumption. It happened in the early morning hours of April 28. They said the group was trying to initiate at least 13 people into a secret, social club.

Carleton College is known as one of the country's top liberal arts schools, but students say what it's not known for is what many people are talking about.

"I was just a little surprised," said freshman Jordan Shapiro.

"It was just very shocking," added sophomore Ahmed Abdirahman.

Those reactions could be heard all across campus after 13 students were suspended for an alcohol-fueled hazing incident. Administrators wouldn't say exactly where it occurred, just that it was "on and around campus." They said the incident violated policies and standards, including "policies that strictly forbid hazing and other conduct that threaten the health, well-being, and safety of oneself and fellow community members."

"The stuff that happened is obviously unacceptable," said Shapiro.

Northfield police are also getting involved after a sexual assault allegation followed the incident. It's a story many never would have expected to come out of their college.

"It's Carleton, not really that much of a party atmosphere," said Abdirahman.

"I don't think that like this incident is really indicative the campus as a whole," said Shapiro.

Since the incident happened, students said the college has been raising awareness about the dangers hazing and drinking.

"A pretty widespread outreach in terms of like 'We don't want this to happen. If there's anything that you need or you see this kind of stuff occurring, this is what you can do,'" said Shapiro.

In addition to the suspension, the 13 students will have to go through alcohol education and community service.

In a statement, Associate Vice President of External Relations Jim Hargis said, "The safety of Carleton students and the campus is of the utmost importance. A cornerstone of the Carleton community is respect for one another. The College is committed to protecting these fundamental core values."

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