The University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) has suspended its cheerleading squad following reports of an alleged hazing incident, administrators announced over the weekend.
Details of the incident weren’t given, but UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar says the school immediately began an investigation into the matter.
“Hazing of any kind has no place at the university and will not be tolerated,” Neuhold-Ravikumar said in a written statement.
As the investigation continues, the UCO cheer team will be suspended from events and activities for the rest of the academic year and will be banned from participating in national competitions for two years.
Cheer team members who are found to be involved in the “unacceptable and abhorrent activities” will face suspension from the school. Members who are found not to be involved will go through a review process and possibly given the opportunity to try out for next year’s team, according to Neuhold-Ravikumar.
“The UCO cheer team should embody the spirit of our community — encouraging us to give our best effort and to represent our university with pride and dignity,” Neuhold-Ravikumar stated. “We consider our student organizations an extension of the university community and its values, and we are committed to maintaining those standards.”
