A New Jersey prosecutor's office cleared Rider University Dean of Students Anthony Campbell and head of Greek Life Ada Badgley of aggravated assault charges following the alcohol-related death of freshman Gary DeVercelly. To prevent similar cases from occurring here, AU has maintained a dry campus policy since 1984.
DeVercelly died March 30 after a hazing incident at a Phi Kappa Tau fraternity-affiliated event. His blood alcohol level was 0.426, more than five times the legal driving limit in New Jersey, the Associated Press reported.
The prosecutor's office cleared the charges due to a lack of evidence to support that a crime was committed, according to The Princetonian, the student newspaper at Princeton University.
Though Campbell's and Badgley's indictments were cleared, three fraternity brothers still face charges, according to The Princetonian. Two of the indicted students registered for a pretrial intervention program for nonviolent first-time offenders that, upon completion, would potentially clear them of their criminal charges. A New Jersey court will hear their cases Oct. 1. Maximum sentencing for aggravated hazing includes up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, The New York Times reported.
Since the incident, Rider officials have re-evaluated the drinking policy, and all students are now required to take an online alcohol awareness test before they can register for spring semester classes. The task force has also worked to change alcohol policies for the entire campus, including the prohibition of alcohol at any Greek events.
Similar to the incident at Rider, AU re-evaluated its alcohol policies following the death of a student. In 1984, a student who had been drinking heavily fell out of a window and died. A year later, the university began phasing in the dry campus policy. Although the death was not the direct reason for the policy change, the death made it easier for the university to adopt the changes, The Eagle previously reported.
One Rider student said he noticed a specific element of the policy changes.
"The dorms are constantly loaded with RAs [resident assistants] who look out for parties with alcohol," said Rider freshman Mark Galarrita. "But it's still college. You can't avoid the inevitable."
Rider requires the 15 Greek organizations to register parties with the university and follow the policies to prevent underage drinking. The hazing event, however, occurred at an unregistered party, according to a recent Fox News report.
Rider's Office of Greek Life distributed information regarding the effects of alcohol abuse and created six Greek house director positions, each with a staff member who oversees building activities.
Though the prosecutor dropped the charges against Campbell and Badgley, the case presents the question of whether or not administrators can be held accountable for students' actions.
One AU student said he felt that the administrators should not be held responsible for students' actions.
"Students who are capable of getting into college are capable of making their own decisions and facing their own consequences," said Scott Dziengelski, a junior in the School of Public Affairs.
