Police in Iowa City discovered 56 blindfolded fraternity pledges in the basement of the Alpha Delta Phi house at the University of Iowa, sparking an investigation into potential hazing.

The pledges, found with food thrown at them, were discovered after a fire alarm prompted police and fire officials to respond to the fraternity early on November 15, 2024, WLBT reports.

According to reports, officers arrested 21-year-old Joseph Gaya, who allegedly blocked access to the basement and interfered with police efforts to investigate. Gaya, who is not a University of Iowa student, reportedly ignored multiple requests to move and attempted to prevent witnesses from cooperating with police.  

The University of Iowa has suspended the Alpha Delta Phi chapter pending the outcome of the investigation. The fraternity’s national organization has also suspended the chapter’s charter while conducting its own review. In a statement, the university said it is committed to student safety and providing resources for those affected, including counseling services.  

This incident is part of a broader issue of hazing-related violations in Greek life at the university, with multiple other chapters under investigation for similar allegations. University officials have emphasized that fraternities are required to comply with strict guidelines regarding hazing and alcohol use.  

The investigation is ongoing, and the university has urged anyone with information to contact authorities.

No injuries were reported, but the allegations have renewed scrutiny of hazing practices on college campuses.