HAZING
Eleven arrested for hazing after college volleyball party
The Geneseo Police Department has arrested 11 SUNY Geneseo students for hazing following a party that sent a member of the SUNY Geneseo women’s volleyball team to the hospital.
Doctors at Noyes Memorial Hospital treated the 18-year-old student for alcohol poisoning early Sunday morning, Sept. 2. She was one of eight freshman members of the volleyball team summoned by teammates to 36 Court Street where they were allegedly blindfolded, handcuffed and ordered to drink alcoholic beverages. All eight victims were under 21.
The following women were arrested for Hazing in the First Degree and Unlawfully Dealing with a Child in the First Degree, both Class A misdemeanors:
- Alysia Negron, 20, of Buffalo
- Laura Galvin, 21, of Baldwinsville
- Alexandra Wende, 20, of Williamsville
- Noelle Morrison, 20, of Stoneybrook
- Julia Ganglof, 20, of Lancaster
- Sarah Dewey, 19, of Cooperstown
- Carissa Gagliardi, 19, of Wantagh
- Megan Johnson, 19, of Moriches
- Laura Rahab, 21, of East Northport
- Courtney Long, 20, of Rochester
- Megan Reed, 21, of Horseheads
During the Geneseo PD investigation, SUNY Geneseo canceled the volleyball teams games and practices, including a tournament this weekend. College administration will decide whether or not the team will compete in future games pending the investigation.
The college released an official statement about the incident Friday:
“After reviewing findings of the Geneseo police investigation, the college will initiate its own internal investigation and in all likelihood pursue disciplinary action against those involved in the alleged violations of the College Code of Conduct and the college hazing policy.”
“Hazing is not only a violation of college policy but is a crime under New York State law. We reinforced this with all of our students and parents all summer long during student and parent orientation and devoted considerable time to the topic at a recent mandatory meeting for all student-athletes,” said Robert Bonfiglio SUNY Geneseo Vice President for Student and Campus Life.
“I feel terrible that these students are experiencing what must seem to them to be an unimaginable nightmare,” said Bonfiglio. “Our number one concern, however, must be student health and safety. Hazing, in any form, will not be tolerated at SUNY Geneseo.
