Towson Student Hospitalized After Alleged Hazing: Reports

TOWSON, MD – After a Towson University student was hospitalized in connection with a suspected hazing ritual, the county and campus officials are investigating.

Towson University Police alerted local law enforcement on Tuesday about an "incident involving a Towson University student," the Baltimore County Police Department said in a statement released Wednesday. "That student was injured during the incident and is now hospitalized."

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According to WBAL, a student pledging a fraternity began throwing up blood and damaged his digestive system after participating in an alleged initiation ritual that involved ingesting cat food and a liquid he was told was pickle juice and vinegar.

The student has been at the hospital since Thursday, March 31, The Baltimore Sun reported.

The fraternity associated with the allegations of hazing—Tau Kappa Epsilon—has suspended its chapter at Towson University pending the outcome of an investigation, according to ABC 2 News.

"Investigators will be working to determine exactly how the student became injured and exactly where the incident occurred," Baltimore County police said in a statement. "This investigation will be thorough. If the investigation uncovers illegal activity we will hold those responsible accountable."

In 2013, Towson University's entire cheerleading squad was suspended due to hazing rituals including mandatory alcohol consumption and wearing adult diapers.

The university's spokesperson has said that the administration "takes any allegation of hazing very seriously."

Towson's policy on hazing, which notes that the practice is illegal in the state of Maryland as well as on campus, states that it can involve "mandated consumption, [including] but not limited to illegal substances, food, alcohol or any other type of liquid."

Anyone with information about the Towson University incident may call Baltimore County police at 410-307-2020.