Virginia

BREAKING
A dozen Virginia Tech cadets suspended as result of 'blood-pinning'
By Henri Gendreau henri.gendreau@roanoke.com 540-381-1679 Dec 20, 2019


Virginia Tech Corps of Cadts assemble in November at the War Memorial Pylons for a dedication ceremony.
The Roanoke Times | File

BLACKSBURG — A dozen cadets are suspended from Virginia Tech after university officials determined last week they were involved in a “blood pinning” rite in which military pins are stabbed into the chest, according to a Corps of Cadets employee.

Montgomery County Commonwealth’s Attorney Mary Pettitt received a letter dated Dec. 12 from Virginia Tech alerting her office of alleged hazing among the Corps, as required by state law. Pettitt said Tuesday her office is determining whether the actions rise to the level of criminal hazing under state law.

“The Office of Student Conduct and the Corps of Cadets has held a hearing and determined that members of Corps of Cadets were involved in hazing activities as defined by the Code of Virginia,” a university lawyer wrote. “This decision also entails a 10 day appeal period, which runs from today. The students found responsible were notified of both the decision and the ability to appeal today.”

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Henri Gendreau covers Virginia Tech for The Roanoke Times.