Messiah Suspends Men's Lacrosse Program Amid Hazing Investigation

Messiah University announced it is investigating hazing allegations within its men's lacrosse program, leading to the suspension of the program while the investigation takes place.

The suspension includes all formal team activities, including team lifts, practices and scrimmages.

In a statement sent to parents and guardians on October 13, the university said it received multiple allegations stemming from a September 13 off-campus event. The university anticipates its investigation will be completed within 90 days.

Messiah has not yet announced its men's lacrosse schedule.

“We take all reports of interpersonal harm, including hazing, with the utmost seriousness,” the statement said. “Hazing includes a spectrum of harmful experiences, and while these allegations certainly qualify as hazing, it is appropriate to acknowledge that they do not include violence.”

The university will announce results of the investigation and the possible sanctions associated with it online. Student privacy laws prevent further information from being shared in the interim.