California Betas Face Hazing Charges

Three Face Trial in Chico Frat Hazing

Three brothers of Beta Theta Pi's chapter at California State University in Chico face illegal hazing charges for an incident where they were said to have made pledges exercise ans crawl through mud.

According to the district attorney, the pledges were also forced to be submerged in freezing cold water, exposing them to possible hypothermia.

"The ice bath ritual caught our attention," he said. "If (pledges) didn't answer questions correctly -- and they were designed that you couldn't -- (they) were immersed in a bath of ice water for a substantial period of time."

Following the allegations, the university revoked the fraternity's charter.