A student at the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar is under scrutiny for allegedly mistreating and humiliating freshmen during an academic hazing ritual. In a video shared on YouTube, the ‘mentor’ is seen shouting and throwing water at the young students while they crouch with their heads down.
The video, shared by the channel ‘Tomar na Rede’, comes with the caption: “Several anonymous reports indicate abusive hazing practices at the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar (I.P.T). In a video we’ve accessed, a mentor from the Accounting area is seen humiliating and mistreating freshmen students.”
At one point in the video, the participant leading the hazing is heard asking an observer, “Stop recording. You’re not recording, are you?”
The footage was posted on Saturday, October 25. However, the hazing activity took place on Thursday, October 23.
Later, on Tuesday, October 28, the Magnum Consilium Veteranorum – Thomar issued a statement on social media concerning the incident, stating that the “individual involved in the hazing has been suspended from such activities indefinitely, pending the assessment of their aptitude and conduct as an active member of the hazing community”.
“The Magnum Consilium Veteranorum, as the supreme body and guardian of the academic traditions of the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar, diligently and uncompromisingly ensures the physical, psychological, and moral well-being of all its new students, the cherished freshmen,” the statement reads.
The statement further explains: “Within the scope of the activity known as hazing, expressions of joy, chants, and moments of euphoria are known to occur, which never compromise the integrity or dignity of the participants. It’s important to note that all our practices and ceremonies have a legacy of over three decades, always guided by respect and the integration of new members into the academic community.”
The Magnum Consilium Veteranorum also emphasizes that “only those who voluntarily aspire to continue these traditions and who find genuine pleasure in participating in its dynamics take part in the hazing”.
“Last Thursday, in the afternoon, freshmen were removed from a space where classes were in session, solely to avoid disturbing the normal functioning of the institution. Once in an isolated area, hazing took place, during which loud words were spoken, and freshmen were baptized with water, and only water, as a symbol of purification,” the statement continues.
Subsequently, the “freshman involved in the hazing” was heard at a Magna Assembly “to determine whether any act could be interpreted as offensive or disrespectful.” “All participating freshmen were also heard, thus ensuring total process transparency.”
The hazing body at I.P.T. stresses that, “after a thorough and considered analysis of the collected testimonies,” it was concluded “that all participants show full willingness to proceed with academic life and hazing activities.”
“We firmly believe these freshmen will be worthy bearers of the Traje Mazantino next year, continuing the traditions of integration, socialization, and presentation of the city and the customs of I.P.T.,” the communication notes.
Nonetheless, “in respect of principles of responsibility and exemplarity, the M.C.V. has decided to temporarily suspend the individual involved, indefinitely, pending the assessment of their aptitude and conduct as an active member of the hazing community.”
“The decision regarding whether to lift the suspension or permanently exclude the mentioned student will be communicated by the Magnum Consilium Veteranorum, in accordance with the results of the conducted evaluations,” it concluded.
The Notícias ao Minuto has contacted the Magnum Consilium Veteranorum – Thomar to ascertain whether any decision has been made regarding the incident.
Disciplinary Process Opened for Student
According to a report by RTP Notícias, the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar learned of the incident through social media, resulting in the student’s suspension. A disciplinary process has also been initiated.
The president of I.P.T. stated, as cited by the same channel, that this was an isolated incident and took everyone by surprise.
[Updated at 6:21 PM]
