The storied history of Cornell University's oldest all-male a cappella group has come to an end after the university "permanently dismissed" the organization earlier this week following an investigation into hazing activities. 

The Cornell University Cayuga's Waiters had been under suspension since last September, when the organization was discovered to be allegedly involved in hazing rituals during its audition process.

These activities included requiring new members and non-senior members to "sit naked in an ice bath in a bathroom during an organization trip; apply Icy Hot to their genitals; and race up and down a street and then consume food," according to a report by the university.

The investigation found that these activities had allegedly been going on for at least 10 years by Cayuga's Waiters, who were a mainstay on the Ithaca, NY, campus since 1949 and whose notable alumni include Mickey Rapkin, author of "Pitch Perfect."

Cayuga's Waiters at their sold-out 60th anniversary show

Following the investigation, the University Hearing Board "levied a list of sanctions against the organization and lifted the temporary suspension." However, the Office of the Judicial Administrator appealed this decision, claiming that the sanctions were "not commensurate with the violations for which the organization was found responsible."

The University Review Board agreed with the OJA, and "modified the sanctions and permanently dismissed" the organization.

Although the a cappella group attempted to appeal the decision of the URB to Cornell Interim President Hunter Rawlings, he upheld the URB's decision.

"This behavior [hazing] has no place at Cornell, and I agree with the URB that dismissal of the organization is appropriate," Rawlings said.

With 68 years on campus, the group was the campus' oldest a capella group. Founded in 1949, the group was initially a subset of the Cornell University Glee Club. The group later disassociated from the Glee Club in 1956.

"We recognize that this organization has a deep history at Cornell, and I can assure you this step was not taken lightly," Cornell senior director of media relations John Carberry said. 

Still we must act powerfully to protect the current and future students of this University when violations of the Campus Campus Code of Conduct are established through application of the Code's procedures.

Having produced a total of 25 albums, the Waiters were especially known for one of their most popular songs produced in the mid-1990s, "We Didn't Go To Harvard," a parody of Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire." Singing along to this song with the Waiters holds the No. 4 spot in 161 Things Every Cornellian Should Do.





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