
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 30, 1990                   TAG: 9005300336
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A2   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: ANNAPOLIS, MD.                                LENGTH: Short

NAVAL ACADEMY SETS ABUSE EXPULSION POLICY

The U.S. Naval Academy on Tuesday said it will expel any midshipmen found guilty of physical abuse of plebes during indoctrination, even if the act falls short of what is considered hazing.

"Up to now the maximum punishment would be restriction and demerits. What we've done is elevate violation rules governing physical contact to a dismissal," said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Van Dyke, academy spokesman. "We try very hard to prevent violations of human rights but we also accept the fact that mistakes will happen.

"These actions are being taken to underscore the determination that the superintendent, and the other academy leadership have to keep these problems in check."

Tuesday's general order by academy Superintendent Rear Adm. Virgil L. Hill Jr. also calls for increased demerits and restrictions for forcing a fellow middie to engage in horseplay, Van Dyke said.

- Associated Press

by CNB