Rector KU Leuven shocked by reconstruction of fatal baptism: “E … (Interior)

Leuven / Vorselaar –

“It is shocking to read what happened to Sanda Dia during the student baptism of Reuzegom two years ago.” This is also said by Luc Sels, the rector of KU Leuven.

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Sanda Dia’s death calls Sels the most difficult period of the past three years as rector. “It was an emotional blow to me emotionally.”

A report in The newspapaer last Saturday reconstructed the fatal baptism of three shafts at student club Reuzegom, on 4 and 5 December 2018.

ALSO READ. “What Happened in the Hours After Reuzegom’s Fatal Student Baptism: Blind Panic and Call to Erase Traces” (+)

There was alcohol abuse, abuse of power and physical abuse. On the second day, the three were taken to a chalet in Vorselaar. They were thrown half naked in a well full of ice cold water. The three had to drink gallons of fish oil, bite off the head of a live eel, and swallow a goldfish.

Sanda Dia would die of multiple organ failure later that night. The members then tried to cover up all traces of their misconduct before the police even arrived.

Penalty reviewed?

“Elements from the criminal file are emerging that are also new to KU Leuven,” says Rector Sels.

Student club Reuzegom was dissolved, and the 17 members received a conditional suspension from the university in 2019. They had to carry out 30 hours of community service and write a paper.

“The facts known at the time were not in line with the principles of the university,” says Sels. “We then switched quickly and opted for measures that worked towards social integration. But I do not exclude that this can still be revised, and that other steps are still being taken. ”

ALSO READ. The Final Hours of Fatal Student Baptism, Part 1: “They were really knocked out of the drink. They lay on the ground and no longer spoke ”(+)

The university is awaiting the council chamber on September 4, where it will be decided whether the giant gum trees have to appear in court before Sanda Dia’s death.

Still student baptisms?

Will this affect student baptisms during the next academic year? “ After the facts in 2018, we have developed a new baptism charter, which the student clubs have signed. Anyone outside of it risks a disciplinary penalty. What I also think of student baptisms: the agreement is that they can do this. No complaints came to me after the baptisms in 2019. They went in a different atmosphere. ”

“These are of course the rules in normal circumstances. I don’t want to pre-empt things, but given the current corona pandemic, I can’t imagine one baptism going on this year. At the beginning of August, we will be discussing this with the student representatives, among other things. ”

ALSO READ. The Final Hours of Fatal Student Baptism, Part 2: “It’s Inhuman What Happened There (+)

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