WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A summer research camp for young students was shut down last week due to allegations of sexual misconduct and misbehavior.
On Friday, participants of Camp DASH, a program for boys and girls ages 11-15 that teaches students how diet affects blood pressure, were sent home and an investigation began involving Child Protective Services.
Campus police were called to Tarkington Hall for attempted battery. Officers logged reports of voyeurism, attempted rape, threats and assault.
Investigators believe many of the allegations involve the behavior of one female camp participant and not any Purdue students or staff. Purdue Senior Director of News and Information Brian Zink said any resulting cases will be referred to the Tippecanoe County prosecutor for review and possible charges.
Purdue Police were made aware of the situation involving camp participants on July 19 and were instructed to immediately shut down the program by President Mitch Daniels and Provost Jay Akridge.
“We prioritize the safety of everyone on our campus,” said Zink. "Purdue has hosted more than 100 camps this summer without incident. We require every single person in any position of responsibility to take Title IX training, which includes the responsibility to report possible offenses promptly.”
"I think people are setting bad examples for them, so it's setting trends in the generations on down," said Purdue student D'Vone Porter. "It's sad. Sad to think about."
Zink said “we will get to the bottom of this” and “there will be consequences.”
The free program included room and board and paid campers for their participation. The program held two sessions throughout the summer and was scheduled to run until Aug. 5.
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