Illinois College ends literary society pledging

Associated Press

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. — Officials at Illinois College in Jacksonville have suspended pledging at the school’s literary societies because of several serious medical incidents involving students.

The State Journal-Register reports Tuesday that dean of students Malinda Carlson stopped the pledging after three students were hospitalized. One student’s situation was life-threatening. The incidents happened during new member orientation. School officials say they don’t know the full extent of what occurred and they did not release details.

Pledging takes place for three weeks each spring. Literary society activities will continue. The societies host activities like debates, dramatic monologues, readings and speeches. Illinois College has seven literary societies, four for men and three for women.

Jacksonville is about 30 miles west of Springfield.