AMES, Iowa - A student bondage club at Iowa State University has been charged with violating university rules after a flogging demonstration in December.
The school's Office of Judicial Affairs charged the group Cuffs with assault in violation of the Student Conduct Code and Iowa law.
A letter outlining the charges was given to the group's president, Duane Long Jr. on Monday during a meeting with Bethany Schuttinga, the director of ISU judicial affairs.
"Cuffs leadership planned and implemented a demonstration at a scheduled Cuffs meeting involving the striking of another person(s) with a whip, belt, flogger, paddle, cane and hand with the intention of causing pain to that person," Schuttinga said.
She said the flogging amounted to an assault, which violates the university's conduct policy and Iowa law.
She said the violations were minor and will be dealt with in an administrative hearing. No criminal charges will be filed.
Cuffs, which was formed in 2000, is for students interested in bondage, domination, sadism and masochism.
The group could face disciplinary actions ranging from a warning to probation, which would require the club to demonstrate the ability to comply with university rules.
Cuffs also could receive a deferred suspension, which would limit activities during club meetings and limit access to the group.
Schuttinga advised Long against performing further physical demonstrations at meetings saying such acts could result in additional charges.
Long, a senior, said he was disappointed in the decision.
"I don't believe the assault laws should be used against consensual BDSM activities. To use it in that way is inappropriate," he said.
WTF??? They allow BONDAGE clubs in college now? 
The school's Office of Judicial Affairs charged the group Cuffs with assault in violation of the Student Conduct Code and Iowa law.
A letter outlining the charges was given to the group's president, Duane Long Jr. on Monday during a meeting with Bethany Schuttinga, the director of ISU judicial affairs.
"Cuffs leadership planned and implemented a demonstration at a scheduled Cuffs meeting involving the striking of another person(s) with a whip, belt, flogger, paddle, cane and hand with the intention of causing pain to that person," Schuttinga said.
She said the flogging amounted to an assault, which violates the university's conduct policy and Iowa law.
She said the violations were minor and will be dealt with in an administrative hearing. No criminal charges will be filed.
Cuffs, which was formed in 2000, is for students interested in bondage, domination, sadism and masochism.
The group could face disciplinary actions ranging from a warning to probation, which would require the club to demonstrate the ability to comply with university rules.
Cuffs also could receive a deferred suspension, which would limit activities during club meetings and limit access to the group.
Schuttinga advised Long against performing further physical demonstrations at meetings saying such acts could result in additional charges.
Long, a senior, said he was disappointed in the decision.
"I don't believe the assault laws should be used against consensual BDSM activities. To use it in that way is inappropriate," he said.
WTF??? They allow BONDAGE clubs in college now? 
