By MATT CHITTUM
THE ROANOKE TIMES

Five Virginia Military Institute freshman "rats" were dismissed Monday for rolling up a classmate in his mattress and beating him bloody last week.

The attack was investigated by the cadet Officer of the Guard Association, and the case was heard Monday by the cadet Executive Committee, which reviews disciplinary violations, a VMI news release said. The committee, made up of the class officers of the three upper classes, recommended the penalty, and it was approved by the commandant, dean, and Superintendent Josiah Bunting III.

"The act is reprehensible," Bunting said in the release. "I simply will not have such conduct at VMI, and neither will the corps of cadets." Bunting expressed his pride in the way the cadet leadership handled the matter.

"The actions of these individuals runs counter to the 'Brother Rat' spirit, and whatever the perceived reason for the attack, there is simply no room for this at VMI," said Keane Jones, senior class president and head of the Executive Committee.

The attack occurred about 4 a.m. Friday when the five freshmen entered their classmate's room, forcibly restrained him by rolling him up on his mattress and beat him with their fists about his head, shoulders and face.

The cadet, Theodore P. Frances of Northern Virginia, went to the VMI post hospital and was referred to Stonewall Jackson Hospital for further examination.

By Friday night, he was back in his barracks room and in the regular swing of cadet life, VMI spokesman Mike Strickler said.

VMI's post police and Lexington / Rockbridge County Commonwealth's Attorney Gordon Saunders have been notified, Strickler said.

VMI officials would not discuss the reason for the attack.

A similar attack occurred in 1996 when several cadets tipped over a freshman's cot, dumping him to the floor and breaking his collarbone. They also tried to shave his head and spray burning analgesic balm on his genitals.

Six cadets were suspended in that attack. Nine others got lesser penalties.

Dismissal is the most severe penalty for a disciplinary violation at VMI. Strickler said the penalties in this case reflect the seriousness of the attack.

The freshmen -- who were just halfway through the brutal ratline training period -- can appeal to the Appeals Committee of the VMI board of visitors, but not until one year from now.