UND Fraternity Cleared of Hate-Crime Accusation

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — Investigators say a gay man who reported being the victim of a hate crime at a University of North Dakota fraternity made up the story and actually instigated the fight.

Police recommended charges against 18-year-old Haakon Gisvold but prosecutors declined, telling WDAZ-TV that a conviction would be unlikely.

Gisvold told police in early September that he was the victim of homophobic taunting and an assault at the Lambda Chi Alpha house. He said he was called anti-gay slurs, choked and stripped of his clothes while attending a party.

Authorities say their monthlong investigation that included 150 witnesses concluded there was no evidence of a hate crime, and that Gisvold instigated a fight.

The Associated Press left a message with Gisvold's father seeking comment. It was not immediately returned.

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