Clavicular's Brief Chapter at Sacred Heart University

The story of Braden Peters, better known online as Clavicular, intersects with higher education in a dramatic way. In the fall of 2024, the then-18-year-old New Jersey native enrolled at Sacred Heart University (SHU) in Fairfield, Connecticut, marking what should have been the start of his undergraduate journey. However, his time there lasted only about three weeks before an expulsion that thrust him further into the spotlight of internet culture and raised questions about student conduct, performance-enhancing drugs, and the role of online communities in campus life.

Sacred Heart University, a private Catholic institution founded in 1963, has grown into one of the fastest-rising doctoral universities in the U.S., with a suburban campus spanning 350 acres and serving over 7,200 undergraduates as of fall 2024. Known for its strong business, health sciences, and media arts programs, SHU emphasizes a Catholic intellectual tradition alongside real-world preparation through facilities like the Martire Family Arena and the Center for Healthcare Education. Peters posted on Facebook as an incoming Class of 2028 student interested in business, fitting SHU's robust John F. Welch College of Business, ranked among the best by The Princeton Review.

From High School to College: Clavicular's Early Path

Peters graduated from Seton Hall Preparatory School in West Orange, New Jersey, a prestigious Catholic college-prep institution. It was during high school, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, that he dove deep into online forums, spending up to 14 hours daily on platforms like Looksmax.org. At age 14, he began self-administering testosterone injections, a practice rooted in 'looksmaxxing'—an online subculture obsessed with maximizing physical attractiveness through diet, exercise, grooming, and extreme interventions like steroids or even 'bone smashing.'

This background set the stage for his college choice. SHU, with its welcoming Pioneer Village residence halls and vibrant student life—including over 118,000 community service hours annually and study abroad in places like Dingle, Ireland—seemed a fitting next step for a young man from nearby Hoboken. Yet, his burgeoning online persona as Clavicular, named for his prized clavicle width symbolizing a broad-shouldered 'frame,' clashed with university expectations.

The Incident Unfolds: Doxxing and Discovery

Just weeks into the semester, campus police searched Peters' dorm room, uncovering hidden testosterone and steroids. According to Peters and multiple reports, the search was prompted by anonymous tips from Looksmax.org users who doxxed his identity and location after recognizing him from his streams. This digital vigilantism highlighted a new frontier in higher education: how anonymous online rivals can influence real-world academic consequences.

Expulsion followed swiftly, ending his SHU tenure before midterms. While SHU has not publicly commented on the case—citing privacy under FERPA—the incident aligns with their Code of Student Conduct, which prohibits possession or use of controlled substances, including paraphernalia, with sanctions escalating from warnings to expulsion for repeat or severe violations.

Sacred Heart's Policies on Prohibited Substances

SHU's Community Standards explicitly ban the use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs, marijuana (despite state laws), and drug paraphernalia like pipes or vaping devices. Alcohol policies are equally stringent, prohibiting common-source containers or games like beer pong. Violations stemming from intoxication requiring intervention fall under health and safety rules. Though steroids aren't named explicitly, they qualify as controlled substances under federal law, triggering investigations via reports from staff, peers, or the public.SHU Community Standards

The process involves reports to Residence Success Assistants or Public Safety, followed by hearings where students can present defenses. Sanctions include probation, suspension, or expulsion, with Good Samaritan provisions for medical emergencies but not intentional violations. SHU's Clery Report details drug arrests and referrals, emphasizing prevention through education.

Photo by Anthony Mensah on Unsplash

Steroid Use on US Campuses: A Hidden Epidemic?

Clavicular's case spotlights anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use in higher education. Studies show varying prevalence: a 1996 survey of California college athletes found 3.3% usage (4.2% males, 1.2% females). An NCAA study reported 1.1% among college athletes, often sourced from physicians. Broader trends indicate 2-5% among male students, driven by aesthetics rather than athletics alone.

• Non-athletes increasingly use AAS for 'body image' goals, per 2007 data showing rising non-medical use.
• 2025 Monitoring the Future survey: ~1% annual steroid use among grades 8-12, likely carrying into college.
• Risks: Heart issues, liver damage, psychological effects like aggression ('roid rage').

Universities like SHU respond with wellness programs, but random testing is limited outside athletics.

Similar Cases Across US Higher Education

Expulsions for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) are rare but instructive. In football programs, ESPN reported widespread suspicion despite low positive tests due to weak deterrence. Cases include NCAA suspensions like Central Michigan QB David Moore for a failed test. Auburn's policy mandates half-season bans.

Non-athlete instances, like Clavicular's, underscore policy gaps for aesthetic PED use. A 2009 study found 31% of PED users also used banned stimulants. Institutions vary: some half-season suspensions, others minimal penalties.

Looksmaxxing Culture Infiltrating Campuses

Looksmaxxing, popularized by Clavicular, encourages 'softmaxxing' (skincare, gym) to 'hardmaxxing' (steroids, surgery). College students at BU and San José State report participation, blending self-improvement with extremes. Forums like Looksmax.org foster doxxing risks, as seen in Peters' case.

Higher ed responds with mental health resources; trends raise body dysmorphia concerns among Gen Z males.

Life at SHU: What Clavicular Missed

SHU boasts top rankings: #1 PT in CT, strong business/MBA programs. Student life thrives with Diwali celebrations, homecoming, makerspaces. Post-expulsion, Peters pivoted to streaming, earning $100K+/month on Kick via 'Clavicular System' courses.

Photo by Kanishk Agarwal on Unsplash

Lessons and Future Implications

Clavicular's saga urges universities to bolster digital literacy training, anonymous reporting safeguards, and AAS education. SHU's emphasis on community standards positions it well, but proactive wellness—like expanded counseling—could prevent repeats.

For students: Balance self-improvement with health; understand conduct codes. Experts advocate holistic approaches over punishment.AAS Study

• Step 1: Review campus drug policies upon enrollment.
• Step 2: Seek counseling for body image pressures.
• Step 3: Guard online privacy to avoid doxxing.

Looking ahead, as looksmaxxing grows, higher ed must adapt to protect students while fostering growth.