The hazing incident at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, which led to the death of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. member Caleb Wilson, has unearthed concerns of hazing within Greek life and student organizations on all college campuses.
According to CBS News, Wilson was reported to be punched in the chest four times during a fraternity ritual. The group of men who brought Wilson to the hospital told authorities that Wilson’s injuries were caused by a basketball game.
This is not the first time hazing has ended in tragedy at a Louisiana university. Back in 2017 at Louisiana State University, Max Gruver, a freshman of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, died after being ordered to chug hard liquor during the pledging ceremony.
This incident led to the implementation of the Max Gruver Act by the state of Louisiana, which defined hazing as “means to subject a student to an activity which endangers or is likely to endanger the physical health of a student or coerces the student through the use of social or physical pressure.”
With these cases in mind, how does the student body of Northwestern State University of Louisiana feel about the casualties associated with this type of hazing?
Nation Elie, a freshman health and exercise science major, expressed, “As someone considering Greek life, the incident at Southern University is scary. Greek life can be accomplished without hazing.”
I believe this incident may cause a decline in Greek life interest for the upcoming recruitment season. Individuals may question the values of Greek life. Therefore, each organization must strive to make potential new members feel free from hazing incidents.
Abby Bakay, freshman nursing major and member of Kappa Iota Phi Mu fraternity, stated, “The incident at Southern is devastating. I am very grateful to go to a university that enforces its hazing restrictions and to never have experienced hazing in my time in Greek life.”
Coree Nash, a member of the chapter of Theta Chi Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., shared his thoughts on the tragedy. “Brotherhood shouldn’t hurt. No one should ever have to compromise themself to be a part of something.”
After the incident at Southern University left communities distraught, students and faculty of NSU must work together to keep the campus a safe environment.
Mitchell Mayfield, NSU Interfraternity Council President, member of the Beta Omicron chapter of Phi Kappa Phi Fraternity and senior biology major, said “A multitude of things went wrong with the incident with Caleb Wilson. This really shows a lack of leadership in their organization. Sadly, some people abuse individuals that want to become members of their organization.”
He believes the state should require more training for all organizations. “Most people have their own definition of what hazing is and we need to have a more concrete definition of what we are trying to prevent,” Mayfield said.
Yonna Pasch, director of Student Affairs, said “Northwestern has a strict university hazing policy. Louisiana State law is that hazing is a felony. The University takes all hazing situations seriously.”
Pasch said there is always room for improvement when educating individuals about topics like hazing. The conversation around hazing remains crucial as long as casualties like this continue to occur in universities.
Every NSU faculty member is a required reporter. If an individual experiences a hazing incident, contact a trusted faculty member or complete a report on the NSU Student Experience website.
