Opinion: Hazing Can Be Deadly and Must Be Stopped

Because they want to join, students don't report it and members don’t report it because they want to protect the organization

Caleb Wilson’s parents sue Omega Psi Phi, Southern University over hazing death

Southern University and A&M College has been in the news for reasons that honestly, feel heavier than they should over the last year or two. When one thinks about Southern, the first thing that comes to mind is typically the amazing band, the overall culture of the school, and, honestly, the pride that comes with attending an HBCU. However, there has been a much darker topic that has recently dominated the discussions about the school: Hazing.

The death of 20-year-old student Caleb Wilson is one of the most tragic and heartbreaking cases. Wilson passed away in February 2025 during an off-campus hazing ritual connected to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., authorities say. According to investigators, Wilson fainted during the ritual after being struck in the chest multiple times while pledging. Wilson then passed shortly after being brought to a hospital.

The community of Southern University became shaken up by this story. Wilson was more than just a student; he was a mechanical engineering student as well as a member of the Human Jukebox, Southern University’s infamous marching band. His unfortunate passing resulted in the institution, students, and alumni alike facing the harsh reality that hazing is more than just a myth, or something that isn’t happening anymore, and that it is something that can also be deadly as well.

However, there have been other claims of hazing tied to Southern besides Wilson’s death as well. There were also allegations related to the school’s Miss Black and Gold pageant and the Beta Sigma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Reports say contestants of the pageant claim that they were taken to an off-campus location, forced to wear all black clothing, and were ordered to partake in physical activities while reciting fraternity-related material. As a result, the Beta Sigma chapter was placed under a temporary suspension so that an investigation could be held. They were then soon cleared by the university, and the suspension was lifted.

Even though there were no casualties found during this investigation, the incident still contributed to the growing conversation regarding hazing culture on campus.

And this is where the discussion gets complicated. 

The reality of the situation is, this isn’t just a problem facing Southern University. It is a more widespread issue within Greek life as a whole, and even within certain parts of HBCU culture. Greek organizations at HBCUs—both Divine Nine and not—have deep cultural significance.

They represent service, leadership, community, and legacy. Joining these organizations is often about becoming a part of something bigger than themselves, as well as connecting with a long history.

But somewhere along the way, the process of becoming a member has turned into something else.

For a while now, there have been ideologies that pledging is something that has to be hard or challenging. That you have to “earn” your letters through pain, humiliation, or endurance. Hazing is even seen as a tradition that creates brother/sisterhood or loyalty, to some. This issue is that when tradition crosses the line into something dangerous, it may quickly become harmful.

A tragic example of what happens when that line is crossed is the Caleb Wilson case. According to reports, the hazing process involved members taking turns beating pledges while wearing boxing gloves. What might have been characterized as a “test of toughness” ended with a young man losing his life.

The worst thing about these kinds of situations is that they are rarely isolated incidents. Numerous colleges, fraternities, and groups around the nation have reported instances of hazing. They can involve physical aggression, psychological pressure, or coerced activities that drive students beyond their comfort zones.

However, the culture around it often seems to be kept secret.

Because they want to join, students don't report it. Members don’t report it because they want to protect the organization. Because these groups are so involved in campus life and campus identity, universities may find it difficult to address them.

But when someone loses their life, it becomes impossible to then keep things quiet.

In reaction to the Wilson case, Southern University has already suspended several Greek life activities and expelled the relevant fraternity chapter. Those actions matter. However, policies by themselves are unlikely to change a long-standing culture.

Alumni, current members, and students who reject hazing as a normal part of joining must be the ones to bring about genuine change inside the organizations.

Because at the end of the day, Greek life is supposed to represent leadership and service. It’s supposed to uplift communities, not traumatize the people who want to be part of it.

There is obviously something that needs to change within the system if wearing letters comes at the expense of someone's life.

Furthermore, there is obviously a flaw in the system if wearing letters comes at the expense of someone's life.

It is important to remember Caleb Wilson's tragedy as more than simply another hazing incident in the news cycle. It should be a turning point for Greek life culture at HBCUs nationwide, as well as for Southern University. Because tragedies that could have been avoided should not continue to overshadow the pride, history, and legacy that these organizations represent. Such discussions should ideally result in genuine reflection and long-term change.