HBCU student dies in alleged hazing incident

[Brian McCoy]

Is it really worth it? Dying because you lone to be a part of an organization? When does initiation turn into hazing? These are all questions that need to be answered by NPHC organizations, students and universities. This comes after Donnie Wade died after initiation activities at Prairie A&M View University in Prairie View, Texas. The activities were allegedly a part of the initiation process into Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. Some students call those who expose organizations that haze as 'sell-outs' for 'dropping line' and telling the truth.

The Houston Chronicle reports that Donnie was taken home after hazing exercises were over and fraternity members did not allow 911 to be called after he collapsed during the hazing activities.

Because this student wanted to join an organization that is to promote brotherhood, a mother has now lost a son. She will never get to see him walk across the stage graduating with a degree he worked so hard for. When he died, also did his dreams and future contributions to the community die. Someone has to answer for this.

His family has now filed a $97 million lawsuit against the University, as well as against Phi Beta Sigma.

The fraternity has issued a statement on hazing. (BELOW)

http://www.pbs1914.org/news/statement_on_hazing/

[Will Saunders]

Man Brian, this is sad. I cannot even find the words to express how I feel. I think it's bad enough that the young man was treated so brutally that he was bordering on unconsciousness when he got back home. But for them to prevent a call to paramedics exacerbated the gravity of the situation. I further think that not only should the school and the fraternity be named in the lawsuit, but the individuals responsible should also be cited. The worse that usually happens to the hazers is often just getting expelled from school. A lot of times they go to other school, start over and go on with their lives. They need to face more consequences.

Thank you for sharing this story. It did not get the kind of publicity that it should have.