Southern University suspends Greek life recruitment after student’s hazing death

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Southern University has suspended all fraternity and sorority new member activities for the remainder of the school year as an internal investigation continues into the hazing death of 20-year-old student Caleb Wilson.

Southern University System President Dennis Shields announced the decision

Friday, saying that no Greek life organization on campus will be allowed to hold initiations, recruitment, or any new membership intake during the investigation and student judiciary proceedings. The suspension applies to all fraternities and sororities at the Baton Rouge campus.

“There will be swift and decisive action against any student organization that violates this directive,” Shields said, adding that expulsion remains a possible consequence after due process.

Hazing death sparks crackdown on Omega Psi Phi chapter

Wilson, a mechanical engineering junior and a member of Southern’s Human Jukebox marching band, died after being punched in the chest multiple times during an alleged hazing ritual at a warehouse while pledging Omega Psi Phi, according to Baton Rouge police.

The fraternity’s Baton Rouge chapter has been ordered to cease all activities, and the university’s internal disciplinary process is ongoing.

Arrests and ongoing investigation

Police have arrested Caleb McCray, 23, on charges of manslaughter and criminal hazing in connection with Wilson’s death. Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse Jr. confirmed that arrest warrants are being prepared for at least two additional suspects.

The investigation remains ongoing, and final autopsy results are pending.

Latest News