As originally reported by WAFB-9 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, a Southern University student, Caleb Wilson, arrived at Baton Rouge General Hospital unresponsive after falling during a basketball game. He would be pronounced dead at 3:15 a.m.
Authorities opened an investigation to find out what led to the death of this young man, with a focus on whether hazing was involved.
Hazing is defined as “the imposition of strenuous, often humiliating, tasks as part of a program of rigorous physical training and initiation,” according to Oxford Languages.
Wilson was in the process of joining Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. The organization is part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).
Wilson and other students were reported to be participating in a ritual during their intake process when the incident occurred. Witnesses said the students were forced to stand in a line as current members of the organization repeatedly punched them in the chest.
Caleb McCray, who graduated from Southern University as a member of the fraternity in December 2024 and is reportedly a Louisiana Army National Guard member, is said to have punched Wilson. Wilson collapsed and began to have a seizure, according to the BBC.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. has a non-hazing policy published on its official website. It reads, “Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has a zero-tolerance policy that strictly prohibits and expressly denounces the practice of hazing in any form before, during and after the Membership Intake Process. Pre-initiation activities for any of its chapters or by any of its members against any person seeking admission to the organization. The policy expressly prohibits all acts and forms of hazing, before, during and after the Membership Intake Process.”
The organization’s international president, Ricky L. Lewis, released an official statement regarding Wilson’s death.
“It is with profound sorrow that we extend our condolences on the passing of Caleb Wilson. His loss is deeply felt, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by him.
“Caleb was more than a beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew and cousin – he was a scholar, an exceptional member of the Southern University Marching Band, and a passionate and dedicated leader in student life.
“We have been informed that the local authorities have launched an investigation into this tragic incident, and we fully support their efforts to seek the truth. Currently, our foremost priority is standing in unwavering support of Caleb’s family. We have extended ourselves to them and are ready to assist in any way possible during this difficult time.
“We recognize that many of you may have questions, and we are actively working to gather accurate information. In the meantime, we ask for your patience, your prayers, and solidarity as we honor Caleb’s memory and support those grieving his loss,” Lewis said.
At UT Martin, the student handbook sets a clear guideline on hazing: “No hazing in any form is permitted.” Every student accepts the terms of this handbook when applying to UT Martin.
In previous years, UT Martin has had issues with hazing and reports of organizations hazing their potential new members.
Rachel Martin, director of Student Life, talked about how the university handles these issues.
“When we hear about suspected hazing incidents on or off campus, we begin to investigate the report. Sometimes, that involves talking to the individuals who reported it or who we were told are the victims. Student Conduct also gets involved and does an investigation that our offices assist with. We also partner with the inter/national headquarters of the organization.”
Recently, UT Martin has furthered its commitment to stop hazing within the campus culture by taking preventative measures.
Martin said, “Hazing is against state law and the UTM Code of Conduct. Currently, each new member or potential new member of our fraternities and sororities goes through some type of hazing prevention education.
“This looks a little different for each council, but everyone is required to go through it. This includes education on what hazing is, what it looks like in a variety of scenarios, and how to report it if the student or someone the student knows is being hazed. Additionally, each semester every active fraternity and sorority member is required to fill out a form that includes the hazing policy as a reminder of our campus’s policy.
“From a school standpoint, hazing prevention education is covered for first-year students through the Office of Student Conduct presentation during Welcome Weekend. Additionally, we are doing work around our policy and hazing prevention education practices to remain in compliance with the Stop Campus Hazing Act that was signed into law in December 2024. You will see more information, resources, and educational pieces coming from our office in the near future,” Martin added.
Students are encouraged to take action in situations of hazing. On the UT Martin campus, there are many ways for students to report these actions to the proper authorities.
Martin said, “A student can report in a variety of ways. They can call or email any staff member in the Office of Student Life and Multicultural Affairs or to the Dean of Students office. They can also report it through the reporting form on the student conduct office website. That form comes to professional staff who makes sure our office and the Dean of Students office receives it. Anytime a student has a question or would like to follow up, they can reach out to Student Life, Multicultural Affairs, and/or Student Conduct.”
