Anti-hazing training is now mandated for all organizations in post-secondary schools throughout Louisiana. Although the training was first recognized by John Bel Edwards back in 2018, it is now being more strictly enforced after the death of Caleb Wilson, a student at Southern University that died due to hazing.
In February 2025, Caleb Wilson fell victim to hazing as the initiation for the fraternity Omega Psi Phi. Before collapsing, he sustained numerous punches to the chest. The men with Wilson took him to Baton Rouge General Medical Center. While there, they told medical staff he had been hit in the chest while playing basketball and left. At 2:40 a.m., Wilson was pronounced dead, and the medical staff notified the police.
Following Wilson’s death, three of the fraternity members, Caleb McCray, Kyle Thurman and Isaiah Smith, were arrested. In addition, Southern University expelled the Beta Sigma Chapter of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity entirely. This was done to maintain the university’s commitment to safety for its students as well as uphold its policy prohibiting hazing.
Wilson’s story prompted a nationwide investigation into the practice of hazing. In Louisiana, all members of an organization in a post-secondary school are required to complete two hours of hazing training. One of these hours will be conducted during an in-person session, whereas the second hour will be conducted online. Failure to complete this training will result in termination from the organization.
“I’m glad they’re finally enforcing the law that has been put in place,” ULM Honors program member Linden Justus said. “Hazing is barbaric, and it’s a practice that should have been stopped long ago. Hopefully this will be the final blow.”
Hazing can take many forms but typically involves humiliating or harmful acts imposed on someone as part of an initiation. It is a serious crime, punishable by both university discipline and felony charges, so it should not be taken lightly.
If you suspect hazing is occurring, report it immediately to the ULM PD (318-342-5350) or the Monroe PD (318-329-2600). For anonymous reporting, you can use the ULM Safe app.
