Shattered Trust: Former Student Sues Southern Miss and Fraternity Over Brutal Hazing Allegations

A former student at the University of Southern Mississippi has cast a harsh spotlight on the dark underbelly of fraternity life and alleged institutional oversight, filing a comprehensive lawsuit against both the university and the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Colin Scott, the plaintiff, claims he endured a horrific hazing incident in October 2022 that left him with a fractured shin, kidney damage, and lasting trauma, asserting the institution failed to protect him despite a known history of hazing within the fraternity.

According to the lawsuit, filed in Hinds County Circuit Court, Scott's ordeal began when he was blindfolded and driven to an off-campus location.

There, he and other pledges were allegedly subjected to a brutal regimen of strenuous physical activities, including hundreds of push-ups and sit-ups, all while being beaten with a paddle and forced to consume large quantities of alcohol. The complaint details a terrifying night where Scott claims he was physically assaulted and pushed to his breaking point, resulting in severe injuries that required medical attention.

The lawsuit explicitly accuses the University of Southern Mississippi of negligence and gross negligence.

Scott contends that the university had long been aware of hazing activities within the Omega Psi Phi fraternity but allegedly failed to take adequate measures to prevent such incidents. This alleged institutional inaction forms a critical component of the legal challenge, suggesting a systemic failure to enforce campus safety regulations and protect its students.

Scott is seeking unspecified damages, asserting claims that include negligence, gross negligence, assault, battery, fraud, and misrepresentation.

These legal accusations underscore the severe nature of the alleged abuses and the comprehensive impact they have had on his life. The case highlights the significant responsibility placed on universities to ensure student safety, especially concerning activities within recognized student organizations.

In the aftermath of Scott's allegations, the national organization of Omega Psi Phi fraternity took decisive action, suspending its chapter at the University of Southern Mississippi in late 2022.

This move indicates a recognition of the gravity of the accusations and a potential acknowledgment of misconduct at the local chapter level.

The University of Southern Mississippi, while acknowledging the lawsuit, issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to student safety. The institution also indicated that it conducted a thorough investigation into the matter, which led to the discipline and removal of several individuals from the university community.

However, the lawsuit argues that these measures were insufficient or came too late to prevent the alleged harm to Scott.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent problem of hazing within collegiate fraternities and sororities, despite laws prohibiting such activities, like those in Mississippi.

It reignites crucial conversations about campus culture, accountability, and the measures necessary to ensure that students pursuing higher education are not subjected to dangerous and degrading practices under the guise of tradition or initiation.