Southern denies liability for hazing injuries

Southern University says it is not liable for injuries a marching band member suffered last year in a hazing incident because the injuries occurred off campus and with the student's consent.

Southern also says Marcus Heath, of Georgia, signed an anti-hazing contract indicating he would not take part in any hazing activity and he would report such activity to the university.

The university's position was part of a court-filed response to the student's lawsuit.

The Advocate reports Heath and his mother are seeking financial damages and coverage of medical expenses.

Police say Heath and two other freshmen band mates were struck repeatedly with boards as part of an initiation into the marching band's unofficial French horn fraternity, "Mellow Phi Fellow."

2 comments

Rod S.

Sun Jan 17 2010 17:39

Graig, what is your point as it relates to this article? We all know that hazing is illegal. However, it stll goes on on all levels. The young man signed the university's (anti-hazing) contract in which he breeched. Now he wants to sue our beloved Southern - seeking financial damages and coverage of medical expenses. That's ludicrous...legally he should not have a leg to stand on. Unfortunately, he brought that pain and suffering on himself by particapating in such illegal activities. Come on....

Graig Brooks

Mon Dec 14 2009 22:01

Regardless if he consented or not. Hazing should not be allowed at all, not in the Band, Greek Letter Organizations or anywhere.

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