Wilson family and students urge accountability as task force advances hazing reforms

Family members of Caleb Wilson and student representatives used the task force meeting to press for accountability as the panel advanced a slate of policy recommendations.

A family member asked whether Omega Psi Phi can return to Southern University; Board of Regents counsel said the fraternity had been expelled and that "the expulsion on its face seems to be permanent," but the counsel also noted other institutions have reinstated expelled organizations and that the office does not unilaterally decide reinstatement. In closing remarks, Mr. Wilson said the national organization "doesn't care about the life" and urged the task force and legislators to "lean on them" and apply pressure.

Students on the task force and public-comment speakers emphasized that hazing stems from unchecked power and vowed to continue working for cultural as well as policy change. Member Williams (student) said hazing "is not about tradition, belonging or character building. It is about power," and called for prevention that begins earlier than college. Several fraternity chapter leaders and student-government leaders said organizations must be protected when they do good work but that leadership must be held to account when members harm others.

University and system presidents offered commitments to implement measures passed by the task force. Rick Gallo, president and CEO of the University of Louisiana system, said the institutions will pursue both the policy changes and sustained leadership needed to change campus culture.

The meeting closed after public comment and lawmakers stressed that the recommendations will require follow-through in the legislature to become binding. The Wilson family was given final remarks and the panel adjourned.