The Hazing Debate: A Fair Conversation or Selective Outrage?

Caleb Wilson’s passing is a tragedy that never should have happened. No family should have to endure this pain or bury a loved one under such circumstances.

Rachel Lindsay, an attorney and Delta Sigma Theta member, recently spoke on the hazing debate following Caleb’s death. “Since I was online, there’s been talk of removing D9 from campuses because the process is out of control,” she said. She emphasized that if violent hazing isn’t addressed and chapters aren’t held responsible, then these organizations shouldn’t be part of college life.

Rachel Lindsay's thoughts here at this link

And just like that, everybody got an opinion.

But let’s be real, what does removing Black Greek-letter organizations actually solve? Does shutting down the Divine Nine stop hazing, or does it just push it further underground? And why is the conversation always centered on NPHC orgs when hazing has been a problem across all Greek councils?

Caleb Wilson lost his life while trying to join Omega Psi Phi at Southern. In response, the university’s president suspended all Greek activities. It’s heartbreaking, it’s senseless, and it was 100% avoidable. No one should be dying over this. But does shutting everything down really fix the issue, or are we ignoring the bigger picture?

The Bigger Picture: Hazing Ain’t Just a Divine Nine Problem

History shows hazing has been a thing in all Greek-letter organizations:

• In 1986, Pi Kappa Alpha at San Diego State faced allegations of hazing and misconduct.
• In 1988, Alpha Chi Omega at the University of Maine branded their pledges.
• The ‘90s saw Delta Zeta, Kappa Kappa Gamma, and Chi Omega hit with suspensions for hazing, branding, and dangerous rituals.
• In the 2000s, Kappa Delta at West Virginia got a ten-year suspension, and Chi Omega at Ohio University had to report their own members for verbal hazing.

So why is it that when it happens in predominantly white Greek orgs, it’s an “isolated incident,” but when it happens in the Divine Nine, the entire institution is called into question? Where’s the same energy for scrutiny and reform across the board?

Is It Really About Hazing… or Control?

Hazing exists in the military, on sports teams, and even in workplaces. So why is the loudest conversation always about Black Greek life? Is this really about protecting students, or is it about controlling certain spaces? Are we addressing hazing as a whole, or just hyper-focusing on Black orgs while letting others slide?

Yes, accountability matters. Change is needed. But if we’re going to have this conversation, let’s talk about all of it—not just the parts that make certain people uncomfortable.

The Loudest Critics: Former Members & Outsiders

A lot of anti-Greek or anti-D9 talk comes from people who either denounced their letters or were never involved to begin with. They’re standing on the outside, looking in, talking down on what they don’t understand.

Meanwhile, these same folks pledge loyalty to brands, sports teams, churches, military branches, neighborhoods, and even high school alumni groups. They’ll ride hard for their city, their favorite sneaker brand, or their faith—but when it’s Black Greek life, suddenly, it’s a problem.

Some things are misunderstood because folks don’t want to understand.

The ‘Secret Society’ Double Standard

Another argument? “Divine Nine orgs are too secretive.” But let’s be real—do you openly discuss every detail of your job, church, or family’s business with the public? Is privacy automatically suspicious, or is this just cultural ignorance?

Tight-knit communities exist everywhere—fraternities, military units, religious groups, social clubs. But when Black folks do it, suddenly, it’s a conspiracy? Make it make sense.

Moving Forward: Where Do We Go From Here?

The real question isn’t whether fraternities and sororities should exist. It’s how we make sure nobody else dies from senseless initiation practices.

How do we create a culture where respect, tradition, and brotherhood/sisterhood thrive without harm? How do we ensure what happened to Caleb Wilson never happens again?

Because the truth is, hazing isn’t just a Black Greek problem. It’s a systemic issue across organizations, industries, and institutions that push exclusivity and tradition. And until we address all of it, we’re failing young people everywhere.

So, what’s next? Because one thing’s for sure. hazing hurts everybody.

My deepest condolences to Caleb’s family, friends, bandmates, and the Southern University community. May his memory bring strength, and may real change follow in his name.

Rest in power, Caleb.

Read more about Caleb Wilson’s case below
Southern University Student Dies After Hazing Incident - (Louisiana First News

A more Recent Article  Third Suspect Still At Large