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PBS hazing victim sues
Ex-student at NSU sues frat, member over hazing
By LOU MISSELHORN, The Virginian-Pilot © March 21, 2002 NORFOLK -- Michlen Robinson has painful memories of fraternity life at Norfolk State University: paddle swats on his backside, double-fisted punches to his chest and a two-week hospital stay for a punctured lung. In a lawsuit filed this month in Circuit Court, Robinson says he was a hazing victim of Phi Beta Sigma on Sept. 21, 2000. He's suing the national fraternity group and a local chapter member for $500,000. Criminal charges were never filed, and Robinson left school soon after the alleged assault. But the incident that September night has left a lasting impression at the school. The fraternity's national organization, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., booted the local chapteroff campus that December amid reports of hazing. Then, in November 2001, one of the victims who left NSU and transferred to Towson State University in Maryland filed a police report there. He told police that Sigma members from Norfolk drove to his new school to assault him again. Since then, four Norfolk State students, including three Sigma members, have been expelled, school officials said. The Maryland incident may have been payback after the fraternity was removed from campus, said Larry Curtis, NSU vice president for student affairs. ``I've never seen anything like this -- not in my five years here,'' Curtis said. Robinson's legal complaint marks at least the fourth claim of hazing in three years at South Hampton Roads universities. In each case, someone was hospitalized or died. Reliable national statistics on hazing incidents are unavailable. State law classifies hazing as a misdemeanor and requires colleges to expel students who ``cause bodily injury.'' At Norfolk State, fraternities' members must vow in writing that they won't take part in hazing, Curtis said. Robinson was being initiated into the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity in September 2000. Norfolk State does not allow fraternity houses on campus, though members sometimes live together off campus. Fraternity members used their hands and wooden paddles to assault Robinson, according to court papers. The lawsuit names the defendants as the fraternity and Curtis Anderson, a former student and group member. About a dozen pledges were lined up, assaulted and berated for several hours, said Robinson's attorney, John Watts. Part of the abuse was dished out in ``thunderclaps'' -- two-fisted punches that Robinson believes punctured his lung, Watts said. Watts agreed to be interviewed on behalf of Robinson. He said his client never told police or university officials of the incident because he was embarrassed. Anderson was in charge of pledging and is the only individual named in the lawsuit because Robinson didn't know the others' names, Watts said. He no longer attends Norfolk State, according to school officials, and could not be reached for comment. Although no police report was filed, the parent fraternity learned of the hazing allegations, and by December 2000, the chapter was suspended. ``The list of violations in this undergrad chapter are (too) numerous to mention,'' reads an e-mail, dated Dec. 4, 2000, to Scherod Barnes, 21st Eastern regional director for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. The Virginian-Pilot obtained a copy of the correspondence from the school through a Freedom of Information Act request. The students confirmed they were ``paddled, kicked and punched,'' according to the e-mail. They also were denied study time and sleep and forced to run errands during all hours of the night. |
This is why we should get rid of undergrads. there won't be a fraternity around much longer.
Blueknowledge |
And this is why we shouldn't get rid of undergrads. With all due respect why are you going to judge these brothers over what an outsider wrote about them. Have you talked to any of them? Do you know the details of the situation? Of course you don't because of the comment you made. Yes I am very passionate about this situation because these brothers aren't just my frat they are my friends. I am not a member of the Norfolk State chapter but the Old Dominion chapter about 10 miles down the street. And of course everyone thinks we are guilty of the same actions. What we do is frat bussiness and no one elses so I won't get into that here but this article is very one sided. I wonder if the fact that I am still an undergrad I am able to truly analyse the article. Maybe you'll find it interesting that my chapters advisor as well as the director of greek affairs at my school were interviewed for the article but none of their comments were entered. They left out the fact that my chapter has no incidents of hazing, have the highest GPA for fraternitities on our campus (black or white) and are nominated for numerous awards in this years local NAACP Image Awards and Student Activites Awards. We need to check ourselves in these situations. Just getting rid of undergrads is as dumb of an idea as getting rid of pledging was. Look at the result, was anything solved. Nope. We are too quick to say lets just get rid of _________ (I leave it blank because soon after undergrads it will be something else) instead of fixing the problem. I've said it numerous times this is the same as freedom of speach debates. Instead of taking mentor responsibility we would rather just get rid of undergrads. I feel everyone with this view should think twice about why they became a Sigma. If I offended anyone tough I feel strongly about this. My father pledged so why shouldn't I. He never killed anyone why would I.
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Legacy, it's time to let the past go. You are right: let's not talk about this on the Web. But you know that even the most organized sets can be ruined by one uncontrollable person.
Seriously, whether the story is 100% correct or not, the fact is, is that the undergrads will eventually lead to the bankrupting of the frat. It's time to reorganize the frat! Blueknowledge The only way I would keep undergrads around is if every undergrad chapter was ended and became part of a graduate chapter. Then, when it came time for new members, I would ONLY allow the graduate brothers to select the new members/ (the undergrads from that, or any other campus, would NOT have a voice.) That's what has lead to the system we have today. Brother legacy, I will be at the Eastern Regional conference and I hope to meet you face to face. I can talk to you about this matter, and as brothers, we can find consensus. PEACE |
I simply can't understand what happened. One day did everyone decide to start injuring people or is it just that my generation is all messed up. Mmmm No. Could someone tell me what's the difference in 2002 & 1972. So many people say pledging is bad (pledging not hazing) but then talk about the good old days. There is definately a difference in pledging and hazing and why is that not shown to undergrads. It's not shown because instead of trying to standardize pledging we shunned it. Have you ever heard of anything happening to new initiates at the graduate level. I know of grad chapters who pledge harder than undergrads. But my state's law identifies it as hazing when it is done to a college student. WOW!!!!
Recently there is a new organization on my campus. Sigma Lambda Upsilon Sorority Incorporated. They pledge above ground nationally. They are pledged by undergrad and grad alike. Their regional director was here marching the girls around. Have they had any deaths or major injuries. No. What is a difference in them and what happened at Norfolk State? There were no graduate brothers at Norfolk State. Brother Knowledge: I will be trying to attend the regional conference if I can raise the money I am a undergrad. I will be travelling with my school's graduate chapter and they said they would help me out. |
Bros., Regardless of how we feel, the undergraduate chapters are the lifeline of the fraternities. If they fall, we all fall.
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I don't know if this Norfolk U. story has any merit or not.
I agree with Bro. D-Train. We should never consider getting rid of our undergrad chapters. However, Graduate Chapters must do a better job of assisting Undergrads with not only membership issues, but other "frat" matters as well.
I am not suggesting that Undergrad Chapters should not have their independence (because they should) but Grad Chapters have an obligation to make sure that Undergrad Brothers; 1) Understand certain procedures and 2) Follow those procedures, especially in situtations where the Frat could be adversely affected. |
Let Us Be Leaders
Brother D-Train,
Stop spouting normative statements from the book. Yes, you memorized the material on how things ought to be. But my brother, this is a post-modern world, and we need not be afraid of deconstructing our world and defining a new existence. I can assure you, that as long as the conditions of poverty exist, there will always be Sigma whose cause will speed on. It is time that we transform Sigma into a purely civic and professional leadership organization. Let us be leaders in a new world, instead of followers of a social construct that will lead to our extinction. Blueknowledge |
Post Modern, maybe but last time I checked Keegan wasn't frat. Our purpose should be the same as it was when we were founded. Did our founders see us progressing? Of course. Are we? No. A question I give to us all when was the last time there was a discussion on Greekchat, Collegeclub, or any where else about how great a program was. Isn't that something that's holding us down. I've done about 50 posts in the last few months ranging from parties to projects but why aren't there any responses. Brothers said they were concerned with parties when they were in college but I ask why. Because they needed funds for this & that. I asked back in May what does it take to make a successful caberet and you know how many responses I got. 1 Thanks Soror. Now heres what grad chapter is going to say. You need to throw this service project & let's help these kids over here but wait I need to pay for my books, food, gas, dues, regionals, clothes, BILLS, and wait I'm working 40hrs while taking 18 credit hours. But I'm at fault for everything wrong in our organization. I'm an undergrad I have alot on my shoulders and who's here to help me be the best damn Sigma I can(grad chapter should be). Luckily my father (Sigma Spr 80) and my mother (Zeta Fall 79) help me & my chapter know how to be good Sigmas. One could say it doesn't take money to voluteer just time. There is but so much you can do without money. And if you look around everyone is doing those projects. Sigma wasn't designed to be just another group out there doing the status quo. Our programs SWWAC, SATAP, SADA and so on our one step higher than what else is out there. But undergrads are at fault because we aren't elevated as high as grad chapters are with our programming. If we were what would the purpose of grad chapters be. We expect you to be one step higher. We throw a party to raise money for the chapter you throw a party to raise money for a scholarship. You see where I'm going with this. Put yourselves back in our shoes for a hot minute and maybe you can see the life of an undergrad isn't that easy.
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Brother Knowledge, Since I haven't picked up the book in a while , I guess I can't spout normatives. But, what I have done is made the sacrifice to stay a financial brother since my initiation and try to develop a close bond with my local undergrads that I may aid them when the time comes. Like I said earlier, If They fall, We ALL fall
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legacypbs
you skatin bastard....
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my bad legacyPBS
my bad frat....I meant to say BLUEKNOWLEDGE is skatin bastard!
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We need to stop acting like kids. First and foremost taking cheap shots at one another is not fraternal. We all wear the same letters across our chest and pay the same amount each year. We can continue to bitch & complain on greek chat or we can discuss this face to face. I will be at Eastern Regionals so I look forward to meet you all there.
GOMAB |
Am always willing to meet you Schizo
Hey schizo,
I am always willing to meet you personally. And, I will be more than happy to listen to you call me a "skater" like a man to my face. But my brother, let me be clear, make sure your health insurance is up to date. In fact, if you would like, I would be more than happy to fly you to regionals or to the conclave and we can settle this issue. So, please, little girl, let me know, as I am more than willing to speed your journey to Omega chapter. GOMAB |
Brothers,
It appears as if things are getting a little touchy here. The incident which originally prompted someone to start this thread was very serious. However, the discussions have gradually deteriorated to the point where some are feeling that it is necessary to intentionally insult others. Please remember that others are reading these posts. Let's keep it fraternal. After all, if we all saw each other in person (and just had colors on) I suspect it would be all brotherly love (until we introduced ourselves.) My point!!! Stop the madness!!!! GOMAB |
I wish to echo the comments of Brother Six_Three_Sigma.
I would respectfully request that the Brothers in question either edit their posts or delete them all together. Texas_Dove |
OOOH, did I strike a nerve there BlueKnowledge...
"I'll speed your way into the Omega Chapter"...negro please!!! Go back to hatin' on the roots of our organization...UNDERGRADS!!
Meanwhile I'll continue to speak the truth...which hurts like a muhfucka don't it BRUH! and the TRUTH IS: if you want to get rid of UNDERGRAD CHAPTERS...you've missed the point. If your BROTHERHOOD is so lacking that you'd threaten to kill another brother, you missed the point! (even though your threat was MAAD weak..sure you're not an Alpha?? ;) ) Anyways, I know a couple wack bros just like you: 1. they are always finanial...GOOD 2. they always attend meetings...GOOD 3.THEY RAT THEIR OWN FRAT OUT IN A MINUTE....WACK ...it's sad really:( Lemme stop, this ain't fraternal!!! Do your thang BlueKnowledge:p YOU AIIGHT WITH ME CHEIF! Sincerely, schizo...somebody's gotta keep it real |
You are a bi*ch because you hide Online
While you are stupid, I see you weren't dumb enough to take me up on my offer to fly you to the 'clave. Actually schizo, your rantings prove my point about so much of what's wrong with the undergraduate culture in all BGLOS. Instead of addressing the violence that we've rationalized, you resort to calling names.
It's okay. The world of Sigma is large, but not that large. If you are half the man you pretend to be (probably a 130pd punk a$$), you will make sure you bring yourself to the 'clave. Also, after I finish kicking your a$$, please give me the name of your dumb ass ADP, as clearly there is some bad training going on and we need to address this issue. Blueknowledge I know your GPA has to be 1.9. BTW - did you break 700 on your SAT? Dumb mofo. |
YOU'RE HILARIOUS FRAT!!!!
that's sad...you REALLY want to kick my ass because I'm defending that from which you and I both came...tsk! tsk!
Settle down there frat, you seem kinda upset...you don't want to have a heart attack while sitting online at the computer now do you? ;) Anyways, where were we..."violence that we've rationalized"...hmm, first you want to send me to the Omega Chapter, then you want to fly me to conclave to kick my ass!!:D SOUNDS GREAT BIG BROTHER HYPOCRITE!!!... But I will be at Conclave (fyi)...maybe we'll have a cup of schizo's famous bluejuice which will help you relax and get your mind off the small things...like...oh say, murdering your own frat brothers. But hey I won't hold it against ya;) Anyways, speaking of undergrad, I do miss those days when I held it down as NPHC President, Chapter President (2yrs), won 2 back to back Chapter Programming Awards, was the first African American to win Greek Man of the Year on my campus, dedicated a stone bench to an alumini brother in the Omega chapter, and graduated in 4yrs...BUT HEY, WHO NEEDS UNDERGRADS, RIGHT????? in my Bernie Mack voice **where's my cookie's and shit?!?**lol** like I said before Blueknowledge....this arguing ain't fraternal, and YOU'RE ALRIGHT WITH ME. Lemme get back to work...I'll play with you later... -schizo |
I can't wait to meet you.
You can bow out of this with humor, but you don't disrespect me without knowing me and for that there is a price to pay. So, I will see you at the 'clave and we'll settle this matter in the best way possible.
Blueknowledge Your dumb ass graduated from college. I didn't know we had chapters at community colleges. |
Blueknowledge...you crack me up!!
*LOL!!!!!!!* <Schwarzenegger voice> "There is a price to pay!"
.................................man, you're the best!!! Well, since this will be my last Conclave (since Blueknowledge said he'll put me in the Omega chapter :eek: *lmao*), I just wanna give a GOMAB shoutout to all my bros who held it down as UNDERGRADS, keep it REAL as GRADS, and all the Zeta's that luv them some Phi Beta Sigma!! Keep the UNDERGRAD chapters strong and always remember that SERVICE is important, SCHOLARSHIP is important, but it's the unparalled BROTHERHOOD that sets Sigma appart from the rest (everybody's seen Alphas watch other Alphas get beat down, everybody's seen Kappas cut each other's throat over a chick, and the ques...well, them fools are just weird :D) And it's in UNDERGRAD THAT TRUE BROTHERHOOD IS BORN!!! -Schizo...just keepin' it real PS: blueknowledge, stop being so sensitive...I'm having fun aren't you;) ....and like I said you're still aiight in my book frat! "There's a price to pay!".......THAT'S CLASSIC!!! |
We don't play that up in here up in here!!!
Dayyuummm, are gonna take that schizo?
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uuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......................
WHAT THE HELL IS Alpha Phi Omega????????????
Me and Blueknowledge sucked y'all right in......Blueknowledge look at'em all up in our Kool Aid;) -schizo PS: is it me or did greekchat get a HELL of a lot more interesting since I came :D |
Re: uuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh......................
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No, it's not just you, greekchat DID get a HELL of a lot more interesting since you came! And, don't leave us!!! You just need to cool it a little bit, or some of the mods and senior members will get on your a$$!!! :D |
Dionysus,
No disrespect, but on the real, I thought you were joking with the A Phi Que letters. Is it a black frat or sorority? White? Multi-cultural? I'm asking you cause researching other organizations ain't my thang...I stick to Sigma business. The chapter that raised me is very hardcore and we look at greek life like this: there's only 1 frat, Phi Beta Sigma, and everyone else is just a bunch of clowns in letters. Kinda arrogant, but then again Sigma's are the shit! *lol*;) Anyways, big ups to you and your organization: you're alright with me:D If I see one of your bros in the street I'll tell'em "I meet your frat on line and he's cool peeps!" As far as beef with BlueKnowledge, there NEVER REALLY was any as far as I'm concerned, but if you get all sensitive I will fuck with you ;) (Kinda like when you're pledeging). Even though he says he's gonna kick my ass, he won't. Cause when the day is done, it's still all blue!....did you notice how the "beef" immediately got squashed when I saw someone else comment on Sigma business?....NOW THAT'S BROTHERHOOD. -schizo PS: I ain't going no where (unless I get banned :( ) so trust me, I hereby proclaim the PHI BETA SIGMA forum "on and crackin' as of now" |
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If you get banned, it's easy as 123 to come back! I was 13 times. :o BTW, I'm female! :D |
oh, your female...well then lemme stop being a jerk and put my "cool muhfucka face"on :cool: *lol*
Wow a multi-gender/multi-cultural service organization......if that ain't positive, I don't know what is;) Glad to see you choose an organization which is definitely crossing boundaries... ..............soooooooooooooo....explain a couple of these 13 times getting banned..... |
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But, I'm chilled now. :cool: |
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Pardon me for checking this thread out but it seems to be getting a little out of hand!
Remeber my Interfraternal Brothers, there are many ???? out in the real world! I am sure as this individual mentenion, they will be erased from the site soon! I got this on the Mod thread and I find it totally uncalled for by this individual! But you must know What you see is what you get:( Remeber, do not lower Yourselves to the Lowest level of life! |
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I'm a fugitive.....;)
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I am not hear to add fuel to the fire. But I must need to remind my wonderful brothers that we must be discreet while posting in a open forum.
The issue should not be who skated, or why we need to get rid of undergrads. The issue at hand is how do we prevent people from getting injuried or killed. (WHAT I AM ABOUT TO SAY IS NOT A REFLECTION OF ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY, INC. OR THE AFFILIATIONS OF THE ORGANIZATIONS.) I am going to speak from experience. I am a gradute from Norfolk State University. I know the brothers on the campus very well. Just remember there are three sides to each story, the hazing vicitim, frat, and the TRUTH!!! I believe if they did not outlaw pledeging (not hazing) we would not be in the state that we are in today. There is nothing wrong with pledging but there is a problem with hazing. Nothing in life you work for is easy or it is free. Without a struggle it is not worth having. Just like anything else in life, you MUST EARN IT!!! Frat, if you must yell at each other on this board, please do it by using one of the many great features PM. It works. If you do not want to PM a person. E-mail. Hugs and Doves Japera1920 |
Yeah soror. I see you Zeta Gamma.
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legacy...jaspera...c'mon
.............you know you agree with ol' schizo;) pledging=dope skating=wack :D as I extend my pinky and index fingers and yell BLUE PHI! |
Check out my new thread related to this topic & for an A in my class.
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I would have to agree with soror. If there is no challenge or struggle the reward isn't as sweet. And getting rid of undergrads is definitely not the answer. Undergrads are the lifeline of the organization. Many grad members come from an undergrad chapter and the ones who didn't learned about the organization in college. I think if grad chapters were a little more involved and mentored young members a lot of these suits could be prevented.
It is not the pledging that injures these people it is the hazing(and there is a big difference) |
Kira thank you for reitterating (I'm not a english major) what I've been trying to say. I talk about it in my paper that's in the other thread.
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Yeha I read it and I totally agree. I became a memeber as an undergrad I loved the experience. And I wouldn't change it for the world. And as a grad member there is a really big difference in the way things are as an undergrad and as grad. I just think these younger members need more guidance. If there were rules and guidelines for "pledging" then we wouldn't be faced with all these hazing incidents.
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I think my parents for talking to me about when they were undergrads. Both of them were successful DP's so their guidance was so helpful.
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