One juror hung the jury: This story tells it all.
Our opinion: Greeks must think long and hard about how the public at large views their memberships since pledgeship (even where banned) still equates with violent hazing.
The jury ruled that the former pledge Marcus Jones *had* been beaten with canes.
The defendants were not declared innocent. The jury did not find them “not guilty.” One juror thought the participation of the three in the beating was not clearly demonstrated by the prosecution.
The state of Florida may decide to try the FAMU Trio a third time. Stay tuned here for developments.
What is clear now is that “Old School” hazers have gotten a clear-eyed view of what can happen when you use your hands on a pledge.
The lesson is hardly for the Kappas alone. It is NOT a lesson for historically African American Greek groups alone. It applies, at least in Florida, to all fraternal organizations.
The lesson: If you can’t do the time, don’t haze…it’s a crime.
Thank you to the fraternity member at an historically African American international who wrote this (name deleted because he did not grant permission to use it) to the Blog. The rest is unedited by me):
“I received over 500 paddle hits on the buttocks during a six week pledge period of (name withheld) __ ___ ____ at (name withheld) University in 1977. I made it , but I still thought that was a bit excessive. Some of those licks were quite jarring. I admire you for what you are doing.”
And you, sir, are the kind of alum today’s pledges can look up to.
The bell has rung. Old School Is Out!
The father of Marcus Jones was right to pursue justice. This trial vindicated him as well as his son. And let’s not forget what happened in Texas.
Finally, this is the official Kappa Alpha Psi policy on hazing: Link
