Former pledge sues over alleged brutal fraternity hazing
Rafeal Joseph filed a federal lawsuit on Sept. 23, 2025 alleging that members of Omega Psi Phi’s Nu Eta chapter and others at the University of Southern Mississippi brutally beat him during a April 16, 2023 'Hell Night' pledge event, causing severe injuries that required emergency surgery and a blood transfusion and ultimately led him to drop out. The suit names the fraternity, the university and multiple individuals and organizations; civil rights attorney Bakari Sellers represents Joseph and said the case reflects criminal violence that university leaders have ignored.
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Former student sues University of Southern Mississippi and Omega Psi Phi over alleged hazing
New information:
- Plaintiff: Rafeal Joseph alleges he was repeatedly struck with a wooden paddle (two‑by‑four plank) on April 16, 2023 during the Nu Eta chapter's 'Hell Night'.
- Injuries/medical care: Joseph reportedly required a blood transfusion and emergency surgery and was treated for bruised ribs, a hematoma, posterior compartment syndrome and rhabdomyolysis; he could not walk for months and later left the university.
- Allegations of prior incidents: The lawsuit claims earlier hazing dating to Dec. 2022 (food/money theft, sleep deprivation, threats) and another student suffered a torn ACL in fall 2022; it also alleges the university failed to investigate or act.