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FVSU Fraternity Suspended Over Alleged Hazing Incident
Celeste Smith
Portia Lake
Adam Hammond
Story Created:
Dec 8, 2009 at 11:08 AM CDT
Story Updated:
Dec 9, 2009 at 9:51 AM CDT
A Fort Valley State University fraternity is under investigation and on suspension after an alleged hazing incident. According to a FVSU press release, a cease and desist order is now in effect for the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity pending an investigation and a judiciary hearing. The release says the alleged hazing incident happened off campus and the student who participated in the organization’s membership intake process is recovering from injuries in a local hospital.
Captain Lawrence Spurgeon with the Fort Valley Police Department says Bryson Trumaine Amey has been arrested and accused of hazing within a Fort Valley State University fraternity.
School officials say a 19-year-old student involved with Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity was paddled to the point of serious injury and his kidneys failed.
Canter Brown/ FVSU Exec VP:
"The fraternity is shut down here until further notice. An inquiry is being conducted. In fact the first interviews have already taken place we expect very quickly to have a report."
Brown says the victim's condition is improving.
The FVSU fraternity has 15 members and cannot participate in any activities pending the results of the investigation.
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FVSU Student said on Tuesday, Aug 3 at 4:23 PM
Well, they sure screwed up my chances of ever pledging. I wasn't doing it to "fit in". It's a family thing... my dad, an omega man, was very disappointed when he found out that I would not be able to pledge. These young people these days are ruining a positive thing and turning it into something negative. What happened to unity and simple fun? Smh... so disappointing guys. A few moments of power for a lifetime of pain.
FVSU said on Tuesday, Jan 19 at 12:39 PM
There is no reason why they went this far and i don't condone what they've done at all. I feel bad for what happened to this guy but i also feel bad for the people that went through this process with him. Those guys sacrificed alot of time hard work for this opportunity and for nothing now. It doesn't just affect this fraternity but now it affects all of the other fraternities and sororities at FVSU, plus people who have been waiting for their time to become greek. Everyone at FVSU is affected.
FVSU said on Tuesday, Jan 19 at 12:30 PM
I don't agree with what this fraternity has done as far as limits but lets be real, when people pledge they know that some hazing is going to take place and sometimes its going to be painful but that's the personal risk that they chose to take. I attend FVSU and have grown close friendships with alot of these alphas, they all are great guys and people think that this doesn't affect them but every last face i saw in class after the incident happened was that of sincere disappointment.
bothsidez said on Tuesday, Jan 5 at 6:42 PM
I agree..hazing is one of the fun parts of joining a Greek organization. I can freely make such a claim seeing that I have been on both sides of the fence (and yes I am Greek). Before beginning the pledge process, you know what you are getting yourself into, and you also have the option of opting out at any given time...However, with that being said, I also agree that some organizations should limit the extent to which their hazing processes go.
conrad said on Friday, Jan 1 at 6:50 PM
I agree with E. The only person having fun is the hazer. By the way, yes, I AM GREEK.
conrad said on Friday, Jan 1 at 6:44 PM
I can't find any reason why so many people defend a hazer as if he/she were not guilty. If someone complains of injuries, or any kind of discomfort associated from hazing, everyone is quick to say that the victim is at fault. Are you kidding me? The members are to uphold their oath and protect the organization. The Members know what they are doing. As soon as they get caught doing wrong, they start looking for sympathy. Do the right thing and you won't have to worry about consequences. ugh
Crimson said on Saturday, Dec 26 at 5:12 PM
oh and the guy at mercer died of natural causes even though he was a member. he had a pre-existing health condition. he was already done with his process before he died. so rumors....let them go
nutbad said on Saturday, Dec 26 at 5:08 PM
Being greek has nothing to do with acceptance or anything. I honestly believe that this was an accident. I know that there will be consequences for what has happened and i'm not saying there should not be. All i'm saying is people who are not greek wouldn't understand the concept at hand. Hazing is wrong in any organization, but also, it is incorrect to allow our personal opinions to cloud the subject matter. Sounds to me like LMFAO was turned down because he is soooo anti-Alpha.
A man said on Thursday, Dec 17 at 5:19 PM
I don't believe any of us are God so therefore we all are not in position to lay down judgement for anyone concerning this case. Don't know much about fraternities, but I am "GROWN" enough to know my place. I'm not God and neither are you so know your place.
GHOST WRITER said on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 3:45 PM
FVSU has had a lot of negativity surrounding their institution. Everything ranging from rape, drug busts, suspended greek organizations for hazing and vandalism by their own students. This isn't the first time this chapter has been suspended for this heinous and idiotic behavior. FVSU should be more selective of who they accept. Obviously continuing education isn't the goal for this institution. Maybe gaining money off of the interest of student loans of its pupils is the Wildcats priority.
Special K said on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 2:38 PM
My prayers go out to Bryson, the young man who was injured, the Gamma Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, and the FVSU community. This is an unfortunate situation that I would wish upon no one. I know Bryson personally, and not only is he a good person but he is a good student as well. I KNOW for a fact that this was COMPLETELY unintentional. So to all the "bloggers" who are throwing him under the bus, PLEASE show some compassion and stop crucifying him. My prayers go out to his family as well.
LMFAO said on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 11:13 AM
THESE PEOPLE JOIN THESE ORGANIZATION BECAUSE THEY ARE LOOKING FOR ACCEPTANCE. THEY'RE USUALLY INSECURE AND CAN'T TELL YOU FOR SURE WHO THEY ARE. THE WHOLE IDEA IS SHALLOW. 101 YEARS AGO, TO JOIN A CERTAIN SORORITY THEY'D TEST YOUR COMPLEXION AGAINST A BROWN PAPER BAG. IF YOU PASSED YOU WERE IN. IF YOU DIDN'T YOU WERE CONSIDERED A too dark AND UNATTRACTIVE. THESE PEOPLE JOIN THESE ORGANIZATIONS AND DON'T REALLY KNOW WHY. EVIDENTLY WILLIAM LYNCH'S LETTER WAS VERY EFFECTIVE AND STILL IS...
LMFAO said on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 11:03 AM
RIGHT HE SHOULD GO TO JAIL AND THAT FRATERNITY SHOULD BE SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY. OF COURSE THE INJURED WAS AN IDIOT FOR ALLOWING IT BUT THE ONE SWINGING THE PADDLE ALSO KNEW THE DAMAGE THAT COULD BE DONE.THEY ARE ADULTS!! USUALLY THE ONE DOING THE MOST SWINGING IN THE FRATERNITY IS THE ONE WHO COULDN'T TAKE MUCH WHILE ON LINE. MOST OF THE GUYS WHO JOIN THAT ORGANIZATION WERE NOBODIES PRIOR TO CROSSING. BEING GREEK MEANS ATTENTION FROM YOUR STUDENT BODY AND IN THIS CASE MORE SEX FOR THE MEN.
WAKE UP said on Friday, Dec 11 at 7:55 PM
I'm part of a real fraternity. I was pledged hard back when I came through and in many cases this could have happened to me. As a member of a fraternity AND growing older and realizing that the hardcore isn't worth it, I conclude that I'm ashamed to even see these same things are going on into the 21st century. I watched the events at Stephen Austin that disgraced the men of phi beta sigma and seeing similar things happen again.WHEN WILL WE AS BLACK GREEK ORGANIZATIONS LEARN
Blah Blah Blah said on Friday, Dec 11 at 10:57 AM
You people act ike you have never seen a case like this before. Events like this have occured before, are probably happening right now and will probably continue to occur in the future.I'm not saying that its right but you can stop adults from participating in stupid activities likt this one or any other senseless acts. I'm not trying to place blame but as an adult you should really look into what you are getting yourself into...I did.
Ashamed said on Thursday, Dec 10 at 11:05 PM
I'm an older female who had considered pledging, however after this incident I'm ashamed to be associated with organized groups. what happened to this young man is the same thing that happen when one join a gang. In a gang one is jumped in, and according to the article this young man was jumped in when will it all end? All members should hold their heads down in shame!!!!!
WD said on Thursday, Dec 10 at 10:56 PM
should take a deeper look at the situation and consider him.
WD said on Thursday, Dec 10 at 10:56 PM
I though I shall not judge those involved in the situation.. It is my opinion that the injuried man knew full and well what he got himself into. I'm sure under no certain means was he beat without a choice. It was his choice so don't blame the Fraternity memembers for the young man's decisions. Granted a lot of questions can be asked in regards to hazing and the frat's members but that still doesn't change the fact that it was an option the young man choose to take so before you blame them you
Anonymous said on Thursday, Dec 10 at 3:09 PM
i think that is wrong for what that boy did to him he should go to jail for a long time because he could had die and should be a limit to it and that was over rule with it and did does not give him a reason to do hime like that he should not come back to that school no more.
Concerned Citizen and Student said on Thursday, Dec 10 at 3:07 PM
Not many can accurately judge this situation because all of us were not present the night of the incident. We also were not there for any other parts of the "intake process". Its very unfortunate that this happened. I am truly sorry for this kid and i will keep him in my prayers. I will also keep the men of the Gamma Zeta chapter of Alphi Phi Alpha Faternity, Inc. in my prayers.
Ape said on Thursday, Dec 10 at 11:03 AM
Hazing happends in the world all the time...just ask anyone that went to the Naval academy or joined any branch of the military. The reason why they do this is because it brings you closer with your comrades (this case your LBs), it makes you more strong minded and when you work for something you are more likely to cherish it. There are more injuries, both short and long term, from sports then pledging. I feel like its your life and you can choose what you want to do with it.
Realist said on Thursday, Dec 10 at 1:42 AM
Lock that guy up for the maximum amount of years. Make an example out of him. What if the victim would have died...what then ?? We shouldnt have to worry about what if. Punish him for his crime because he was deffinitely involved !!!!
Mr S. said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 11:48 PM
I am appauld and utterly disgusted that "so call Men of APA and any other Fraternity" can actually suggest that "Hazing is the fun part of joining a fraternity" or justify "a pre-existing condition" as a reason to condone such outrageous and dangerous behaviour. These comments are tantamount to IGNORANCE beyond belief and as far as I am concerned you are no different from the individual or individuals who carried out such acts. Wake up and smell the coffee. That is not what FRATERNAL means.
A Concern Citizen said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 11:22 PM
I have read several of the comments made. I am truly disturbed regarding the lack of compassion towards the victim. When we speak of brotherhood and sisterhood, we should be focusing on love, care and concern. When we do things that causes injury to a person regardless whether the person volunteered or not, where is the love, the care, the concern. I pray for the young man in the hospital as well as the one who was arrested. I hope that this incident stop hazing totally.
Prayerful Brother said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 7:04 PM
I personally do not know all the details. Therefore, I ask please provide prayer, rather than judgment. Allow the legal system operate, and pray for true justice. Pray for all parties involved. I also pray for the quick and complete recovery of the young man in the hospital as well Bryson. And please remember the REAL question to ask ourselves at this point is how can we help? "Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping him up.."
Greek member said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 6:58 PM
I am a FVSC alum and a greek affiliate. With that said, I pledged before hazing was illegal. Never was there a time when we put our potential sisters' or brothers' life or health at risk. Some Greeks today have no idea what true sisterhood and brotherhood mean and that's sad. FACT: This young man had no pre-exiting problems with his kidneys.
Fraternity Member said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 5:58 PM
....There is no real benefit in this kind of process. Speaking from someone who have subjected themselves to hazing and have been a hazer, this doesn't create real brotherhood or dedication to the fraternity. Out of 37 brothers who were on campus after I was initiated, only about 4 of us are currently active in our organization today....and we "pledged" people....what kind of process creates non-functioning members?.....
Fraternity Member said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 5:56 PM
This is an unfortunate occasion that have taken place. I'm hear to side with neither parties, the fraternity or the victim. Both parties sign a waiver/risk managment form stated that the would not participate nor subject themselves to such behavior. Therefore, both parties are at fault. However, hazing is something that I feel we as BGLO's certain need to get over. There is no use in making aspirants subject themselves to this.
Curious Delta said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 5:24 PM
@WOW I may be confused but the last I checked no where in a GREEK handbook does it state that a party of participating is HAZING!!! That's a bunch of crap. I crossed Spring of 1998 and NEVER endured any type of hazing. The fact that this young man could have died and some of you seem to think it his fault really says something about you and your morals. What if that were you,your child or your loved one would you still feel the same....Think about that...My prayers go out to this family.
WHAT?!?!?! said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 5:09 PM
to FVSU alumnus, J.D., and greek organization member.. U didn't ask...u ASSumed..your comment was"To my understanding, (and I am not a health care professional) kidney injuries come from a pre-existing condition or the amount of fluid intake or lack thereof. It could also be based on the content of the fluids taken in. For example if the young was drinking high amounts of carbonated drinks or coffee instead of water"..Your understaning is INCORRECT!Hope a BRUH isn't over this case!!!
Parent of a Alpha said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 3:59 PM
I totally agree with Qwikness. The investigation will bring it all out.
Parent of a Alpha said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 3:54 PM
I think that the bottom line is that, it got out of hand. I have been around some of those young men, some are very respectful and some well if I may say so need to calm down. My prayers are for all parties involved.
Greek Member said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 3:33 PM
As I'm reading the comments, I'm wondering where is the compassion? Quit trying to defend the fraternity and think about the victim!
your boi said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 2:08 PM
Come on Man. Some of y'all sound like you just made it into FVSU. Instead of everyone pointing fingers, how about everyone drop to your knees and start praying as hard as you can for a speedy recovery for that young man. Also we need to pray for the party that was arrested. Also pray for the parents who's son is in the hospital. If you were talking out the side of your neck What Would You Do if That was Your Brother or Son?
Wow said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 1:04 PM
I would just like to point out the fact that, by no means am I placing blame on the injured but, the process he chose to go through was just that a choice, completely voluntary. He could hve made the choice to become a member of the organization without going through that process. With that being said he also knew exaclty what he was getting himself into when he made that decision to go forward with the process. But what amazes me the most is how Greek life in the Valley has changed so much.
FVSU alumnus, J.D., and greek organization member said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 12:57 PM
@ What?!?!? Perhaps you should reread my statement as well. I started off my statement by saying that I do not condone what happened. Furthermore, I conceded in my statement that I am not a health care professional. (J.D. stands for Jurist Doctorate meaning I attendend and graduated from law school. I was merely asking a question concerning whether kidney failure is related to paddling.
Family said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 10:47 AM
To Anonymous 2:24a.m. I'm glad you don't like snitches and don't care bout the person hurt because I would hope once OUR FAMILY handles business with some of them nobody tells..HINT! I think our hazing is a little different from that of what was shown on my cuz..We play for keeps!!! So I guess yall will be posting messages about wanting those involved in our HAZING punished to the fullest...So snitch on that..Wish I knew who you were so I could show you first hand!!!!
Couldn't Be ME said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 10:39 AM
To 2:24 AM Anonymous..You are just as WEAK as the 5 men involved in the incident. First of all he may have had preexisting health issues, that makes it even worse his so called BRUHS would treat one of their own with such disregard for his health. Frats/Sorors are suppose to be FAMILY..If your sibling were ill would you go and beat them to the point it subjected them to further complications of their health..NO!!! The line was already over so please explain how this young man is gettin over?
What?!?!?!? said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 10:30 AM
If that were just a group of guys(GANGS) jumping on one of you then I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be feeling the same. I think he should be punished as they punish these gang bangers!! I would love to see the FRAT up against some of these REAL gang bangers and see how the outcome of that would be. Put Mr.Amey in the company of some of those gang bangers and see how long he last then and see will all of you come to his rescue then...I THINK NOT.
What?!?!?!? said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 10:25 AM
To both Tru Bruh and FVSU alumnus, J.D., and greek organization member..clearly neither of you have or are pursuing a medical degree if so you would know that kidney failure can be caused by a number of things including INJURY,burns,dehydration,hemorrhage,etc..With that being said if the shoe was on the other foot and your behinds were laid up in a hospital on machines would your views be the same......CONT
FVSU alumnus, J.D., and greek organization member said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 7:42 AM
FVSU student, perhaps you should reread my post.I didn't suggest that the young man who was arrested not be tried hard because he was bright. This is a conclusion you came to one your own. I said that his future is bright and it should not be in danger because of what happened. Translation: this incident should not have happened. I never spoke on how I thought the guilty party should be tried.
FVSU student said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 7:11 AM
He's 21 years old and isn't stupid. I understand fraternities build you up and make you over as well as weed out the weak to find the strong but beating a person is not the way nor is it right. Why are students almost dying for this? It's not worth your health or life.
FVSU student said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 7:02 AM
That victim also had kidney failure and a battered body because of being severely beaten. And the three frat members who were responsible were arrest trialed and found guilty. Just because a person is getting an education doesn't mean they shouldn't be held responsible for their action...nor should it be downplayed because they are pursuing higher learning. And I feel that what everyone is trying to do here. Downplaying his actions because he's in college.
FVSU student said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 6:58 AM
It's sad that this happened and it's even sadder that people justify this behavior. And to then want to point out how those who behaved in this way shouldn't be tried to hard because they have "a bright future ahead". We at FVSU are adults and know right from wrong. If he was so bright why was he basically beating another person? Fraternities are not that serious also. I mean this isn't the only event where a pledge was seriously injured the same thing happened at FAMU.
FVSU alumnus, J.D., and greek organization member said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 6:17 AM
what truly happened, and a person is innocent until proven guilty. To the members of the Gamma Zeta Chapter, I am not judging you, but if I may make a suggestion, perhaps it’s time to evaluate the circumstances and figure out a plan for redemption. Call on the older bruhs for support and wisdom and be willing to accept their both their criticisms and their advice. My heart goes out the Chapter, the member who is suffering injury, and the member who was arrested.
FVSU alumnus, J.D., and greek organization member said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 6:16 AM
this could have affected the state of his kidneys. Second, if the chapter is accused of hazing, then why was there only one member arrested? I submit that perhaps he was the member who kept his mouth shut. I have met the young man who was arrested, and he has a bright future ahead of him. It is too bright for it to be in danger of being dimmed by this unfortunate incident. I would also like to remind all of those who will be quick to judge this incident that we were not there, we don’t know
FVSU alumnus, J.D., and greek organization member said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 6:13 AM
I am by no means condoning hazing, but there are a couple of questions that should be asked. First, what is the nexus between kidney injuries and paddling? To my understanding, (and I am not a health care professional) kidney injuries come from a pre-existing condition or the amount of fluid intake or lack thereof. It could also be based on the content of the fluids taken in. For example if the young was drinking high amounts of carbonated drinks or coffee instead of water,
real bruh said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 1:40 AM
Unless we were actually involved and have more authority to go off of than merely a News website, we shouldnt assume what happened
true bruh said on Wednesday, Dec 9 at 1:36 AM
To “Fraternity Member”: Barbaric? The boy is in the hospital for Kidney failure not for anything he received from paddling. I am glad that we live in a country where the judicial system and our constitution marks everyone as "innocent until proven guilty" because there are a few remarks that are judgmental before we know all the facts. KEY WORD: ALLEGEDLY...HE HAS NOT BEEN FOUND GUILTY OF ANYTHING and we don’t know what actually happened.
A Fraternity Member said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 11:40 PM
The post at 8:24pm by Anonymous is unfortunately part of the problem. We easily forget how certain groups of students were targeted with violence and harassment or worse simply because they wanted to enhance their educational experience in past decades. The process should test your determination, your heart, sensitivities and integrity. However, all of this can be achieved without beating them like a slave. It is barbaric, and speaks of a lower threshold of human intelligence. Prosecute them NOW
I bet you wont haze me said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 10:54 PM
SHIDDDD I go to fvsu come see me with this hazing i bet i slap ya KAT butt!!! I wish any of the frats at fvsu would put they hands on me!! But if yall knew the kid had pre existing injuries or whatever why would go ham on him? JUST SENSELESS!!! where is President Larry Rivers and Terrance SMith through out all of this
Inquizitive said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 10:41 PM
I sit a coincidence that a person died at Mercer who was allege to be a part of the same group being hazed at Ft Valley??? Is there a connection....stupid who anonymously suggested the person who snitch has gettin over motive. Perhaps if someone had snitched earlier he may be still alive
The higher ups said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 10:16 PM
A terrible fate awaite you if you were involved...
They know said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 10:15 PM
I personally feel that it was very unfortunate what happened to this fellow. It is the responsibility of the individuals within to make sure that they do not subject themselves to that behavior. I also believe that it is NOT the responsibility of the fraternity to maintain what those within do..., You are responsible for your own fate.
Been there Done that... said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 10:08 PM
I suppose the founding fathers of the various Greek organizations had this type of abuse in mind when they identified all the tenets of brother,sister - hood, scholarship, leadership, uplift, etc. Sound familiar?! Come on Ladies and Gentleman grow up! The hazing is a tradition that has to be changed. Why is it OK just because everyone did it? Not just lip service. The risk of injury or death does not make a good BROTHER! You have the potential for more than a good party, step shows and hazing.
Anonymous said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 9:24 PM
first and foremost, he had preexisting problems with his health. Secondly, when you join anything you know what you are getting yourself in. i don't like snitches and don't feel sorry for him. he is just trying to get over on the phrat
tired said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 2:36 PM
The young man that was the victim is now in the hospital on a kidney machine for the next couple of months...Where is the FUN in that!!!!
E said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 2:19 PM
There's nothing fun about being haze into a fratenity unless you are the hazer. Having first hand experience on both sides of the line these incidents are often fuel by alcohol, drugs and personnal vendettas against line brothers.
Qwikness said on Tuesday, Dec 8 at 12:28 PM
Hazing is the fun part of joining a fraternity. There's no reason to join one without it. There should be a limit but not completely banned. Incidents that go overboard like this ruins the greek experience for everyone.
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