Former WSU Student Complains of Hazing

Former WSU Student Complains of Hazing
Updated: Tuesday, 27 Apr 2010, 10:52 PM EDT
Originally Published: April 27, 2010 by MyFoxDetroit.com
Author: Taryn Asher

 

DETROIT – A former Wayne State University student says he almost died after he was beaten and hazed by fraternity members.

 

Wayne State University Police are now investigating this very disturbing case of hazing. The young man desperately wanted to be part of this nationally recognized fraternity.

 

“I thought this fraternity would be something that would… broaden my horizons,” said Eric Walker.

 

Studying to be a doctor, Eric wanted to join Kappa Alpha Psi, a fraternity whose fundamental goal is achievement. The 21-year-old, who recently transferred to Wayne State University, was not prepared for what would come next.

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Eric says for 32 days straight he was required to show up at a duplex in Detroit on Grand. There he claims he and other students would have to endure beatings that lasted for hours.

 

“My whole chest was… black, red, purplish,” Eric Walker said.

 

Eric says not just one person, but dozens kicked, punched and pummeled him with a paddle. His breaking point came on March first when he claims members from the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity from schools all over the state traveled in for the most brutal beating yet.

 

“They told me to stand up straight, and they would be hitting me in my chest or my back. Often, I would be getting hit from behind with a paddle and then hit on my back at the same time,” said Eric Walker.

 

Eric landed at the University of Michigan Hospital for over a week. The alleged beatings bruised his lungs and caused his kidneys to shut down.

 

His mother, who does not have insurance, would not leave his side, wondering how this could happen to her son.

 

“The bills are just growing and growing and growing, and basically no one wants to take responsibility for something that was not necessary,” said Tina Walker.

 

That is why attorney Dan Romano is going after the fraternity, which he claims has been hazing students for years.

 

“There are members from the different regions that participated in this, and it wasn’t just my client that was being assaulted. It seems like it’s their practice,” he said.

 

Wayne State University has a no-tolerance policy when it comes to hazing. Campus Police Chief Tony Holt says he is working to track down everyone involved.

 

“That fraternity has been suspended right now, and we have not had reports of other incidents of hazing,” he said.

 

Almost two months later, Eric’s physical injuries are healing, but he says the emotional scars of this brutal brotherhood will be with him for a very long time.

 

“I almost lost my life. I thank God every day for life,” he said. “I just think that something should be done to change this. I don’t want other people to go through this.”

 

Any day, we are told several people are expected to face felony charges in this case. As for Eric Walker, he says all of it is just too much. He has transferred out of Wayne State.