Florida A&M University Dance Team Suspended for Hazing

Florida A&M University suspended its dance team after university officials received a complaint alleging an off-campus hazing incident involving the team. The university is currently investigating the incident. Florida A&M adopted a no-tolerance hazing policy after its drum major was tragically killed last year during a band hazing ritual.

Hazing-related injuries and deaths have been on rise across U.S. schools. Hazing occurs when a member of a group pressures a new member to participate in certain abusive, dangerous or embarrassing conduct to gain admission to or acceptance in the group.

Depending on the facts and circumstances of the hazing injury, the sponsoring educational institution may be legally responsible for a student’s injury. Louisiana law takes a harsh stance on hazing, prohibiting any form of hazing in fraternal organizations and forbidding hazing in public schools that can lead to potential physical or psychological harm.

Theories of tort law and vicarious liability can be used to hold the hazer, organization and school legally responsible for the hazer’s harmful conduct. A school may be vicariously liable if it fails to enforce its own hazing policy or turns a blind eye to the hazing.

No child or young adult should be faced with the fear, physical or psychological trauma associated with hazing. If you or your child suffered an injury in a hazing incident, the attorneys at Broussard, David & Moroux can help you understand your legal rights. For questions, contact Broussard, David & Moroux at 888-337-2323(toll-free) or 337-337-2323 (local).