It has been nearly two weeks since the tragic passing of Southern University student Caleb Wilson, who died during a fraternity hazing event. Wilson’s death has reignited conversations about the role of Black Greek-letter organizations on college campuses.
Hazing has long been a controversial and deadly issue within the Divine Nine, other Greek organizations, fraternities, and sororities. Over the years, multiple hazing-related deaths have led to temporary bans, lawsuits, and calls for reform. However, incidents like Wilson’s death continue to raise concerns over whether these organizations can effectively self-police.
Former Bachelorette star and attorney Rachel Lindsay shared her thoughts on the case with co-host Van Lathan, calling for the removal of Divine Nine fraternities and sororities from college campuses.
Lindsay, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., expressed her views during a recent episode of the Higher Learning podcast, arguing that if these organizations cannot be effectively regulated, they should no longer exist on college campuses and should instead function strictly as graduate chapter groups.
During the podcast discussion, Lindsay reflected on her own experience pledging Delta Sigma Theta 20 years ago and acknowledged that concerns about removing Black Greek-letter organizations from college campuses have existed for decades.
“Ever since I was online, there has been talk about removing this from college campuses,” Lindsay said. “Removing D9… because the processes are getting out of control.”
Lindsay’s stance is clear: if there is no accountability for violent hazing incidents, then Divine Nine organizations should no longer be part of the college experience.
“If we’re not going to regulate it, if you’re not going to call it out, if you’re not going to step in and make sure that this doesn’t happen, and if it does happen, hold these chapters on these college campuses accountable—then get rid of it,” Lindsay said.
She went on to explain that there are still ways to join Divine Nine organizations outside of college.
“If you really want to be a part of D9, there are other ways to pledge… You can be a part of the greater chapters, like a national member at large…You don’t have to go through the whole process in college.”
While she acknowledged the positive impact Divine Nine organizations can have on campus activism and community service, Lindsay believes the risk of hazing-related deaths outweighs the benefits if these incidents cannot be reined in.
Hazing has long been a controversial and deadly issue within the Divine Nine and other Greek organizations. Over the years, multiple hazing-related deaths have led to temporary bans, lawsuits, and calls for reform. However, incidents like Wilson’s death continue to raise concerns over whether these organizations can effectively self-police.
Photo Credit: Instagram – TheRachelLindsay
