05/04/2010 // West Palm Beach, Florida, USA // Nicole Howley // Nicole Howley
Houston, TX—A University of Houston fraternity and seven of its members are facing a lawsuit for alleged hazing that sent one student to a local hospital. A Omega Psi Phi pledge was reportedly beaten with paddles, a broomstick and a baseball bat, which left him so badly injured that he had trouble walking and even couldn’t pull down his own pants, as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
Lee West III and two other students reportedly endured three hazing sessions, which were characterized as “human brutality” in February 2009. The three students were apparently beaten with boards covered with duct tape, broomsticks, baseball bats and paddles. They were apparently beaten so badly that even one of the broomsticks broke from the force. The lawsuit further alleged that some of the men passed out or felt lightheaded while enduring the beatings. The hazing also included drafting long essays, cleaning the house, doing laundry and buying food.
Following the hazing sessions, West’s roommate insisted that he go to the emergency room due to the immense amount of pain he was in, and because of a hematoma on his buttocks. The embarrassed student told medical professionals at Memorial Hermann Hospital that his injuries were due to a skateboarding accident.
West’s father, Lee West Jr., filed the lawsuit although his son urged him not to. West Jr. said he filed the lawsuit after the local and national fraternity refused to respond, and because he “would like to clear up this fraternity and get rid of rogue members.” West Jr. pledged the same fraternity 30 years ago.
The lawsuit is seeking monetary compensation for pain and suffering, as well as attorneys fees.
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