Georgian sues college over hazing incident

By Associated Press

For the AJC

BATON ROUGE, La. — A Georgia college student and his mother are suing Southern University  over a hazing incident at an off-campus initiation event last year.

According to police reports, Marcus Heath and two other freshman band members were struck repeatedly with 2-by-4-inch boards during initiation at an off-campus residence before last year's Bayou Classic football game.

The lawsuit claims Heath was "treated for organ failure and other injuries" and that he "underwent numerous instances of hazing."

The Heaths are seeking financial damages for "pain and suffering, mental anguish and distress" and more.

Southern Board of Supervisors Chairman Tony Clayton, an attorney, said he sees no liability on the part of the university since the hazing took place off-campus.