Posted by Dallas, Texas – November 3, 2009, Nationwide law firm Kelley|Witherspoon, LLP today announces the filing of a $97 million dollar lawsuit against Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., et al for the October 20, 2009 hazing death of Prairie View A & M University student, Donnie Wade II. The case, filed in the 134th District Court of Dallas County, Texas, is identified as Cause No. 09-14756.
Documented evidence reveals that hazing began on September 29, 2009 and increased systematically through October 20, 2009. These serious hazing incidents by older (so-called) “Dangerous” Delta Theta Chapter members of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Inc. on Prairie View A & M University’s campus led directly to Donnie’s death.
On October 20, 2009, Donnie Wade, II, a Biology major at Prairie View A & M University, collapsed during a rigorous initiation exercise routine led by Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. at Hempstead High School track in Hempstead, Texas. Witness testimony suggests that “Dangerous” Delta Theta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. required Donnie Wade, II to adhere to a strict water and bread diet during the initial stages of his pledge process.
Evidence also confirms older Frat brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. requested Donnie Wade, II to do chores, purchase alcohol, pick up and pay for the Frat brothers’ food, as well as other personal items for the older Frat brothers, including use of pledges’ student ID cards to wash clothing.
This process, according to witness testimony, was ironically used as a pledging tool as well as a bonding mechanism to make the pledges “closer as a group of brothers.”
The lawsuit, filed in the 134th District Court in Dallas County, Texas, Cause No. 09-14756, alleges Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is responsible for the following:
1) engaging, encouraging and supporting others to engage pledges and members in activities constituting violations of fraternity bylaws, rules, policies, standards and regulations, including, but not limited to, purchasing alcohol and subjecting minors to acts of hazing;
2) engaging, encouraging and supporting others to engage in activities constituting violations of the Texas Education Code; and
3) failing to report violations of the policies, standards, bylaws, Constitution, rules and regulations of the so-called “Dangerous” Delta Theta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, Incorporated and/or the international office of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.;
4) failing to supervise fraternity activities, members and pledges;
5) failing to educate fraternity members and pledges; and 6) failing to properly monitor, supervise, control, and regulate fraternity-sponsored activities, especially the exercise routine, among other allegations.
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