Universities could permanently ban a student organization if a hazing incident results in a student’s death under legislation heading to the House floor. The proposal is in response to the death of Southern University student Caleb Wilson, who died in 2025 after he was repeatedly punched in the chest during an off-campus fraternity hazing ritual.
Caleb’s mother, Urania Wilson, spoke to the House Education Committee.
“Caleb was a god-fearing child and he was just a sweet young man, he was smart and his life was cut short and it should not have been,” Urania Wilson said.
In 2017, a set of laws were passed after the alcohol poisoning death of LSU student Max Gruver, who died from fraternity hazing. Those laws were directed at the individuals. Chairman of the Caleb Wilson Hazing Prevention Task Force, Jason Hughes, says this legislation would apply to the entire fraternity, sorority, sports team, club, band or any student organization.
“Representative LaFleur and all of the task force members, made a commitment that Caleb’s death will be in vain,” Hughes said.
Baton Rouge Representative Vanessa LaFleur’s legislation would also require organizations to report hazing incidents to the university. Urania Wilson says she does not want to see another mother go through this.
“I feel that Louisiana can be an example for the rest of the country, because something needs to happen,” Urania Wilson said.
The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.