The death of a Washington State University student who was found in his dorm room on January 22, 2023, has been ruled a suicide by the Whitman County Medical Examiner. The student, identified as 19-year-old Luke Morgan Tyler, was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity and had allegedly undergone a “long and cruel” hazing process.
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What Happened to Luke Morgan Tyler?
According to Newsweek, Tyler was found dead in his room at Perham Hall on the Pullman campus around 1:30 p.m. after police received an anonymous call. The cause and manner of his death were not immediately announced, but foul play was not suspected by the authorities.
However, a friend of Tyler claimed that he had suffered an “inhumane and cruel” hazing at the Theta Chi fraternity, which forced him to do things that “nobody should ever be forced to do”. A petition was launched on change.org to ban the fraternity and hold its members accountable for Tyler’s death. The petition, which has gathered over 15,000 signatures, also accused the fraternity of having a history of hazing and sexual assault.
The WSU administration said that it was aware of the allegations and that it was conducting an investigation into the fraternity’s conduct. The Theta Chi chapter at WSU was suspended by its national organization pending the outcome of the investigation.
Who Was Luke Morgan Tyler?
Tyler was a freshman at WSU who had graduated from Redmond High School in 2022. He was majoring in business administration and had aspirations to become an entrepreneur. He was also an avid sports fan who enjoyed playing basketball and soccer.
Tyler’s friends and family described him as a kind, sincere, and funny person who always made others laugh. He was known for his prankster tendencies and his ability to brighten up any situation. He was also generous and helpful, often going out of his way to assist others in need.
A GoFundMe page was set up for Tyler’s family to help cover the costs of his funeral and to make a donation in his name to a cause that he cared about. The page raised over $11,000 from 204 donors before it was closed. The page said that Tyler’s name would not be forgotten and that he deserved a memorial that honored his memory.
What Is Being Done to Prevent Hazing?
Hazing is a serious issue that affects many college students across the country. According to HazingPrevention.org, hazing is defined as “any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them regardless of a person’s willingness to participate”.
Hazing can take many forms, such as physical abuse, psychological manipulation, excessive drinking, sexual assault, or isolation. Hazing can have devastating consequences for the victims, such as physical injuries, mental trauma, academic problems, or even death.
To prevent hazing, many colleges have adopted policies and programs that educate students about the dangers and consequences of hazing, provide support and resources for victims and bystanders, and enforce sanctions for violators. Some states have also passed laws that criminalize hazing and impose penalties for those who participate or facilitate it.
However, hazing still persists in many campuses despite these efforts. Some of the reasons why hazing continues are peer pressure, tradition, ignorance, or lack of accountability. Therefore, it is important for students to be aware of their rights and responsibilities when joining or participating in any group or organization. Students should also report any incidents or suspicions of hazing to the authorities or seek help if they are affected by it.
Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage or a way to bond with others. It is a form of abuse that violates human dignity and can have fatal consequences. No one deserves to be hazed or to lose their life because of it.
