Lawsuit Blames Sorority Hazing for Northwestern Student’s 2017 Suicide
The mother of Northwestern University basketball player Jordan Hankins has filed a federal lawsuit against the Chicago based Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority.
Information About Hankins’ Death
According to CNN, Hankins committed suicide after a brutal hazing ritual at the hands of the AKA sorority.
Hankins suffered mental, emotional, and physical abuse during the 2016 hazing which triggered her Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After a brief period of depression brought on by the experience, Hankins took her own life in January 2017. Hankins allegedly informed AKA of her fragile mental state but was ignored.
Details of the Lawsuit
Hankins’ mother filed the lawsuit this week accusing AKA of negligent supervision and negligent entrustment. The lawsuit also accuses AKA of violating its own no-hazing policy.
The lawsuit targets the national sorority and the Northwestern chapters. Northwestern has since suspended AKA activities pending litigation.
Northwestern University is not named in the lawsuit.
Issue of Female Athletes and Hazing
A number of female athletes report taking part in dangerous hazing rituals. According to Babson College, more than 20% of female NCAA athletes are subjected to alcohol and mental hazing, including staged kidnappings.
50% of all female NCAA athletes report experiencing some form of hazing.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you are a loved one suffered or sustained injury due to hazing, contact Thomas J. Henry.
At Thomas J. Henry, we focus on personal injury matters and achieving the maximum recovery for you and your family. Our firm has the resources to take care of you and your family during the legal process. Our lawyers are dedicated to each and every client and their unique case. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve for the injuries you have sustained. Contact our personal injury attorneys — available 24/7, nights and weekends — for a free legal consultation.
