Bowie State student files $3M lawsuit against frat over alleged hazing

BOWIE, Md. -- A Bowie State University student has filed a $3 million lawsuit against a fraternity, claiming he was beaten and hazed while pledging.

Student Kevin Hayes on Monday sued the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in Prince George's County Circuit Court for alleged battery/hazing, false imprisonment and gross negligence.

The lawsuit claims APA members Mike Ross, Keenan Goins and others punched, hit, slapped, body slammed and paddled Hayes during the fall of 2013.

Goins was a graduate student and Ross was not a student at the time, according to the lawsuit.

Hayes says he was required to attend five- to eight-hour "sets" during which he would learn chapter and fraternity information. According to the lawsuit, he was physically punished if the information was not done correctly.

The punishments included were Jewel Shockers (side slaps), Back Racks (back slaps), Fat Joes (chest slaps), as well as taking "wood" (paddling), the lawsuit claims.

Pledges were not allowed to wear specific colors and were ordered not to "snitch" about the hazing, the lawsuit includes.

After the hazing period was over, the lawsuit claims that fraternity members threatened Hayes and his mother, saying they would come by her house and see her.

Maryland's anti-hazing law prohibits putting a student at risk of serious bodily injury for the purpose of initiation.

Hayes is currently a junior at Bowie State. He is the executive member-at-large for Student Government Association for the 2014-2015 school year. He is also a member of the University of Maryland system's Student Council for the 2014-2015 school year. Hayes has been a member of the Maryland Army National Guard since 2013.

"Bowie State University is aware of the the lawsuit filed today alleging an incidence of hazing by a fraternity on our campus. We understand that the university is not named as a party in the suit and we are not able to comment about any allegations cited in the suit," the university said in a statement.

"Bowie State University has a stringent anti-hazing policy that is coupled with a strong anti-hazing education program," the university said. "The university considers hazing to be indefensible and contrary to the interest of the university community. We work continuously with Greek and other student organizations to assure understanding that no activity that causes mental, physical or social harm will be tolerated."