Latest news with #KappaAlphaPsi
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Yahoo
Mercer fraternity indefinitely suspended over hazing claims. What we know
Allegations of hazing involving assault preceded a decision by Mercer University to indefinitely suspend the campus chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi in March, according to police records obtained by The Telegraph. Campus records show that the Theta Pi chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi was found responsible for hazing incidents that occurred between November 2024 and February 2025, with at least one incident reportedly happening at a business owned by Mercer's former cheer coach, Mason Dillard, an alumnus of the fraternity. A student victim of the fraternity's hazing filed a complaint with Mercer campus police and spoke with law enforcement on Feb. 28 about the alleged hazing, the records show. 'The fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi used a cane to beat him on his lower back and buttocks, as well as (used) their fists to hit him in the abdomen and shoulders,' the police report says. According to the student's report, a hazing incident happened at a gym owned by Dillard, who was dismissed shortly after the complaint was filed. However, neither Mercer nor Dillard would confirm to The Telegraph if the hazing and the dismissal are connected. Mercer spokesperson Jennifer Fairfield said the university cannot comment on personnel affairs. The victim told law enforcement one of the beatings took place at Dillard's gym in Byron, according to the incident report. Dillard owns MGA Cheer Extreme at 221 Peachwood Drive. The cheerleading training center owned by Dillard credits itself as being 'the best All Star cheerleading program in Middle Georgia' and holds several national titles, according to its website. In addition to the beatings, the victim reported that he was 'forced to purchase clothing items and other items to be worn by himself and for older members of the fraternity.' The victim also provided a written statement to campus police and Mercer's Student Affairs office, detailing specific names, times, and locations related to the hazing, according to the documents. Rachel Turnball, Mercer's associate general counsel, said the university could not release the victim's detailed statement, citing the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, which protects the privacy of student education records. At this time, it is unclear whether Dillard is named as a suspect in the incident, though the hazing reportedly occurred at a facility he owns. Parents of Mercer cheerleaders and fraternity members have defended Dillard, claiming the hazing accusations are false and that Dillard was not physically present during the incident. Turnball said the victim's statement has not been retracted since his initial filing. In April, Mercer spokesperson Jennifer Fairfield confirmed that Mason Dillard and his wife, Courtney Dillard, a former assistant cheer coach at Mercer, were no longer employed by the university. Mason Dillard was employed by Mercer from June 1, 2023, through March 14, 2025, the university said. No additional information was released about his departure. Dillard has not responded to multiple media requests. How was Kappa Alpha Psi disciplined? Under the Max Gruver Act, which took effect in Georgia on July 1, 2021, universities are required to publish information about Greek organizations found responsible for hazing. The Theta Pi chapter of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is currently the most recent entry listed for hazing violations on Mercer's website. On March 6, 2025, the organization was found responsible for acts of hazing that caused excessive fatigue for members between November 2024 and February 2025. The university listed violations that included, but were not limited to: 'forced exercising, congregating at odd hours of the night, and staying awake for long periods of time; experiencing threatened or actual exposure to physical injury, including injury resulting from whipping, beating, paddling, branding, dangerous physical activity, or exposure to elements.' The fraternity is now listed as inactive on Mercer's student organization website. The fraternity's sanction is an indefinite suspension, and it will be removed from the school's public hazing incident reports list in five years. 'Hazing is strictly prohibited at all Mercer campus locations and in all programs and organizations affiliated with Mercer, whether on or off campus,' the university states on its website. 'All reports of suspected hazing are investigated under the Student Code of Conduct.' During the 2023–24 academic year, Kappa Alpha Psi was cited for university conduct and Fraternity and Sorority Programs (FSP) violations, according to Mercer's annual FSP review reports. For the 2024–25 year, the fraternity was labeled as suspended. The fraternity had at least 11 members in spring 2024, according to the FSP report. Updated membership numbers were not listed for spring 2025, though 7 were listed for the fall of 2024. When asked for records regarding students who were found responsible, Turnball said Mercer could not provide information about student disciplinary actions related to the completed investigation. The national chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi has not responded to multiple media inquiries. Several alumni and current Mercer students affiliated with the fraternity also could not be reached prior to publication. Who is Mercer's new cheer coach? Mercer's new cheer coach is Nicole Scott, according to Todd Anderson, the university's assistant athletics director for athletic media relations. Anderson said he could not provide details on when Scott was appointed or what qualifications led to the hiring at the time but will share more information when available. Solve the daily Crossword
Associated Press
30-06-2025
- Associated Press
Second person dies after shooting at Atlanta fraternity picnic
ATLANTA (AP) — A second person has died after a fraternity picnic at an Atlanta park ended in gunfire on Saturday. Atlanta police said Monday that Justin Minnitee, 23, died from his injuries. Witnesses have said that Minnittee arrived at the picnic that Kappa Alpha Psi was holding at Coan Park, southeast of downtown Atlanta, and began arguing with people attending the event put on by the historically Black fraternity. 'From what we know at this point, there was an uninvited guest that arrived to the location, which led to a confrontation, which led to guns being produced and shots being fired between the two individuals,' Atlanta Police Lt. Andrew Smith told WAGA-TV. Investigators say at least two people exchanged gunfire. Authorities on Saturday said Andrew Pearson, 33, died at the park after being shot in the head. WSB-TV reported that Pearson was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. Minnittee died later after being hospitalized. Two other people took themselves to the hospital. One was grazed by gunfire, while the other was admitted to be treated for injuries. Police said they're still investigating.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Yahoo
1 dead, 3 injured in shooting during fraternity picnic at Atlanta park
A fraternity brother died after a shooting at an Atlanta park on Saturday night. Three others were injured, including a suspect who is in critical condition. The shooting happened at Coan Park on Woodbine Avenue in southeast Atlanta. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Witnesses told Channel 2's Eryn Rogers that a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. chapter had a permit to host a picnic at the park. They said a random man with a face mask walked up to them and started fighting with some of the fraternity brothers. As they tried to calm him down, the man started shooting. One of the fraternity brothers died. Others who had their concealed carry permit fired back at the suspect, who was shot and is in critical condition. A third person who was shot and a person grazed by a bullet took themselves to the hospital. Police have not identified any of the victims or the suspect. People at the park told Rogers the man who died was not involved in the fight. They said he was a mentor for the younger men in the fraternity and that he leaves behind a daughter. TRENDING STORIES Homicide suspect dead after SWAT standoff, shelter in place lifted in Griffin Firefighter injured while battling house fire in DeKalb Death investigation underway days after fire at Fairburn apartment complex
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Former Prairie View A&M college football player dies at 22
Former Prairie View A&M college football player Jackson Bailey has died at the age of 22, the school announced on Tuesday. Bailey, who began his college career at Arizona before transferring to Louisiana-Monroe, was on Prairie View's roster for the 2023-24 season. In a statement on the athletic department's website, the school did not disclose a cause of death for Bailey. 'The Prairie View A&M University Department of Athletics extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, teammates, and fraternity brothers of Jackson 'Jacks' Bailey, a cherished member of the Panther football program and the PVAMU community,' the statement began. 'Jackson joined the football team for the 2023–24 season. Although he did not appear in any official games, his presence and energy were felt deeply within the locker room and across campus. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. – Zeta Beta Chapter, Jackson exemplified brotherhood, resilience, and purpose. The statement went on to say that Bailey 'brought a light-hearted and grounded spirit to everything' before touching on his faith. 'His favorite words to live by were: 'God got me.' These words guided his path on and off the field.'
Associated Press
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Respected Roots Celebrates Community, Culture, and Connection at the 2025 Atlanta Jazz Festival
Respected Roots united culture and community at the Atlanta Jazz Festival. Next stop: Phoenix, July 1–6, for the 87th Kappa Alpha Psi Grand Chapter event! 'It was beautiful to see our community come together through culture. It's about purpose, people, and giving back.'— Jason Hawkins, CEO of Respected Roots. ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, May 30, 2025 / / -- This past Memorial Day weekend, Respected Roots proudly participated in the iconic Atlanta Jazz Festival, one of the city's most vibrant celebrations of music, culture, and community. As soulful jazz filled Piedmont Park, our team was thrilled to connect with festivalgoers and share the essence of the Respected Roots brand. From loyal supporters to first-time customers, the atmosphere at our vendor booth was one of joy, unity, and curiosity. Guests engaged with our all-natural grooming and skincare products, asked questions, shared stories, and left with more than just a purchase—they left with a deeper understanding of who we are and what we represent. 'It was beautiful to see our community come together through culture,' said Jason Hawkins, Co-Owner of Respected Roots. 'It's about purpose, people, and giving back.' The Atlanta Jazz Festival offered a perfect opportunity to showcase Respected Roots' mission: to empower and elevate through quality grooming essentials rooted in heritage and pride. Each interaction at the booth served as a reminder of why Respected Roots exists—not just as a brand, but as a cultural movement. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who stopped by to support, connect, or simply vibe with us. Your presence fuels our passion. Next stop: Phoenix, Arizona. Join us at our upcoming event at The 87th Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Grand Chapter July 1st-6th as we continue to spread the Respected Roots movement nationwide. Stay connected with Respected Roots at and follow us on social media for updates, new releases, and future community events. Abeyon Gardner Respected Roots LLC +1 404-955-9484 email us here Visit us on social media: Instagram YouTube TikTok Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
