Southern University Awards Posthumous Degrees to Hazing Victims

The university will confer degrees to two students who died in 2025, including one killed in a fraternity hazing incident.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Southern University System Board of Supervisors voted to award posthumous degrees to two students who died last year, including Caleb Wilson, a former member of the school's marching band who died after being punched in the chest during a fraternity hazing ritual. The board also voted to confer a degree to Kavon Barnhill, who died in a car crash. Their degrees will be awarded at the university's May 15 commencement ceremony.

Why it matters

Wilson's death has prompted Louisiana lawmakers to take action on hazing prevention, including doubling the required hazing prevention training for students in campus organizations and creating a task force to recommend new legislation to address the issue. The case highlights the ongoing problem of hazing on college campuses and the need for stronger policies and enforcement to protect students.

The details

Five people have been indicted in connection with Wilson's death, and the Omega Psi Phi fraternity chapter has been removed from Southern's campus, though it has the option to appeal and return. The task force has recommended proposals to require annual anti-hazing training for students and advisers, adopt amnesty policies for reporting hazing, and roll back a 2024 law that increased the standard of evidence required to prove a hazing charge in campus disciplinary proceedings.

  • In February 2025, Caleb Wilson died after being punched in the chest as part of a hazing ritual while pledging the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
  • In December 2025, Kavon Barnhill died in a car crash.
  • On March 9, 2026, the Louisiana legislative session begins, during which the task force recommendations may be considered.
  • On May 15, 2026, Southern University will hold its commencement ceremony, where the posthumous degrees will be awarded.

The players

Caleb Wilson

A former member of Southern's Human Jukebox marching band who died after being punched in the chest during a fraternity hazing ritual.

Kavon Barnhill

A Southern University student who died in a car crash in December 2025.

Southern University System Board of Supervisors

The governing body that voted to confer the posthumous degrees.

John Pierre

The chancellor of Southern University.

Delisha Boyd

A Louisiana state representative who authored a law doubling the hazing prevention training required for students in campus organizations.

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What they’re saying

“We have two students that we lost tragically. These were both outstanding scholars … Our hearts go out to the families, and we are so sorry for their loss.”

— John Pierre, Chancellor, Southern University (Louisiana Illuminator)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery Employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.