Wilberforce University, a historically Black educational institution in Ohio, is facing a lawsuit from the family of Savanna Jones, an 18-year-old student who died in April, according to a report from WTVG. Jones’ family claims her death was a direct result of a hazing ritual on the Wilberforce campus.
According to the lawsuit, Jones participated in an alcohol-based initiation practice for a social club known as “the Turtles,” or “Turtle Club.” The ritual, called “crossing,” requires potential members to drink an entire bottle of liquor while answering questions or riddles. The suit claims more than 10 students, including resident assistants, were present at the ritual, which occurred in Wilberforce’s Henderson Hall.
“They’re not even allowed to gain membership into the Turtles if they stop drinking, if they vomit or if they’re incapable of drinking,” Rex Elliott, an attorney for Jones’ family, told WTVG. “The sole admission into the Turtles is being able to drink a large amount of alcohol. That is the hazing ritual at issue.”
The suit also states that Jones texted friends earlier that day, saying she was going to “cross turtles” and that she was “lowkey scared.” Following the hazing incident, Jones became severely intoxicated, vomited, and could not stand. The suit claims there were photographs of Jones lying unconscious on a bed from that night. Jones passed away in the early morning on April 30.
“Savanna Jones had a very large amount of alcohol, and instead of taking her to a hospital and getting her immediate medical attention, they took her back to her dorm room and left her to die,” Elliott said.
Jones’ family’s suit names Wilberforce University, the HBCU’s director of housing and residence life, a student, and several other unidentified defendants. The family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and demands a jury trial.
