A former Florida State University student, Oliver Walker, was sentenced to 30 days in prison and a year of probation after punching his peer, Nicholas Mauricio, during a fraternity hazing incident in 2018. Mauricio, who suffered a debilitating brain injury as a result of the attack, has been on the road to recovery for the past six years. The incident occurred during a tradition called “Scumbag of the Week,” organized by members of FSU’s Alpha Epsilon Pi chapter, which required a pledge to be punched in front of the entire fraternity.
Mauricio, who was 6-foot-1 and 125 pounds at the time of the punch, fell and hit his head, resulting in two different hematomas and frontal lobe damage. The incident came just months after another FSU student, Andrew Coffey, died of alcohol poisoning after a fraternity hazing incident. Mauricio’s mother, Michelle, expressed frustration at the lengthy process of seeking justice for her son, stating that the emotional toll has been exhausting. Attorney David Bianchi, who represented Mauricio in both cases, emphasized the prevalence of fraternity hazing incidents across the United States and the need for stricter consequences for those involved.
Bianchi believes that jail time for perpetrators may send a strong message to fraternity members that endangering the lives of pledges or existing members through hazing will not be tolerated. Mauricio hopes to use his experience to educate college-aged men about the dangers of hazing and encourage them to speak up if they are exposed to harm or underage drinking. He stresses the importance of standing up for oneself and saying no in such situations, despite any perceived power imbalances within Greek organizations. Mauricio and his mother aim to use their story to raise awareness about the risks associated with hazing in college and advocate for those who suffer from brain injuries.
It is crucial for universities to take an active role in preventing hazing incidents, beyond just holding Greek organizations and their members accountable. Mauricio hopes to become an advocate for victims of hazing and individuals suffering from brain damage. While Walker’s attorney declined to comment on the case, Mauricio’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for those considering joining fraternities or engaging in harmful behaviors during college. By sharing his story, Mauricio aims to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future and promote a safer environment on college campuses.
