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Hazing costs more than a few bruises By The Editorial Board Published: Friday, November 5, 2004 Article Tools: Page 1 of 2 Hazing has been a problem that consistently wielded its **** head on this campus. However in light of recent news, it should finally become loud and clear to those who haze that walking away scot-free from these cases is very unlikely. According to a National Public Radio report, former "Marching 100" band member Marcus Parker won his $1.8 million civil battery lawsuit against the five men found liable in the 2001 hazing incident. After the Jacksonville trumpet player was repeatedly beaten with a paddleboard, he was hospitalized for temporary kidney failure. Since then, Parker has had four surgeries and is currently in need of a kidney transplant. His lawyer is now set to seek retribution for Parker through garnisheeing his assailants' wages and going after their assets. Parker's case should be a point of reference to those gripping wood because when victims are brave enough, those who haze may prove to be the ones hit harder. In the pocket, that is. When split five ways, each of Parker's attackers will have to shell out $360,000. This is a large sum to pay off when many students barely have enough money to pay the few thousands for tuition. More importantly, hitting and taking hits from a fellow classmate to the point of hospitalization (or even at all) in the name of fellowship is ridiculous and senseless. This is an institution of higher education, so those registered here should act like they are receiving one. All parties involved in the decision of this civil suit should be commended for holding accountable those directly responsible for causing Parker's injuries. Although suing an organization may mean a larger payment, it bears little consequence on those to blame, which is why this dreadful practice continues to occur. Maybe more victims will follow Parker's lead, and make an example of their abusers.