Frat hazing lawsuit to be handled out of court

ANNISTON, Ala. (AP) - Court records indicate that a lawsuit over alleged hazing at a Jacksonville State University fraternity will be handled outside of court. The Anniston Star reports that the plaintiff, Jason Horton, and the defendants, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, its JSU chapter and fraternity officials, have agreed to mediation. Michael Petway, Horton's attorney, said the agreement gives all parties involved 30 days from Friday to agree on a mediator and 30 days after that to set up the mediation. Horton maintained that fraternity pledges in 2011 were forced to drink mustard and vodka, struck with eggs and flying objects, and beaten repeatedly with fists and paddles. Horton remained in a hospital for 24 days while recovering from his injuries. Jacksonville State has since closed the university's chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha.