Matthew's Story |
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We Miss You Matt
On February 2, 2005, Matt was left to die of water intoxication on the floor of a cold, wet, sewer infested fraternity basement in Chico following hideous acts of hazing. He was terribly degraded and mistreated for the last three days of his life, all for the purpose of gaining admission into the fraternity, demonstrating his worthiness, and satisfying the brotherly love that the fraternity members promoted. Seven Chi Tau Fraternity Members have been charged with hazing and four of those have also been charged with felony manslaughter. The court hearings are ongoing; a tentative trial date has been set for November 2, 2005. Through Matt's death we hope others (parents and students) will learn before it is too late that fraternities and fraternity rituals can be coercive and dangerous. There are people out there who will take advantage of your good nature even though you may think that you are immortal because you are young and strong, fearless and good. You cannot succumb to the pressure and let others degrade or endanger you in order for them to feel better about themselves. Hopefully more children will be taught to live by the motto "do unto others." If everyone could make this a way of life then maybe we could put a stop to these senseless deaths of our children and loved ones. I think Mark Yu (one of Matt's best friends) was right and put it best when he said, "If everyone treated others the way Matt did we wouldn’t have any problems in society.” ~Matt's Mom; August 10, 2005~ On Monday October 3, 2005 one of misdemeanor’s changed his plea to “no contest” receiving 30 days in jail, one-year probation, loss of student financial aid and was ordered by the court to participate in anti hazing work and must write a letter of apology to Matt’s parents.
On October 28, 2005 Matt supporters donning red and displaying their Matt Badges filled the courtroom along with a jury box full of reporters as the four defendants charged with involuntary manslaughter and misdemeanor hazing changed their not guilty pleas. Sentences ranged from 90 days to one year in jail and 3 to 5 years probation, for the four defendants who must participate in an "anti-hazing outreach program" as a condition of their probation. They must also pay fines totaling up to over $3,100. They are currently working on an anti-hazing documentary with me. On November 23, 2005 the final two charged with misdemeanor hazing pled not guilty and no contest receiving 30 to 45 days in jail and three years probation, with a loss of student financial aid, and must write a letter of apology to Matt’s parents. We learned during this time that the California Hazing Law is quite flawed and are in the process of having it changed so that other families will not have to endured not only the pain of losing a loved one but the agony of those responsible possibly not being held accountable for their actions. Matt’s Law will not only make sure that if you participate in these acts you will suffer the consequences but more so will hopefully teach those that are considering doing this to someone to think twice before taking the chance of losing their freedom. Click here to learn more about Matt's Law and and how you can support it. I love you Matt. ~ Matt’s Mom; updated March 6, 2006~
~ Matt’s Mom; updated September 16, 2008~
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