When honor student Courtney Howard pledged to join a sorority on San Jose State University, she sought the support of close-knit sisters in the school's small African American community. Instead, what she got was ritualized hazing that included a nearly month-long string of beatings, punching, kicking and paddling. Document: Courtney Howard's lawsuit

The Florida Supreme Court has removed three items, all promoted by the Republican-led Legislature, from the slate of proposed constitutional amendments.