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Hazing Regulations at TAMIU

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is committed to providing a safe environment for all members of its community. TAMIU expects all community members and student organizations to comply with State law, the TAMIU Student Code of Conduct and all University policies related to hazing.

State of Texas Definition of Hazing

The State of Texas defines hazing as any intentional, knowing or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in or maintaining membership in an organization if the act:

  1. Is any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body or similar activity;
  2. Involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics or other activity that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
  3. Involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug or other substance, other than described by the next paragraph, that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student; and/or
  4. Is any activity that induces, causes or requires the student to perform a duty or task that involves a violation of the Penal Code; or
  5. Involves coercing, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, the student to consume:
    • a drug; or
    • an alcoholic beverage or liquor in an amount that would lead a reasonable person to believe that the student is intoxicated, as defined by Section 49.01, Penal Code.

TAMIU Policy

Hazing is a crime under Texas Law. It is also prohibited under this Code. It is a violation of the Code (and of state law) to engage in hazing, or to otherwise solicit, encourage, direct, aid or attempt to aid another in engaging in hazing. It is also a violation to recklessly permit hazing by another to occur. A student who receives firsthand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident or has firsthand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred, has an affirmative responsibility to report the incident in writing to dean of students or another appropriate official of TAMIU. Notification will be provided to the University community as required by law.

Both failing to report hazing and hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury are Class B misdemeanors. Hazing that results in serious bodily injury is a Class A misdemeanor. Hazing resulting in a death is a state jail felony. An organization found guilty of hazing may be fined $5,000 to $10,000 or, for incidents causing personal injury or property damage, an amount doubles the loss or expenses incurred because of the hazing incident.

It is not a defense to prosecution that the person hazed consented to the hazing activity.

A person reporting a specific hazing incident to the University is immune from civil and criminal liability unless the report is made in bad faith. This include immunity to student conduct charges.

State law does not limit or affect an education institution’s right to enforce its own penalties against hazing.

Report an Incident

Hazing incidents need to be reported when they occur. Remember that you are protected by the institution and the law. Anyone can report hazing they have witnessed or have knowledge of. Reports can be submitted through:

  • TAMIU’s Report It! Page
  • The TAMIU Police Department Dispatch at 956.326.2100 or 956.326.2911 for emergencies
  • TAMIU Student Conduct Officers
  • The National Anti-Hazing Hotline toll-free number at 1.888.NOT.HAZE (1.888.668.4293).

The University's ability to investigate reported incidents, enforce policy, and protect students depends on the accuracy and specificity of the information provided. You are encouraged to provide as much specific detail as possible so that appropriate action can be taken to address the reported behavior. You have the option to submit a report anonymously, though Student Conduct officers may find it difficult to complete their investigation without knowing the source of the report.

TAMIU Organizations Disciplined for Hazing

In accordance with Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Section 51.936, Texas A&M International University publishes a listing of all hazing cases that took place on or off campus in the past three years where the student organization was found responsible either in the conduct process or the court system.

  • 2024 Report - There were no registered/recognized organizations found responsible for or convicted of hazing.
  • 2023 Report - There were no registered/recognized organizations found responsible for or convicted of hazing.
  • 2022 Report - There were no registered/recognized organizations found responsible for or convicted of hazing.

Laws Governing Hazing

Texas Education Code, Sec. 51.936

Texas Education Code, Sec. 37.151-157

Hazing Prevention Education

If you're not sure if an activity is hazing, ask the following questions from The Hazing Test adapted from Death By Hazing (Sigma Alpha Epsilon, 1988).

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, then the actions could be hazing.

  • Is this an organization activity where members are encouraged to attend and where any minors are consuming alcohol?
  • Will current group members refuse to do exactly what new members are asked to do?
  • Is there risk of emotional or physical abuse?
  • Is there any risk for injury or is safety a question?
  • Would you object to inviting your parents, coach, University official or professor?
  • Would you object to being photographed or recorded by the media or school paper?

Other resources:

  • StopHazing.org is a website dedicated to education to eliminate hazing.
  • HazingPrevention.org is an organization whose goal is to encourage healthy and productive experiences for new members of teams, fraternities, sororities and student organizations.

Hazing Prevention Workshops

Annual training is provided during National Hazing Prevention Week or upon request.