Hazing in the State of Texas | Punishments and More
The penal code and other statute books are filled with numerous crimes. Today we spotlight hazing. Yes hazing is a crime. Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical safety of a student, including, but not limited to:
Punishment is for individuals and the organization. If an individual engages in hazing, encourages, directs, or aides hazing, knowingly permits hazing to occur, or has firsthand knowledge and fails to report it, he or she is guilty of hazing.
Failure to report:
Everything else:
If the organization, an officer, or any combination of members, pledges or alumni condone or assist in hazing, they can be found guilty.
Punishment:
Remember that consent to hazing is never a defense. Immunity from the prosecution is available to those testifying for the prosecution. Nothing prevents the college from imposing its own punishment.
- Physical brutality
- Physical activity like sleep deprivation, exposure to weather, confinement in a small spare or calisthenics
- Requiring the eating or drinking of any substance that causes unreasonable risk of harm
- Any activities that intimidate, threaten, shun or cause mental stress, shame, humiliation or loss of dignity
Punishment is for individuals and the organization. If an individual engages in hazing, encourages, directs, or aides hazing, knowingly permits hazing to occur, or has firsthand knowledge and fails to report it, he or she is guilty of hazing.
Failure to report:
- Fine not to exceed $1,000
- Confinement in jail not to exceed 180 days
- Both
Everything else:
- In the cae of death - Fine of not less than $5,000 but no more than $100,000
- Confinement in jail for not less than one year nor more than two years
- Both
If the organization, an officer, or any combination of members, pledges or alumni condone or assist in hazing, they can be found guilty.
Punishment:
- No property damage or physical injury: Fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $10,000
- Personal injury, property damage or death: Fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than double the amount lost
Remember that consent to hazing is never a defense. Immunity from the prosecution is available to those testifying for the prosecution. Nothing prevents the college from imposing its own punishment.
