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 Texas Education Code defines hazing as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus of an educational institution, by one person 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:
- 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;
- involves sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements, confinement in a small space, calisthenics, or other similar 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;
- involves consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance, other than as described by Paragraph (E), that subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student;
- 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
- involves coercing 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.
TAMIU Policy
Hazing is a criminal offense under Texas law. It is also prohibited under the TAMIU Student Code of Conduct. A person may be found guilty of a crime or responsible for a conduct violation if they: engage in hazing; solicit, encourage, direct, aid, or attempt to aid another in engaging in hazing; permit hazing to occur; or have knowledge of hazing activities and fail to report them in writing to the Office of Conduct or other appropriate institutional official. Under Texas law, penalties for hazing include: Class B misdemeanor for failure to report hazing or for hazing that does not result in serious bodily injury; Class A misdemeanor for hazing that results in serious bodily injury; State jail felony for hazing that results in a death.
The Texas Education Code defines organization as “a fraternity, sorority, association, corporation, order, society, corps, club, or student government, a band or musical group or an academic, athletic, cheerleading, or dance team, including any group or team that participates in National Collegiate Athletic Association competition, or a service, social, or similar group, whose members are primarily students.” Organizations found guilty of hazing may be fined up to $10,000, or if the hazing incident causes personal injury, property damage, or other loss, up to double the amount of damages or losses incurred but not less than $5,000.
It is not a defense that the person hazed consented or acquiesced to the hazing activity.
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 Affairs 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 Affairs officers may find it difficult to complete their investigation without knowing the source of the report.
Campus Hazing Transparency Reports
In accordance with Texas Education Code § 51.936, and consistent with federal law, Texas A&M International University publishes a listing of hazing cases from the past three years that occurred on or off campus and in which a student organization was found responsible through the University conduct process or the court system.
- 2025 Report - There were no registered/recognized organizations found responsible for or convicted of hazing.
- 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.
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.