Background Summary
The University of Texas at Austin is committed to providing a safe educational environment for all students and does not tolerate hazing by any group or individual affiliated with the University. The University will initiate disciplinary action in response to hazing incidents that take place during official functions of the University or during functions sponsored by registered student organizations or sponsored student organizations; the University will also initiate disciplinary action in response to hazing incidents that have a substantial connection to the interests of the University regardless of the location in which they occur, on or off campus.
A new hazing prevention and response website was launched at the end of 2019 to to help students and their families learn more about what hazing looks like, how they can interrupt it, and how they can prevent it in their own organizations.
The 86th Texas Legislature passed SB 38, related to the offense of hazing. The hazing violations page on the new hazing website allows the university to be fully compliant with the requirements of this bill, including the descriptions of the hazing incidents and specific findings.
Texas state law requires universities to share information about hazing violations with students.
Statements
Feb. 22, 2020 statement by J.B. Bird, director of media relations, on how UT Austin has changed its approach to hazing since SB 38 went into effect:
“As a result of the law, we are sharing more information, more often, in our efforts to combat hazing, and that is a good thing. UT previously sent an email to students each semester with a list of all student organizations with violations, or that had completed their disciplinary sanctions, within the past three years. Now, with the passage of SB 38, we post similar but more detailed information on a new Hazing Violations web page, which is updated at the end of each month. The new site created in compliance with SB 38 helps students and their families learn more about what hazing looks like, how they can interrupt it, and how they can prevent it in their own organizations.”
Resources
- University of Texas Hazing Prevention and Response
- University of Texas Prohibition on Hazing
- Hazing in the Texas Education Code
- Safe Schools in Texas Education Code
News
SAE/Texas Rho
Rogue’ fraternity, formerly UT SAE, continues operations after suspension – Daily Texan – October 4, 2018
UT chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon suspended by fraternity’s national body – Austin American-Statesman – November 9, 2017
University of Texas fraternity shuts down after hazing report – Fort Worth Star-Telegram – November 7, 2017
Pi Kappa Phi
University of Texas fraternity closes over hazing claims – CBS Austin – November 1, 2019
UT Austin bans Pi Kappa Phi fraternity for 4 years over hazing allegations – KVUE – November 1, 2019
UT’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity shut down following hazing allegations – Austin American -Statesman – October 31, 2019
Cowboys
Texas Cowboys accept 6-year suspension for hazing, but UT-Austin leaves door open for faster return – Dallas Morning News – June 7, 2019
University of Texas at Austin suspends Texas Cowboys for 6 years over alleged hazing – ABC News – March 29, 2019