Washington Supreme Court rules WSU liable for hazing death
Analysis based on 9 articles · First reported Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026
The ruling could increase liability risks for universities with Greek life systems, potentially raising insurance and compliance costs. However, the direct financial impact on WSU is limited until a trial determines breach and damages.
The United States — Washington Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that Washington State University owed a duty of care to Sam Martinez, a freshman who died in 2019 from alcohol poisoning during a hazing ritual at the Gamma Chi chapter of Alpha Tau Omega. The court found that WSU's special relationship with its fraternities created a duty to protect students from foreseeable hazing harm, reversing a lower court dismissal and remanding the case for trial. The decision does not determine whether WSU breached that duty. The dissent argued the relationship was contractual, not special. The case stems from a lawsuit filed by Martinez's parents, who also advocated for anti-hazing legislation.
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