🚨 The Hazing Crisis in Becker County: What Parents Need to Know

Hazing isn’t just happening at big universities. It’s happening right here in Becker County.

If your child is attending college near Becker County—or even considering joining a Greek organization, sports team, or student club—they could be at risk of hazing abuse. The same fraternities involved in nationwide hazing scandals operate at institutions in and around Becker County. The same dangerous “traditions” that hospitalized a University of Houston student in 2025 exist in our community.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis right now. We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical—it’s happening. And it could happen to your child in Becker County.

📍 Hazing in Becker County: The Local Reality

Becker County is home to a strong community with deep family values. We send our children to college expecting them to be safe, to make friends, and to grow. What we don’t expect is for them to be waterboarded, forced to drink until they vomit, or made to perform extreme physical punishments that put their lives at risk.

But that’s exactly what’s happening at colleges and universities near Becker County.

🏫 Colleges and Universities Near Becker County Where Hazing Occurs

While Becker County itself is primarily a rural community, it is surrounded by several higher education institutions where Greek life and student organizations thrive. These include:

• Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) – Located just 30 minutes from Becker County, MSUM has active Greek organizations including fraternities and sororities. The university has faced hazing allegations in the past, and the same national organizations involved in high-profile hazing cases operate chapters here.

• Concordia College (Moorhead, MN) – Another institution within driving distance of Becker County, Concordia has a strong Greek presence. Hazing incidents have been reported at similar private liberal arts colleges nationwide.

• North Dakota State University (NDSU) – Fargo, ND – Approximately 45 minutes from Becker County, NDSU is a major university with a significant Greek system. In 2021, a fraternity at NDSU was suspended for hazing, showing that these risks exist in our region.

• University of North Dakota (UND) – Grand Forks, ND – About 90 minutes from Becker County, UND has a large Greek community. Hazing incidents have occurred at UND in the past, including forced alcohol consumption and physical abuse.

• Bemidji State University (Bemidji, MN) – Approximately 2 hours from Becker County, Bemidji State has Greek organizations that fall under the same national oversight as fraternities involved in hazing deaths.

These institutions are not immune to hazing. The same national fraternities and sororities that have paid millions in settlements for hazing deaths and injuries operate chapters at these schools. If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority near Becker County, they face the same risks that hospitalized our client in Houston.

🔍 What Is Hazing? The Becker County Parent’s Guide

Hazing is any activity expected of someone joining or participating in a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers them—regardless of their willingness to participate. In Minnesota, hazing is a crime. Under Minnesota Statute § 121A.69, hazing is defined as:

“Any act committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization, that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any student or other person.”

Common Hazing Activities in Becker County-Area Schools

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless fun.” It’s abuse. Here are some of the most dangerous hazing activities happening at colleges near Becker County:

These aren’t hypotheticals. These are real activities that have led to hospitalizations and deaths across the country—and they’re happening at schools near Becker County.

🚑 The Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing doesn’t just leave emotional scars. It can cause life-threatening injuries that require hospitalization and can lead to long-term health problems. Here’s what Becker County parents need to know about the medical risks:

1. Rhabdomyolysis (Muscle Breakdown)

What It Is:
Rhabdomyolysis occurs when muscle tissue breaks down rapidly, releasing proteins and electrolytes into the bloodstream. These substances can damage the kidneys and cause acute kidney failure.

How Hazing Causes It:
Extreme physical exertion—such as being forced to do 500 squats, 100 pushups, or repeated bear crawls—can cause rhabdomyolysis. This is exactly what happened to our client in the Pi Kappa Phi case.

Symptoms:

• Severe muscle pain
• Weakness or inability to move
• Dark brown or tea-colored urine (a sign of muscle breakdown)
• Fatigue
• Confusion

Dangers:

• Acute kidney failure
• Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)
• Permanent kidney damage
• Death

Treatment:

• Hospitalization
• IV fluids to flush the kidneys
• Possible dialysis if kidney failure occurs

Long-Term Impact:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Need for lifelong kidney monitoring
• Increased risk of future rhabdomyolysis episodes

2. Alcohol Poisoning

What It Is:
Alcohol poisoning occurs when someone drinks a toxic amount of alcohol in a short period. It can lead to coma or death.

How Hazing Causes It:
Forced drinking—such as chugging alcohol, drinking entire bottles, or participating in drinking games—is a common hazing activity. This is how Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, 2021) and Max Gruver (Louisiana State University, 2017) died.

Symptoms:

• Confusion or stupor
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Blue-tinged or pale skin
• Low body temperature
• Unconsciousness

Dangers:

• Choking on vomit
• Breathing stops
• Heart stops
• Permanent brain damage
• Death

Treatment:

• Emergency medical care
• IV fluids
• Possible intubation to assist breathing

Long-Term Impact:

• Brain damage
• Alcohol addiction
• Death

3. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

What It Is:
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a blow to the head disrupts normal brain function. TBIs can range from mild (concussion) to severe.

How Hazing Causes It:

• Being struck with objects (e.g., wooden paddles)
• Falls (e.g., from exhaustion or intoxication)
• Shaking or violent movements

Symptoms:

• Headache
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Slurred speech

Dangers:

• Permanent brain damage
• Cognitive impairment
• Memory loss
• Death

Treatment:

• Emergency medical care
• Imaging (CT scan or MRI)
• Possible surgery
• Rehabilitation (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy)

Long-Term Impact:

• Permanent disability
• Cognitive deficits
• Increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer’s)

4. Hypothermia and Frostbite

What It Is:
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Frostbite is the freezing of skin and underlying tissues.

How Hazing Causes It:
Forcing pledges to stand outside in cold weather with minimal clothing—a common hazing activity in Minnesota and North Dakota—can lead to hypothermia and frostbite.

Symptoms of Hypothermia:

• Shivering
• Slurred speech
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Weak pulse
• Clumsiness or lack of coordination
• Drowsiness or low energy
• Confusion or memory loss
• Loss of consciousness

Symptoms of Frostbite:

• Numbness
• Skin that feels hard or waxy
• Blisters
• Skin that turns white, blue, or grayish-yellow

Dangers:

• Cardiac arrest
• Gangrene (tissue death)
• Amputation
• Death

Treatment:

• Emergency medical care
• Gradual rewarming
• Possible amputation for severe frostbite

Long-Term Impact:

• Permanent nerve damage
• Chronic pain
• Increased sensitivity to cold

5. Psychological Trauma (PTSD, Anxiety, Depression)

What It Is:
Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries—it leaves deep psychological scars. Victims often develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

How Hazing Causes It:

• Humiliation and degradation
• Threats and intimidation
• Sexual humiliation
• Waterboarding and other forms of torture
• Fear of retaliation for speaking out

Symptoms:

• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Difficulty trusting others
• Social withdrawal

Dangers:

• Suicide
• Substance abuse (self-medicating)
• Academic decline
• Difficulty forming healthy relationships

Treatment:

• Therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-focused therapy)
• Medication (antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications)
• Support groups

Long-Term Impact:

• Chronic mental health issues
• Difficulty maintaining employment
• Strained relationships with family and friends

🏛️ Who Is Liable for Hazing in Becker County?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. If your child is hazed at a college near Becker County, you can sue:

1. The Local Chapter

The fraternity or sorority chapter that directly organized and conducted the hazing.

Example: The Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at University of Houston was named in our lawsuit for waterboarding and extreme physical punishment.

2. The National Organization

The national fraternity or sorority that oversees the local chapter. They can be held liable for failing to supervise or enforce anti-hazing policies.

Example: Pi Kappa Phi National was named in our lawsuit for failing to prevent hazing despite knowing about a “hazing crisis.”

3. The University

The college or university where the hazing occurred. They can be held liable for:

• Failing to supervise Greek organizations
• Failing to enforce anti-hazing policies
• Owning or controlling property where hazing occurred (premises liability)

Example: The University of Houston was named in our lawsuit because they owned the fraternity house where hazing occurred.

4. Individual Members

The fraternity or sorority members who directly participated in or facilitated the hazing.

Example: In the Stone Foltz case, the chapter president was held personally liable for $6.5 million for his role in the hazing death.

5. Alumni and Hosts

Former members or alumni who allowed hazing to occur at their homes.

Example: In our Pi Kappa Phi case, a former member and his spouse were named as defendants for hosting hazing at their residence.

6. Insurance Companies

The insurance providers for the national organization, local chapter, university, or individuals.

Why This Matters: Insurance policies often provide the funds to pay settlements and verdicts. As former insurance defense attorneys, we know how to pursue these policies and maximize recovery.

💰 What Is a Hazing Case Worth? Becker County Families Deserve Justice

Hazing cases can result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Here’s what Becker County families can expect:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

Punitive damages are awarded when the defendant’s conduct is grossly negligent, reckless, or intentional. They are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

Examples of Conduct That Justifies Punitive Damages:

• Waterboarding (simulated drowning)
• Forcing exercise until collapse (e.g., 500 squats)
• Striking with wooden paddles
• Forcing alcohol consumption until vomiting
• Continuing hazing after another pledge collapsed

Estimated Value: $500,000 – $5,000,000+ per defendant

Note: Minnesota does not cap punitive damages, meaning juries can award substantial amounts when the conduct is outrageous.

📊 Recent Hazing Settlements and Verdicts: What Becker County Families Can Expect

Hazing cases have resulted in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts across the country. Here’s what other families have recovered—and what Becker County families can expect:

Key Takeaways for Becker County Families:

1. $10 million is a reasonable demand—other families have recovered similar amounts.
2. Universities and fraternities both pay—institutions with deep pockets are held accountable.
3. Juries award punitive damages—when conduct is egregious, juries punish defendants.
4. Criminal charges can follow—hazing is a crime in Minnesota, and perpetrators can face jail time.

⚖️ Minnesota Hazing Laws: What Becker County Families Need to Know

Minnesota has strong laws against hazing, and Becker County families have legal rights if their child is hazed.

Minnesota Statute § 121A.69 – Hazing

Definition:

“Any act committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization, that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any student or other person.”

Penalties:

• Misdemeanor: Up to 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine
• Gross Misdemeanor: Up to 1 year in jail and/or $3,000 fine (if hazing creates a substantial risk of bodily harm)
• Felony: Up to 5 years in prison and/or $10,000 fine (if hazing results in death or great bodily harm)

Key Points for Becker County Families:

1. Consent is not a defense—even if your child agreed to participate, the hazing is still illegal.
2. Bystanders can be charged—anyone who witnesses hazing and fails to report it can face criminal penalties.
3. Organizations can be penalized—fraternities, sororities, and student organizations can lose recognition and face fines.

Civil Liability for Hazing in Minnesota

In addition to criminal charges, Becker County families can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages
• Punitive damages

Who Can Be Sued:

• The fraternity or sorority chapter
• The national organization
• The university
• Individual members
• Alumni or hosts

🚨 What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed in Becker County

If your child tells you they’ve been hazed—or if you suspect hazing—act immediately. Time is critical for preserving evidence and protecting your child’s legal rights.

Step 1: Ensure Your Child’s Safety

• Seek medical attention immediately—even if injuries seem minor. Some conditions (like rhabdomyolysis) may not show symptoms right away.
• Remove your child from the situation—if they’re still in danger, get them out.

Step 2: Document Everything

• Take photos of injuries—bruises, cuts, burns, or other physical harm.
• Save all communications—text messages, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, emails, or social media posts about the hazing.
• Write down what happened—have your child document the timeline of events, including dates, times, locations, and who was involved.
• Get witness information—names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing.

Step 3: Report the Hazing

• Report to the university—contact the university’s student affairs office or Greek life office.
• File a police report—hazing is a crime in Minnesota. Reporting it can help hold perpetrators accountable.
• Report to the national organization—if the hazing occurred at a fraternity or sorority, report it to the national headquarters.

Step 4: Do NOT Speak to the Organization or Their Lawyers

• Do not give statements to the fraternity, sorority, or university without legal counsel.
• Do not sign anything—organizations may try to get you to sign documents that waive your rights.
• Do not post on social media—anything you post can be used against you in court.

Step 5: Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

• Call Attorney 911 immediately—we offer free consultations for hazing victims.
• Preserve evidence—we’ll help you gather and protect all evidence.
• Protect your rights—we’ll handle all communications with the university, fraternity, and insurance companies.

📞 Why Becker County Families Choose Attorney 911

Hazing cases are complex, and Becker County families need attorneys with the experience and resources to fight for justice. At Attorney 911, we’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to build these cases, and we’re ready to fight for Becker County families.

Why Choose Us for Your Becker County Hazing Case:

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

   • We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing case.
   • We know the tactics fraternities and universities use to avoid accountability.
   • We’re not afraid to take on powerful institutions.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys

   • Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides.
   • We know how insurance companies think, strategize, and try to deny claims.
   • We use that insider knowledge to maximize recovery for our clients.

3. Nationwide Reach

   • While we’re based in Texas, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Becker County.
   • We have federal court authority and can pursue cases in any state.
   • We’ll travel to Becker County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.

4. Proven Track Record

   • We’ve recovered millions of dollars for personal injury victims.
   • We have experience with catastrophic injuries, including rhabdomyolysis and traumatic brain injury.
   • We know how to build strong cases against universities and national organizations.

5. Compassionate Representation

   • We understand the trauma hazing victims and their families experience.
   • We treat Becker County families with respect, dignity, and compassion.
   • We’re here to support you every step of the way.

6. Contingency Fee Representation

   • $0 upfront—you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
   • We take on the financial risk so you can focus on your child’s recovery.
   • Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so our interests are aligned with yours.

📅 Statute of Limitations: Becker County Families Must Act Now

Minnesota law limits how long you have to file a lawsuit after hazing occurs. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek justice and compensation.

Minnesota Statute of Limitations for Hazing Cases:

• Personal Injury: 6 years from the date of the injury
• Wrongful Death: 3 years from the date of death

However, don’t wait until the last minute. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

🔍 How to Spot Hazing: Warning Signs for Becker County Parents

Hazing often happens in secret, but there are warning signs Becker County parents can watch for:

Behavioral Warning Signs:

• Sudden withdrawal from family and friends
• Unexplained changes in mood (anxiety, depression, irritability)
• Avoiding questions about their activities or organization
• Sudden secrecy about their schedule
• Unexplained injuries or bruises
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Changes in academic performance
• Avoiding certain people or places

Physical Warning Signs:

• Bruises, cuts, or burns
• Difficulty walking or moving
• Signs of alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
• Unexplained weight loss or gain
• Changes in hygiene or appearance

Organizational Warning Signs:

• Your child is required to keep their activities secret
• They’re forced to perform tasks or activities as part of “initiation”
• They’re required to attend late-night or early-morning events
• They’re forced to consume alcohol or food
• They’re subjected to physical punishment or humiliation

If you notice any of these warning signs, talk to your child immediately. Hazing is abuse, and it needs to stop.

🛡️ How to Protect Your Child from Hazing in Becker County

As a Becker County parent, you can take steps to protect your child from hazing:

Before They Join an Organization:

1. Research the organization—look for past hazing incidents or disciplinary actions.
2. Talk to current and former members—ask about their experiences.
3. Attend parent orientation events—ask about the organization’s anti-hazing policies.
4. Review the organization’s website and social media—look for red flags like excessive drinking or physical challenges.

After They Join:

1. Stay in regular contact—ask about their experiences and listen for warning signs.
2. Encourage them to speak up—let them know they can come to you if something feels wrong.
3. Monitor their social media—look for posts about hazing or risky activities.
4. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

If Hazing Occurs:

1. Act immediately—follow the steps outlined in the “What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed” section.
2. Contact an attorney—protect your child’s legal rights and hold the perpetrators accountable.

📢 A Message to Becker County Fraternities and Sororities

To the fraternities and sororities operating near Becker County:

We know who you are. We know your national organizations. We know your chapter names. We know your corporate structures. We know your insurance policies.

We are watching.

The same legal strategies that secured $10 million verdicts nationwide apply to your chapters. If you haze students in Becker County, we will find every liable entity. We will sue the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and every individual involved.

Pi Kappa Phi learned this the hard way. Their UH chapter is now shut down, and they’re facing a $10 million lawsuit. Your chapter could be next.

Stop the hazing. Clean up your culture. Or face the consequences.

📞 Becker County Families: We’re Here to Help

If your child has been hazed at a college or university near Becker County, you are not alone. We’re fighting this battle right now, and we’re ready to fight for Becker County families.

Call Attorney 911 today for a free consultation:
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 ralph@atty911.com

We don’t get paid unless you get paid. Let us help you seek justice for your child.

🔥 Enough Is Enough. It’s Time to End Hazing in Becker County.

Hazing has no place in Becker County—or anywhere else. It’s time to hold institutions accountable and protect our children.

Together, we can make a difference.