Hazing Victims in Olmsted County: You Are Not Alone

If Your Child Was Hazed at a Minnesota College or University, We Can Help

Olmsted County families send their children to college expecting them to be safe. They trust that universities will protect their students from harm. They believe that fraternities and sororities are places of brotherhood and sisterhood, not torture chambers.

But the reality is different.

Every year, students across Minnesota—including in Olmsted County—are subjected to brutal hazing rituals that leave them physically injured, psychologically traumatized, or worse. These aren’t harmless pranks. They’re systematic abuse disguised as “tradition.”

And when it happens, the institutions responsible often try to silence the victims.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this battle right now. We’re currently representing a hazing victim in Texas who was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. The same fraternities that did this in Texas operate right here in Minnesota. The same negligence exists at Minnesota universities.

If your child was hazed in Olmsted County or anywhere in Minnesota, we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable—no matter where they are.

What Hazing Looks Like in Minnesota

Hazing doesn’t just happen in Texas or at big-name universities. It happens right here in Minnesota, including at colleges and universities near Olmsted County. Some of the most common hazing activities we’ve seen include:

Physical Abuse

• Forced exercise to exhaustion – Hundreds of squats, pushups, or running drills until students collapse
• Beatings with wooden paddles – Physical assaults that leave bruises, welts, or worse
• Branding or burning – Permanent physical scars
• Sleep deprivation – Forced late-night activities that leave students dangerously exhausted

Forced Consumption

• Binge drinking – Forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning
• Forced eating – Made to eat until vomiting, then forced to continue
• Consumption of non-food substances – Peppercorns, hot sauce, or other harmful items

Psychological Torture

• Waterboarding or simulated drowning – A form of torture that leaves lasting psychological scars
• Hog-tying or restraint – Physical restraint that can cause injury or psychological trauma
• Humiliation rituals – Forced to wear embarrassing clothing, carry sexual objects, or perform degrading acts
• Threats of expulsion – Coercion through fear of losing membership or facing social ostracism

Dangerous Activities

• Extreme weather exposure – Forced to endure cold or heat without proper clothing
• Confinement in small spaces – Locked in closets, basements, or other confined areas
• Late-night servitude – Forced to drive fraternity/sorority members at all hours, leading to exhaustion

These aren’t “traditions.” They’re crimes.

The Medical Consequences of Hazing

Hazing isn’t just humiliating—it can be life-threatening. Some of the most common medical consequences we’ve seen include:

Rhabdomyolysis

• What it is: The breakdown of muscle tissue that releases a damaging protein (myoglobin) into the bloodstream.
• What causes it: Extreme physical exertion (like 500 squats or bear crawls) or trauma (like beatings).
• Why it’s dangerous: Myoglobin can clog the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure—which can be fatal if untreated.
• Symptoms: Severe muscle pain, weakness, dark/brown urine (a sign of muscle breakdown), difficulty walking.

This is exactly what happened to our client in Texas. He was forced to do extreme exercise until his muscles broke down, and he ended up in the hospital with kidney failure.

Alcohol Poisoning

• What it is: A life-threatening condition caused by drinking too much alcohol too quickly.
• What causes it: Forced binge drinking during hazing rituals.
• Why it’s dangerous: Can lead to unconsciousness, respiratory failure, and death.
• Symptoms: Confusion, vomiting, seizures, slow/irregular breathing, blue-tinged skin, unconsciousness.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

• What it is: A sudden injury that damages the brain.
• What causes it: Falls, beatings, or being struck with objects (like paddles).
• Why it’s dangerous: Can cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, or death.
• Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, slurred speech, loss of consciousness.

Psychological Trauma

• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) – Flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety.
• Depression – Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness.
• Anxiety – Excessive worry, panic attacks, social withdrawal.
• Suicidal ideation – Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

These injuries aren’t temporary. They can affect victims for the rest of their lives.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in Minnesota?

When hazing happens, multiple parties can be held legally responsible. In our current case, we’re suing:

1. The Local Chapter – The fraternity or sorority that directly organized and conducted the hazing.
2. The National Organization – The national fraternity or sorority that failed to supervise and prevent hazing despite knowing about prior incidents.
3. The University – Colleges and universities have a duty to protect their students. When they fail to prevent hazing—especially when they own the fraternity/sorority house—they can be held liable.
4. Individual Members – Every person who participated in or facilitated the hazing can be held personally liable.
5. Alumni or Former Members – If hazing occurred at their residence, they can be held responsible for premises liability.

In Minnesota, these same parties can be held accountable for hazing that happens at colleges and universities near Olmsted County.

Minnesota Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

Minnesota has strong laws against hazing, and they apply to all colleges and universities in the state—including those near Olmsted County.

Minnesota Statute § 121A.69 – Hazing Prohibited

Definition of Hazing:

Any act committed as part of a person’s recruitment, initiation, pledging, admission into, or affiliation with a student organization, athletic team, or living group that:

1. Endangers the physical or mental health or safety of the person;
2. Involves forced consumption of alcohol or drugs;
3. Involves physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, branding, or exposure to the elements;
4. Involves other activities that subject the person to an unreasonable risk of harm.

Key Points:

• Consent is NOT a defense. Even if a student “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal.
• Hazing is a crime. It can be charged as a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor, depending on the severity.
• Organizations can be penalized. Fraternities, sororities, and other student groups can lose their recognition or be fined.

Civil Liability for Hazing in Minnesota

In addition to criminal charges, hazing victims in Minnesota can file civil lawsuits to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages (if the victim missed work due to injuries)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Punitive damages (to punish the defendants for egregious conduct)

Minnesota does not cap damages for pain and suffering in personal injury cases, which means victims can recover significant compensation if their case is strong.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Olmsted County or Minnesota

If your child was hazed at a college or university near Olmsted County, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and there are strict deadlines for filing lawsuits. Here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if your child says they’re “fine,” get them checked by a doctor.
• Some injuries—like rhabdomyolysis or traumatic brain injury—may not show symptoms right away.
• Medical records are critical evidence in hazing cases.

2. Preserve All Evidence

• Photos/Videos: Take pictures of any injuries, the location where hazing occurred, and any items used in the hazing (e.g., paddles, hoses).
• Texts/Social Media: Save all messages, group chats, or social media posts related to the hazing. Do not delete anything.
• Witness Information: Get the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the hazing.
• Documents: Save any pledge manuals, schedules, or rules given to your child.

3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization or University Without Legal Counsel

• The fraternity, sorority, or university may try to get your child to sign documents or give a statement.
• Do not sign anything without talking to a lawyer first.
• Do not give a recorded statement to anyone.
• Anything your child says can be used against them in court.

4. Contact an Experienced Hazing Attorney

• Hazing cases are complex and require specialized legal knowledge.
• At Attorney 911, we have decades of experience fighting for victims of hazing and institutional negligence.
• We offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis—which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

5. Report the Hazing

• To the University: File a formal complaint with the university’s student affairs or Greek life office.
• To the Police: Consider filing a police report. Hazing is a crime in Minnesota.
• To the National Organization: Report the hazing to the national fraternity or sorority.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Minnesota Hazing Case?

1. We’re Fighting This Battle Right Now

We’re currently representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. Our client was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and hospitalized with kidney failure. We know how to win these cases.

2. We Have the Experience to Take on Powerful Institutions

Our attorneys, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena, have over 37 years of combined legal experience. We’ve taken on some of the largest corporations and institutions in the country—and won.

• Ralph Manginello is a former insurance defense attorney, which means he knows exactly how insurance companies and institutions try to minimize claims. He’s also a father of three, and he understands what’s at stake when a child is harmed.
• Lupe Pena is a former attorney at a national defense firm, where he learned the tactics insurance companies use to deny claims. He now uses that knowledge to fight for victims.

3. We Work on Contingency—No Upfront Costs

We understand that the cost of hiring a lawyer can be a barrier for families. That’s why we take hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You pay nothing upfront.
• We only get paid if we win your case.
• Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict, so you never have to worry about legal bills.

4. We Serve Minnesota Families—No Matter Where You Are

While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Minnesota and Olmsted County. We can:

• Offer video consultations so you don’t have to travel.
• Travel to Minnesota for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
• Pursue your case in federal court if necessary.

5. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial

Many law firms settle cases quickly to avoid the time and expense of trial. We’re different. We’re trial attorneys, and we’re not afraid to take your case to court if that’s what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve.

6. We Care About Our Clients

We treat our clients like family. We understand the trauma that hazing victims and their families go through, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

What Minnesota Families Can Recover in a Hazing Lawsuit

If your child was hazed in Minnesota, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, doctor visits, therapy, medications, future treatment)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work due to injuries)
• Educational expenses (tuition, fees, or lost scholarships if your child had to drop out or transfer)
• Future earning capacity (if injuries affect your child’s ability to work in the future)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (if injuries prevent your child from participating in activities they once enjoyed)
• Disfigurement (scars, burns, or other permanent injuries)
• Loss of consortium (impact on your child’s relationships with family members)

Punitive Damages

In cases of egregious misconduct, Minnesota courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendants and deter future hazing. These damages are awarded in addition to economic and non-economic damages.

Hazing Cases We’ve Handled

1. Pi Kappa Phi (University of Houston) – $10 Million Lawsuit

What Happened: Our client, a “ghost rush” (not yet enrolled at UH), was subjected to weeks of brutal hazing, including:

• Waterboarding with a garden hose (simulated drowning)
• Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups until he collapsed
• Struck with wooden paddles
• Forced to eat until vomiting, then forced to continue running
• Hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure (3 nights, 4 days)

Our Role: We filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi, the University of Houston, and multiple individuals. The case is ongoing, but the fraternity has already closed the chapter and admitted to “violations.”

Why It Matters for Minnesota: Pi Kappa Phi has 150+ chapters across the U.S., including in Minnesota. If they allowed this in Texas, they’re likely allowing it in Minnesota too.

2. Kappa Sigma (Texas A&M) – Rhabdomyolysis Case

What Happened: A student at Texas A&M was hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis after being forced to do extreme physical exercise during a Kappa Sigma hazing ritual.

Our Role: We represented the victim in a lawsuit against Kappa Sigma and the university. The case settled for a confidential amount, but the fraternity was forced to implement new safety measures.

Why It Matters for Minnesota: Kappa Sigma has chapters at multiple Minnesota universities, including near Olmsted County. If they’re hazing in Texas, they’re likely hazing in Minnesota too.

3. Multiple Wrongful Death Cases

We’ve represented families in wrongful death lawsuits stemming from hazing, including cases involving:

• Alcohol poisoning
• Traumatic brain injury
• Cardiac arrest from extreme exertion

Why It Matters for Minnesota: Hazing doesn’t just cause injuries—it kills. If your child died from hazing in Minnesota, we can help you hold the responsible parties accountable.

Minnesota Universities and Colleges Where Hazing Happens

Hazing isn’t limited to big-name schools. It happens at colleges and universities across Minnesota, including near Olmsted County. Some of the institutions where hazing has been reported or is likely occurring include:

Public Universities

• University of Minnesota (Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, Crookston, Rochester)
• Minnesota State University, Mankato
• St. Cloud State University
• Winona State University
• Bemidji State University
• Minnesota State University Moorhead

Private Universities and Colleges

• St. Olaf College (Northfield)
• Carleton College (Northfield)
• Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter)
• Macalester College (St. Paul)
• Hamline University (St. Paul)
• University of St. Thomas (St. Paul)
• Augsburg University (Minneapolis)
• Concordia College (Moorhead)
• College of Saint Benedict (St. Joseph)
• Saint John’s University (Collegeville)

Community and Technical Colleges Near Olmsted County

While hazing is less common at community colleges, it can still happen in clubs, sports teams, or other student organizations. Some local institutions include:

• Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC)
• Riverland Community College (Austin, Albert Lea, Owatonna)
• South Central College (Mankato, Faribault)

If your child attends any of these schools—or any other college or university in Minnesota—hazing could be happening there.

Fraternities and Sororities in Minnesota with Hazing Histories

Many of the same fraternities and sororities that have been involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide operate right here in Minnesota. Some of the organizations with documented hazing histories include:

Fraternities

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) – Involved in multiple hazing deaths, including Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, 2021).
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) – Known for dangerous hazing rituals; multiple deaths nationwide.
• Pi Kappa Phi – Our current case involves waterboarding and kidney failure.
• Beta Theta Pi – Timothy Piazza died at Penn State in 2017 after a Beta Theta Pi hazing ritual.
• Phi Delta Theta – Maxwell Gruver died at LSU in 2017 after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual.
• Sigma Chi – Multiple hazing incidents reported nationwide.
• Kappa Sigma – Involved in hazing cases at multiple universities, including Texas A&M.

Sororities

While sorority hazing is less frequently reported, it does happen. Some sororities with hazing histories include:

• Alpha Phi
• Delta Delta Delta (Tri Delta)
• Kappa Delta
• Chi Omega

If your child is pledging any of these organizations in Minnesota, they are at risk of hazing.

How Minnesota Universities Enable Hazing

Universities often claim they have “zero tolerance” for hazing, but their actions tell a different story. Here’s how Minnesota universities enable hazing:

1. They Own the Fraternity and Sorority Houses

Many universities—including the University of Minnesota—own the fraternity and sorority houses on their campuses. This means:

• They collect rent from the organizations.
• They have the power to inspect the properties at any time.
• They have the power to shut down dangerous chapters.
• But they often choose not to act until it’s too late.

2. They Have Prior Knowledge of Hazing

Universities often know about hazing long before a serious incident occurs. For example:

• In our Texas case, the University of Houston had a student hospitalized from hazing in 2017—but they did nothing to prevent it from happening again.
• Many universities receive multiple hazing complaints but fail to investigate thoroughly.

3. They Protect Their Reputation Over Student Safety

When hazing incidents become public, universities often:

• Minimize the severity of the incident.
• Blame the victims for “consenting” to hazing.
• Cover up evidence to avoid bad publicity.
• Suspend chapters quietly without holding individuals accountable.

4. They Fail to Implement Real Oversight

Universities claim to have hazing prevention programs, but these programs often fail because:

• They rely on self-reporting by fraternities and sororities.
• They don’t conduct unannounced inspections.
• They don’t train faculty and staff to recognize hazing.
• They don’t punish individuals—only the organizations.

What Minnesota Families Can Do to Prevent Hazing

Hazing doesn’t have to be inevitable. Here’s what Minnesota families can do to protect their children:

1. Talk to Your Child About Hazing

• Start the conversation early—before they go to college.
• Explain what hazing looks like (physical abuse, forced consumption, humiliation, etc.).
• Make sure they know hazing is illegal in Minnesota and that they should never participate.
• Encourage them to trust their instincts—if something feels wrong, it probably is.

2. Research the Organizations Your Child Wants to Join

• Look up the fraternity or sorority’s national website—do they have a history of hazing?
• Search for news articles about hazing incidents involving the organization.
• Ask the university for hazing reports involving the organization.
• Talk to current members—do they seem happy and healthy, or do they seem stressed and secretive?

3. Know the Warning Signs of Hazing

If your child is pledging a fraternity or sorority, watch for these red flags:

• Sudden changes in behavior (withdrawal, anxiety, depression).
• Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns).
• Excessive fatigue (falling asleep in class, missing classes).
• Sudden weight loss or gain (could indicate forced eating or starvation).
• Secretive behavior (avoiding questions about their activities).
• Sudden decline in academic performance.
• Unexplained expenses (paying for alcohol, trips, or “pledge fees”).

4. Report Hazing Immediately

If you suspect your child is being hazed:

• Contact the university’s Greek life office.
• File a police report.
• Report the hazing to the national organization.
• Contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.

5. Support Anti-Hazing Legislation

Minnesota has strong anti-hazing laws, but they can always be strengthened. You can:

• Contact your state legislators to support stronger hazing penalties.
• Support organizations like HazingPrevention.Org and the Clery Center.
• Advocate for federal legislation, like the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

Olmsted County Families: You Have Legal Rights

If your child was hazed at a college or university near Olmsted County, you have legal rights. You can:

• File a civil lawsuit to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
• Hold the fraternity, sorority, university, and individuals accountable.
• Demand institutional change to prevent hazing from happening to other students.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

At Attorney 911, we’re here to fight for you. We offer free consultations, and we work on a contingency fee basis—which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Contact Attorney 911 Today

If your child was hazed in Olmsted County or anywhere in Minnesota, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and there are strict deadlines for filing lawsuits.

Call us today for a free, confidential consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

We serve hazing victims nationwide, including in Minnesota and Olmsted County. Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Olmsted County Families: Enough Is Enough

Hazing has no place in Minnesota. It has no place at our universities. It has no place in our communities.

If your child was hazed, you are not alone. We’re fighting this battle right now, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Call Attorney 911 today. Let’s hold them accountable.