Stop Hazing

On December 10, 2005 Phanta "Jack" Phoummarath, an 18-year-old pledge of Lambda Phi Epsilon, was found dead after the fraternity's initiation party. Jack's blood alcohol level was well above the legal limit at the time of his death following the fraternity's practice of getting pledges drunk at the initiation party. Prior to the party, said to be the end of the initiation process, the pledges had endured months of physical and psychological hazing.

Hazing is illegal in the state of Texas and is also prohibited by the Rules and Regulations of the Board of Regents of The University of Texas System. As a result of their actions, Lambda Phi Epsilon's status as a registered student organization was suspended by the university until 2011. Three active members of the fraternity were indicted on criminal charges under Texas hazing laws.

As part of their legal settlement, fraternity members participated in the production of an educational anti-hazing video, which can be found at http://inmemoryofjack.com.

A definition of hazing, as well as information on the Texas Hazing Statute and The University of Texas at Austin's policy on hazing, may be found at http://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/doscentral/hazing_memorandum.php.

To Report an Incident

If you become aware of or have been subjected to hazing, you are encouraged to report the incident online at http:/deanofstudents.utexas.edu/complaint.php or by contacting Student Activities and Leadership Development (SALD) at 512-471-3065.

For More Information

See Appendix F of the General Information catalog at http://registrar.utexas.edu/catalogs/gi07-08/app/appf.html, or contact SALD in the Office of the Dean of Students, located in the Student Services Building (SSB), Room 4.400.