Washington Supreme Court rules WSU had duty of care in freshman hazing death

A divided Washington Supreme Court concluded that Washington State University was obligated to protect a freshman who succumbed to alcohol poisoning during a fraternity hazing ritual in 2019. The 5-4 opinion affirmed the appellate court’s finding that the university’s special relationship with its Greek system imposed a duty of care on the institution. Justice Sal Mangia highlighted that WSU had long known about repeated alcohol violations and hazing incidents involving Gamma Chi, yet failed to disclose this history to the victim’s family.

The court emphasized that the university retained the ability to enforce its alcohol and hazing policies, despite prior sanctions. Although the justices did not rule on whether WSU actually breached the duty, they clarified that the duty exists under Washington law, differentiating the case from the Barlow precedent that denied liability for off-campus assaults. The decision may influence how universities oversee fraternity activities and address hazing risks.