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Washington Supreme Court Rules in WSU Hazing Death
In a 5-4 ruling, the court said WSU had a duty of care because its control over fraternities made hazing harm foreseeable.
- On Thursday, the Washington Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that Washington State University owed a "duty of care" to 19-year-old Sam Martinez, allowing his parents' lawsuit over his 2019 hazing death to proceed to Superior Court.
- Citing a 2024 Supreme Court decision, WSU argued it lacked control over off-campus student conduct; the lawsuit contends the university bore responsibility for dangerous hazing rituals at Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
- The Court found WSU's promotion and oversight of Greek life created a "special relationship," Justice Sal Mungia wrote in the majority opinion, establishing a duty to protect students from foreseeable harm.
- Justice Barbara Madsen dissented, characterizing the relationship as "more accurately described as a contractual business relationship" rather than a special one; the case returns to Superior Court for trial proceedings.
- WSU acknowledged the "profound loss suffered by the Martinez family" and stated it is reviewing the decision before determining next steps, as the ruling establishes precedent for university accountability in off-campus hazing.
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The Lewiston TribuneReposted by 
The Seattle Times
The Seattle TimesWA Supreme Court rules in WSU hazing death
Sam Martinez, a 19-year-old WSU student, died of alcohol poisoning while pledging at a fraternity at WSU in 2019
·Calhoun, United States
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WSU can be held liable for Sam Martinez hazing death, state Supreme Court rules
OLYMPIA — The Washington Supreme Court ruled Thursday that universities have a duty to protect students from hazing, in a case arising from a 2019 death at a Washington State University fraternity.
·Spokane, United States
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left3Leaning Right0Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution70% Center
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
70% Center
L 30%
C 70%
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