Texas A&M students sue fraternity for hazing after experiencing alleged severe burns
 

https://www.statesman.com/story/news...ng/6177727001/

If this is proven I then a two year suspension is pretty light.

I agree. This is criminal activity, and two years doesn’t begin to cover it—neither does 4 years for that matter.
So who will be responsible for paying the damages: the local chapter or SAE Hdqtrs?

Each Chapter pays a per-person insurance premium to headquarters, with amounts varying based upon the Chapter's behavioral history and whether or not they are a dry house. I anticipate that unless the court orders individual defendants to pay some portion of the damages personally, that might end up being paid by headquarters' insurance carrier.

Would insurance cover injuries due to hazing activities? It seems that would fall outside the boundaries of the policy. Asking a legitimate question, not trying to throw shade on anyone.

That would depend upon the insuring agreements, conditions, and exclusions detailed in the policy. I haven't seen the document itself, so am unable to comment on it.

The following is not intended (and should not be relied upon) as legal advice. Insurance policy coverage is a legal specialty. But you can answer your own question by looking as some of the typical policy language used by a couple of fraternities.

This type of language is probably typical:

"Exclusions

This insurance does not apply to:

a. "Personal injury" * * *

Arising out of the willfu violation of a penal statute or ordinance committed by or with the consent of the insured * * * "


You can google fraternity insurance policy coverage language yourself.

A more typical example can be found in Beta Theta Pi's Insurance and Claims Manual on their website, which you can read at https://beta.org/wp-content/uploads/...al-2018-19.pdf

"Who is not an insured under this policy?
A. Any individual member, alumnus, trustee or advisor who is performing tasks outside of his responsibility
(i.e. spontaneous social function planned by an individual member, chapter advisor consuming alcohol
with undergraduates, hazing of members, etc...)
B. Any member who’s illegal or intentional actions result in death or injury to an individual or property
damage.
C. Members' parents or family members and guests of chapter members.
D. College/University administration * * *."

The simple answer is that it is very unlikely that any U.S. insurance company will cover an individual judgment for injuries resulting from an individual's hazing activities. Also keep in mind that intentional torts are not dischargeable by bankruptcy and, if found liable, the judgment against the person doing the hazing will be filed in every county where the liable individual lives. It will also show up on credit reports, ruin their credit, limit their ability to obtain professional licenses and apply for certain jobs, and follow them around for a long, long time, unless of course they are independently wealthy and able to pay off the judgment.

That. That Right there.