Protecting Your Child from Hazing in West Carroll Parish: A Parent’s Guide

Hazing Doesn’t Stop at State Lines—It Happens Here Too

West Carroll Parish families send their children to college expecting them to be safe, to grow, and to thrive. But for too many students, the dream of joining a fraternity, sorority, or other campus organization turns into a nightmare of abuse, humiliation, and life-threatening danger. Hazing is happening at universities near West Carroll Parish—and it could happen to your child.

At Attorney 911, we’re fighting this crisis head-on. Right now, we’re representing a hazing victim in a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston after a student was waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats until his muscles broke down, and hospitalized with kidney failure. This didn’t happen in some distant state—it happened in Texas, just like the same dangers exist for students from West Carroll Parish.

Your child could be next. But you don’t have to wait for tragedy to strike. This guide will show you how to recognize hazing, how to talk to your child, and what to do if the unthinkable happens.

What Is Hazing? The Reality vs. the Myth

The Myth: “It’s just harmless tradition.”

Fraternities, sororities, and other organizations often claim hazing is just “tradition” or “team-building.” They say it’s about “earning your place” and “building brotherhood/sisterhood.”

The Reality: It’s abuse. It’s torture. It’s illegal.

Hazing is any activity that intentionally endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership. In Louisiana and across the country, hazing is a crime—and it can lead to serious injury, hospitalization, or death.

Hazing isn’t just “boys being boys” or “girls bonding.” It’s:

• Physical abuse: Beatings, paddling, forced exercise to exhaustion, branding, burning
• Forced consumption: Alcohol poisoning, eating until vomiting, consuming dangerous substances
• Psychological torture: Waterboarding, sleep deprivation, humiliation, threats
• Sexual abuse: Forced nudity, sexual acts, carrying sexual objects
• Life-threatening danger: Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), kidney failure, traumatic brain injury, death

This is not tradition. This is trauma.

Why West Carroll Parish Families Need to Pay Attention

1. Hazing Happens at Universities Near West Carroll Parish

West Carroll Parish students attend colleges and universities across Louisiana and neighboring states—all of which have active Greek life organizations with documented hazing histories. Some of the institutions near West Carroll Parish where hazing has occurred or could occur include:

• Louisiana State University (LSU) – Home to the Max Gruver case, where a student died from forced alcohol consumption during Phi Delta Theta hazing. The case resulted in a $6.1 million jury verdict and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, which made hazing a felony.
• University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) – Multiple hazing incidents reported in recent years, including forced drinking and physical abuse.
• University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) – Greek organizations have faced suspensions for hazing, including sleep deprivation and physical punishment.
• Louisiana Tech University – Hazing incidents have led to chapter suspensions, including alcohol-related hazing.
• University of Arkansas (Fayetteville) – Just across the state line, this school has seen multiple hazing incidents, including forced consumption and physical abuse.
• University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) – Greek life has a long history of hazing, including alcohol-related deaths.

The same national fraternities and sororities involved in these cases—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pi Kappa Alpha, Phi Delta Theta, and others—have chapters at universities near West Carroll Parish. If it’s happening at LSU, it could happen to your child at any school.

2. Hazing Doesn’t Just Happen in Fraternities—Sororities and Other Groups Do It Too

While fraternity hazing gets the most attention, sororities, sports teams, marching bands, ROTC, and even academic clubs engage in hazing. In fact, 40% of student athletes report experiencing hazing, and 55% of students in Greek organizations have been hazed.

Sorority hazing often includes:

• Forced calorie restriction or excessive exercise
• Sleep deprivation
• Psychological humiliation
• Forced alcohol consumption
• Sexual harassment or assault

Sports team hazing can include:

• Forced drinking games
• Physical beatings
• Sexual assault
• Public humiliation

No organization is immune. No student is safe unless we take action.

3. Universities Near West Carroll Parish Are Failing to Protect Students

In our current case, the University of Houston owned the fraternity house where a student was waterboarded and hospitalized. They had a prior hazing incident in 2017 where another student was hospitalized with a lacerated spleen—and they did nothing to prevent it from happening again.

This is not unique to Houston. Universities near West Carroll Parish have the same failures:

• They claim to have “zero-tolerance” policies but rarely enforce them.
• They suspend chapters after incidents but allow them to return later.
• They blame “rogue members” instead of admitting systemic failure.
• They prioritize reputation over student safety.

If your child is hazed, the university will likely try to minimize their responsibility. Don’t let them.

How to Talk to Your Child About Hazing

Start the Conversation Early—Before They Leave for College

Many students don’t realize they’re being hazed until it’s too late. Talk to your child before they join any organization, and keep the conversation going throughout their college years.

What to Say:

✅ “Hazing is illegal, dangerous, and never okay—no matter what anyone says.”

• Explain that no amount of “tradition” justifies abuse.
• Remind them that consent doesn’t matter—Louisiana law says you cannot consent to hazing.

✅ “If someone tells you it’s ‘just part of joining,’ it’s a red flag.”

• Hazing often starts with “harmless” activities (carrying things, cleaning, running errands) but escalates quickly.
• If an organization won’t tell you what their initiation involves, that’s a warning sign.

✅ “You can always walk away—and you should if it feels wrong.”

• Many students stay in hazing situations because they’re afraid of being ostracized or losing their spot.
• Remind your child: No organization is worth risking your life or health for.

✅ “If you see something, say something—even if it’s happening to someone else.”

• Many hazing victims don’t report because they fear retaliation.
• Encourage your child to speak up if they witness hazing—they could save a life.

✅ “I’m always here for you, no matter what.”

• Hazing victims often feel ashamed or embarrassed and don’t want to worry their parents.
• Make sure your child knows they can come to you without judgment.

Warning Signs Your Child Is Being Hazed

Hazing is often hidden, but there are red flags to watch for:

🚩 Physical Signs:

• Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns
• Extreme exhaustion, difficulty walking, or muscle pain
• Weight loss or signs of malnutrition
• Slurred speech, stumbling, or signs of alcohol poisoning

🚩 Behavioral Signs:

• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Sudden mood swings, anxiety, or depression
• Fear of talking about their organization
• Avoiding certain people or places
• Sudden drop in academic performance

🚩 Social Media Clues:

• Posts about “earning” their place or “paying dues”
• Photos or videos that look staged or uncomfortable
• Sudden deletion of posts or social media accounts
• References to “big/little” events, “family” activities, or “new member education”

🚩 Financial Signs:

• Sudden requests for money for “dues” or “fees”
• Unexplained purchases (alcohol, paddles, other items)
• Missing cash or valuables

If you notice any of these signs, ask your child directly—and believe them if they tell you something is wrong.

What to Do If Your Child Is Hazed

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

If your child shows any signs of physical injury, alcohol poisoning, or extreme distress, take them to the emergency room immediately. Some hazing injuries—like rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown)—can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

Common hazing injuries that require emergency care:

• Alcohol poisoning (vomiting, confusion, unconsciousness)
• Rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle pain, dark urine, inability to move)
• Traumatic brain injury (headaches, dizziness, memory loss)
• Broken bones or internal injuries (from beatings or falls)
• Severe dehydration or malnutrition
• Signs of sexual assault

Do not let the organization “handle it internally.” Their priority is protecting themselves—not your child.

Step 2: Preserve Evidence

Hazing cases are won or lost on evidence. If your child is hazed, preserve everything:

📱 Texts, DMs, and Group Chats:

• Screenshot all messages about hazing, threats, or coercion.
• Do not delete anything—even if it’s embarrassing.
• Save GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other app messages.

📸 Photos and Videos:

• Take photos of any injuries (bruises, cuts, burns).
• Document healing progress over time.
• Save any photos or videos from hazing events (even if they seem “normal”).

📝 Documents:

• Save pledge manuals, schedules, or rules given to your child.
• Keep receipts for medical bills, lost wages, or other expenses.

👥 Witness Information:

• Get names and contact information of other pledges or witnesses.
• Ask if they’re willing to speak to an attorney or police.

🏠 Location Details:

• Note where hazing occurred (fraternity house, off-campus residence, etc.).
• If the university owns the property, document that (premises liability).

Do NOT:
❌ Delete any messages, posts, or photos
❌ Sign anything from the organization or university
❌ Give a statement to the organization’s lawyers or insurance company
❌ Post about the incident on social media

Step 3: Report the Hazing

Hazing is illegal in Louisiana. You should report it to:

🚨 Law Enforcement:

• File a police report with the local police department or campus police.
• Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act makes hazing a felony if it causes serious injury or death.

🏫 The University:

• File a formal complaint with the university’s Greek life office or student conduct office.
• Demand an investigation and disciplinary action against the organization and individuals involved.

📞 National Organization (if applicable):

• Report the hazing to the national fraternity or sorority headquarters.
• Demand they suspend or close the chapter.

Important: Universities and Greek organizations will try to downplay or cover up hazing. Do not trust them to handle it fairly. Their priority is protecting their reputation—not your child.

Step 4: Contact an Attorney Immediately

Hazing cases are complex, high-stakes, and time-sensitive. Universities and national organizations have teams of lawyers working to minimize their liability. You need your own legal team fighting for your child.

Why hire Attorney 911 for your West Carroll Parish hazing case?
✅ We’re already fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit—we know how to win.
✅ We’ve handled multi-million-dollar personal injury cases, including the BP Texas City explosion litigation.
✅ We’re former insurance defense attorneys—we know exactly how the other side will try to fight your case.
✅ We have federal court authority—we can pursue your case in federal court if needed.
✅ We speak Spanish—we can serve West Carroll Parish’s Spanish-speaking families without language barriers.
✅ We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win.

What we’ll do for your family:

• Investigate the hazing and gather evidence
• Identify all liable parties (individuals, organizations, universities)
• Calculate full damages (medical bills, pain and suffering, punitive damages)
• Negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation
• Take the case to trial if necessary—we don’t back down from powerful institutions

Time is critical. Louisiana has a 1-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, and evidence disappears quickly. Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Who Is Liable for Hazing in West Carroll Parish?

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants—all of whom can be held accountable. In our current case, we’re suing:

Universities and national organizations will try to blame “rogue members.” We won’t let them. If they had the power to stop hazing and failed to act, they are responsible.

What Compensation Can West Carroll Parish Families Recover?

Hazing victims and their families may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, rehabilitation, future treatment)
• Lost wages (if your child missed work or internships)
• Educational expenses (tuition, lost scholarships, delayed graduation)
• Therapy and mental health treatment (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain and suffering (from injuries sustained during hazing)
• Emotional distress (trauma, humiliation, fear)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
• Permanent disfigurement or disability (scars, chronic pain, long-term health issues)

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

If the hazing was particularly reckless or intentional, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoers and deter future hazing. In our current case, we’re seeking punitive damages because:

• The fraternity waterboarded a student (simulated drowning is torture).
• They forced 500 squats until his muscles broke down.
• They knew about prior hazing deaths (Andrew Coffey, 2017) and did nothing to prevent it.

Precedent cases show that hazing victims can recover millions:

• $10.1 million – Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha)
• $6.1 million – Maxwell Gruver (LSU, Phi Delta Theta)
• $110+ million – Timothy Piazza (Penn State, Beta Theta Pi)

Your child’s case could be worth just as much—or more.

How to Prevent Hazing Before It Starts

For Parents:

🔹 Research the organization before your child joins.

• Look up hazing incidents at the chapter and university.
• Check if the national organization has a history of hazing (many do).
• Search for lawsuits or criminal cases involving the chapter.

🔹 Ask the hard questions.

• “What does your initiation process involve?” (If they won’t tell you, that’s a red flag.)
• “Have you ever had a hazing incident at this chapter?”
• “What are your anti-hazing policies, and how are they enforced?”

🔹 Attend parent orientation events.

• Many universities hold Greek life parent weekends.
• Ask to meet with chapter leadership and ask about hazing prevention.

🔹 Monitor your child’s well-being.

• Check in regularly—not just about grades, but about their emotional state.
• Watch for warning signs (see above).
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

For Students:

🔹 Know your rights.

• You do not have to participate in anything that makes you uncomfortable.
• Consent is not a defense—even if you “agree” to hazing, it’s still illegal.
• You can walk away at any time—no organization is worth your safety.

🔹 Set boundaries early.

• If an activity feels wrong, say no.
• If you’re pressured, leave immediately.
• If you’re threatened, report it.

🔹 Find alternatives.

• Many organizations don’t haze—look for those with strong anti-hazing policies.
• Consider service fraternities, academic clubs, or other groups that focus on leadership and community.

🔹 Have an exit plan.

• If you’re in a hazing situation, know how to get out safely.
• Have a trusted friend or family member you can call for help.
• Save our number: 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here if you need us.

West Carroll Parish Families: You Are Not Alone

If your child has been hazed, you may feel angry, helpless, or overwhelmed. You may worry that no one will believe you or that the university will protect the organization. You may fear that your child will be retaliated against for speaking out.

We understand. And we’re here to help.

At Attorney 911, we’ve seen what hazing does to families. We’ve seen the physical injuries, the emotional trauma, and the lifelong scars. We’ve also seen what happens when powerful institutions try to silence victims—and we know how to fight back.

We’re already fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Texas—and we’re ready to fight for West Carroll Parish families too.

What to Do Next:

1. If your child is in immediate danger, call 911.
2. Get medical help if needed.
3. Preserve all evidence.
4. Report the hazing to police and the university.
5. Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation.

Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hazing in West Carroll Parish

Q: My child says it’s “not that bad.” Should I still be worried?

A: Yes. Hazing often starts with “mild” activities (carrying things, cleaning, running errands) but escalates quickly. What seems “harmless” today could turn dangerous tomorrow. Trust your instincts—if it feels wrong, it probably is.

Q: The fraternity/sorority says hazing is against their policy. Are they telling the truth?

A: Many organizations have “zero-tolerance” policies on paper—but don’t enforce them. In our current case, Pi Kappa Phi had anti-hazing policies, but they didn’t stop a student from being waterboarded and hospitalized. Policies don’t matter if they’re not enforced.

Q: Can we sue even if my child “consented” to the hazing?

A: Absolutely. Louisiana law explicitly says that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the organization can still be held liable. No one can consent to abuse.

Q: The university says they’ll “handle it internally.” Should we let them?

A: No. Universities protect their reputation first—not your child. They may downplay the incident, blame the victim, or let the organization off with a slap on the wrist. Get an attorney involved immediately to ensure your child’s rights are protected.

Q: How much is a hazing case worth?

A: It depends on the severity of the injuries, the egregiousness of the conduct, and whether the university or national organization knew about prior hazing. Precedent cases range from $4 million to $110 million. In our current case, we’re seeking $10 million for a student who survived but suffered kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis.

Q: We’re in West Carroll Parish. Can Attorney 911 still help us?

A: Yes. While we’re based in Texas, we serve hazing victims nationwide, including West Carroll Parish. We offer:

• Free video consultations
• Remote case management
• Willingness to travel to West Carroll Parish for depositions and trials
• Federal court authority to pursue your case anywhere in the U.S.

Distance is not a barrier to justice.

Q: How much does it cost to hire an attorney for a hazing case?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

• You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case.
• We only get paid a percentage of your settlement or verdict.
• If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

This levels the playing field. Universities and national organizations have teams of lawyers—now you have one too.

West Carroll Parish: It’s Time to End the Silence

Hazing thrives in secrecy. It continues because victims are too afraid to speak up. But every time a family stands up, every time a victim tells their story, every time a lawsuit is filed—it gets harder for organizations to hide their abuse.

Your child’s case could save lives. Just like the Max Gruver Act and the Timothy Piazza Law changed hazing laws nationwide, your fight could protect the next generation of students.

You don’t have to fight alone. We’re here to help.

🚨 If your child has been hazed in West Carroll Parish, call us now:

1-888-ATTY-911

Available 24/7 • Free Consultation • No Upfront Cost • Se Habla Español

Attorney 911 – Legal Emergency Lawyers™
📍 Serving West Carroll Parish from Houston, Austin & Beaumont
🌐 attorney911.com | 📧 ralph@atty911.com

Together, We Can End Hazing in West Carroll Parish

Enough is enough. It’s time to hold these organizations accountable. It’s time to protect our children. It’s time to send a message that hazing will not be tolerated in West Carroll Parish—or anywhere.

We’re ready to fight. Are you?