The Silent Suffering: A Guide to Hazing, Accountability, and Justice for Baylor County Families

The phone rings late, shaking you from sleep. It’s your child, a freshman at a Texas university, their voice barely a whisper, distorted by fear and tears. They’ve been at an “initiation ritual” at an off-campus fraternity house—a tradition you were assured was just harmless bonding. But now, they’re terrified. They were forced to drink until they blacked out, subjected to degrading commands, and physically assaulted. Other members stood by, chanting, or laughing, their phones capturing every humiliating moment. Someone got hurt, badly, but no one called for help because they feared “getting the chapter shut down” or facing expulsion. Your child feels trapped between loyalty to the group and their own safety, a world away from the familiar community of Baylor County.

This scenario isn’t a distant nightmare for families in Baylor County; it’s a harsh reality that unfolds on university campuses across Texas every year. College should be a time of growth, learning, and new experiences, not fear, humiliation, and injury. Yet, the dangerous practice of hazing continues to plague Greek life, athletic programs, and student organizations.

This comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas is written for families like yours in Baylor County and across the state. We aim to equip you with critical information to understand:

What modern hazing truly looks like in 2025, beyond outdated stereotypes.
How Texas and federal law address hazing and the crucial distinctions between criminal and civil cases.
Lessons from major national hazing cases and how their precedents apply to students and families in Texas.
The specific hazing landscapes and documented incidents at some of Texas’s largest universities: the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University.
The deep connections between local chapter conduct and the national histories of fraternities and sororities.
What legal options victims and their families in Baylor County and throughout Texas may have to seek justice and accountability.

This article provides general information. It is not specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm is here to evaluate individual cases based on their unique facts. We proudly serve families throughout Texas, from our Houston offices to every corner of the state, including Baylor County.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
- Call 911 for medical emergencies
- Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
- We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™
In the first 48 hours:
- Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
- Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: Immediately screenshot group chats, texts, and DMs. Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles and save them. Recover and secure any physical items related to the hazing, such as damaged clothing or props.
- Write down everything while memory is fresh: Who was involved, what happened, when, and where. This contemporaneous record is invaluable.
- Do NOT:
  - Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly.
  - Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice.
  - Post details on public social media.
  - Let your child delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.
Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:
- Evidence disappears fast—group chats are deleted, physical items are destroyed, and witnesses’ memories fade or are influenced.
- Universities and organizations move quickly to control the narrative and minimize their liability.
- We can help preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights from the very beginning.
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Baylor County families, the term “hazing” might conjure images from movies – silly pranks or a bit of harmless fun. The reality in 2025 is far darker and more insidious. Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. It is rarely a consensual activity, even if a student “agrees” to participate due to intense peer pressure, a desire for acceptance, or fear of exclusion.

We emphasize this because “I agreed to it” does not automatically make modern hazing safe or legal, especially when there is an inherent power imbalance and intense group pressure. Understanding the true nature of hazing is the first step toward protecting our children and holding those responsible accountable.

Main Categories of Hazing

Beyond the traditional stereotypes, hazing has evolved to include a wide range of harmful behaviors:

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most dangerous forms of hazing and often leads to catastrophic injury or death. It involves forced or coerced drinking, often through dangerous games like “lineups” where new members must rapidly consume large quantities of alcohol. Pledges may be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, putting their lives at extreme risk.
Physical Hazing: This category covers any act that causes physical pain, injury, or extreme discomfort. Examples include paddling, beatings, or other forms of physical assault. Forced “workouts” or “smokings”—extreme calisthenics far beyond normal conditioning—can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle breakdown that can cause kidney failure. Other forms include sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation, forced exposure to extreme cold or heat, or being left in dangerous environments.
Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply traumatic form of hazing involves forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” positions), or being forced to wear degrading costumes. It can also include acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, using slurs, or forcing members to role-play degrading stereotypes.
Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but profoundly damaging, psychological hazing involves sustained verbal abuse, threats, and deliberate isolation from friends and family. It includes manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming, often on social media or during group meetings, creating immense emotional and mental distress.
Digital/Online Hazing: In the era of constant connectivity, hazing has moved online. This includes mandatory participation in group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, or other platforms. Pledges may be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, leading to lasting reputational and emotional harm.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to the stereotypical “fraternity house” setting. It is a dangerous dynamic found across a broad spectrum of student groups:

Fraternities and Sororities: This includes male and female organizations across Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek councils.
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These organizations, particularly prominent at institutions like Texas A&M, often have tradition-heavy environments where lines between mentorship and hazing can blur.
Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Examples like historically significant groups at various universities (e.g., Texas Cowboys-type groups at UT) can have long histories that normalize hazing.
Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to cheerleading and swim teams, hazing can be prevalent, often disguised as “team building” or “conditioning.”
Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can foster environments where new members are subjected to abuse.
Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Hazing can infiltrate many types of organizations where membership is highly valued.

Social status, deeply ingrained traditions, and strict codes of secrecy often keep these dangerous practices alive on university campuses, even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited by university policy. The desire to belong and the fear of social retribution can make students vulnerable targets.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing is crucial for Baylor County families seeking justice. In Texas, there are specific laws designed to address this harmful behavior, and federal oversight also plays a role.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, specifically in Chapter 37, Subchapter F. § 37.151 provides a broad definition:

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

In plain English, if someone makes a student perform something dangerous, harmful, or degrading as a condition of joining or staying in a group, and they either intended for this to happen or were reckless about the risks involved, that constitutes hazing under Texas law.

Key aspects of the Texas hazing statute:

It applies whether the act occurs on or off campus—the location does not negate the unlawful nature of the hazing.
The harm can be to mental health or physical health, acknowledging the profound psychological damage hazing inflicts.
Intent: The act doesn’t have to be malicious; mere “recklessness” (knowing the risk and proceeding anyway) is sufficient.
“Consent” is not a defense: As explicitly stated in § 37.155, even if the victim “agreed” or “consented” to participate, it is legally considered hazing if it meets the definition, reflecting the power dynamics inherent in such situations.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas:

§ 37.152 outlines the criminal penalties. While hazing is typically a Class B Misdemeanor, it often escalates.
Hazing becomes a Class A Misdemeanor if it causes an injury requiring medical treatment.
Critically, hazing becomes a State Jail Felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.
Individuals can also face charges for failing to report hazing if they were a member or officer and knew about it, or for retaliating against someone who reports hazing.

Organizational Liability for Hazing in Texas:

§ 37.153 holds organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) criminally responsible if they authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it. Organizations can face fines up to $10,000 per violation and lose university recognition.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:

§ 37.154 provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who in good faith report a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement. This provision, along with “amnesty” policies at many universities, aims to encourage reporting, especially in medical emergencies where students might otherwise fear consequences for underage drinking.

This summary provides an overview of Texas law, but the actual code contains more technical details. For a deeper dive into the specific sections of the Texas Education Code, you may wish to consult the actual statute.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Differences

When hazing occurs, two distinct legal paths can be pursued:

Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (through a prosecutor) against individuals who allegedly violated criminal hazing statutes or other laws (e.g., assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter). The state’s primary goal is punishment, which can include fines, jail time, or probation. Victims are witnesses in criminal cases. A criminal conviction can provide a sense of justice and deter future misconduct.
Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their families directly against the individuals and entities they believe caused harm. The primary goal of a civil lawsuit is to obtain monetary compensation (damages) for losses incurred and to hold those responsible accountable. Civil cases focus on legal theories like negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, and premises liability. Civil cases aim to achieve individual justice for the victim and can also drive systemic change.

It’s vital for Baylor County families to understand that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil case. Both types of cases can proceed simultaneously, and each has distinct standards of proof and objectives.

Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery Act

Beyond state laws, federal regulations also impact how universities respond to hazing:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation, set to be fully implemented by around 2026, aims to increase transparency and strengthen hazing prevention. It requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to publicly report hazing incidents, enhance educational efforts, and make hazing data more accessible to the public. This will provide more data for families and legal teams to analyze patterns of institutional failure.
Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based hostility, or discrimination, Title IX obligations—which prohibit sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs—are triggered. This can compel universities to investigate and respond to hazing incidents as forms of gender discrimination, regardless of where they occurred.
Clery Act: This federal law requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data and implement certain security policies. Hazing incidents involving assault, hate crimes, or alcohol/drug violations often fall under Clery reporting requirements, providing another layer of institutional accountability and data that can be used to establish patterns.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining liability in a civil hazing lawsuit involves identifying all parties who may have contributed to the harm. This can include a complex web of individuals and organizations:

Individual Students: Those who planned, orchestrated, supplied the means (e.g., alcohol), or actively participated in the hazing acts can be held personally liable. This also includes individuals who helped conceal the hazing after the fact.
The Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself, as a semi-autonomous entity, can be sued. This often extends to individuals acting as officers, “pledge educators,” or those in leadership roles within the chapter.
The National Fraternity / Sorority: The national headquarters, which charters, supervises, and collects dues from local chapters, can be held liable. Liability often depends on what the national organization knew or should have known about a chapter’s hazing history, its enforcement of anti-hazing policies, and its failure to adequately train or supervise its local affiliates.
The University or Governing Board: The institution itself can be a defendant under theories of negligence or, in some cases, civil rights violations. Key factors include the university’s prior knowledge of hazing, its enforcement (or lack thereof) of stated policies, its supervision of student organizations, and its history of addressing similar incidents. Sovereign immunity can protect public universities to some extent, but exceptions exist for gross negligence or Title IX violations.
Third Parties: This can include property owners or landlords of off-campus houses or event spaces where hazing occurred. Bars or alcohol vendors may also face liability under “dram shop” laws if they overserved alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors, contributing to the hazing incident.

Every hazing case is highly fact-specific. Not every party will be liable in every situation, but an experienced hazing attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to identify all potential defendants and avenues for justice.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic hazing incidents that grip headlines are not isolated events. They reveal dangerous patterns and critical legal precedents that inform hazing litigation across the nation, including here in Texas. These national cases underscore common themes: the devastating impact of alcohol poisoning, the brutality of physical rituals, and the institutional failures that allow hazing to persist. While these specific incidents didn’t always occur in Texas, their legal and cultural impact resonates deeply with Baylor County families seeking accountability from Texas universities and their associated organizations.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing fatalities. These cases often involve extreme intoxication, delayed medical attention, and a pervasive culture of silence.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In a case that shocked the nation, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died from traumatic brain injuries after a “bid acceptance” event where new members were forced to consume excessive amounts of alcohol. Fraternity house security cameras captured him falling repeatedly, clearly injured, for hours before members finally called for help. The subsequent legal actions were monumental: dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation leading to confidential settlements, and the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, a landmark piece of legislation. This case starkly highlighted how extreme intoxication, a horrific delay in calling 911, and a culture of explicit cover-up become legally devastating.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. He was reportedly given a bottle of liquor and forced to drink it. His death led to criminal hazing charges against multiple fraternity members. In response, Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life and implemented a significant overhaul of its policies. Coffey’s death, and the events leading up to it, exposed how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights with assigned liquor consumption are a repeating script for disaster, predictable and preventable.
Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% (more than six times the legal limit for driving) after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. During this ritual, pledges were forced to drink copious amounts of hard liquor for incorrectly answering questions about the fraternity. His tragic death directly led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing statute that made it easier to prosecute severe hazing. This case powerfully illustrates how legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing, forcing states to act.
Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night. He died from alcohol poisoning. The incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions of fraternity members for hazing-related charges. In the civil realm, Foltz’s family reached a significant $10 million settlement in 2023, with approximately $7 million coming from the national Pi Kappa Alpha organization and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This critical case demonstrated that universities, even public ones potentially shielded by sovereign immunity, can face substantial financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities. The involvement of the university in such a significant settlement is a key takeaway for Texas families.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing can lead to severe injury or death, often in isolated settings.

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College / Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a freshman pledge, died during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. He was blindfolded, forced to wear a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a brutal “glass ceiling” ritual. Despite his severe injuries, fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours, trying to cover up the incident. Multiple individuals were criminally convicted, and significantly, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity was also found guilty of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and banned from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case, though occurring at an off-campus retreat, underscores how off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than on-campus parties, and how national organizations can face severe sanctions, including criminal liability, when their “traditions” lead to death.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it infiltrates high-stakes athletic programs, often protected by institutional power.

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): This scandal revealed widespread sexualized and racist hazing within a prominent NCAA Division I football program. Former players alleged shocking abuses, including forced sexual acts and other degrading rituals over multiple years. The fallout was immense, with multiple players filing lawsuits against Northwestern University and its coaching staff, ultimately leading to the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled a wrongful-termination suit confidentially. The Northwestern case is a stark reminder for Baylor County families that hazing is not limited to Greek life; major athletic programs, often with immense financial backing, can harbor systemic cultures of abuse, often shielded by a code of silence.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies share common threads: forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, physical abuse, severe humiliation, deliberate delays in medical care, and concerted cover-up efforts. While heartbreaking, they have also driven significant legal and legislative reforms. Multi-million-dollar settlements, felony hazing laws, and increased institutional oversight often follow only after such profound tragedies and diligent litigation.

For Baylor County families grappling with hazing incidents at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, these national lessons are incredibly important. They demonstrate patterns of liability, legal strategies for holding institutions accountable, and the power of persistent advocacy in the face of immense institutional resistance. You are not alone, and the legal landscape has been shaped by the hard-won battles of families who came before you.

Texas Focus: UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor

For families in Baylor County, whether your child is attending a local community college, or is planning to attend a major university across the state, hazing remains a serious concern. While Baylor County itself does not host one of these large universities, many students from our community matriculate to these institutions, and the incidents there affect us all. The Manginello Law Firm serves families across the state, and we are well-versed in the specific cultures and challenges at each of these major Texas universities.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus with a mix of commuter and residential students, hosts an active Greek life scene, encompassing various fraternities and sororities under Panhellenic, IFC, NPHC, and multicultural councils. Alongside these, numerous other student organizations, from cultural groups to sports clubs, contribute to campus life. Families from Baylor County often consider UH due to its academic programs, diverse environment, and proximity as a major metropolitan university.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting at UH

The University of Houston maintains a strict policy prohibiting hazing, clearly stating that it is banned both on-campus and off-campus. Their policy explicitly forbids forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and any act intended to cause mental distress as part of initiation or affiliation. UH provides various reporting channels through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). While UH publishes general hazing statements and some disciplinary information on its website, comprehensive public violation lists akin to some other institutions are not always readily available to the public.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response at UH

In a high-profile case around 2016 involving the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity chapter at UH, pledges allegedly suffered a lack of sufficient food, water, and sleep during a multi-day hazing event. One student reportedly sustained a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was subsequently suspended by the university. While specific details of many disciplinary actions remain less public, other fraternities at UH have received suspensions and probation for behavior deemed “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse and policy violations. These incidents highlight UH’s active approach to suspending chapters when hazing is discovered, but also underscore a gap in public transparency for all violations.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing case originating at UH, several law enforcement agencies could be involved. Due to UH’s urban setting, the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) would likely lead on-campus investigations, while the Houston Police Department would have jurisdiction over off-campus incidents in the city. Any civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts within Harris County, where Houston is located. Potential defendants in such a case could include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university itself, along with any property owners where the hazing occurred.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

Report Immediately: Families and students should report any suspected hazing to the UH Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, or UHPD. Online reporting forms are also typically available.
Document Evidence Systematically: Save all relevant communications, photos, and videos. Collect any medical records promptly if injuries occurred. Prior complaints and past incidents, even if less publicized, can be crucial evidence.
Understand the Jurisdictional Complexities: Be aware of the multiple police forces and court systems involved in the Houston area. A lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can help navigate these complexities and uncover prior discipline records.
Seek Legal Counsel for Transparency: Given that UH-specific public records for hazing violations may not be as comprehensive as some other schools, a skilled attorney can pursue internal files and records through legal discovery processes to build a stronger case.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University stands as a unique institution, deeply rooted in tradition, particularly through its iconic Corps of Cadets. Attracting students from Baylor County and across the state, the campus environment is characterized by a strong sense of pride and loyalty. While Greek life is active, the Corps’ influence offers an additional dimension to student interactions and organizational structures. These traditions, while fostering community, have at times been associated with behaviors that cross into hazing.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting at Texas A&M

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, adhering strictly to Texas state law and its own Student Conduct Code. The university’s policies cover any act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for admission or affiliation with any organization. Reporting channels include the Department of Student Life, the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). The Corps of Cadets also has its own internal disciplinary procedures. Documentation of hazing violations is maintained internally and may be subject to public records requests.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Response at Texas A&M

Texas A&M has faced multiple hazing allegations, notably involving both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (around 2021): This incident drew national attention when two pledges alleged they were subjected to extreme hazing that included being covered in various substances, one of which was an industrial-strength cleaner. This horrific act caused severe chemical burns that required emergency skin graft surgeries. The Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter was suspended by the university, and the pledges subsequently filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against the fraternity, illustrating the devastating physical consequences of hazing and the legal recourse available.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): In a separate but equally disturbing case, a former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and sexualized hazing. The cadet described being forced into simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages, arguing that the university had a responsibility to prevent such abuse within its highly structured Corps program. Texas A&M stated it addressed the matter under its existing rules.

These incidents highlight the persistent challenge of hazing within different facets of Texas A&M’s student life, from Greek organizations to its deeply traditional Corps of Cadets.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases originating at Texas A&M would involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) for on-campus incidents. Off-campus hazing in College Station or Bryan would fall under the jurisdiction of the College Station Police Department, Bryan Police Department, or the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits would be filed in Brazos County courts. Cases often focus on both Greek life organizations and the Corps of Cadets’ traditions, asserting liability against individual students, local chapters, national organizations (where applicable), and potentially the university itself, given its oversight of the Corps.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Prioritize Safety First: If hazing is physical or involves dangerous substances, immediately remove the student from the situation and seek medical attention.
Document Thoroughly and Immediately: Take screenshots of social media, group chats, or texts. Photograph any injuries. Log dates, times, and specific details.
Understand Reporting Channels: Report suspected hazing to Texas A&M’s Dean of Student Life or UPD. Be aware of the university’s internal processes and the potential for a criminal investigation.
Seek Legal Expertise for Complex Cases: The complexities of hazing within traditional organizations like the Corps of Cadets, or severe physical and chemical injury cases, demand expert legal analysis. Attorneys experienced in Texas hazing cases can navigate university policies, criminal proceedings, and civil litigation against multiple parties.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, is renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant campus culture, and extensive Greek life system. Attracting students from Baylor County and all corners of Texas, UT has historically been at the forefront of policy transparency regarding student conduct, particularly hazing. Its publicly accessible online records provide crucial insights into ongoing challenges.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting at UT Austin

UT Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy consistent with Texas state law, clarifying that any physical or mental endangerment for the purpose of affiliation is prohibited. The university is notably transparent, publishing a comprehensive Hazing Violations page on its website (hazing.utexas.edu). This page lists sanctioned organizations, the nature of their violations, and the disciplinary actions taken, providing an invaluable public record for students and families. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, the Dean of Students, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Example Incidents & Response at UT Austin

The UT Austin Hazing Violations website (hazing.utexas.edu) frequently lists incidents involving various Greek and spirit organizations. Examples include:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The UT chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume milk and then perform strenuous calisthenics. This was found to be hazing, leading to the chapter being placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education programs. This incident echoes patterns seen in national Pi Kappa Alpha cases related to forced consumption and physical exertion.
Texas Wranglers (Historically): This prominent spirit organization has faced multiple disciplinary actions over the years, including instances of forced workouts, sleep deprivation, and alcohol-related hazing, often described as part of “tradition” or “evaluation.”
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (January 2024): A lawsuit was filed against the UT Austin SAE chapter by an Australian exchange student who alleged assault at a fraternity party, resulting in severe injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and broken nose. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations at the time of the alleged assault, demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance.

UT’s public log of violations, while transparent, also illustrates the persistent nature of hazing and how some organizations repeatedly violate university policy despite sanctions. This transparency can be a powerful tool for establishing pattern and foreseeability in civil litigation.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at UT Austin may involve investigations by the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) for incidents on or near campus, and the Austin Police Department for incidents occurring off-campus within the city. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County courts. The public nature of UT’s hazing violations log means that plaintiffs’ attorneys can use these records to strengthen claims against organizations, demonstrating a history of misconduct and the university’s prior knowledge of dangerous patterns. This evidence can be critical when arguing gross negligence or institutional indifference.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

Review the UT Hazing Violations Website: Familiarize yourself with hazing.utexas.edu to understand which organizations have a history of violations before affiliation.
Report Through Official Channels: Utilize the Office of Student Conduct, Dean of Students, or UTPD for formal reporting.
Collect Evidence of Pattern: If hazing is suspected, immediately document everything. The existence of UT’s public records means other instances of misconduct might be easier to verify; cross-reference your concerns with past reported violations.
Consider Legal Consultation for Accountability: A lawyer experienced in Texas hazing cases can strategically use UT’s public records, combined with individual evidence, to build a strong case for civil accountability against students, chapters, national organizations, and potentially the university, especially for families from Baylor County who need to understand their rights when connecting with this institution.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a distinguished private institution nestled in Dallas, exudes an affluent campus culture with a deeply ingrained and prominent Greek presence. Its reputation attracts students from diverse backgrounds, including families from Baylor County seeking a high-quality private education. While SMU prides itself on its traditions, the intensity of its Greek life sometimes presents challenges related to hazing.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting at SMU

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies that prohibit any act that endangers the mental or physical health of students for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization. Reporting channels include the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Conduct & Community Standards, and the SMU Police Department. Like many private universities, SMU utilizes advanced anonymous reporting systems, such as the Real Response platform, to encourage students to report concerns without fear of retaliation. While SMU is diligent in its internal investigations, public reporting of specific hazing violations may not be as immediately transparent as at some public universities.

5.4.3 Example Incident & Response at SMU

SMU has taken action against various Greek organizations for hazing violations:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity chapter faced significant disciplinary action following allegations that new members were paddled, forced to consume excessive alcohol, and subjected to sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended and placed under severe restrictions, including a ban on recruiting new members for several years. This incident, while demonstrating SMU’s willingness to intervene, also highlights the persistent nature of physical and alcohol-related hazing even at the most prestigious institutions.
SMU’s Greek life system has seen other instances of chapters being placed on probation, losing their charters, or facing suspension due to hazing-related misconduct, often involving alcohol and inappropriate new member activities. As a private institution, the specific details of these sanctions are not always as publicly detailed as they might be at a state university.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at SMU would typically involve investigations by the SMU Police Department for incidents on campus. Off-campus incidents in Dallas would involve the Dallas Police Department. Civil lawsuits would be filed in Dallas County courts. Due to SMU’s status as a private university, it operates under different legal considerations than public institutions. While protections like sovereign immunity are not applicable, the university may still assert various defenses. A key aspect of litigation against private universities and Greek organizations often involves compelling discovery to access internal reports, communications, and prior disciplinary records that may not be available through public channels.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Utilize Anonymous Reporting Systems: SMU’s Real Response and similar platforms can be valuable tools for reporting concerns.
Document Everything Diligently: Even without public lists, detailed documentation (screenshots, eyewitness accounts, medical records) is crucial.
Understand Private University Dynamics: Private universities can often control information more tightly. Legal counsel is vital to effectively navigate internal investigations and gather evidence through legal discovery.
Seek Legal Counsel Specializing in Texas Hazing: For Baylor County families whose children attend SMU, securing an attorney with deep experience in Texas hazing cases—who understands both the university landscape and the legal mechanisms for compelling evidence from private institutions—is paramount to ensure all avenues for accountability are explored.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a distinctive position among Texas institutions. Known for its strong academic programs and deeply rooted religious identity, Baylor attracts students from Baylor County and far beyond. While fostering community and faith, the university has faced significant scrutiny in recent years regarding its handling of campus misconduct, particularly in the context of Title IX issues and sexual assault. This history shapes how hazing incidents are viewed and managed within the institution.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting at Baylor

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, articulating a “zero tolerance” policy grounded in Texas law and its own commitment to student welfare. Their policy defines hazing comprehensively and outlines various prohibited behaviors, including physical abuse, forced consumption, mental abuse, and any activity that could cause embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards, the Department of Public Safety (BUDPD), and confidential resources. Baylor has emphasized transparency in recent years, particularly regarding sexual violence, which has influenced its approach to other forms of student misconduct.

5.5.3 Example Incident & Response at Baylor

Baylor has experienced various hazing incidents across its student organizations, including athletic teams:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): Following an internal investigation, 14 players from the Baylor baseball team were suspended due to hazing violations. The suspensions were staggered over the early season to minimize team impact, a response often seen in athletic programs seeking to balance discipline with competitive continuity. This incident underscored that hazing is not confined to Greek life and can permeate athletic departments even within institutions with strong ethical guidelines.
While specific details of many hazing incidents at Baylor are not always publicly available in the same format as at some public universities, the university’s broader history of addressing misconduct, particularly the high-profile sexual assault scandal that led to significant leadership changes and policy reforms, means hazing incidents are now often viewed through a lens of enhanced institutional accountability.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at Baylor University would typically involve investigations by the Baylor University Department of Public Safety (BUDPD) for on-campus incidents. Off-campus hazing in Waco would involve the Waco Police Department or McLennan County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits would be filed in McLennan County courts. Given Baylor’s private university status and its recent history of legal challenges related to institutional oversight, hazing claims against Baylor and its affiliated organizations would likely encounter sophisticated defense strategies. Litigation would critically examine the university’s “zero tolerance” policy, its enforcement mechanisms, and whether its reforms adequately addressed systemic issues impacting student safety.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

Report to Multiple Channels: Use Baylor’s official reporting systems, but also consider contacting BUPD and possibly the Waco PD if criminal acts are involved, ensuring the incident is on record with various authorities.
Maintain Meticulous Records: Given the private nature of much of Baylor’s internal processes, thorough personal documentation of all evidence and communications is paramount.
Understand Baylor’s Institutional Context: Baylor’s past experiences with accountability mean that an attorney can frame hazing claims within a broader narrative of institutional responsibility and the university’s commitment to protecting students.
Seek Experienced Legal Counsel: For Baylor County families with a child at Baylor University, an attorney deeply familiar with Texas hazing law and complex institutional litigation can effectively challenge the university’s defenses, pursue discovery of internal documents, and advocate for full accountability and compensation.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Baylor County families, understanding the local context of Greek life at Texas universities is only part of the picture. Many of the fraternities and sororities active on campuses like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are chapters of much larger national organizations. These national entities, while often proclaiming strong anti-hazing policies, frequently have extensive and troubling histories of hazing incidents across their chapters nationwide. This pattern of behavior is neither accidental nor isolated; it points to deeply ingrained issues that can be critical in establishing liability in a civil lawsuit.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

The reality is that national fraternities and sororities often possess thick anti-hazing manuals and sophisticated risk management policies precisely because they have seen deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits involving their chapters across the country. They know the patterns: the forced drinking nights, the physical paddling traditions, the humiliating rituals, and the forced secrecy. These are not “rogue” acts by a single chapter; they are often echoes of similar incidents that have occurred within the same national organization for years, even decades.

From a legal standpoint, when a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous script that led to another chapter being shut down or sued in a different state, that can establish foreseeability for the national organization. This foresight is crucial for pursuing negligence or even punitive damages arguments. It shows that the national headquarters had prior notice of dangerous conduct endemic to its organization yet failed to implement sufficient preventative measures or enforce its own policies meaningfully.

6.2 Organization Mapping: National Patterns at Texas Campuses

Without listing every single chapter, we can observe recurring patterns of alleged misconduct by certain organizations, many of which have chapters at Texas universities.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity, with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, has a national history marred by severe hazing and even deaths. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey, resulted in a $10 million settlement and multiple criminal convictions. Another incident, the David Bogenberger case at Northern Illinois University (2012), also involved a pledge dying from alcohol poisoning, leading to a $14 million settlement. These cases demonstrate a recurring pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing within the national organization, indicating a widespread risk management failure.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): SAE chapters are found across Texas, including at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU. The national organization has faced numerous hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. A lawsuit filed in 2023 against the SAE chapter at the University of Alabama alleged a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual. In Texas A&M (2021), two pledges alleged they were subjected to a chemical hazing that caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries, leading to a $1 million lawsuit. Additionally, a January 2024 lawsuit against the UT Austin SAE chapter involved a student alleging assault while the chapter was already suspended for prior hazing. This pattern indicates recurring issues with physical, chemical, and alcohol-related hazing, as well as apparent difficulties in enforcing safety policies at various chapters.
Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, Phi Delta Theta was at the center of the tragic Max Gruver (LSU, 2017) case, where a pledge died from alcohol toxicity during a dangerous “Bible study” drinking game. This incident directly led to the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making felony hazing easier to prosecute. This case is often cited as a prime example of the lethal consequences of ritualized alcohol hazing within the national organization.
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Chapters are active at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. The national organization was involved in the Andrew Coffey case (Florida State University, 2017), where a pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” tradition. This incident resulted in criminal prosecutions and led to a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU. It highlights the dangers of forced alcohol consumption, particularly during designated “new member” events, which appears to be a recurrent issue for Pi Kappa Phi.
Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Kappa Sigma chapters exist at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor. This fraternity has a history of severe hazing and tragic outcomes. The Chad Meredith case (University of Miami, 2001) involved a pledge who drowned after being persuaded by fraternity members to swim across a lake while intoxicated, leading to a $12.6 million jury verdict in a negligence suit based on hazing. More recently, active litigation against the Texas A&M Kappa Sigma chapter (ongoing 2023) alleges hazing resulted in severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical exertion. This demonstrates a pattern of both alcohol-related and physical hazing, with severe consequences.
Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. The national organization became infamous following the Timothy Piazza death (Penn State, 2017), where a pledge died from catastrophic brain injuries after excessive alcohol consumption and delayed medical care. This tragedy spurred the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania and remains one of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

These national and campus-specific patterns are not just historical footnotes; they are crucial elements of a robust legal strategy for Baylor County families. When a specific type of hazing (e.g., forced alcohol consumption at a “Big/Little” event) recurs across different chapters of the same national organization, it becomes possible to argue that the national headquarters had repeated warnings about its dangerous nature. This “pattern evidence” can:

Increase Settlement Leverage: It becomes harder for national organizations to claim ignorance or that an incident was an unforeseeable “rogue” act.
Impact Insurance Coverage Disputes: Knowing the history, attorneys can better counter arguments from insurers who try to deny coverage based on “intentional acts” clauses by proving the organization was negligent in its oversight.
Support Punitive Damages: In some jurisdictions and under certain circumstances, such a clear pattern of knowing disregard for safety could support arguments for punitive damages, which are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future harm.

Our firm rigorously investigates these national and local histories to build the strongest possible case for our clients, linking the specific events at a Texas university to a broader context of organizational failure and accountability.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For Baylor County families reeling from a hazing incident, the legal process can seem overwhelming. However, building a successful hazing case hinges on meticulous evidence collection, a clear understanding of potential damages, and a strategic approach tailored to fighting powerful institutional defendants.

7.1 Evidence: The Foundation of Your Case

In today’s digital world, successful hazing litigation relies heavily on a diverse array of evidence, much of which can vanish quickly without immediate action.

Digital Communications: These are often the most crucial pieces of evidence. GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and fraternity-specific apps are frequently used to plan, discuss, and document hazing. Evidence includes:
- Screenshots of full threads with timestamps and participant names.
- Live and recovered/deleted messages, as digital forensics can often retrieve content believed to be erased.
- Instructions, threats, demands, and reactions from members.
Photos & Videos: Visual evidence provides undeniable proof. This includes:
- Content filmed by members during hazing events, often shared in private group chats or on social media.
- Photos or videos of injuries, humiliating acts, or forced consumption.
- Surveillance footage from campus security cameras, Ring/doorbell cameras at off-campus houses, or commercial venues.
Internal Organization Documents: Subpoenas can uncover vital information from the organization itself, such as:
- Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, or “tradition” documents outlining rituals.
- Emails or texts from officers or advisors discussing new member activities.
- National organization policies, training materials, and risk management guidelines.
University Records: Open records requests or legal discovery can reveal:
- Prior conduct files, disciplinary actions, probation records, and letters of warning concerning the organization.
- Incident reports from campus police or student conduct offices.
- Clery Act reports and other institutional disclosures that show patterns of misconduct.
Medical and Psychological Records: These document the extent of harm suffered:
- Emergency room reports, ambulance records, and hospitalization notes.
- Surgery and rehabilitation records.
- Toxicology reports revealing substances consumed.
- Psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidality resulting from the trauma.
Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are powerful. This includes:
- Other pledges, members (especially those who have left or been removed), roommates, Residents Assistants (RAs), coaches, trainers, or any bystanders.
- Former members who quit or were expelled, who may be more willing to speak out.

Our attorneys and investigators move rapidly to secure and preserve this evidence, understanding that delay means permanent loss in many cases.

7.2 Damages: Recovering from Harm

When hazing causes injury or death, victims and their families can pursue compensation for a wide range of damages. We describe these types of damages, without promising or predicting specific dollar amounts for any given case:

Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs related to physical and psychological recovery. It includes immediate emergency room visits, ambulance transport, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing medications. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure, it includes the cost of long-term care plans, specialized equipment, and skilled nursing for the remainder of a person’s life.
Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This accounts for financial losses due to the hazing. It can include wages lost by the victim or by parents who had to take time off work to provide care. It also covers the significant educational impact, such as missed semesters, tuition for repeating courses, lost scholarships, delayed graduation, and diminished future earning capacity if the injuries are permanent and affect their ability to work.
Non-Economic Damages: These address the intangible, yet profound, suffering caused by hazing. They include physical pain and suffering from injuries, severe emotional distress, trauma, and humiliation. This also encompasses the loss of enjoyment of life, as victims may no longer be able to participate in activities they once loved, experience relationship damage, or suffer from long-term mental health conditions like PTSD.
Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): If hazing results in a fatality, surviving family members can recover for their immense losses. This includes funeral and burial costs, economic losses from the deceased’s projected lifetime financial contributions, and profound non-economic losses such as the loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society. The grief and emotional suffering of parents, children, and sometimes siblings are also compensable. In Texas, only certain family members (typically spouse, children, parents) can bring wrongful death claims.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, each with their own legal counsel and often, insurance policies.

Insurance Coverage: National fraternities, sororities, and universities typically carry substantial insurance policies designed to protect them from liability claims. However, insurers frequently try to deny coverage in hazing cases, arguing that acts of hazing or intentional misconduct fall under policy exclusions (e.g., “intentional acts” exclusions or “criminal acts” exclusions).
Navigating Disputes: An experienced hazing attorney knows how to identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, including individual homeowners’ policies of students involved, chapter liability policies, and national organization umbrella policies. We are well-versed in navigating complex disputes with insurers to ensure that victims and families receive the compensation they deserve. Our firm, having seen Ralph Manginello’s complex litigation experience against massive corporations and Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, is uniquely positioned to understand the strategies insurers use and fiercely advocate for our clients.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For Baylor County parents and students facing the horror of hazing, actionable advice is invaluable. Here, we offer guides for parents, students, and witnesses, along with common questions and crucial warnings about critical mistakes.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

As a parent in Baylor County, you are your child’s first line of defense. Knowing the warning signs and how to respond can be life-saving.

Warning Signs of Hazing: Look for a combination of these indicators:
- Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, cuts, burns, or repeated “accidents” with unconvincing explanations.
- Extreme Exhaustion: Constant fatigue, sleep deprivation, or falling asleep at unusual times due to late-night demands.
- Drastic Mood Swings: Heightened anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal from normal activities, or sudden secrecy about their organization.
- Obsessive Phone Use: Constant checking and responding to group chats, often with visible anxiety, or a fear of missing “mandatory” events.
- Changes in Appearance: Unkempt appearance, weight loss or gain, or unusual clothing choices dictated by the group.
- Financial Strain: Unusual expenses, requests for money without clear explanation, or large purchases for older members.
How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy and without judgment.
- Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with [organization]?” or “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
- Emphasize their safety and well-being over group loyalty. Reassure them that you will support them regardless of their choices.
- Listen actively and validate their feelings.
If Your Child Is Hurt:
- Get Medical Care: Prioritize immediate medical attention, even if they insist they’re fine or “don’t want to get in trouble.” Their health is paramount.
- Document Everything: Immediately photograph any injuries (from multiple angles, over several days for progression). Secure any texts, group chats, or social media posts (screenshots with timestamps are critical). Write down everything they tell you, including names, dates, times, and locations.
Dealing with the University:
- Document every communication you have with university administrators, including names, dates, and summaries of conversations.
- Specifically ask about prior incidents involving the same organization and what actions the university did or did not take in response. These records can be crucial in establishing a pattern of negligence.
When to Talk to a Lawyer:
- If your child has experienced significant physical or psychological harm.
- If you suspect the university or organization is minimizing the incident, covering it up, or pressuring your child into silence. Your child’s safety and well-being are too important to leave to chance.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

If you’re a student from Baylor County attending a Texas university and feel caught in a hazing situation, remember: you have rights, and help is available.

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Do you feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Are you being forced to drink or endure pain? Is the activity hidden from university administrators or the public? If you wouldn’t do it if you had a true choice, free from social pressure or fear of backlash, it is likely hazing. Tradition should never involve abuse.
Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Organizations often hide behind the idea that you “consented.” However, legal and psychological experts recognize that “consent” given under duress, intense peer pressure, a desire for acceptance, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Texas law specifically states that consent is not a defense to hazing.
Exiting and Reporting Safely:
- Immediate Danger: If you are unsafe, call 911 immediately. Get to a public place, your dorm room, or a trusted friend’s place.
- To Quit/De-pledge: You have the legal right to leave at any time. Inform someone outside the organization (parent, RA, trusted friend) and then send a clear, simple email or text to the chapter president/new member educator stating you are resigning. Do not attend “one last meeting” where you might be pressured.
- Reporting Options: Consider campus channels (Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, campus police), anonymous tip lines (like the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE), or local police if criminal acts occurred.
Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many Texas universities and state laws (like the good-faith reporter immunity in Texas hazing law) encourage calling for help in emergencies. You generally cannot be punished for seeking medical aid, even if underage drinking was involved.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were once a part of a hazing organization or witnessed hazing, you may carry guilt or fear. However, your actions now can prevent future harm and save lives.

Your Role in Prevention: Your testimony and any evidence you possess can be pivotal in holding perpetrators accountable and preventing similar tragedies.
Seek Legal Advice: You may need your own legal counsel to understand your rights and potential liabilities, especially if you actively participated. Cooperating with authorities while protecting your interests can be a complex but important step toward accountability.
An Attorney Can Help: Lawyers can help navigate your role as a witness, ensure your rights are protected, and assist in providing information to authorities or in civil proceedings.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Baylor County families considering legal action after a hazing incident, avoiding common missteps is just as crucial as gathering evidence. These mistakes, often made with good intentions, can severely damage or entirely undermine a potential lawsuit.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence:
- What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble,” or “This is too embarrassing to keep.”
- Why it’s wrong: This is often interpreted as a cover-up, can be considered obstruction of justice, and makes proving your case almost impossible. Digital evidence, once deleted, is almost impossible to fully recover in its original context.
- What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately—every text, every photo, every group chat. Even embarrassing content is crucial evidence. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.
Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority or University Directly:
- What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
- Why it’s wrong: Confrontation without legal representation alerts the organization to impending action. They will immediately “lawyer up,” destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses, making your case far more difficult.
- What to do instead: Document everything privately, then call an experienced hazing lawyer before any direct contact with the involved parties.
Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms:
- What universities often do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements quickly. These may seem like a pathway to closure.
- Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, and any “settlement” offered by the university is often a fraction of the true value of your child’s injury and suffering.
- What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or organization without an attorney reviewing it first.
Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer:
- What families think: “I want people to know what happened to my child.”
- Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys monitor social media. Any inconsistencies between your posts and your formal statements can be used to discredit your child’s testimony. Public posts can also potentially waive legal privileges.
- What to do instead: Document privately and share information only with your legal team. Let your lawyer control public or media messaging.
Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”:
- What fraternities or sororities might say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic.”
- Why it’s wrong: These meetings are often designed to pressure the student, intimidate them, or extract statements that can be used against them in legal proceedings.
- What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication from the organization should be directed through your attorney.
Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”:
- What universities might promise: “We’re investigating, let us handle this internally.”
- Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate or move away, and the statute of limitations can run out. Universities’ internal processes are often designed to protect the institution, not to provide full compensation or complete accountability for victims. See our video on statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
- What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s internal process is separate from a civil claim for damages.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:
- What adjusters might say: “We just need your statement to process the claim.”
- Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Recorded statements can be cherry-picked and used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball.
- What to do instead: Politely decline to give a statement and immediately refer them to your attorney. Watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can ruin your case at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

8.5 Short FAQ

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends heavily on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.
“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It certainly can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers or participants can also face charges for failing to report hazing, which is a misdemeanor.
“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes, absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” given under immense peer pressure, significant power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent in a legal sense.
“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this period if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is always critical—evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and organizations work to destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights.
“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
The location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held responsible based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and whether the hazing was a foreseeable risk. Many major hazing cases, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat case (Michael Deng) and the Sigma Pi case (Collin Wiant) which involved an unofficial off-campus house, resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments despite not occurring on university property.
“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
While we prioritize accountability, we also understand the deep concern for privacy. Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial, and it’s possible to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. Our priority is to protect your family’s privacy while pursuing justice and accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. This is where The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, stands apart. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Baylor County and surrounding areas, bringing a unique blend of experience, empathy, and aggressive advocacy to every case. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Baylor County and across the region, and we are here to help.

Our firm brings unique qualifications that make us particularly effective in complex hazing litigation:

Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña (her complete professional details are available at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), previously worked as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. This experience means she knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their settlement strategies because she used to be on the other side. “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”
Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello (learn more about Ralph at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/) has extensive experience taking on powerful defendants. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a massive federal court case against a multi-billion-dollar corporation. This federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means our team is not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”
Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/) and catastrophic injury claims, working with economists and life care planners to accurately value losses and future needs, including for brain injury and permanent disability cases. “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.”
Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides critical insight into how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual understanding allows us to advise witnesses and former members who may face both criminal exposure and civil liability.
Investigative Depth: We leverage a vast network of experts, including medical specialists, digital forensics experts, economists, and psychologists. We are particularly skilled at obtaining hidden evidence—from deleted group chats and social media records to internal chapter documents and university files. “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually work behind closed doors. We know how to investigate modern hazing, including obtaining deleted group chats and social media evidence, subpoenaing national fraternity records showing prior incidents, and uncovering university files through discovery and public records requests. We understand what makes hazing cases different: powerful institutional defendants, complex insurance coverage fights, and the need to balance victim privacy with public accountability. We also understand the nuances of Greek culture, institutional traditions, and how to prove coercion even when “consent” is claimed.

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We focus on thorough investigation and real accountability, not just quick settlements. Attorney911’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@Manginellolawfirm) features a wealth of educational videos, including one explaining how contingency fees work (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc), so you understand your options without financial pressure.

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Baylor County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

In your free consultation, you can expect:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment.
We’ll review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
We’ll explain your legal options: a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
We’ll discuss realistic timelines and what to expect from the legal process.
We’ll answer your questions about costs, as we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; take time to decide what’s right for your family.
Everything you tell us is confidential.

Whether you’re in Baylor County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.