Understanding Hazing: A Comprehensive Guide for Blanco County Families to Texas Campus Abuse

For families across Blanco County, from the serene landscapes near Johnson City to the vibrant communities of Blanco and Hye, the dream of a college education often involves a rich campus experience. Our children venture to universities across Texas—whether it’s the bustling University of Houston, the storied grounds of Texas A&M, the energetic University of Texas at Austin, the competitive Southern Methodist University, or the faith-based community of Baylor University. They seek new connections, lifelong friendships, and enriching opportunities. But sometimes, these aspirations can turn into a nightmare.

Imagine it’s a late night at an off-campus house near one of our state’s universities. A student from Blanco County, eager to fit in, is at what they’re told is a “pledge event” or “initiation ritual.” They’re being pressured to drink far beyond safe limits, endure physical abuse, or perform degrading acts. Older members are filming on their phones, chanting, and laughing. Suddenly, someone collapses, vomits, or gets hurt, but no one wants to call 911 because they’re afraid of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” The student feels trapped, torn between loyalty to the group and their own safety.

This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario; it’s a reality far too many Texas families have faced. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, known as Attorney911, understands the profound fear and anger that comes when a trusted institution or social organization betrays your child’s safety. We’ve seen these situations unfold across Texas campuses, affecting students and families from all corners of our state, including places like Blanco County where our communities value safety and integrity.

This comprehensive guide offers critical information to equip families in Blanco County and throughout Texas with the knowledge they need. We will explore:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, far beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The intricacies of Texas and federal laws that govern hazing.
• Pivotal national hazing cases and their implications for Texas students.
• Deep dives into incidents and culture at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, as well as their national fraternity and sorority organizations.
• The legal pathways available to victims and families seeking justice and accountability.

Please remember, this article provides general information and should not be considered specific legal advice for your situation. Every case carries unique facts and circumstances. However, our firm can evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including those in Blanco County, providing expert legal counsel when they need it most.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies immediately. Your child’s health and safety are the absolute priority.
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate guidance—that’s why we’re known as the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

In the first 48 hours, every action counts:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Injuries, especially internal ones or effects of alcohol poisoning, may not be immediately apparent.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately. Digital evidence disappears quickly.
  • Photograph visible injuries from multiple angles and over several days to document their progression.
  • Save any physical items that may be evidence (damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in hazing).
• Write down everything while your memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when it occurred, and where.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This can prompt them to destroy evidence or retaliate.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel. You could waive vital rights.
  • Post details on public social media. This can compromise your case and invite unwanted scrutiny.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast, from deleted group chats to destroyed physical items and coached witnesses.
• Universities and organizations often move quickly to control the narrative.
• We can help preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights from the very beginning.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation. Do not delay.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For families in Blanco County, the term “hazing” might still conjure images of lighthearted pranks or demanding physical challenges, largely harmless rites of passage. However, the reality of hazing in 2025 is far more insidious and dangerous than these outdated stereotypes suggest. Today’s hazing practices are often deliberately hidden, psychologically manipulative, and carry severe risks of physical harm, sexual assault, and even death. It’s crucial to understand what modern hazing entails.

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student. This act 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. It’s important to emphasize that a student’s “agreement” or “consent” does not make harmful acts acceptable or legal when there is clear peer pressure, group coercion, and a significant power imbalance.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Modern hazing practices have evolved, often becoming more sophisticated to evade detection while maintaining their harmful intent. Here are the main categories we encounter:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often in rapid succession. This can manifest as “chugging challenges,” “lineups” where pledges are forced to consume large quantities, or “games” specifically designed to achieve extreme intoxication. Beyond alcohol, students can be pressured to consume unknown substances, illegal drugs, or large quantities of otherwise benign items. The goal is often to incapacitate, control, or humiliate.

• Physical Hazing: This category includes any act that causes physical pain, discomfort, or harm, often under the guise of “toughening up” new members. Examples range from paddling and beatings to extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning. Physical hazing also encompasses sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation, and exposure to extreme cold or heat, or dangerous environments. These acts are not about building character; they are about control and degradation.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply damaging form of hazing involves acts designed to degrade and objectify. It includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (sometimes referred to as “elephant walk” or “roasted pig” positions), and wearing degrading costumes. Often, these activities have racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, using slurs or forcing students to role-play offensive stereotypes. The psychological scars from such acts can last a lifetime.

• Psychological Hazing: While not always leaving visible marks, psychological hazing inflicts profound emotional and mental harm. This includes constant verbal abuse, threats, isolation from outside contacts, and manipulation. Students may be forced into public shaming ceremonies, coerced confessions, or subjected to intense intimidation designed to break down their self-esteem and foster absolute obedience. This chronic stress and fear can lead to severe anxiety, depression, and other mental health crises.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the rise of social media and ubiquitous online communication, hazing has found new, insidious platforms. This can involve forced participation in group chat dares, “challenges” for public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, or other platforms. Students might be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos of themselves or others. This form of hazing leaves a digital footprint that can be difficult to erase, with lasting reputational consequences. For Blanco County parents, understanding this digital aspect is crucial, as much of this happens out of plain sight, hidden in private group chats or ephemeral social media stories.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

A common misconception is that hazing is exclusively a “frat boy” problem. This couldn’t be further from the truth. While fraternities and sororities (including Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek organizations) are often associated with hazing incidents, these harmful practices are unfortunately prevalent across a wide spectrum of student groups:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These deeply traditional organizations, such as the storied Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, often face scrutiny regarding “traditions” that cross the line into hazing, centered around physical endurance and hierarchical submission.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Groups like spirit organizations, university cheerleading squads, and long-standing tradition clubs (e.g., those modeled after the disbanded Texas Cowboys at UT Austin) can also engage in hazing under the guise of team building or preserving heritage.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, soccer, and cheerleading, a significant number of hazing incidents occur within collegiate athletic programs. These can involve physical abuse, psychological torment, and sexualized rituals, often fueled by an insular “locker room” culture.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign organizations like marching bands, choirs, and theatrical groups have been implicated in hazing rituals that involve physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: While less common than in other types of groups, some service, cultural, and even academic clubs have been found to engage in hazing that mirrors tactics used by fraternities and sororities.

The underlying common denominators making hazing endure are social status, tradition, and intense secrecy. Despite university policies and state laws, these practices persist because members are pressured to participate and maintain a “code of silence.” For families in Blanco County, it’s important to instill in your children that true belonging never requires humiliation, degradation, or danger.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Blanco County whose children may attend a university across Texas, understanding the legal landscape of hazing is essential. Both Texas state law and federal regulations provide frameworks for addressing hazing, establishing criminal penalties, civil liability, and institutional responsibilities.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code. These laws define what constitutes hazing, establish criminal penalties for individuals and organizations, and underscore that consent is never a defense.

Texas Education Code § 37.151 defines hazing as:

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.

This definition is crucial because it clearly states that hazing can occur on or off campus, and it encompasses harm to both mental and physical health. The focus on “intentional, knowing, or reckless” acts means that even a disregard for potential consequences can trigger the law, not just malicious intent.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):

• Class B Misdemeanor (default): For hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury, carrying penalties of up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury requiring medical attention.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This is a critical point; fatal or severely injurious hazing can lead to felony charges in Texas.

Additionally, individuals who are members or officers of an organization and know about hazing but fail to report it can face misdemeanor charges. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor offense.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
Organizations (like fraternities, sororities, or any student group) can also be held criminally responsible if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing; or
• An officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it.
  Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and the university can revoke its recognition, effectively banning the organization from campus.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§ 37.154):
To encourage reporting, Texas law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who in good faith report a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement. This is sometimes coupled with medical amnesty policies at universities, protecting students from disciplinary action for underage drinking if they call for help in an emergency.

Consent Not a Defense (§ 37.155):
Perhaps one of the most vital provisions, Texas law explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. This directly addresses the common defense that “they wanted to do it” or “everyone agreed.”

Reporting by Educational Institutions (§ 37.156):
Texas colleges and universities are mandated to implement hazing prevention education, publish their anti-hazing policies, and, crucially, maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions. Resources like UT Austin’s hazing.utexas.edu serve as examples of this transparency, offering valuable public records for families.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important for residents of Blanco County to understand that hazing can lead to two distinct legal processes:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (prosecutors) and aim to punish individuals or organizations for breaking the law. Typical criminal charges related to hazing can range from misdemeanor hazing offenses and furnishing alcohol to minors to felony assault, battery, or even manslaughter in cases of serious injury or death.
• Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving families seeking monetary compensation and accountability. The focus here is on holding negligent parties responsible for the harm caused. Legal theories can include general and gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Crucially, a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The standards of proof differ, and it’s entirely possible for an individual or organization to face civil liability even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction. Both types of cases can significantly impact the lives of those involved, and victims may pursue both avenues simultaneously.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also play a role in addressing hazing, primarily through reporting requirements and protections:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to be more transparent about hazing incidents. By approximately 2026, institutions must publicly report all hazing incidents, strengthen prevention efforts, and maintain publicly accessible data on hazing. This aims to provide prospective students and their families, including those from Blanco County, with clearer information about campus safety.

• Title IX / Clery Act:

  • Title IX applies when hazing incidents involve sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based hostility, or discrimination. If hazing targets students based on sex, it can trigger severe Title IX obligations for the university, requiring prompt and effective responses.
  • The Clery Act mandates that colleges and universities publish annual security reports and notify the campus community about certain crimes. Hazing incidents often overlap with categories that must be reported under Clery, especially when they involve assault, alcohol abuse, or drug-related offenses.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

For Blanco County families considering a civil lawsuit, understanding the full scope of potential defendants is key to maximizing accountability and recovery. A hazing incident can involve multiple parties, each with their own level of responsibility:

• Individual Students: These are the members directly involved in planning, carrying out, or facilitating the hazing. This includes those who supplied alcohol, physically assaulted the victim, or participated in the coercive behavior.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, or student group that engaged in the hazing can be held liable. This includes the chapter itself (if it’s a recognized legal entity) and individual officers or “pledge educators” who were in positions of authority.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which sets policies, collects dues, and theoretically supervises local chapters, can be held liable. Liability often hinges on whether the national organization had prior knowledge of hazing at the local chapter or a pattern of similar incidents across its network, demonstrating a failure to adequately prevent or address the behavior.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, whether public or private, may be sued under various legal theories, including negligence, gross negligence, or civil rights violations. Key factors include the university’s knowledge of prior hazing, its enforcement (or lack thereof) of anti-hazing policies, and whether it showed “deliberate indifference” to known risks. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) may assert sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist, especially for gross negligence or Title IX violations.
• Third Parties: Other entities can also be responsible, such as:
  • Landlords or property owners of off-campus houses or venues where hazing occurred, especially if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Bars or alcohol providers who unlawfully served minors or over-served intoxicated individuals, under “dram shop” laws.
  • Security companies or event organizers who failed to provide adequate safety or oversight.

Every case is highly fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney can identify all potential defendants and build a comprehensive case to ensure full accountability for the harm caused.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When a hazing tragedy strikes a student from Blanco County or anywhere in Texas, it often feels like an isolated incident. However, a review of hazing cases across the nation reveals disturbing, recurring patterns. These “anchor stories” are not just headlines; they represent pivotal legal battles that have shaped hazing law, prompted legislative change, and established precedents that impact how cases like yours are handled in Texas. They demonstrate that hazing isn’t a new problem, but an institutional one, with chillingly similar scripts playing out in different locations.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption remains the most common and deadliest form of hazing. Families see their loved ones succumb to preventable tragedies, often compounded by a horrifying delay in seeking medical help.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a bid-acceptance event involving heavy drinking. After falling multiple times and sustaining severe injuries, his fraternity brothers waited nearly 12 hours to call for help. The incident was captured on the fraternity’s own security cameras, revealing a culture of delay and concealment. This tragedy led to numerous criminal charges against fraternity members, comprehensive civil litigation, and the enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, significantly strengthening anti-hazing statutes. For Texas families, this case exemplifies how extreme intoxication, delayed 911 calls, and a culture of silence amplify legal culpability.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a Pi Kappa Phi pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during an off-campus “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume them rapidly. His death prompted criminal hazing charges against multiple members and led Florida State University to temporarily suspend all Greek life. The incident contributed to a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida. This case underscores how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster, with devastating consequences.

• Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, also 18, died from alcohol toxicity with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.495% during a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly. His death spurred national outrage and led to Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, which made felony hazing a reality. For Texas families in Blanco County, this showcases how legislative change often follows public outcry and clear proof of hazing’s lethal nature.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a “Big/Little” pledge night, Stone Foltz, 20, was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey. He died from alcohol poisoning. The incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions of fraternity members and a $10 million settlement for his family, approximately $7 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University itself. This case highlights that universities, even public ones, can face significant financial and reputational consequences when their students are victims of hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing continue to cause severe injuries and fatalities, often deliberately hidden in remote locations to avoid detection.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a Pi Delta Psi pledge, died after a fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and weighted down with a backpack, he was repeatedly tackled in a brutal “glass ceiling” ritual. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours, attempting a cover-up. Multiple members were convicted, and remarkably, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than parties, and national organizations can be held criminally responsible for their chapters’ actions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it deeply infiltrates athletic programs, often fueled by a win-at-all-costs mentality and a culture of silence.

• Northwestern University football (2023–2025): A massive scandal erupted as former football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. This included forced sexual acts, racial slurs, and physical abuse. The fallout included multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and coaching staff, resulting in the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled a wrongful termination suit confidentially. This case profoundly illustrates that hazing exists in major athletic programs and can involve pervasive, systemic abuse that an institution may have ignored for years.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies, while heart-wrenching, provide invaluable lessons for Blanco County families and students throughout Texas. They expose recurring themes: forced drinking, humiliation, physical violence, a shocking delay in medical care, and orchestrated cover-ups. They demonstrate that:

• Hazing’s consequences are severe, often fatal.
• Multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts are not uncommon, but they often only follow diligent, persistent litigation.
• Legislative reforms, like the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law or the Max Gruver Act, are direct responses to these horrific events.

When a student from Blanco County faces hazing at a Texas university, they are entering a legal landscape shaped by these powerful national precedents. An experienced legal team understands how to leverage these patterns to demonstrate foreseeability, establish negligence, and hold responsible parties accountable, from individual students to national organizations and even the universities themselves.

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

The Manginello Law Firm understands that while national hazing patterns are instructive, families in Blanco County and across Texas need to know what’s happening at universities closer to home. Many students from Blanco County attend the major regional universities, bringing these concerns directly to our communities. We’ve compiled a focused overview of hazing policies, past incidents, and legal considerations for 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 decision of where to send your child to college is deeply personal, often driven by proximity, academics, or tradition. For many Blanco County families, these universities represent a significant investment and a trusted environment for their children’s future. Understanding the specific campus culture and hazing history at these institutions is crucial.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus, is a significant draw for students across Texas, including those from Blanco County looking for a diverse metropolitan experience. Its proximity to our Houston office gives us deep insight into its internal workings regarding campus safety and Greek life.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a large, public research university with a dynamic mix of commuter and residential students. It boasts a thriving Greek life scene, with multiple fraternities and sororities under various governing councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC), alongside numerous cultural groups, academic organizations, and sports clubs. This diverse student body and active campus life create many avenues for belonging, but also potential for hazing.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, prohibiting any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. This applies both on and off campus. UH outlines clear reporting channels through its Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the UH Police Department (UHPD). The university also provides a hazing statement and some disciplinary information on its official website.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Like many large universities, UH has faced its share of hazing allegations and incidents. A notable case involved Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) in 2016, where pledges allegedly experienced severe sleep and food deprivation during a multi-day event. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being violently slammed onto a surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was promptly suspended by the university. While UH’s website may not have the same level of granular detail as UT Austin’s public hazing logs, the university has shown a willingness to suspend chapters and respond to incidents, even if the full scope of disciplinary actions isn’t always widely publicized.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

If a Blanco County student were to experience hazing at UH, legal actions could involve local law enforcement, including the UHPD and/or the Houston Police Department, depending on where the incident occurred. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. Potential defendants would include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university itself, given its oversight responsibilities. Property owners of off-campus venues could also be implicated.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Familiarize yourself with UH’s official anti-hazing policy: Understand what constitutes hazing and what the university’s expectations are.
• Utilize UH’s reporting channels: If you suspect hazing, immediately contact the Dean of Students office, file a report with UHPD, or use any online reporting forms provided by the university.
• Document everything rigorously: Keep records of all communications with university officials, specific dates and times of incidents, and any physical or digital evidence.
• Consult with an attorney experienced in Houston-based hazing cases: A lawyer familiar with the Houston legal environment can help navigate university investigations, preserve critical evidence, and build a strong civil case, should medical attention and accountability be necessary for your student from Blanco County.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, deeply rooted in tradition and known for its spirited Aggie culture, draws many students from Blanco County who seek its unique community. However, its strong emphasis on tradition, especially within the Corps of Cadets, can sometimes create an environment where hazing may flourish under the guise of “building character” or “honor.”

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its large student body, vibrant Greek life, and the iconic Corps of Cadets. “Aggie Culture” is strong, with an emphasis on loyalty, spirit, and time-honored traditions. This creates a powerful sense of belonging but also, at times, a breeding ground for hazing, especially in organizations where hierarchies and “rites of passage” are central. Students from Blanco County may be particularly drawn to these traditions, making the risk of hazing a salient concern.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M strictly prohibits hazing, adhering to both state law and its own Student Rules. The university emphasizes that members of the Corps of Cadets and all student organizations are subject to these rules. Reporting is directed through the Division of Student Affairs, the Student Conduct Office, and the University Police Department (UPD). Texas A&M posts information about investigations and disciplinary actions related to hazing on its website, providing some transparency.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced high-profile hazing incidents in both its Greek life and the Corps:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): Two pledges alleged they were subjected to extreme hazing that included forced strenuous activity, followed by having industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries. The students filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity chapter, which was also suspended by the university. This case starkly illustrates the dangers of physical and chemical hazing.
• Corps of Cadets Hazing (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing within the Corps, including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, highlighting how “traditions” in military-style organizations can cross the line into severe abuse. While the university stated it handled the matter under its rules, the civil suit brought wider attention to the issue.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a student from Blanco County involved in a hazing incident at Texas A&M, law enforcement could include Texas A&M UPD and/or the Bryan or College Station Police Departments. Civil suits would typically be handled in Brazos County courts. Cases can be complex, often focusing on the interplay between deep-seated traditions, university oversight, and the actions of individual students and organizations.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand the “Aggie Culture” context: Recognize that A&M’s strong traditions can, at times, mask hazing behaviors under the guise of loyalty or spirit.
• Report cautiously and strategically: Utilize A&M’s reporting systems but understand the potential pressures stemming from loyalty to the Corps or Greek life.
• Document alleged hazing meticulously: Given the detailed nature of cases like the SAE chemical burns incident, precise documentation (photos, messages, medical records) is vital.
• Seek legal counsel early: For families in Blanco County, an experienced attorney can help navigate A&M’s internal processes and state laws, especially given the historical context of high-profile incidents within both Greek life and the Corps.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution attracting a large number of students from Blanco County looking for a top-tier education and vibrant campus life. Its active Greek community and numerous student organizations mean that hazing, unfortunately, remains a concern, making transparency about incidents paramount.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is one of the largest universities in Texas, with a thriving social scene, highly competitive academics, and one of the most active Greek life systems in the country. Beyond fraternities and sororities, UT is home to countless student organizations, spirit groups, and traditions that define the Longhorn experience. This dynamic environment, while exciting, also means a higher exposure to the risks of hazing.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a comprehensive anti-hazing policy that is readily accessible and strictly enforced. Crucially, UT is a leader among Texas universities in its commitment to transparency through its publicly available Hazing Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu). This site lists suspended or disciplined organizations, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, and the UTPD.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public hazing log provides tangible examples of incidents:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): This chapter was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. These acts were found to constitute hazing, resulting in chapter probation and requirements for enhanced hazing-prevention education. This reflects a consistent pattern of physical and forced consumption hazing within the national Pi Kappa Alpha organization.
• Other Student Organizations: UT’s log demonstrates that hazing is not unique to fraternities. Other groups, such as spirit organizations and defunct tradition clubs like the Texas Wranglers, have faced sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, degradation, and punishment-based practices.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (January 2024): This chapter faced a major lawsuit from an Australian exchange student who alleged assault by fraternity members at a party, resulting in severe injuries including a dislocated leg, torn ligaments, and a broken nose. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations.

UT’s transparency, while commendable, also highlights the persistent challenges universities face in eradicating hazing. The repeated violations often listed on their public log can be powerful evidence in civil suits, demonstrating a pattern of misconduct and institutional awareness.

5.1.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a student from Blanco County or anywhere in Texas involved in hazing at UT, law enforcement could include UTPD and/or the Austin Police Department. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County courts. UT’s public hazing log can serve as crucial pattern evidence, showing that the university knew or should have known about an organization’s history of misconduct. Cases may also involve federal theories if Title IX issues (e.g., sexual harassment) are present.

5.1.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

• Regularly consult UT’s Hazing Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu): This is a vital resource for staying informed about organizations with disciplinary records.
• Understand UTPD and Austin PD roles: Know when to contact each agency for criminal matters both on and off campus.
• Document everything thoroughly: Given UT’s robust data, your own meticulous records can supplement publicly available information, strengthening a potential case.
• Contact a lawyer experienced in Austin-based hazing cases: An attorney familiar with UT’s policies and the Travis County legal system can help navigate reporting, evidence collection, and litigation, providing essential protection for your family from Blanco County.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private institution nestled in Dallas, enjoys a reputation for academic excellence and a robust, affluent social scene, including a prominent Greek system. For Blanco County families considering a private university experience, SMU’s unique culture and a history of hazing incidents warrant careful consideration.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private, selective university with a significant Greek life presence that shapes much of the social landscape. Its student body is often affluent, and campus traditions are deeply valued. This combination can, at times, foster an environment where hazing is normalized under the guise of tradition, exclusivity, or social hierarchy. Given its private status, the transparency around disciplinary actions can be different from public universities.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU strictly prohibits hazing and has policies in place outlining prohibited behaviors, whether on or off campus. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, and the SMU Police Department (SMUPD). SMU also utilizes systems like “Real Response” for anonymous reporting, consistent with broader hazing prevention efforts. However, as a private institution, SMU is not subject to the same public records laws as state universities, meaning detailed disciplinary outcomes may not be as readily available to the public.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has had its share of hazing incidents, demonstrating that the issue isn’t confined to public schools:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity chapter faced severe disciplinary action after new members were reportedly subjected to physical abuse, including paddling, forced excessive alcohol consumption, and extreme sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended by the university, with restrictions on its ability to recruit new members for several years. This incident led to a deeper look at hazing practices within SMU’s Greek system.
• Ongoing Scrutiny: Periodically, SMU has seen various Greek organizations placed on probation or suspended due to hazing violations related to alcohol misuse, physical challenges, or other coercive acts. These actions, while showing university response, also indicate persistent underlying issues.

5.1.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a student from Blanco County experiencing hazing at SMU, law enforcement involvement would likely include SMUPD and/or the Dallas Police Department. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Dallas County courts. As a private institution, SMU does not have the same sovereign immunity protections as public Texas universities, potentially simplifying certain aspects of litigation against the institution itself. However, obtaining internal records from a private university can require a lawsuit to compel discovery.

5.1.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand private vs. public university dynamics: Be aware that while SMU has policies, information on specific incidents may be less accessible due to its private status.
• Act promptly: Utilize SMU’s reporting mechanisms (Dean of Students, SMUPD, anonymous systems) as soon as hazing is suspected.
• Be prepared for discovery: If considering legal action for a student from Blanco County, an attorney can help compel SMU to produce internal documents essential for building a case, even if not publicly available.
• Consult legal counsel familiar with private university hazing cases: An attorney experienced in handling hazing claims against private institutions can effectively navigate the unique legal and procedural nuances, ensuring your family’s rights are protected.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a unique position among Texas institutions. While deeply committed to its Christian mission, it has faced significant scrutiny over student safety, particularly concerning sexual assault and, at times, hazing. For Blanco County families, understanding this context is crucial when considering Baylor.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor is characterized by its strong religious identity, close-knit community, and a significant emphasis on tradition and athletic success. It offers a comprehensive Greek life system alongside numerous faith-based and academic organizations. The university’s past controversies, particularly surrounding its handling of sexual assault allegations, have placed extra scrutiny on its institutional oversight and student safety, extending to hazing concerns.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that is clearly communicated, reflecting both Texas law and its institutional values. The university emphasizes a “zero tolerance” approach to behaviors that compromise student safety or dignity. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students office, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), and various online reporting forms. Baylor also publishes a record of student organization violations, providing some insight into disciplinary actions.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history, while not dominated by hazing in the same way as other issues, does contain relevant incidents:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): Following a university investigation into hazing within the baseball program, 14 players were suspended. The suspensions, staggered over the early season, sent a clear message about athletic hazing. This incident highlighted that even within a religiously affiliated institution and athletic program, hazing can occur.
• Broader Oversight Challenges: Baylor’s past challenges regarding institutional oversight of student conduct, particularly in the wake of the football sexual assault scandal, create a backdrop where any hazing claim receives heightened attention and scrutiny.

5.1.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

If a Blanco County student experiences hazing at Baylor, law enforcement could include BUPD and/or the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County courts. As a private university, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity. However, litigating against an institution with a strong brand and a history of defending its reputation requires experienced legal counsel. Cases can closely examine the interplay of university policies, student supervision, and any prior warnings or controversies.

5.1.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Recognize Baylor’s unique context: Be aware of how the university’s religious affiliation and past oversight controversies might influence its response to hazing allegations.
• Utilize reporting channels promptly: Report any suspected hazing to the Dean of Students or BUPD without delay.
• Document everything: Given the potential for intense scrutiny, meticulous documentation of incidents, communications, and medical treatment is crucial for any student from Blanco County.
• Consult experienced legal counsel: An attorney familiar with Baylor’s specific policies and the McLennan County legal system can provide invaluable guidance, especially in navigating the complexities of a private university’s response to hazing allegations.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Blanco County families, understanding the complex world of fraternities and sororities goes beyond the local chapter on a university campus. These organizations are often part of vast national networks, and their national histories of hazing—both good and bad—can profoundly impact a case involving a local chapter. At the Manginello Law Firm, we understand that a local chapter’s misconduct is rarely an isolated incident; it often reflects a pattern that national headquarters should have addressed.

Why National Histories Matter

Many fraternities and sororities present at institutions like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, such as Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, and Kappa Alpha Order, are part of extensive national organizations. These national headquarters typically:

• Maintain detailed anti-hazing manuals and robust risk management policies. These exist precisely because they have a historical record of significant injuries, deaths, and severe legal consequences at their chapters across the country.
• Possess institutional knowledge of common hazing patterns, including forced drinking nights, ritualistic paddling, and psychologically humiliating acts, that have recurred within their system for years.

When a local chapter in Texas, perhaps involving a student from Blanco County, repeats a hazing script that has already led to the suspension or a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against another chapter in a different state, this history becomes critical. It can serve as powerful evidence of foreseeability, directly supporting allegations of negligence or even punitive damages against the national entity. The argument is simple: the national organization knew or should have known that such hazing was a risk within its system, yet it failed to effectively prevent it.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Here, we don’t list every chapter but synthesize information on some major fraternities and sororities active at Texas’s prominent universities that have nationally recognized hazing histories:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): A prevalent fraternity on many campuses, including UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor. Nationally, Pike has a tragic history of severe alcohol-related hazing. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died from forced alcohol consumption, resulted in multiple criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement. Earlier, the David Bogenberger case at Northern Illinois University (2012) also involved a pledge dying from alcohol poisoning during a Pike event, leading to a $14 million settlement. These cases demonstrate a pattern of dangerous “Big/Little” or pledge-related alcohol hazing that national headquarters should be acutely aware of and aggressively counter.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE / ΣΑΕ): Found at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU. Nationally, SAE has faced multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries, leading the national organization to (unsuccessfully) attempt to ban pledging. Lawsuits include a traumatic brain injury claim at the University of Alabama (2023). Within Texas, SAE chapters have faced direct legal action, including a $1 million lawsuit at Texas A&M University (2021) for severe chemical burns from industrial cleaner poured on pledges, and a $1 million lawsuit at UT Austin (January 2024) following an alleged assault against an exchange student during a party, with the chapter already under suspension for prior violations. This pattern demonstrates a systematic failure across its organization.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. This fraternity was central to the tragic Max Gruver (LSU, 2017) case, where a pledge died from alcohol toxicity during a forced drinking game. This incident directly led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute, the Max Gruver Act. The national organization faces consistent scrutiny regarding its chapters’ alcohol policies and supervision.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Nationally, Pi Kappa Phi chapters have been involved in severe hazing incidents, most notably the Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, 2017) case, where a pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. This led to criminal prosecution and a multi-million dollar wrongful death suit.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor. Beta Theta Pi was at the center of the infamous Timothy Piazza (Penn State, 2017) hazing death, where a pledge died from injuries sustained after consuming excessive alcohol, with brothers delaying calling for help. This case resulted in dozens of criminal charges and nationwide legislative changes, creating a significant precedent for institutional liability.

• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Found at Texas A&M. This fraternity was involved in the heartbreaking Danny Santulli (University of Missouri, 2021) case, where an 18-year-old pledge suffered severe, permanent brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol. Lawsuits against 22 defendants, including the national fraternity, resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements.

• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor. Sigma Chi has a history of hazing incidents ranging from alcohol abuse to physical components. A recent case at the College of Charleston (2024) resulted in a payment of more than $10 million in damages for a pledge who alleged physical beatings, forced consumption, and psychological torment. Earlier, a University of Texas at Arlington (2020) pledge was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning, leading to a lawsuit claiming negligent supervision.

• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Kappa Sigma is connected to the Chad Meredith (University of Miami, 2001) case, where a pledge drowned after being coerced into a dangerous swim while intoxicated, leading to a $12.6 million jury verdict. More recently, allegations at Texas A&M University (2023) cited severe injuries from hazing, including rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown).

This list is not exhaustive but represents organizations with demonstrated historical patterns of severe hazing that extend across state lines and, critically, manifest at Texas universities.

Tie back to Legal Strategy

For Blanco County families, these national and campus-specific histories are more than just tragic stories; they are crucial elements of legal strategy. They help us demonstrate that:

• Foreseeability: Organizations like national fraternities and universities cannot claim ignorance when similar incidents have occurred repeatedly within their own systems or widely across the Greek and campus landscape. They had ample warnings.
• Policy vs. Practice: Our investigations scrutinize whether national organizations and universities genuinely enforced their anti-hazing policies or if these were merely “paper policies,” ignored in practice or applied with minimal punishment to prior violations.
• Enhanced Accountability: This pattern evidence strengthens claims for negligence, gross negligence, and potentially punitive damages, arguing that the defendants exhibited willful disregard for student safety despite clear and repeated warnings.

At The Manginello Law Firm, our expertise involves connecting these seemingly disparate incidents to build a compelling narrative of institutional failure. This approach impacts settlement negotiations, insurance coverage disputes, and ultimately, our ability to secure meaningful accountability and compensation for our clients across Texas, including those from Blanco County.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Experiencing hazing is traumatic, and pursuing legal action can seem daunting. However, building a strong case is achievable with the right legal team and meticulous attention to detail. At The Manginello Law Firm, we specialize in gathering the comprehensive evidence needed to prove hazing incidents, assess the full scope of damages, and develop a winning strategy against powerful institutions. For Blanco County families, understanding this process is the first step toward justice.

7.1 Evidence

In hazing cases, evidence is paramount. It tells the story of what happened, who was involved, and the harm inflicted. We leave no stone unturned in our investigation:

• Digital Communications: In 2025, group chats and direct messages (DMs) are often the most critical source of evidence. This includes platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even fraternity-specific apps. These messages can reveal the planning, intent, warnings, pattern of behavior, and precisely who was involved before, during, and after a hazing incident. Critically, we know how to preserve and even recover deleted messages, which opposing parties often attempt to destroy. Screenshots, metadata, and digital forensics play a vital role.

• Photos & Videos: Visual evidence is incredibly powerful. This includes:

  • Content filmed by members themselves during hazing events, often shared in private group chats or on social media.
  • Footage capturing injuries, humiliating acts, or forced drinking.
  • Security camera footage from campus buildings, off-campus houses, or venues where incidents occurred.
  • Ring or doorbell camera footage that might capture arrivals, departures, or distressed students.

• Internal Organization Documents: These provide crucial insight into the inner workings and historical patterns of an organization. Our investigations seek:

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, or lists of “ritual traditions.”
  • Emails or texts from officers or “pledge educators” detailing plans or instructions regarding new members.
  • National anti-hazing policies, risk management guidelines, and training materials, which can expose discrepancies between stated policy and actual practice.

• University Records: Institutions’ own records are often treasure troves of information, especially at public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) where some records are subject to public information requests. We obtain:

  • Prior conduct files, probation orders, and suspension notices for the implicated organization.
  • Incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Clery Act reports and similar disclosures that reveal patterns of campus safety issues.
  • Internal emails and memos among administrators discussing hazing allegations or concerns, often uncovered through the discovery process in a lawsuit.

• Medical and Psychological Records: Documenting the harm sustained is crucial for both physical and emotional injuries:

  • Emergency room and hospitalization records detailing immediate treatment and diagnoses.
  • Records of surgeries, ongoing treatment, physical therapy, and prescribed medications.
  • Toxicology reports that can confirm drug or alcohol levels.
  • Psychological evaluations that diagnose conditions like PTSD, major depressive disorder, anxiety, or suicidal ideation, providing evidence of emotional distress and trauma.

• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are invaluable. We identify and interview:

  • Other pledges, current members, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, or bystanders who witnessed the hazing.
  • Former members who may have quit or been expelled, as they often possess critical information and less loyalty to the organization.
    For Blanco County families, it’s vital to gather names and contact information for anyone who saw something, even if they seem reluctant to speak up initially.

7.2 Damages

In a civil hazing case, the goal is to recover monetary compensation for all harm suffered. This often includes multiple categories of “damages” that aim to make the victim or family whole again:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs related to medical treatment, from immediate emergency room visits and ambulance transport to ongoing surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and prescribed medications. For severe injuries like brain damage (as in the Danny Santulli case), it can include the costs of permanent 24/7 care through a carefully constructed “life care plan.”

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can severely disrupt a student’s education and future career. Damages can include:

  • Tuition and fees for missed semesters.
  • Loss of academic or athletic scholarships.
  • Delayed graduation leading to delayed entry into the workforce.
  • If injuries are permanent, a diminished future earning capacity, calculated by economic experts over the victim’s potential lifetime.

• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the subjective, intangible harms that are no less real:

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the actual pain from injuries, both acute and chronic.
  • Emotional Distress, Trauma, and Humiliation: This addresses the profound psychological impact, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear, nightmares, flashbacks, and the deep humiliation or shame inflicted by hazing.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When a victim can no longer participate in activities they once loved (sports, hobbies, social life) due to their injuries or trauma.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): If hazing results in death, surviving family members can recover:

  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and society—a profound emotional loss for parents, siblings, or spouses.
  • Emotional pain and suffering of the family.

Beyond these, in cases of extreme recklessness or malicious conduct, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct. While subject to caps in Texas, they can be significant in egregious hazing cases.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

A crucial aspect of hazing litigation involves identifying all relevant defendants and navigating the complex world of insurance.

• Multiple Defendants: As discussed, a hazing incident can implicate individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and even third-party property owners or alcohol suppliers. Each defendant may hold a separate insurance policy.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: National fraternities, sororities, and universities often have extensive insurance policies. However, insurers frequently try to deny coverage by arguing that hazing, especially if it involves intentional acts or criminal behavior, is excluded from their policies. They might also claim delayed notice or that the policy doesn’t cover certain entities.
• Our Expertise: At The Manginello Law Firm, our attorneys, like Lupe Peña with her background as an insurance defense attorney, are uniquely equipped to:
  • Identify every potential insurance policy from all liable parties.
  • Challenge unjustified coverage denials by demonstrating that core claims (like negligent supervision by the university or national organization) fall within policy coverage.
  • Force insurers to defend the claims through aggressive litigation, ultimately positioning the case for optimal settlement or trial.

This intricate process requires deep legal knowledge, investigative skill, and a willingness to confront powerful institutions, all of which are hallmarks of our firm as we serve families across Texas, including Blanco County.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts your family in Blanco County, you need practical, actionable advice. This section provides immediate guidance for parents, students, and even former members or witnesses. Knowledge is power, and knowing what to do—and what not to do—can make a critical difference in protecting rights and seeking justice.

8.1 For Parents

For parents in Blanco County, the thought of your child being hazed is terrifying. Here’s what you need to know:

• Warning Signs of Hazing:

  • Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”: Look for bruises, burns, sprains, or sudden changes in physical appearance, especially if explanations don’t quite add up.
  • Sudden exhaustion or extreme sleep deprivation: Constant late nights, early mornings, or an inability to sleep can indicate forced activities or lack of rest.
  • Drastic changes in mood: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, or withdrawal from usual social circles.
  • Secrecy and defensiveness: An unwillingness to discuss organization activities, using phrases like “I can’t talk about it,” or becoming defensive when questioned.
  • Obsessive phone use: Constantly monitoring group chats, immediately responding to pings, or showing extreme anxiety if they miss a message.
  • Financial strain: Sudden requests for money for undisclosed “dues,” “fines,” or items for older members.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation calmly and non-judgmentally. Start with open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority?” or “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priority, not their membership, and that you will support them no matter what.

• If Your Child is Hurt:

  • Get them medical care immediately. Prioritize their health. Do not worry about “getting the organization in trouble” at this stage. Make sure medical providers document any suspected hazing.
  • Document everything: Photograph any injuries from multiple angles. Screenshot every relevant text, group chat, social media post, or email. Write down dates, times, locations, and who was involved while memories are fresh.
  • Save essential details: Write down names and contact information of other students who might have witnessed or been involved in the hazing.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document every communication you have with university administrators. Note names, titles, dates, and what was discussed.
  • Specifically ask about: any prior incidents involving the same organization and what disciplinary actions, if any, the school took. This information can be vital background.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has sustained significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or actively hiding what happened, it is time to contact an attorney. An experienced hazing lawyer can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s legal rights.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

To any Blanco County student immersed in an organization, thinking “Is this hazing, or just tradition?”:

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Am I being forced, coerced, or pressured to do something I genuinely don’t want to do? Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal? Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening? If older members are making new members do things they don’t have to do, or if it’s hidden from outsiders, it’s likely hazing. Your gut feeling is often right.
• Why ‘Consent’ Isn’t the End of the Story: Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that in situations with power imbalances, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion or social isolation, true voluntary consent is often impossible. They exploit your desire to belong.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time, regardless of what they tell you. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you wish to de-pledge, try to inform someone outside the organization first (a trusted friend, RA, professor, or parent). Send a clear email or text to the chapter president stating your resignation. Do not attend “one last meeting” where you may be pressured or intimidated.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer protections (sometimes called “medical amnesty” or “good-faith reporter immunity”) for students who call for help in an emergency, even if they were consuming alcohol underage or involved in the hazing themselves. Your safety, and the safety of others, comes first.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were once a part of a hazing culture, or witnessed it, and now grapple with guilt or fear:

• Acknowledge that it’s challenging to come forward. However, your testimony and any evidence you possess can be instrumental in preventing future harm, potentially saving lives, and holding those responsible accountable.
• You may benefit from seeking your own legal advice regarding your potential legal exposure. An experienced hazing attorney can help you understand your rights and obligations, navigate the complexities of cooperation with authorities, and offer a path toward accountability.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For families in Blanco County, recognizing these common pitfalls can be the difference between seeking justice and losing your opportunity:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: Parents often make this mistake thinking they’re protecting their child from further trouble. However, deleting evidence looks like a cover-up, can be obstruction of justice, and makes a legal case nearly impossible. Instead, preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: While your instinct might be to confront those responsible, doing so typically prompts the organization to immediately retain legal counsel, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses. Document everything first, then consult with a lawyer before any direct confrontation.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities often pressure families to sign waivers or agree to “internal resolution.” You may accidentally waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, and these internal settlements are often far below the true value of your child’s case. Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: Your desire for public awareness is understandable, but anything posted on social media can be used against you. Defense attorneys will screenshot everything, inconsistencies can hurt credibility, and you could inadvertently waive legal privileges. Document privately, and let your lawyer control public messaging.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: Once you suspect hazing and consider legal action, any request for your child to attend a meeting with the organization should be viewed with extreme caution. They may attempt to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can harm a future legal case. All communication should go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities often promise to “handle this internally.” While internal processes are part of the landscape, waiting can be detrimental. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, the statute of limitations continues to run, and the university often prioritizes its own reputation over complete accountability. Preserve evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They might ask for recorded statements that can be used against you or offer lowball settlements. Politely decline to speak with them and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) have some sovereign immunity protections, but specific exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, and Title IX violations, or when suing individual employees. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity shields. Every case depends on unique facts, so contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It certainly can be. While Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, it escalates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who are officers or new member educators, and who fail to report hazing, can also face criminal charges.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law acknowledges that under immense peer pressure, power imbalances, and the pervasive fear of exclusion often found in initiation rituals, true voluntary consent is simply not possible.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this period if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving deliberate cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to discuss your specific timeline.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities/sororities can still be liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge of the activities, and the foreseeability of harm, even if the incident occurred off-campus. Many major hazing settlements and verdicts have involved incidents at off-campus houses or remote retreats.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While some high-profile cases do garner media attention, most hazing injury cases are settled confidentially before reaching trial. It is often possible to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy interests while pursuing accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family in Blanco County faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring a unique blend of experience, unwavering determination, and a track record of taking on the toughest defendants.

We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with deep experience in serious injury, wrongful death, and institutional accountability cases. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Blanco County and surrounding areas, because we understand that hazing at Texas universities affects communities across the entire state.

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight to every hazing case. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), she knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and, more often, undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. This insider knowledge gives our clients a distinct edge in negotiations and litigation.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a quarter-century of experience in complex litigation. He was one of the few Texas firms involved in the massive BP Texas City explosion litigation. With extensive federal court experience, particularly in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), we are not intimidated by national fraternities, multi-billion-dollar universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We’ve taken on huge corporations and won significant victories. We know how to fight powerful defendants and secure accountability.

• 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 injuries, recovering millions for families when their loved ones have been tragically impacted. We meticulously work with economists and medical experts to value lifelong care needs for brain injuries or other permanent disabilities. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force genuine accountability.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores our firm’s capability to navigate the dual tracks of hazing incidents (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/). We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, and we can advise witnesses and former members who may face dual exposure, ensuring comprehensive legal protection.

• Investigative Depth: We are relentless in our pursuit of evidence. Our team utilizes a vast network of experts, including digital forensics specialists, medical experts, economists, and psychologists. We have the experience and technical skill to obtain hidden evidence, from encrypted group chats and deleted social media to subpoenaing national fraternity records showing prior incidents and uncovering crucial university files through discovery and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it – because it does.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually operate behind closed doors. We know what makes hazing cases profoundly different: the powerful institutional defendants, the intricate insurance coverage fights, and the need to balance victim privacy with public accountability while navigating complex group dynamics.

We recognize 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 pursue thorough investigations and real accountability, not just quick settlements.

Call to Action

If your child from Blanco County experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor, or elsewhere—we want to hear from you. Families in Blanco 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 for your family.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story empathetically and without judgment.
• We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records. Watch our video explaining how to use your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.
• We will explain your legal options: whether a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither, is appropriate given your specific facts.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• We will answer your questions about costs. Our contingency fee basis means we don’t get paid unless we win your case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F9Nc).
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; take time to decide.
• Everything you tell us is confidential. We also advise against common client mistakes that can ruin your case; learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

Do not delay, as strict statutes of limitations apply (learn more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c). Evidence vanishes quickly, and the window for action can close.

Contact Attorney911 today:

• 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 a consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

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

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.

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