Texas Hazing: A Complete Guide for Families in Callahan County and Across the State

The news often shows us glimpses of college life: joyous graduations, spirited sporting events, and the camaraderie of student organizations. But beneath this vibrant surface, a darker, persistent issue often lurks: hazing. For families in Callahan County, the thought of sending a young person off to a Texas university—whether it’s the tradition-rich Texas A&M, the bustling campus of the University of Texas at Austin, the urban sprawl of the University of Houston, the vibrant Greek scene at SMU, or the faith-based community of Baylor—comes with hopes and dreams. But what happens if those dreams turn into a nightmare?

Imagine a student from Baird or Clyde, fresh from Callahan County, arriving at a Texas campus with excitement. It’s initiation night at a fraternity or sorority, or perhaps a long-standing campus organization. The atmosphere is charged. They’re told to consume far too much alcohol, endure physical abuse, or perform degrading acts. Other members are filming on phones, chanting, and laughing, creating a coercive environment. Someone gets hurt—a fall, violent vomiting, a collapse—but no one wants to call 911. They fear “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” The student, caught between loyalty to the group and their own safety, feels trapped. This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a scenario that plays out far too often, leaving lasting scars on students and their families.

This is why we at The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, have created this comprehensive guide. We understand that hazing manifests in many forms, often hidden from plain sight, and that its consequences can be devastating. This guide is written for families in Callahan County and across Texas who need to understand:

• What hazing looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• How Texas and federal law define and address hazing.
• What we can learn from major national cases and how their lessons apply to Texas families.
• What has been happening at major Texas universities like the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University.
• What legal options victims and families in Callahan County and throughout Texas may have for accountability and compensation.

Even if your child attends a school far from Callahan County, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can provide critical support. This article offers general information and is not specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm is here to evaluate individual cases based on their unique facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including Callahan County, and are dedicated to advocating for those affected by hazing.

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.”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately.
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
  • Save physical items like clothing worn during the incident, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in hazing.
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when it occurred, and where it took place.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal review.
  • Post details on public social media before consulting with an attorney.
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast. Digital messages can be deleted, physical items can be destroyed, and witnesses coached.
• Universities often move quickly to control the narrative and manage the situation internally.
• We can help preserve crucial evidence and protect your child’s rights from the outset.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation and legal guidance.

2. HAZING IN 2025: WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE

For Callahan County families, the image of hazing might be based on movies or older news reports—embarrassing but ultimately harmless pranks. However, modern hazing is far more insidious, dangerous, and technologically sophisticated. Today, hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. It’s crucial to understand that simply saying “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal, particularly when there is significant peer pressure and an inherent power imbalance.

2.1 Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

At its core, hazing refers to any activity expected of new members, pledges, or initiates into a group that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate. This isn’t just about traditional fraternities and sororities; it extends to athletic teams, marching bands, academic clubs, spirit squads, and even military-style organizations like the Corps of Cadets. The essence lies in the unequal power dynamics and the pressure to conform, often under a veil of secrecy.

2.2 Main Categories of Hazing

Breaking down the types of hazing helps families understand the myriad ways it can manifest:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is arguably the most dangerous and unfortunately, the most common form of hazing that leads to tragedy. It involves coerced drinking, often through “chugging challenges,” “lineups” where specific drinks are consumed quickly, or games designed for rapid, excessive alcohol intake. Pledges might also be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, risking overdose or severe reactions. Many fatalities are directly linked to alcohol poisoning during initiation events.
• Physical Hazing: This category includes direct physical abuse such as paddling and beatings, often carried out with objects like wooden paddles. It also encompasses forcing new members through extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond safe athletic conditioning, leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis. Sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation, and exposure to extreme environmental conditions (cold, heat) or dangerous settings are also common tactics designed to break down individuals.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are deeply traumatizing and often involve forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (such as “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” formations), or the wearing of degrading costumes. Hazing can also involve racist, homophobic, or sexist overtones, including the use of slurs or forced role-playing of degrading stereotypes. Such experiences can inflict severe emotional and psychological damage.
• Psychological Hazing: While not always leaving physical marks, psychological hazing can be equally damaging. It includes verbal abuse, constant insults, threats, and isolation from friends and family. Manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming—whether online or in person—can lead to extreme anxiety, depression, and a loss of self-worth. The psychological toll can be long-lasting, often resulting in PTSD.
• Digital/Online Hazing: With the prevalence of smartphones and social media, hazing has evolved to include the digital realm. This involves group chat dares, “challenges” for public humiliation on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. New members may be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or constantly monitor group chats for immediate, mandatory responses, leading to severe sleep deprivation and anxiety.

2.3 Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to one type of organization or a specific stereotype of “frat boys.” While fraternities and sororities (including Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural groups) are often in the spotlight, hazing also occurs in:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations with a strong sense of tradition and hierarchy can unfortunately foster environments where hazing is disguised as “character building” or “discipline.”
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Groups like university spirit organizations, cheerleading squads, and long-standing campus traditions (such as the Texas Cowboys at UT, or former groups like “Absolute Texxas”) have faced sanctions for hazing.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, soccer, and cheerleading, hazing can occur across various collegiate sports. It often involves extreme physical demands, forced alcohol consumption, or humiliating rituals designed to “bond” the team.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups are not immune. Hazing in these organizations might involve peer pressure, sleep deprivation, or public humiliation rituals.
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with an exclusive membership and a perceived hierarchy can potentially develop hazing practices.

The unfortunate reality is that social status, the desire for belonging, strict adherence to “tradition,” and a powerful culture of secrecy keep these dangerous practices alive, even when everyone involved “knows” hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited.

3. LAW & LIABILITY FRAMEWORK (TEXAS + FEDERAL)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial for Callahan County families seeking justice and accountability. Hazing is not just a campus policy violation; it can be a serious crime with significant civil liabilities for individuals and institutions involved.

3.1 Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

In Texas, hazing is explicitly prohibited by law, primarily under the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed 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 powerful because it covers acts both on or off campus, and extends to harm that is either physical or mental. Furthermore, the law notes that the “consent” of the person being hazed is explicitly not a defense to prosecution for hazing. This means even if a student “agreed” to participate, it doesn’t excuse the illegal act of hazing if it meets the statutory definition.

Under Texas law:

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing can lead to fines and even jail time. By default, hazing is a Class B misdemeanor. However, it becomes a Class A misdemeanor if the hazing causes injury requiring medical attention. Crucially, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be charged as a state jail felony. Additionally, individuals who know about hazing and fail to report it can face misdemeanor charges, as can those who retaliate against someone for reporting.
• Organizational Liability: The law extends accountability beyond individuals to the organizations themselves. An organization can be held criminally responsible for hazing if it authorized, encouraged, or if an officer or active 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 potential loss of university recognition.
• Reporter Protections: Texas law provides limited immunity for individuals who report hazing incidents in good faith to university authorities or law enforcement. Furthermore, in medical emergencies, Texas’s “Good Samaritan” laws and many university policies provide amnesty for students who call 911 for help, even if they were involved in underage drinking or the hazing itself. This encourages prompt medical attention without fear of penalty.

This is a summary of a complex statute. While we strive for clarity, the actual code is more technical.

3.2 Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, multiple legal avenues can be pursued simultaneously:

• Criminal Cases: These cases are brought by the state (prosecutors) against individuals or organizations. The primary aim of criminal prosecution is punishment—which can include jail time, fines, or probation. Common hazing-related criminal charges in Texas can range from hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, and assault, all the way up to manslaughter or negligent homicide in fatal hazing incidents.
• Civil Cases: These cases are brought by the victims or their surviving families against individuals, organizations, or institutions. The primary aim of civil litigation is monetary compensation for damages suffered and to hold wrongdoers accountable. Civil claims often involve negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability (for property owners), and claims for emotional distress.

It’s important for Callahan County families to understand that a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The standards of proof differ, and civil litigation can proceed independently of any criminal charges, often resulting in significant settlements or jury awards for victims.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also impact how hazing is addressed on college campuses:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This crucial piece of legislation requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to be more transparent about hazing incidents. Institutions must enhance hazing education and prevention efforts, establish a clear definition of hazing, and maintain public data on hazing violations and disciplinary actions, with full implementation expected by 2026. This means more accessible information for Callahan County families researching schools.
• Title IX / Clery Act: When hazing involves sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or gender-based hostility (including forced nudity, sexual simulations, or sexual assault), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is triggered. This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education and requires institutions to respond promptly and effectively to such incidents. The Clery Act (Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act) requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents, particularly those involving assaults, alcohol or drug offenses, or physical injuries, often overlap with Clery-reportable categories, leading to greater transparency (or, at least, a legal requirement for it).

3.4 Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Holding wrongdoers accountable in a hazing case often involves identifying multiple parties who failed in their duty of care. For families in Callahan County considering legal action, understanding who can be held liable is key:

• Individual Students: The students who directly planned, supplied alcohol or other substances, carried out the hazing acts, or actively participated in a cover-up can be held personally liable. This includes officers of the organization and “pledge educators.”
• Local Chapter/Organization: The local fraternity, sorority, or campus club itself can be sued. Even if it’s an unincorporated association, its leadership and assets can be targeted, especially if officers acting in official capacities condoned or directed the hazing.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which charters and oversees local chapters, can be held liable. This often hinges on what the national organization knew or should have known about its chapters’ hazing activities, its history of similar incidents, and its failure to adequately enforce anti-hazing policies, train members, or intervene when red flags were present.
• University or College: The institution where the hazing occurred can be a defendant. Liability often arises from:
  • Negligence: Failing to supervise, investigate, or discipline known hazing.
  • Gross Negligence: Demonstrating a conscious indifference to the safety of students when aware of extreme risks.
  • Foreseeability: Knowing or having reason to know that particular organizations or activities had a history of hazing.
  • Title IX violations: If sexual harassment or assault was part of the hazing.
  • For public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT), sovereign immunity can be a defense, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX, and when suing individual university employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Depending on the specific facts, other parties can be implicated:
  • Property Owners/Landlords: If the hazing occurred at an off-campus house where the owner knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Bars or Alcohol Providers: Under Texas Dram Shop laws, establishments that overserve intoxicated patrons who then cause harm can be held liable.
  • Security Companies or Event Organizers: If they failed in their duty to provide a safe environment for an event where hazing occurred.

Every hazing case is fact-specific, and not every potential party will be liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney can help identify all responsible parties and build a comprehensive case.

4. NATIONAL HAZING CASE PATTERNS (ANCHOR STORIES)

While a hazing tragedy in Callahan County would be uniquely heartbreaking, it is rarely unique in its patterns. Across the nation, universities, fraternities, and families have grappled with devastating hazing incidents that offer stark lessons. These “anchor stories” highlight common threads—forced drinking, physical abuse, delayed medical care, and cover-ups—and demonstrate the high stakes involved for victims and the institutions often held accountable. For Texas families, these cases provide critical context on the foreseeability of hazing and the types of legal battles that can follow.

4.1 Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and deadly form of hazing involves forced or excessive alcohol consumption. These cases often share a tragic sequence: peer pressure to drink beyond limits, followed by a delay in seeking medical help due to fear of repercussions.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most publicized hazing deaths, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died from traumatic brain injuries after a “bid acceptance” event where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Security cameras within the fraternity house captured Piazza falling repeatedly and suffering injuries over many hours, with members delaying calling 911. The tragedy led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and the creation of Pennsylvania’s landmark anti-hazing law named after him. This case starkly showcased how extreme intoxication, a deliberate delay in calling for emergency medical help, and a pervasive culture of silence can lead to devastating legal consequences for individuals and the organization. His family’s advocacy has transformed hazing prevention nationwide.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them quickly. The incident resulted in criminal hazing charges against multiple members, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life activities, undergoing a significant overhaul of its hazing policies. Coffey’s death, like Piazza’s, highlighted how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster, often with predictable and tragic outcomes.
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died after being forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers to fraternity trivia meant chugging copious amounts of alcohol. His blood alcohol content was 0.495% at the time of his death. The tragedy led to convictions for multiple members and spurred Louisiana to pass the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute with serious penalties. This case powerfully demonstrated how legislative change often follows public outrage and clear, undeniable proof of extreme hazing, particularly when it leads to a fatality.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a pledge night, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey as part of a “Big/Little” tradition. He died from alcohol poisoning. The incident led to multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members, including the former chapter president ordered personally to pay $6.5 million to the Foltz family. Bowling Green State University, a public institution, agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the family, while other significant confidential settlements were reached with the fraternity and individuals. This case reinforced that universities can face substantial financial and reputational consequencesAlongside fraternities when hazing under their purview results in death. The Foltz family’s advocacy has led to Ohio’s comprehensive anti-hazing law, “Collin’s Law.”

4.2 Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, hazing often includes dangerous physical rituals, sometimes in remote locations to avoid detection.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. During the ritual, he was repeatedly tackled while carrying a heavy backpack. Tragically, help was delayed for hours by fraternity members trying to conceal the incident. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter – a landmark case of organizational criminal liability. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This incident underscored that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than on-campus parties, and national organizations can face severe sanctions, including criminal penalties.

4.3 Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue in many collegiate environments, including high-profile athletic programs.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): A major scandal erupted when former football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the Northwestern football program over many years. The incidents included forced physical acts and other degrading rituals. Multiple lawsuits were filed against the university and coaching staff, leading to the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially with the university. The Northwestern scandal vividly illustrated that hazing can extend far beyond Greek life into major athletic programs, raising profound questions about institutional oversight and the duty of universities to protect all students, even those who bring significant revenue to the school.

4.4 What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

The common threads running through these national tragedies are undeniable: forced drinking, humiliation, physical violence, deliberate delays in medical care, and concerted efforts to cover up the misconduct. These patterns highlight a systemic issue, not just isolated incidents.

For Callahan County families considering sending their children to Texas universities, critical takeaways include:

• Predictability of Harm: The repetitive nature of these incidents demonstrates that the dangers of hazing are not unforeseeable. Institutions and national organizations often have ample warning signs through their own records or widely publicized tragedies.
• Legislative and Litigation Impact: Reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts for victims usually follow only after tragedy, intense public scrutiny, and successful legal challenges.
• Accountability for All Parties: These cases show that liability extends not only to individual perpetrators but also to active chapters, national organizations, and often the universities themselves.

Texas families facing the trauma of hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are not alone. They operate within a legal and cultural landscape profoundly shaped by these national lessons, underscoring the potential for holding powerful institutions accountable for their failures.

5. TEXAS FOCUS: UH, TEXAS A&M, UT, SMU, BAYLOR

For Callahan County families, navigating the landscape of Texas universities and their approaches to hazing can be daunting. Your children might attend classes and participate in student life at any of these institutions, making their policies and incident histories critically important. Here, we delve into the specifics of five major Texas universities, exploring their cultures, policies, and past hazing incidents, with a constant eye on how this impacts families from Callahan County choosing where to send their students.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston, located in the heart of the nation’s fourth-largest city, is a large, diverse urban campus. While it serves a significant commuter population, its residential student body and active Greek life contribute to a vibrant on-campus experience. With more than 47,000 students, UH hosts a wide range of fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural Greek councils), along with numerous other student organizations, cultural groups, and sports clubs. Many Callahan County students seeking an urban university experience choose UH, and its campus culture directly impacts their safety.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH maintains a clear anti-hazing policy that forms part of its Student Code of Conduct. The policy explicitly prohibits hazing whether it occurs on-campus or off-campus. It forbids forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and activities intentionally or recklessly causing mental distress as part of initiation or affiliation. UH provides reporting channels through the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also often posts a general hazing statement and some limited disciplinary information on its website, reflecting its commitment to compliance with state law.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Like many large universities, UH has grappled with hazing incidents involving its student organizations. One notable incident involved the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity chapter around 2016. Pledges allegedly suffered severe hazing that included deprivation of sufficient food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. Disturbingly, reports indicated one student sustained a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and a significant university suspension. Later disciplinary actions against other fraternities and sororities have often involved violations for behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” frequently linked to alcohol misuse and other policy infractions, leading to further suspensions or probationary periods. These incidents highlight the university’s willingness to impose sanctions, but also reveal the ongoing challenges in eliminating hazing practices completely, sometimes with limited public detail that makes it difficult to track patterns.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Callahan County family whose child experiences hazing at UH, legal proceedings might involve various agencies and courts. Depending on where the incident occurred (on-campus, off-campus, in an affiliated house), both UHPD and/or the Houston Police Department (especially if severe injury or death involved) could lead criminal investigations. Civil lawsuits against individuals, the local chapter, the national organization, property owners, or potentially the university itself would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. This means navigating a complex urban legal system that differs from the local courts in Callahan County.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Familiarize yourselves with UH’s official hazing policies, particularly its zero-tolerance stance and reporting avenues through the Dean of Students or UHPD.
• Document any suspicious activities, social media posts, group chats, or physical evidence. Knowing the history of past incidents (even if not publicly detailed) can be crucial for building a civil case.
• For Callahan County families, it’s important to understand the urban legal landscape in Houston. A lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can help uncover prior complaints and internal university files, which are often vital for establishing patterns of negligence or deliberate indifference.
• Utilize UH’s online reporting forms or contact confidential resources available through the university or state.
• Prioritize open communication, ensuring your child feels safe to confide in you without fear of judgment.

5.2 Texas A&M University

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M University in College Station is renowned for its deep-rooted traditions, fiercely loyal alumni, and the unique presence of the Corps of Cadets. Drawing many students from rural and central Texas—including Callahan County—A&M offers a distinct collegiate experience. The campus prides itself on values like integrity, leadership, and selfless service, but its strong emphasis on tradition and group identity can, paradoxically, create an environment where hazing may be rationalized as a rite of passage, whether within Greek life, the Corps, or other organizations.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, adhering strictly to Texas law. Its Student Conduct Code clearly outlines a zero-tolerance policy against any activity “by one group or person against another group or person…for initiation or affiliation” that “endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student.” The university emphasizes reporting options through its Offices of Student Conduct, Residence Life, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). Additionally, the school provides anonymous reporting mechanisms.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced significant hazing allegations both within its Greek system and its storied Corps of Cadets.

• Around 2021, the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity at A&M was central to a high-profile lawsuit where pledges alleged severe physical hazing. They claimed that during initiation rituals, they were subjected to having substances, including what they described as an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns that required emergency skin graft surgeries. The fraternity chapter was suspended by the university, and the affected pledges pursued a $1 million lawsuit against the organization.
• In a 2023 lawsuit, a former Corps of Cadets member alleged degrading and physically harmful hazing. The cadet claimed he was forced to endure simulated sexual acts and was bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages, with the case highlighting the challenges of hazing within the Corps’ traditional, hierarchical structure. A&M stated it addressed the matter through internal disciplinary processes.

These incidents underscore that hazing can inflict profound physical and psychological trauma, and that victims are increasingly willing to seek legal recourse against both Greek life and deeply ingrained Corps traditions.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Callahan County families, a hazing incident at Texas A&M would involve investigations by Texas A&M UPD and potentially the College Station Police Department or Brazos County Sheriff. Civil lawsuits stemming from such incidents would typically be heard in Brazos County courts or potentially federal court. The complexity of A&M’s culture, including the Corps of Cadets, means that legal cases often involve deep dives into long-standing traditions, written and unwritten rules, and the university’s oversight of these unique programs. Our firm, with its extensive experience in Texas, understands how to approach such cases effectively.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand that A&M’s profound traditions, while often positive, can sometimes become breeding grounds for hazing if not properly monitored. Challenge any “rite of passage” that feels demeaning or dangerous.
• Be aware of A&M’s comprehensive anti-hazing resources and anonymous reporting options.
• Document any alleged hazing by preserving digital communications (texts, GroupMe, social media), photographs, and detailed notes of incidents.
• For Callahan County families, initiating contact with a lawyer familiar with both Texas hazing law and the specific cultural nuances of Texas A&M is crucial.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the UT System, a sprawling campus with a vibrant, often progressive, and highly competitive culture. Drawing students from all corners of Texas, including Callahan County, and around the world, UT Austin boasts a massive Greek system alongside hundreds of other student organizations, athletic programs, and spirit groups. Its central location in Austin, a major metropolitan hub, also influences the social scene, with many fraternity houses and off-campus events occurring in the city.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy in accordance with Texas law, unequivocally prohibiting any intentional or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of students for initiation or affiliation purposes. Critically, UT Austin is known for its relatively high level of transparency; it maintains and publishes a public Hazing Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu) that lists organizations, the nature of their violations, the dates of incidents, and the disciplinary sanctions imposed. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, Student Activities, UT Police Department (UTPD), and anonymous online forms.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public hazing violations log offers a clear, if troubling, history of misconduct across its campus organizations:

• The Pi Kappa Alpha (Pika) fraternity has appeared on the list for hazing violations, such as directing new members to consume milk or large quantities of other liquids, combined with strenuous calisthenics. These actions are designed to cause physical discomfort and exhaustion, and UT has found them to be hazing, resulting in disciplinary action such as probation and mandatory hazing-prevention education.
• Other groups, including spirit organizations like the Texas Wranglers and various student clubs, have been sanctioned for practices involving forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based initiation rituals. The patterns reflect a broad range of hazing types, from physical endurance to forced consumption and psychological manipulation.

UT’s public transparency, while commendable in principle, also reveals the persistent struggle the university faces in eradicating hazing. The repeated appearance of organizations on the violations list underscores that educational efforts are often not enough without strict enforcement and accountability.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Callahan County families, a hazing incident at UT Austin would typically involve investigations by UTPD and/or the Austin Police Department. Civil lawsuits that result from such incidents would generally be filed in Travis County courts or, depending on the claims, in federal court. The existence of UT’s public hazing log is a significant advantage for plaintiffs, as it directly provides concrete evidence of past violations against specific organizations. This public record can be instrumental in demonstrating patterns of misconduct and the university’s prior knowledge of hazing, thereby strengthening claims of negligence or deliberate indifference.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

• Take advantage of UT’s extensive online resources regarding hazing, particularly its public Hazing Violations page, and encourage your child to explore it.
• If you suspect hazing, immediately gather and preserve all digital evidence, photos, and personal statements.
• Given UT’s transparency with its hazing log, leverage this information if a legal case becomes necessary. These records can be invaluable.
• For Callahan County families, consulting an attorney experienced in UT Austin hazing cases can ensure that legal strategy fully utilizes the unique documentation and institutional knowledge available at the university.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University, a prestigious private university in Dallas, is known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and a vibrant, often affluent, student body. SMU has a very strong and historically influential Greek life system, drawing students from well-resourced families, some of whom may hail from Callahan County. The university’s social scene is heavily intertwined with its fraternities and sororities, creating a distinct culture where belonging to a Greek organization can feel particularly important.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU strictly prohibits hazing as defined by Texas state law and its own Student Code of Conduct. Its policies apply to both on-campus and off-campus activities and to all student organizations. SMU emphasizes a commitment to preventing hazing through education and enforcement. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the SMU Police Department, and anonymous reporting systems such as its “Real Response” tool, which allows students to discreetly report concerns.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has also faced its share of hazing incidents, often leading to internal investigations and disciplinary actions against prominent Greek chapters.

• Around 2017, the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity at SMU was suspended following allegations of severe hazing. Reports indicated that new members were subjected to physical abuse, including paddling, forced consumption of alcohol, and sleep deprivation. The chapter faced a significant suspension and was restricted from recruiting new members for several years. This incident highlighted the university’s challenges in fully overseeing its Greek system, especially given the affluent and often private nature of fraternity events.
• Other fraternities and sororities have also faced sanctions for violations ranging from alcohol misuse during recruitment to less severe—but still prohibited—forms of psychological hazing and forced servitude.

While SMU, as a private institution, is not required to publicly release detailed logs of hazing violations in the same way that public universities like UT Austin are, internal disciplinary actions and records of investigations still exist.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Callahan County family whose child is involved in a hazing incident at SMU, investigations could involve the SMU Police Department and the Dallas Police Department. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Dallas County courts or, depending on the claims, in federal court. Cases against private universities like SMU often differ from those against public institutions because sovereign immunity is not a factor. However, the university may have its own sets of defenses related to its oversight capacity or the independent actions of student groups. Civil lawsuits can compel discovery of SMU’s internal reports, communications, and prior disciplinary records, even if they are not publicly posted.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Recognize that SMU’s strong Greek culture, while a draw for many, can also create heightened pressure for students to endure hazing to belong.
• Familiarize yourselves with SMU’s reporting mechanisms, including anonymous options.
• If hazing is suspected, document everything meticulously. The lack of a public hazing log at private universities makes internal evidence—digital communications, witness accounts—even more critical.
• For Callahan County families, consulting an attorney experienced in Dallas-area hazing cases at private institutions is crucial. Such counsel can help navigate the specific legal landscape and effectively pursue information through discovery.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, is the largest Baptist university in the world, known for its strong Christian identity, robust academic programs, and active student life. It attracts many students from throughout Texas, including Callahan County, who are often seeking an education within a faith-based community. Baylor’s history includes significant scrutiny over athletic scandals and Title IX compliance, particularly related to a widely publicized sexual assault scandal involving its football program. This history shapes how the university approaches student conduct and institutional accountability, including hazing.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University has a strict anti-hazing policy that aligns with Texas state law, emphasizing that “no act of hazing is consistent with the values of Baylor University.” Its policy applies to all student organizations and recognizes both physical and psychological hazing. Baylor maintains that consent is not a defense to hazing. The university provides multiple avenues for reporting concerns, including its Office of Student Conduct, the Baylor Police Department, and anonymous reporting hotlines, all aimed at protecting students and upholding the university’s values.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history of managing student misconduct, particularly in high-profile areas like athletics, is a significant context for understanding its approach to hazing. Even a faith-based institution with strong moral guidelines can face challenges:

• In 2020, the Baylor baseball team faced a hazing scandal. Following an investigation, 14 players were suspended, with suspensions staggered over the early season to address the misconduct without crippling the team entirely. This incident, while not reaching the severity of some national cases, highlighted that hazing can occur even within highly visible athletic programs at institutions with explicit ethical codes.

This event illustrates that despite Baylor’s “zero tolerance” statements and its foundational values, recurring misconduct can persist. The university’s broader cultural and oversight challenges, previously brought to light by the sexual assault scandal, remain a backdrop against which all student conduct issues, including hazing, are viewed.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Callahan County family impacted by hazing at Baylor, investigations might involve the Baylor Police Department and the Waco Police Department or McLennan County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County courts. Due to Baylor’s private university status, sovereign immunity is not a defense, making the university more directly vulnerable to civil claims. Cases often explore whether Baylor’s robust policies are matched by effective enforcement, particularly given its history of struggling with institutional oversight in other areas. Navigating these complexities requires legal counsel experienced in claims against private, faith-based institutions.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Be aware of Baylor’s policies and reporting systems, but also its institutional history regarding student safety and conduct.
• If hazing is suspected, meticulous documentation is paramount. Keep detailed notes, screenshots of digital communications, and any other relevant evidence.
• For Callahan County families, seeking legal counsel from an attorney who understands Baylor’s specific institutional context and legal vulnerabilities is vital for effectively pursuing accountability and compensation.

6. FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES: CAMPUS-SPECIFIC + NATIONAL HISTORIES

For Callahan County families whose children attend Texas universities, it’s crucial to understand that many of the fraternities and sororities present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are part of vast national organizations. These national entities, often with hundreds of chapters across the country, maintain central headquarters, collect dues, and issue strict anti-hazing manuals. They develop these policies not simply out of idealism, but because they have witnessed, and often been implicated in, numerous tragic hazing deaths and catastrophic injuries in the past. They know the patterns: the forced drinking nights, the physical traditions, the humiliating rituals.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

When a chapter in Texas—whether at UT, A&M, or SMU—repeats a hazing act that has already caused injury or death at another chapter in a different state, this establishes a powerful legal concept called foreseeability. It means the national organization had prior knowledge and warning that such behavior could lead to harm. This “pattern evidence” can be critical in supporting claims of negligence, gross negligence, or even arguments for punitive damages against the national entity, demonstrating they failed to adequately prevent a known risk.

6.2 Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While we cannot list every chapter and every incident, a clear pattern emerges when we examine some of the major fraternities and sororities present on Texas campuses, particularly those with notorious national hazing issues.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity, with chapters at UT, A&M, and UH, has a national history stained by severe hazing. The tragic Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning during a “Big/Little” night, resulted in $10 million in settlements. Earlier, David Bogenberger died at Northern Illinois University (2012) in a similar incident, leading to a $14 million settlement. These cases demonstrate a recurring pattern of severe alcohol hazing within the national organization, indicating a long-standing and foreseeable risk.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at UT, A&M, and SMU, SAE has faced widespread scrutiny over numerous hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. A recent lawsuit filed in 2023 alleged a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during hazing at the University of Alabama chapter. Closer to home, a lawsuit at the Texas A&M chapter around 2021 alleged pledges sustained severe chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner, requiring skin grafts. In January 2024, the UT Austin chapter was sued for over $1 million after an exchange student alleged assault at a party hosted by the chapter, which was already under suspension for prior violations. The national organization famously abolished its pledge program in 2014 in response to its pattern of fatalities, yet incidents persist, indicating systemic issues despite policy changes.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): With chapters at UT, A&M, SMU, and Baylor, the national organization carries the weight of the Max Gruver hazing death (LSU, 2017). Max died from extreme alcohol toxicity during a forced “Bible study” drinking game. The incident led to the Max Gruver Act (felony hazing) in Louisiana and substantial civil settlements.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Chapters exist at UT and UH. The national organization was implicated in the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017) due to alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” This led to criminal prosecution of members and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU, highlighting the national’s exposure to such “traditional” drinking events.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Active at UT, A&M, and SMU. The fraternity was at the center of the horrific Timothy Piazza hazing death at Penn State University (2017), where 19-year-old Timothy died from severe brain injuries after excessive forced alcohol consumption and delayed medical attention. This case led to over 1,000 criminal charges against members, substantial civil settlements, and the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.

Beyond these, Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ), present at UT, A&M, and Baylor, has a national history including the Chad Meredith drowning death at the University of Miami (2001), which resulted in a $12.6 million jury verdict against the fraternity and inspired Florida’s anti-hazing law. Recent allegations of severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing, have also arisen at the Texas A&M chapter in 2023. Even sororities, like Kappa Kappa Gamma (ΚΚΓ), present at UT, A&M, SMU, and Baylor, have faced hazing allegations, demonstrating that gender is not a shield against abusive practices, as seen in a 1997 DePauw University incident involving branding.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The documented national histories of these organizations provide powerful evidence in civil litigation involving Texas chapters. When confronted with a lawsuit, national fraternities and their insurers often claim they had no knowledge of local chapter misconduct or that individual members acted “rogue” against national policies. However, a skilled attorney can demonstrate:

• Foreseeability: The national organization knew, or should have known, that specific hazing methods (like forced alcohol consumption or physical abuse) were endemic within its chapters and posed a foreseeable risk of harm.
• Failure to Enforce: Despite having anti-hazing policies, the national organization often failed to meaningfully enforce them, allowing a culture of hazing to persist. This could involve ignoring prior complaints, imposing minimal penalties for severe violations, or failing to adequately train or supervise chapter leadership.
• Pattern of Behavior: Evidence of similar incidents at other chapters across the country establishes a clear pattern, making it harder for the national organization to claim ignorance or isolate the Texas incident as an anomaly.

This strategic approach significantly impacts settlement leverage and can influence insurance coverage disputes. It also strengthens arguments for punitive damages, especially when a national organization shows a callous disregard for student safety despite repeated warnings and tragedies. By understanding these extensive national histories, we help Callahan County families expose the institutional failings that contribute to hazing and secure accountability.

7. BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY

For Callahan County families, pursuing a hazing lawsuit means building a meticulous case, often against powerful institutions and their well-funded legal teams. At Attorney911, we know that success hinges on comprehensive evidence collection, a deep understanding of potential damages, and a strategic approach to litigation.

7.1 Evidence

In today’s digital world, evidence comes in many forms. We prioritize obtaining and preserving every piece of information:

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical category of evidence in modern hazing cases. We meticulously collect:
  • Group Chat Messages: From platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, Signal, Telegram, and fraternity/sorority-specific apps. These messages reveal planning, intent, coercion, the scope of involvement, and what was said before, during, and after hazing events. Crucially, digital forensics can often recover deleted messages, but original screenshots are invaluable.
  • Social Media Content: Instagram DMs, public posts, stories, TikTok videos, Facebook profiles, and Twitter/X feeds can show hazing events in progress, reveal participants, or demonstrate the organization’s culture. We look for photos/videos of injuries, humiliating acts, forced drinking (even if captioned as “just fun”), location tags, and relevant hashtags.
• Photos & Videos: Beyond digital communication, we seek:
  • Content filmed by members: If members filmed events, this provides direct proof.
  • Security Camera Footage: From houses, university buildings, or private venues. For Callahan County families, capturing this quickly is vital before it’s overwritten.
  • Injury Documentation: High-resolution photos of injuries (bruises, burns, cuts) taken immediately after the incident and throughout recovery are crucial. We advise victims to include a scale (like a ruler or coin) and photograph from multiple angles.
• Internal Organization Documents: These can reveal the official (and unofficial) workings of the group:
  • Pledge Manuals/Handbooks: These often outline “expectations” that can skirt the line of hazing.
  • Initiation Scripts/Ritual Guides: Written instructions for events that may involve hazing.
  • Emails/Texts from Officers: Communications planning events, discussing “pledge duties,” or coaching members on secrecy.
  • National Policies/Training: These are used to show what the national organization knew or should have known about hazing risks.
• University Records: Public records requests (especially for public universities like UT, A&M, UH) and discovery in litigation can yield:
  • Prior Conduct Files: Documenting past hazing violations, probation, suspensions, and warnings against the organization.
  • Incident Reports: Filed with campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Clery Reports: Annual crime statistics that may include hazing-related assaults or alcohol offenses.
  • Internal Communications: Emails among administrators discussing the organization or specific incidents.
• Medical and Psychological Records: Crucial for documenting the harm suffered:
  • Emergency Room/Hospital Records: Detailing immediate injuries, diagnoses, and toxicology reports (blood alcohol content, drug screenings).
  • Surgery and Rehabilitation Notes: Chronicling the recovery process.
  • Specialist Consultations: Records from neurologists (for brain injury), gastroenterologists (for organ damage), or dermatologists (for chemical burns).
  • Psychological Evaluations: Documentation of PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, or other mental health impacts is vital for non-economic damages.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are powerful:
  • Other Pledges/Members: Even if initially reluctant, others involved often come forward once a lawsuit is filed.
  • Roommates, RAs, Coaches, Trainers: Anyone who observed changes in the victim’s behavior or physical state.
  • Former Members: Those who quit or were expelled may be willing to provide critical insights into the organization’s culture.

7.2 Damages

Hazing can inflict profound and lasting harm. Our firm meticulously evaluates all categories of damages to ensure that affected Callahan County families receive full and fair compensation for their losses:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This includes immediate costs like emergency room visits, ambulance transport, and hospitalization (including ICU stays for severe cases). It also covers ongoing expenses such as surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and mental health counseling. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure, a “life care plan” projects the cost of lifelong medical care, in-home assistance, and specialized equipment.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can disrupt a student’s academic career, leading to missed semesters, lost scholarships, and delayed graduation. This can result in lost wages for time spent recovering, and in cases of permanent injury or psychological trauma, can significantly reduce future earning capacity. Economists are often consulted to project these long-term financial losses.
• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for subjective, non-financial suffering. They include:
  • Physical Pain and Suffering: For chronic pain, disfigurement, or loss of bodily function from injuries like broken bones, burns, or internal organ damage.
  • Emotional Distress & Trauma: Covering the severe psychological impact, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, humiliation, shame, and loss of dignity.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensating for the inability to participate in hobbies, sports, or social activities previously enjoyed, and the overall reduction in quality of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): When hazing results in a fatality, surviving family members (parents, children, and sometimes siblings in Texas) can claim:
  • Funeral and Burial Costs.
  • Loss of Financial Support: Calculated based on the deceased’s projected lifetime earnings and contributions to the family.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: Compensating for the profound emotional void left by the loss of a loved one.
  • Grief and Emotional Suffering: For the severe psychological pain experienced by the family.

It’s crucial to understand that we describe categories of damages, not guaranteed payouts. Every case is unique, and settlement values depend on the specific facts and available evidence.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Identifying all potential defendants and navigating their insurance coverage is a complex but critical part of hazing litigation. National fraternities, sororities, and universities often carry substantial insurance policies designed to protect them from liability.

• Insurance Company Tactics: Insurers frequently try to deny coverage by arguing that hazing or “intentional acts” are excluded from their policies. They may claim that individual members’ actions were outside the scope of coverage or that policies don’t cover “criminal acts.”
• Our Counter-Strategy: As a firm with former insurance defense experience (Lupe Peña), we know how to anticipate and counter these tactics. We argue that even if individual hazing acts were intentional, the national organization’s or university’s failure to supervise, train, or enforce policies was negligent, which is typically covered by insurance. We identify all potential policies—including the national organization’s, local chapter’s, individual members’ homeowner policies, and the university’s general liability or umbrella policies. We are experts at navigating nuanced policy language, demanding duty to defend, and ensuring claims are not unjustly denied. This strategic approach ensures that compensation is available to our Callahan County clients.

8. PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS

Navigating the aftermath of a hazing incident can be overwhelming. These practical guides are designed to empower parents, students, and witnesses in Callahan County and across Texas with actionable information, regardless of whether they choose to pursue legal action.

8.1 For Parents

For Callahan County parents, knowing what to look for and how to react can make all the difference.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be vigilant for:
  • Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, cuts) or repeated “accidents,” especially if the explanations don’t quite add up.
  • Extreme fatigue and chronic sleep deprivation. Your child may constantly seem exhausted, even after sleeping for what seems like a full night.
  • Drastic changes in mood, personality, or behavior, including increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or withdrawal from social circles.
  • Sudden secrecy about their organization’s activities, often stating “I can’t talk about it” or “It’s a secret.”
  • Constant phone use for group chats, coupled with intense anxiety when the phone pings, indicating mandatory immediate responses.
  • Fear of missing “mandatory” events or perceived consequences for non-attendance.
  • Academic decline due to exhaustion or forced activities interfering with studies.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Start with open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with your program?” or “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priorities, and you will support them regardless of their choices or fears. Reinforce that leaving a dangerous situation is a sign of strength, not failure.
• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize medical care immediately. Do not delay. Once safe, document everything: take clear, multiple-angle photos of injuries, screenshot any relevant texts or social media posts, and write down exactly what your child tells you, including dates, times, and names.
• Dealing with the University: Document every communication (emails, phone calls) with university administrators. Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization and what actions the school took. This baseline information can be critical later.
• 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 what happened, it’s time to consult an attorney. Early legal advice can help you navigate these complex situations.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

For students in Callahan County entering college life, separating genuine tradition from dangerous hazing can be difficult.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Am I being coerced? Do I feel unsafe, humiliated, or degraded? Am I forced to drink or endure pain? Is this activity hidden from the public or administrators? If the answer is yes, it is likely hazing. True tradition should build you up, not break you down.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The intense desire to belong, fear of exclusion, and power dynamics inherent in initiation processes mean that what might look like “consent” to an outsider is often coerced participation. Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing, recognizing these pressures.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave any organization at any time. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you wish to de-pledge, notify an adult outside the organization first (a trusted professor, RA, parent) and then send a simple, direct email to the chapter president. Avoid “one last meeting” where you might be pressured. If you fear retaliation, report this concern to the Dean of Students or campus police.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer good-faith protections. If you call for help in an emergency, you are generally immune from university or legal penalties related to underage drinking or involvement in hazing, as the priority is saving lives.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

Sometimes, former members or witnesses carry the burden of what they’ve seen or participated in.

• Acknowledge Guilt and Fear: It’s common to feel guilt, fear of retaliation, or shame for past involvement. However, your testimony and evidence could prevent future harm and save lives.
• Your Role in Accountability: While you may want your own legal advice regarding potential exposure, cooperating with law enforcement or civil attorneys can be a critical step toward true accountability and healing, both for victims and for yourself. Lawyers can help you navigate your role as a witness or even a co-defendant, potentially mitigating your own risk while contributing to justice.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Callahan County families, the aftermath of hazing is stressful, and critical mistakes can occur without proper guidance. Avoid these common pitfalls that can significantly damage a potential legal case:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence:
   • Why it’s wrong: While you might want to protect your child, deleting evidence can look like a cover-up, may constitute obstruction of justice, and makes proving your case nearly impossible. Digital forensics can often recover deleted data, but original, intact evidence is always best.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately. Screenshot messages, photos, and social media posts, even if they are embarrassing. Back up all digital information to a secure location, like cloud storage or an external hard drive, or email it to yourself.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:
   • Why it’s wrong: A direct confrontation will immediately cause the organization to lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses on what to say (or not say), and prepare their defenses. This can severely compromise any future legal action.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in private. Then, contact an experienced attorney before initiating any direct communication with the organization.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms:
   • Why it’s wrong: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements quickly. Doing so can inadvertently waive your legal right to sue later for full compensation. These early settlements are often far below the actual value of a case.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or organization without having an attorney review it first. Your attorney can advise you on the implications and protect your rights.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer:
   • Why it’s wrong: While understandable to want to share your story or warn others, anything posted on public social media can be used against you by defense attorneys. Inconsistencies between your posts and formal statements can hurt credibility, and revealing details can inadvertently waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document your experiences privately. Let your legal team guide any public messaging strategically.
5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”:
   • Why it’s wrong: If a student is told, “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic,” this is often a tactic to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can be used against them later.
   • What to do instead: If you are considering legal action, all communication from the organization should be directed through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”:
   • Why it’s wrong: While universities do conduct internal investigations, evidence disappears rapidly. Witnesses graduate or forget details, and organizations may destroy records. Furthermore, universities typically control the narrative, and their internal process often prioritizes institutional reputation over true victim accountability and compensation. The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit can also run out.
   • What to do instead: Preserve all evidence immediately. Consult with a lawyer without delay to discuss your options; the university’s disciplinary process is distinct from your legal rights.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:
   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters, representing the fraternity’s or university’s insurers, are trained to minimize payouts. Your recorded statements can be used against you, and initial settlement offers are almost always lowball.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with adjusters directly. Inform them that your attorney will contact them.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT, while having some sovereign immunity protections, can be sued for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when individual employees are sued in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts; contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis tailored to your situation.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, it elevates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This means individuals convicted could face significant jail time and fines. Organizational officers can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing.
• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. The Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” given under peer pressure, a power imbalance, or fear of social exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Your child’s “agreement” does not excuse the hazing party from legal liability.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, you have two years from the date of injury or death to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this 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’ 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 held liable based on sponsorship, control over the organization, prior knowledge of hazing, and foreseeability of harm, even if the incident occurred off-campus. Many significant hazing cases, including deaths and severe injuries, have occurred at off-campus houses or retreats and resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments for victims and their families.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While some high-profile hazing cases make headlines, most hazing lawsuits are resolved through confidential settlements before a trial. If privacy is a concern, your attorney can work to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while aggressively pursuing accountability and justice.

9. 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. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we specialize in holding fraternities, sororities, universities, and individuals accountable for hazing.

We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with deep experience in serious injury, wrongful death, and institutional accountability cases. From our Houston offices and satellite offices in Austin and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including Callahan County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Clyde, Baird, and across the surrounding region, and we are prepared to bring our expertise directly to you.

Our unique qualifications are especially suited for the complexities of hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, is a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Lupe Peña’s full credentials are available at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has decades of experience taking on powerful defendants. He was one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a federal court complex case against a massive corporation. With significant federal court experience in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, Ralph is not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-resourced defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won, learning how to fight powerful defendants every step of the way. You can review Ralph Manginello’s extensive experience at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We don’t settle cheap. We have a proven track record in obtaining multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements in complex wrongful death cases, collaborating with economists to value loss of life and for victims requiring lifetime care for brain injuries or other permanent disabilities. We build cases that force accountability and truly compensate our clients for their profound losses. Learn more about our firm’s approach to wrongful death claims at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a deep understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual capability is crucial for advising witnesses and former members who may face both civil and criminal exposure. You can read more about this on our criminal defense page at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
• Investigative Depth: We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. We utilize a network of experts, from medical professionals and psychologists to digital forensics specialists, to obtain the hidden evidence others miss. This includes recovering deleted group chats and social media evidence, subpoenaing national fraternity records for prior incidents, and uncovering university files through discovery and public records requests.

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. We’ve published educational content, such as our video explaining how contingency fees work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc, to remove barriers for families seeking justice. Our video on client mistakes that can unfortunately ruin a case, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY, provides crucial warnings for families. We also emphasize the importance of using your cellphone to document a legal case, detailed in our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs, as evidence is key.

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

What to expect in your free consultation:

• 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, discussing whether a criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither is right for your situation.
• We’ll provide realistic timelines and what you can expect during 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’s no pressure to hire us on the spot—take all the time you need to make your decision.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

Whether you’re in Callahan 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
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.

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