The Definitive Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Carson County Families Need to Know

The phone rings late, echoing in the quiet Carson County home. It’s your child, a student at a major Texas university, their voice barely a whisper, filled with a mix of fear and shame. They’ve been at an initiation event for their new fraternity or sorority, or maybe their ROTC program, and something terrible has happened. They were forced to drink until they blacked out, or subjected to extreme physical tests, or humiliated in front of their peers, and now they are hurt, afraid, and don’t know what to do. Maybe they heard the older members whispering about “getting the chapter shut down” if anyone talks.

This chilling scenario is not a distant nightmare; it is a recurring tragedy playing out on campuses across Texas, affecting families much like yours in Carson County. The pressure to belong, the desire to uphold “tradition,” and the culture of secrecy surrounding hazing can turn the college experience into a dangerous ordeal, with devastating consequences. When these moments arrive, the lines blur between friendship and coercion, excitement and abuse, tradition and illegality.

Navigating the aftermath of a hazing incident can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with powerful institutions, tight-lipped student groups, and an unfamiliar legal landscape. You might be wondering: Is what happened even considered hazing? What are my child’s rights? Can we hold anyone accountable? And who can possibly help us stand up to a university or a national fraternity?

This guide offers a comprehensive look at hazing and the law in Texas, written specifically for families in Carson County and across the state. We’ll explore what hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes to reveal the insidious, often digital, tactics used today. We’ll break down how Texas and federal law address hazing, outlining both criminal and civil avenues for justice. By examining major national cases and connecting them to what’s happening at our prominent Texas institutions—the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University—we aim to provide clarity and context. Most importantly, this guide will empower you with knowledge about your legal options, demonstrating how experienced legal counsel can help you seek accountability and compensation.

Our firm serves families throughout Texas, including those right here in Carson County and the surrounding region, who are coping with the profound impact of hazing. While this article provides general information, not specific legal advice, it offers a crucial starting point for understanding your situation.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles, taking close-ups and wider shots.
  • Secure any physical items related to the hazing, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or unusual objects used in the events.
• Write down everything while your 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. This can escalate the situation and lead to evidence destruction.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without first consulting an attorney. You might inadvertently waive important legal rights.
  • Post details about the incident on public social media. Such posts can be used against your child during an investigation or lawsuit.
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” any evidence. This is crucial for building a strong case.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast: group chats are deleted, physical objects are hidden, and witnesses may be coached or pressured into silence.
• Universities often move quickly to control the narrative and internal investigations may not prioritize your child’s legal rights.
• Our team can help you preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights during this sensitive time.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

HAZING IN 2025: WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE

For Carson County families, understanding hazing today requires looking beyond tired movie clichés. Modern hazing is an evolving, insidious practice that adapts to avoid detection and exploit the desires of young people to belong. It’s no longer just about silly pranks; it’s about power, coercion, and often, severe physical and psychological harm.

Hazing is broadly defined, both legally and practically, as any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action directed at a student that is tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group, and where that behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. A crucial point to remember is that a student’s “agreement” or “consent” to participate does not automatically make the activity safe or legal, especially when there’s an imbalance of power, intense peer pressure, or implicit threats of exclusion.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms, often escalating in severity:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is one of the most dangerous and prevalent forms, often leading to serious injury or death. It includes forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, such as during “lineups,” chugging challenges, or games that require rapid consumption. Pledges may be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, sometimes to the point of blacking out, alcohol poisoning, or other severe health complications.
• Physical Hazing: This involves acts that inflict physical pain or discomfort. Common examples include paddling, beatings, or extreme calisthenics like hundreds of push-ups, often disguised as “workouts” or “conditioning.” Other tactics include sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, or exposure to harsh environmental conditions such as extreme cold or heat. Such activities are not about building strength or character; they are designed to break down individuals, instill fear, and foster absolute obedience.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are deeply degrading and often leave lasting psychological scars. They can involve forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the “roasted pig” possession), or wearing degrading costumes. Hazing can also incorporate acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, including the use of slurs or forced role-playing of stereotypes, designed to demean or isolate specific individuals.
• Psychological Hazing: This type of hazing targets a student’s mental and emotional well-being, often through manipulation and intimidation. Examples include persistent verbal abuse, threats, forced social isolation, or constant criticism. It can also involve extreme psychological pressure, public shaming, or forced confessions, creating an atmosphere of chronic fear, anxiety, and depression.
• Digital/Online Hazing: With the rise of social media and ubiquitous digital communication, hazing has moved into the online realm. This includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, and others. Students may be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or to respond instantly to messages at all hours, imposing a constant state of anxiety and control. Geo-location tracking apps might be demanded, allowing older members to monitor a pledge’s whereabouts 24/7.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It is a common misconception that hazing is exclusively a “frat boy” problem. The reality is that hazing is a systemic issue embedded in various student organizations, reflecting power dynamics that can arise in any group dedicated to tradition or exclusivity. For Carson County families whose children attend college across Texas, it’s critical to understand that hazing can occur in:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes social Greek letter organizations across all councils – Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek groups.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These groups, often steeped in tradition, can sometimes blur the line between rigorous training and hazing, leading to dangerous practices.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Organizations like university spirit organizations, tradition groups, or secret societies.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, cheerleading, and smaller club sports teams, hazing can manifest as extreme physical conditioning, humiliating rituals, or forced alcohol consumption under the guise of “team bonding.”
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous academic or performance-oriented groups can sometimes fall prey to hazing rituals.
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with an “initiation” or “new member” process is susceptible to hazing dynamics.

These practices persist because of a complex interplay of factors: the ingrained desire to belong, the perceived honor of enduring “traditions,” and a pervasive culture of secrecy that punishes those who speak out. Often, leaders of these organizations will claim they are simply upholding “time-honored traditions” or that “everyone went through it,” making it incredibly difficult for new members to resist or report.

LAW & LIABILITY FRAMEWORK (TEXAS + FEDERAL)

For families in Carson County confronting a hazing incident, understanding the legal framework in Texas is paramount. Both state and federal laws provide mechanisms for accountability, though they operate in different spheres.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear, specific anti-hazing provisions outlined in its Education Code, designed to protect students from dangerous and demeaning practices. Under Texas law – which governs cases arising in Carson County and across the state – hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed 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 highlights several key aspects:

• Location is irrelevant: Hazing can happen anywhere—in a dorm room, an off-campus house, a remote camp, or even online. The law applies regardless of whether the activity occurs on university property.
• Harm is not just physical: While physical injury is often the most visible harm, Texas law explicitly includes acts that endanger or substantially affect a student’s mental health or safety. This covers psychological abuse, extreme humiliation, and severe intimidation.
• Intent doesn’t require malice: The act only needs to be intentional, knowing, or reckless. This means if an individual or organization knew the act carried a significant risk of harm and proceeded anyway, they can be held liable, even if they didn’t intend for severe injury to occur.
• “Consent” is not a defense: As we will explore further, Texas law is unequivocal: a student’s “agreement” to participate in hazing activities does not make those activities legal or safe. The state recognizes the immense pressure and coercion students face in these situations.

Criminal Penalties

Texas law establishes criminal penalties for hazing, with severity increasing based on the harm caused:

• Class B Misdemeanor (default): This applies to hazing that does not result in serious injury, carrying potential penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes an injury that requires medical treatment, the charge escalates to a Class A misdemeanor.
• State Jail Felony: Critically, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be prosecuted as a State Jail Felony, leading to more substantial penalties and prison time.

Beyond those directly involved in the hazing, Texas law also holds others accountable:

• Failing to report: Any student or employee with knowledge of hazing who fails to report it can face misdemeanor charges, particularly if they are a member or officer of the organization.
• Retaliating against a reporter: Individuals who retaliate against someone for reporting hazing can also face misdemeanor charges.

Organizational Liability

Organizations themselves – including fraternities, sororities, clubs, and athletic teams – can be criminally prosecuted for hazing 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. Furthermore, universities can revoke recognition, effectively banning the organization from campus. This dual criminal accountability for both individuals and organizations is a critical aspect of Texas law and can provide a powerful pathway to justice for Carson County families.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important to understand that a hazing incident can lead to two distinct types of legal action: criminal cases and civil cases. While both seek accountability, their goals and processes differ significantly.

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated and pursued by the state (through a prosecutor) and aim to punish individuals for breaking the law. In hazing incidents, potential criminal charges can range from misdemeanor hazing offenses to furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and even manslaughter in cases resulting in death. The burden of proof in criminal cases is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” a high standard.
• Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or surviving family members and aim to secure monetary compensation for the harms suffered. Civil lawsuits focus on concepts like negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, and premises liability. The burden of proof in civil cases is lower, typically “by a preponderance of the evidence.”

A crucial point for Carson County families is that these two types of cases can run concurrently, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Even if criminal charges are not filed or do not lead to a conviction, a civil case can still hold individuals and institutions financially accountable.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also play a role in addressing hazing on college campuses:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funds must:
  • Transparently report hazing incidents.
  • Strengthen their hazing education and prevention efforts.
  • Maintain and make public comprehensive hazing data (expected to be phased in by 2026). This act aims to create more transparency and accountability across higher education institutions, providing Carson County parents with more information to assess potential risks.
• Title IX / Clery Act:
  • Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based discrimination, or a hostile environment based on sex, federal Title IX obligations are triggered. This can compel universities to investigate and take action to protect students.
  • Clery Act: This law requires colleges to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents, especially those involving assault, alcohol, or drug-related crimes, often fall under Clery reporting requirements, providing another layer of institutional accountability.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining who can be held responsible in a civil hazing lawsuit involves identifying all parties whose actions or inactions contributed to the harm. In hazing cases affecting Carson County families, potential defendants can include:

• Individual Students: The students who actively planned, participated in, or directly carried out the hazing acts, supplied alcohol, or engaged in cover-up efforts.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself, particularly if it operates as a recognized legal entity. Key individuals in leadership roles, such as officers or “pledge educators,” can also be held accountable.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which often sets policies, collects dues, and provides oversight to local chapters. Their liability can depend on what they knew or should have known about hazening patterns at their chapters.
• University or Governing Board: The college or university itself (including public institutions like UH, Texas A&M, and UT, and private ones like SMU and Baylor) can potentially be sued under theories of negligence, gross negligence, or (in certain cases) civil rights violations. Crucial questions include the university’s prior knowledge of hazing, enforcement of its own policies, and any demonstrated deliberate indifference to known risks.
• Third Parties: This can extend to property owners or landlords of off-campus houses or event spaces where hazing occurred, bars or other alcohol providers under dram shop laws, or even security companies or event organizers who failed in their duties.

It is important to remember that every case is fact-specific, and not every party will be liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney can identify all potentially liable parties and build a comprehensive case strategy.

NATIONAL HAZING CASE PATTERNS (ANCHOR STORIES)

While a hazing incident affecting a Carson County family is deeply personal, it’s also part of a documented, national pattern of tragedy. High-profile cases across the country have shaped legal precedents, highlighted institutional failures, and led to significant financial accountability—lessons that are directly applicable to hazing cases in Texas universities. These anchors demonstrate that hazing, particularly involving alcohol, often follows predictable scripts, but so too does the path to justice for victims and their families.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and catastrophic pattern in hazing involves forced or coerced alcohol consumption, leading to severe injury or death.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after participating in a “bid acceptance” night at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. He was forced to rapidly consume large amounts of alcohol, leading to a series of falls that resulted in traumatic brain injuries. Chilling security camera footage showed fraternity brothers delaying calling for medical help for nearly 12 hours. The incident led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation with confidential settlements for his family, and inspired the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case underscored how extreme intoxication, a deliberate delay in calling 911, and a pervasive culture of silence can lead to devastating legal consequences for all involved.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, an 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 into dangerous levels of consumption. This tragedy led to multiple members being prosecuted on hazing charges, and Florida State University taking the drastic step of temporarily suspending all Greek life. Coffey’s death highlighted how these formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are often a repeating recipe for disaster, with fatal consequences.
• Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Maxwell “Max” Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol toxicity (with a blood alcohol content of 0.495%) after participating in a brutal “Bible study” drinking game at Phi Delta Theta. Pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly. Max’s death led to significant criminal charges, a conviction for negligent homicide against one member, and spurred the creation of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing statute. This case demonstrated that legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing’s lethal nature.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a fraternity pledge night, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to consume nearly a full bottle of whiskey. He subsequently died from alcohol poisoning. This incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions against fraternity members for various hazing-related charges. In the civil realm, Foltz’s family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million coming from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and approximately $3 million from Bowling Green State University. These outcomes underscore how both fraternities and universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences when hazing leads to death.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing, often involving deliberate intent to inflict pain or injury, also tragically results in death and severe trauma.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a freshman pledge, died after participating in a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. During a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual, he was repeatedly tackled while wearing a heavy backpack. Fraternities at the retreat delayed calling 911 for hours, trying to cover up the incident. This case led to multiple members being convicted, and the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This landmark case showed that off-campus “retreats” are not a shield from liability and can be as dangerous or even more dangerous than campus parties, with severe consequences for national organizations.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue that can infiltrate high-profile university athletic programs, often shielded by their public visibility and revenue generation.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In 2023, former football players from Northwestern University came forward with allegations of widespread, systemic sexualized, and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. The incidents led to the firing of successful head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who subsequently filed a wrongful-termination lawsuit which was confidentially settled. Multiple players also sued Northwestern and its coaching staff. This scandal brought national attention to the fact that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, demonstrating that major athletic programs can harbor cultures of systemic abuse, raising serious questions about institutional oversight.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies share common threads: forced consumption of dangerous substances, extreme physical and psychological coercion, a pervasive culture of secrecy, and critically, delayed or denied medical care exacerbated by attempts to cover up the incidents. Time and again, significant reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements have followed only after tragedy strikes and determined victims’ families pursue relentless legal action.

For Carson County families, these stories are not just cautionary tales from distant states. They are crucial precedents that show what is possible when fighting for justice here in Texas. Whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, they are operating within an environment shaped by these national lessons. These cases underscore that universities and national organizations have been warned about the foreseeable dangers of hazing and have a responsibility to act. When they fail, victims and their families have a powerful legal basis to demand accountability.

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

For Carson County families, understanding the specific environments at Texas’s major universities is crucial. While hazing patterns are national, their manifestation is shaped by each campus’s unique culture, Greek system, and institutional responses. Though Carson County is geographically distant from these major universities, many students from our community attend these schools, making knowledge of their specific situations vital.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus, serves a diverse student body with a mix of commuters and a growing residential population. Its active Greek life includes a wide array of fraternities and sororities across different councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural), contributing to a dynamic campus social scene. Beyond Greek life, UH boasts numerous student organizations, cultural groups, and competitive sports clubs, all of which operate within the university’s institutional oversight. For Carson County students attending UH, navigating this large, diverse environment means encountering a multitude of social opportunities, some of which may carry inherent risks related to initiation or membership.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Houston maintains a clear stance against hazing, outlining its prohibition in its Student Code of Conduct and specific policies for student organizations. UH’s policy broadly defines prohibited hazing to include acts on or off campus that endanger mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or membership. This includes forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and activities designed to cause mental distress. The university promotes reporting channels through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the UH Police Department (UHPD). While UH provides a hazing statement and some general disciplinary information on its website, the level of specific, detailed public violation transparency can vary compared to other institutions.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

One notable incident occurred in 2016 involving the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at UH. Pledges allegedly endured severe sleep, food, and water deprivation during a multi-day event. The hazing culminated in one student suffering a lacerated spleen, reportedly after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The incident gained public attention, leading to misdemeanor hazing charges against some involved members and the university’s suspension of the chapter. More generally, UH has periodically disciplined fraternities and other student groups for behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse and policy violations that result in suspensions or probation. These actions demonstrate UH’s willingness to suspend chapters when hazing is discovered.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Carson County family pursuing a hazing case originating at UH:

• Jurisdiction: Depending on the specific location of the hazing incident, law enforcement agencies involved could include the UH Police Department (UHPD) for on-campus incidents or the Houston Police Department for off-campus events within city limits.
• Civil Courts: Civil lawsuits related to UH hazing would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County.
• Potential Defendants: A civil suit might name individual students directly involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university itself, particularly if there’s evidence of negligence or failure to address known risks. Landlords or property owners where off-campus hazing occurred could also be implicated. These cases require a deep understanding of Houston’s legal landscape and how various institutions operate.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

Carson County students attending UH and their parents should be proactive:

• Know UH Reporting Channels: Familiarize yourselves with how to report hazing to the Dean of Students, UHPD, or through online anonymous reporting forms.
• Document Everything: If you suspect or witness hazing, immediately begin documenting with screenshots of messages, photos of injuries, and detailed notes of incidents.
• Review Prior Incidents: While less transparent than some schools, stay aware of any public notices from UH regarding disciplinary actions against student organizations.
• Seek Houston-Based Legal Counsel: If hazing results in serious injury or psychological harm, contacting a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases is crucial. Their knowledge of UH’s internal processes and the Harris County judicial system can be invaluable in uncovering prior discipline, internal files, and building a strong case. Attorney911 operates from Houston and has deep roots in the legal community here.

5.2 Texas A&M University

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M University in College Station is renowned for its deep-seated traditions, particularly its prominent Corps of Cadets, which fosters a distinct military-style environment. This culture emphasizes strong bonds, discipline, and a sense of belonging, but also carries inherent risks when traditions blur with hazing. Beyond the Corps, Texas A&M boasts a vast Greek life system (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural) and countless student organizations, all contributing to a vibrant, often intense, campus experience. For Carson County families whose children attend Texas A&M, understanding this complex interplay of tradition and potential for abuse is critical.

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, clearly defining hazing as any act that endangers the mental or physical well-being of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership. This policy applies to all registered student organizations, athletic teams, and even aspects of the Corps of Cadets. A&M’s reporting channels include the Dean of Student Life, Student Conduct Office, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMU PD). The university also provides an online reporting system. The challenge, however, often lies in balancing the enforcement of these policies with the deeply ingrained “spirit” and “traditions” of some campus groups.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Response

Hazing incidents at Texas A&M have drawn national attention, revealing the varied forms it can take within the university’s unique culture:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): This highly publicized incident involved two pledges who alleged they were subjected to severe physical hazing, including having substances like industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them. The ordeal resulted in severe chemical burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries. The Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter was suspended, and the pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity and individuals involved, highlighting the extreme and dangerous nature of modern hazing tactics.
• Corps of Cadets Hazing (2023): A federal lawsuit was filed in 2023 by a former cadet who alleged degrading and sexually explicit hazing within the Corps. The cadet claimed he was subjected to simulated sexual acts and force-bound between bunk beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages, drawing scrutiny to hazing within the Corps and raising questions about its oversight. Texas A&M officials stated they handled the matter internally according to their existing rules.
• Kappa Sigma (2023): Allegations of severe hazing activities leading to medical conditions like rhabdomyolysis (a serious muscle breakdown due to extreme physical exertion) were reported, resulting in ongoing civil litigation. This incident underscored the continued presence of physically dangerous hazing within Greek life at A&M.

These incidents demonstrate that hazing at Texas A&M can occur in both traditional Greek life and within the highly structured Corps of Cadets, often under the guise of “tradition” or “testing character.”

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Carson County families pursuing a hazing case originating at Texas A&M:

• Jurisdiction: The Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMU PD) holds primary jurisdiction for on-campus incidents in College Station. For off-campus hazing, the College Station Police Department or Brazos County Sheriff’s Office would be involved.
• Civil Courts: Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Brazos County courts.
• Potential Defendants: Civil suits often target individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority (if applicable), and potentially the university itself, especially in cases where prior warnings were ignored or institutional oversight was lacking. Cases involving the Corps of Cadets may uniquely implicate university structures beyond typical Greek life. These cases require specialized legal counsel familiar with the unique administrative and legal environment of Texas A&M.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Carson County students and parents connected to Texas A&M should consider these steps:

• Understand A&M’s Specific Policies: Be aware of the university’s hazing policies as they apply to both Greek organizations and the Corps of Cadets.
• Report Concerns: Utilize TAMU’s confidential reporting systems or directly contact the Dean of Student Life or TAMU PD if hazing is suspected or experienced.
• Document Suspected Hazing: Critically, if you suspect or your child experiences hazing, collect screenshots of messages, photos of injuries or events, and meticulously log dates and details.
• Engage with Experienced Legal Counsel: Given the unique and sometimes complex nature of A&M’s traditions and institutional structures, engaging a lawyer familiar with hazing cases at Texas universities is vital. Attorney911 serves families statewide and understands the nuances of such cases.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in Texas, with a bustling urban campus and a vibrant student life. Its robust Greek system is among the largest in the nation, encompassing a wide range of social fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural), alongside countless other student organizations, clubs, and spirit groups. For Carson County students who attend UT, the allure of tradition and community often comes with the implicit dangers of initiation rituals. The university’s strong academic and athletic programs often mask underlying issues of hazing that can affect students from any type of organization.

5.3.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Texas at Austin has a comprehensive anti-hazing policy that prohibits activities on or off campus that endanger the mental or physical health of a student for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership. UT is notably transparent in its approach, maintaining a publicly accessible Hazing @ UT Austin Violations page on its website (hazing.utexas.edu). This public report lists organizations, the nature of the conduct, and specific disciplinary sanctions, providing valuable information for parents and students. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students office, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the UT Austin Police Department (UTPD), along with anonymous online forms.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public hazing log reveals a recurring pattern of violations across various groups:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The PIKE chapter was sanctioned after new members were reportedly directed to consume large quantities of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, actions deemed hazing by the university. The chapter was placed on probation and mandated to undergo additional hazing-prevention education.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (January 2024): This chapter faced a lawsuit from an Australian exchange student who alleged severe assault during a fraternity party, resulting in injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, and a fractured tibia. The chapter was already under previous suspension for other hazing-related and safety violations, underscoring a pattern of misconduct.
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Group): This traditional spirit organization has faced disciplinary actions for hazing violations, including forced physical activities, alcohol misconduct, and degrading treatment of new members.
• Other Greek and Non-Greek Organizations: The UT hazing log frequently shows sanctions against other fraternities, sororities, and various campus organizations for forced consumption of alcohol, sleep deprivation, humiliating acts, and other activities that violate university policy and state law.

The very existence of UT’s public log, while a sign of transparency, also serves as a stark reminder that hazing is an ongoing and persistent challenge across its student body. Repeated violations by certain organizations, even after prior sanctions, demonstrate the struggle in eradicating these practices.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Carson County families addressing a hazing incident at UT Austin:

• Jurisdiction: Incidents on campus would involve the UT Austin Police Department (UTPD). Off-campus hazing would fall under the jurisdiction of the Austin Police Department or surrounding county law enforcement, such as the Travis County Sheriff’s Office if it occurred outside city limits.
• Civil Courts: Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts within Travis County.
• Leveraging Evidence: UT’s public hazing log (hazing.utexas.edu) can serve as powerful evidence in civil suits, demonstrating prior violations, institutional knowledge, and potential patterns of negligence by the university or national organizations.
• Potential Defendants: Cases may involve individual students, the chapter, national organizations, the university, and potentially property owners or private entities involved in off-campus events. An attorney experienced in Austin’s legal environment is vital to navigate these multiple layers of accountability.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

Carson County students attending UT and their parents should take special note:

• Consult the UT Hazing Log: Before joining any organization, review the public hazing.utexas.edu website to check for past violations.
• Understand Reporting: Be aware of how to report hazing to the Dean of Students, Student Conduct, or UTPD, and the options for anonymous reporting.
• Document and Preserve: If you or your child experiences or witnesses hazing, immediately secure digital evidence (screenshots, photos, videos) and detailed written notes, especially given the rapid pace of communication in Austin.
• Legal Strategy for UT Cases: If hazing seriously impacts your child, consult with a lawyer experienced in hazing litigation in Austin and Travis County. They can help leverage the unique transparency of UT’s system to strengthen a potential civil claim against negligent parties. Attorney911 operates with offices in Austin to better serve Central Texas.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University (SMU), a private university nestled in University Park, a wealthy enclave within Dallas, is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and particularly its robust Greek system. SMU’s fraternities and sororities are highly influential in the social scene, and membership is a significant part of the student experience for many. For Carson County families whose children attend SMU, the allure of an exclusive and prestigious Greek social life often comes with inherent risks of hazing fueled by the desire to belong. The university’s private status, while offering some independence, can also impact the transparency of internal disciplinary proceedings.

5.4.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies outlined in its Student Code of Conduct and specific Greek Life guidelines. The university explicitly prohibits any form of hazing, whether on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for purposes of initiation or membership. SMU offers various reporting channels, including the Office of Student Conduct, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, the SMU Police Department, and an anonymous reporting system (such as Report It or Real Response). While SMU is dedicated to hazing prevention, the inherent privacy of a private institution means that detailed public reports of violations, like those at public universities, may be less accessible.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU, despite its private status, has a documented history of hazing incidents within its Greek system:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity chapter was suspended by SMU after allegations of severe hazing, including reports of new members being paddled, forced to drink excessive alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter faced a ban on recruiting new members and was under strict probation for several years, highlighting the university’s response to such serious violations.
• Ongoing Monitoring: SMU periodically suspends or places Greek organizations on probation for hazing-related offenses (alcohol violations, humiliating activities, physical challenges). These incidents are typically detailed in internal university communications or through official statements, rather than a centralized public database.

These incidents underscore that even within a private, well-endowed institution like SMU, the culture of hazing can persist, requiring continuous vigilance and robust enforcement of policies.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Carson County families pursuing a hazing case originating at SMU:

• Jurisdiction: On-campus incidents would be investigated by the SMU Police Department. Off-campus hazing in the surrounding areas (University Park, Highland Park, or broader Dallas) would be handled by their respective police departments.
• Civil Courts: Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Dallas County courts.
• Access to Records: While SMU is a private institution, civil discovery processes can compel the university to produce internal records, incident reports, and communications that may not be publicly available. This includes evidence of prior hazing incidents, which can be critical for establishing negligence or patterns of behavior.
• Potential Defendants: As with other universities, potential civil defendants include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the university itself, particularly if there is evidence of a failure to enforce policies or address known risks.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Carson County students attending SMU and their parents should initiate these measures:

• Know SMU’s Resources: Familiarize yourselves with SMU’s anti-hazing policies and a myriad of reporting channels available, especially anonymous options like Report It.
• Discreet Documentation: Due to the often private nature of SMU’s disciplinary actions, it is even more critical to meticulously document any hazing with screenshots, photos, and detailed notes. Such evidence can be invaluable later.
• Early Legal Consultation: If hazing severely impacts your child, contacting a lawyer experienced in Dallas hazing cases is highly recommended. They can navigate the nuances of a private university’s internal processes and leverage civil discovery rules to uncover crucial information that may not be publicly disclosed. Attorney911 has offices in Houston and Austin, and serves the broader Texas market, including Dallas and its surrounding areas.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, Texas, is defined by its strong religious affiliation and a community that emphasizes faith, moral conduct, and traditional values. While it fosters a close-knit environment, Baylor also has an active Greek life and competitive athletic programs, all of which operate under specific student conduct policies aligned with the university’s mission. For Carson County families whose children attend Baylor, the perception of a wholesome, morally guided campus may sometimes obscure the potential for hazing, especially given the university’s past struggles with oversight in other areas of student conduct.

5.5.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, articulating its zero-tolerance policy in its Student Conduct Code and specific guidelines for student organizations and athletic programs. Hazing is defined broadly to include any activity that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for purposes of initiation or membership, regardless of alleged consent. Reporting channels at Baylor include the Office of Student Conduct, the Department of Fraternity & Sorority Life, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and an ethics point hotline for anonymous complaints. Baylor’s policies are often framed within its Christian values, emphasizing the respect and dignity of all individuals.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history includes documented hazing incidents that test its commitment to “zero tolerance”:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): Following an internal investigation into hazing within the baseball program, 14 players were suspended. The suspensions were staggered to minimize the impact on the team’s season, which drew criticism from some who argued it downplayed the severity of the hazing. This incident highlighted that hazing at Baylor extends beyond Greek life and can occur within well-regarded athletic programs.
• Broader Oversight Challenges: Baylor’s prior major scandal involving its handling of sexual assault allegations within its football program and across the university (which led to significant leadership changes and NCAA penalties) has, in some ways, sensitized it to issues of institutional oversight and student safety. This history sets a unique context for any hazing allegations on campus, as the university has been under intense scrutiny regarding its responsiveness to student misconduct.
• Greek Life Disciplines: Baylor also periodically places Greek organizations on probation or suspends them for hazing-related offenses (e.g., alcohol violations, humiliating activities, or physical challenges that violate university policy). These disciplinary actions are typically communicated internally rather than via a permanent public database like UT Austin’s.

These incidents demonstrate that even within a values-driven institution like Baylor, hazing can occur, and its response mechanisms are continually evaluated against its stated prohibitions and past challenges.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Carson County families pursuing a hazing case originating at Baylor:

• Jurisdiction: On-campus incidents would be investigated by the Baylor Police Department (BUPD). Off-campus hazing in Waco or McLennan County would involve the Waco Police Department or the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office.
• Civil Courts: Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County courts.
• Institutional Context: Baylor’s status as a private university, coupled with its past institutional challenges regarding student safety, adds a unique layer to hazing claims. Civil discovery can be invaluable in uncovering internal reports, communications, and evidence of the university’s knowledge or conduct regarding hazing.
• Potential Defendants: As with other institutions, potential defendants include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization (if applicable), and potentially Baylor University, especially if there’s evidence of policy failures or a pattern of turning a blind eye.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

Carson County students attending Baylor and their parents should note these proactive steps:

• Engage with Policies: Understand Baylor’s specific anti-hazing policies and the various reporting channels available, including confidential options.
• Document Vigilantly: Due to the private nature of much of Baylor’s internal discipline, it is especially important to meticulously document any hazing with screenshots, photos, and detailed notes.
• Consider Legal Consultation Early: If hazing results in serious harm, consulting a lawyer experienced in hazing cases is crucial. They can navigate private university processes and utilize civil discovery to obtain critical information. Understanding the unique legal context of Baylor, given its history, is vital for pursuing accountability. Our firm serves families throughout Texas.

FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES: CAMPUS-SPECIFIC + NATIONAL HISTORIES

For Carson County families grappling with a hazing incident, it’s critical to understand that the local chapter at a Texas university is rarely an isolated entity. Many fraternities and sororities at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor belong to national organizations with extensive histories, policies, and, unfortunately, a well-documented national pattern of hazing.

Why National Histories Matter

National headquarters, operating with large budgets and dedicated staff, often establish thick anti-hazing manuals and risk policies. They do so not merely out of an abundance of caution, but because they have already seen deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits related to hazing at chapters across the country. These national organizations are keenly aware of the recurring patterns: the forced drinking at “Big/Little” nights, the brutal paddling traditions, the humiliating rituals under the guise of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.”

Crucially, when a local Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous script—activities that have led to another chapter being shut down, suspended, or sued in another state—it establishes a strong argument for foreseeability. This pattern of predictable harm is a powerful tool in supporting claims of negligence or gross negligence against not only the local chapter but also the national entity. It shows that the national organization had prior warnings and knowledge of the risks, but failed to adequately intervene, enforce its own policies, or prevent the harm.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While an exhaustive list of every Greek letter organization on every campus is impractical, understanding the national patterns of specific fraternities and sororities can shed light on liability. Here are some examples of major organizations frequently found on Texas campuses with documented national hazing issues:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity has been involved in several high-profile hazing deaths. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), noted earlier, where a pledge died of alcohol poisoning, resulted in a $10 million settlement, with a significant portion coming from the national fraternity. Similarly, the 2012 death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University also stemmed from alcohol hazing, leading to a $14 million settlement. These cases demonstrate a recurring pattern of alcohol-related hazing that the national organization has a known history of.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): SAE has a particularly tragic national history, linked to more hazing-related deaths than any other fraternity since 2000. Incidents include severe alcohol poisoning and physical altercations. Closer to home, a UT Austin chapter faced a lawsuit in January 2024 for alleged assault, and a Texas A&M chapter was sued in 2021 for chemical burns sustained during hazing. This organization’s long pattern of severe incidents led them to announce a nationwide elimination of the traditional pledge process in 2014, yet violations continue to occur.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): This organization was at the center of the Max Gruver hazing death at LSU (2017), stemming from a brutal “Bible study” drinking game. His death directly led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute, the Max Gruver Act, and a $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity’s insurer in one of the civil claims. This incident highlighted the deadly consequences of forced drinking rituals disguised as traditions.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): The tragic alcohol poisoning death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (FSU) in 2017 occurred during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night,” involving pledges being forced to consume a handle of hard liquor. This led to criminal prosecution for members and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU, underscoring the dangers of these common “brotherhood” rituals.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): The infamous Timothy Piazza case at Penn State (2017) involved Beta Theta Pi. Piazza suffered fatal brain injuries from falls after extreme alcohol consumption during a hazing ritual, with brothers delaying medical help for hours. This led to significant criminal charges and influenced anti-hazing legislation nationwide.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): The Danny Santulli case at the University of Missouri (2021) involved a Phi Gamma Delta pledge who suffered catastrophic, permanent brain damage after forced excessive alcohol consumption; his family settled with 22 defendants for reportedly multi-million-dollar amounts. This case became a national example of severe, non-fatal hazing injury resulting in lifelong disability.
• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Chapters of Kappa Alpha Order have faced numerous hazing allegations and suspensions across the country, including an incident at SMU in 2017 involving paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation. These incidents reflect a national pattern of physical and alcohol-related hazing despite national anti-hazing policies.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): This fraternity has also faced recent major liability. Notably, in 2024, a College of Charleston pledge alleged physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment. His family received more than $10 million in damages, one of the largest known hazing settlements, reflecting the profound harm caused by severe hazing.

These patterns are critical. They show that certain organizations have a national history of engaging in—or failing to prevent—the same types of harmful behavior. This is not about isolated, rogue acts but often about systemic issues that national bodies have been repeatedly warned about.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

Understanding these national histories is not just about awareness; it’s a fundamental part of legal strategy in civil hazing lawsuits:

• Foreseeability: The extensive record of hazing incidents across states and campuses demonstrates that these national organizations, and often universities, had “foreseeable” knowledge of the risks. They knew, or should have known, that a local chapter engaging in common hazing rituals could result in serious injury or death.
• Enforcement Failure: Civil suits often argue that national organizations failed to meaningfully enforce their own anti-hazing policies, responded to prior incidents with insufficient aggression, or allowed chapters with known histories of violations to continue operating without real consequence.
• Settlement Leverage and Insurance: This pattern evidence significantly impacts settlement leverage during negotiations. It can also be crucial in disputes over insurance coverage, as insurers may try to deny coverage for “intentional acts.” An experienced hazing attorney argues that while the hazing itself might be intentional, the national organization’s (or university’s) failure to supervise or prevent it was negligent, making it a covered claim. When an organization has a long and documented history of similar incidents, it’s harder for them to claim ignorance or that an incident was an “unforeseeable accident.”
• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, establishing a long-standing pattern of ignored warnings and repeated violations can be a powerful argument for punitive damages, which are designed to punish defendants for reckless or malicious conduct and deter future similar acts.

For Carson County families, this means having legal representation that knows how to connect the dots, leverage national precedents, and hold powerful institutions accountable for their repeated failures.

BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY

For Carson County families whose child has been impacted by hazing, building a strong legal case requires meticulous evidence collection, a clear understanding of potential damages, and a strategic approach to navigating complex legal and institutional landscapes. This process is not about quick fixes; it’s about persistent investigation, expert knowledge, and unwavering advocacy.

Evidence

In today’s digital age, evidence in hazing cases is more abundant than ever, but it is also fragile and easily destroyed. Our firm’s investigative depth focuses on uncovering every piece of the puzzle:

• Digital Communications: In 2025, group messaging apps are often the single most critical source of evidence. This includes:
  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and fraternity/sorority-specific apps. These platforms document the planning, coercion, communications before, during, and after hazing events. They show who was involved, what was said, directives given, and attempts to cover up incidents. It is vital to screenshot these chats immediately, capturing full threads with sender names, timestamps, and context.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments: These platforms, while ephemeral, often contain screenshots of incriminating content or direct communications regarding hazing. Snapchat’s “vanish mode” means immediate screenshots or screen recordings are essential.
    Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.
• Photos & Videos:
  • Content filmed by members: Many hazing incidents are filmed by actively participating members, either for bragging rights or to pressure pledges. These can be found in group chats, private social media, or even cloud storage.
  • Publicly shared footage: Sometimes, photos or videos, seemingly innocent, are posted online and show crucial details of a hazing event.
  • Security camera/Ring/doorbell footage: At off-campus houses, Airbnb rentals, or even campus buildings, cameras can capture entry, exit, visible injuries, or key activities.
• Internal Organization Documents: Subpoenas in civil lawsuits can compel the production of:
  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, and “traditions” lists: These often reveal planned hazing activities or justifications for them.
  • Emails/texts from officers: Communications about “what we’ll do to pledges” or instructions related to hazing.
  • National policies and training materials: These establish what the national organization knew and what standards it expected its chapters to uphold.
• University Records: Through discovery and sometimes public records requests, universities can be compelled to produce:
  • Prior conduct files: Information on past hazing violations, probations, suspensions, or warning letters issued to the same organization. This is invaluable in showing a pattern and institutional knowledge.
  • Incident reports: Records from campus police (e.g., UHPD, TAMU PD, UTPD, BUPD), student conduct offices, or Title IX administrators.
  • Clery reports: The annual federal crime statistics report, which can reflect patterns of alcohol, drug, or assault incidents related to student organizations.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the extent of the harm suffered:
  • Emergency room and hospitalization records: Detailing initial injuries, treatments, and toxicology reports (for alcohol/drugs).
  • Surgery and rehab notes: Documenting long-term physical recovery.
  • Psychological evaluations: Diagnoses of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, or other mental health impacts, crucial for quantifying emotional distress damages.
• Witness Testimony: Often, some of the most compelling evidence comes from:
  • Other pledges or members: Who may be willing to speak out once legal action is initiated and their own safety is considered.
  • Roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, or bystanders: Who observed changes in behavior, injuries, or were present during or after an incident.
  • Former members: Individuals who quit or were expelled, often willing to provide insider information.

Damages

In a civil hazing lawsuit, the goal is to recover monetary compensation for all the harms a victim and their family have suffered. While we never promise specific dollar amounts, we help Carson County families understand the categories of damages they may be able to recover:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This includes the full spectrum of medical expenses:
  • Immediate care: Emergency room visits, ambulance transport, and intensive care unit (ICU) stays.
  • Ongoing treatment: Surgeries, specialist consultations, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and medications.
  • Long-term care: For catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure, this can involve multi-million-dollar life care plans for 24/7 care over a lifetime.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can derail a student’s academic and career trajectory:
  • Lost wages: If the student (or a parent caring for them) misses work.
  • Lost educational opportunities: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, or delayed graduation, which impacts entry into the workforce.
  • Diminished future earning capacity: If injuries (physical or psychological) cause permanent disability affecting their ability to work long-term.
• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for pain and suffering that is harder to quantify but no less real:
  • Physical pain and suffering: From injuries, recovery, and any chronic pain.
  • Emotional distress: Including trauma, humiliation, shame, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life that once brought joy, and the general diminished quality of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In cases where hazing tragically results in death, surviving family members (parents, children, and sometimes siblings in Texas) can seek:
  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support: If the deceased would have contributed to the family’s income or acted as a financial support for others.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and society: The profound emotional loss suffered by family members.
  • Grief and emotional suffering: For the immense emotional toll of losing a loved one due to hazing.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly egregious conduct—where defendants acted with gross negligence, willful misconduct, or callous indifference to known risks—punitive damages may be awarded. These are designed to punish the wrongdoers and deter similar behavior in the future. In Texas, punitive damages are available but often capped.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases are complicated by the involvement of multiple potential defendants and complex insurance coverage issues.

• Insurance: National fraternities, universities, and individuals often carry various insurance policies (liability, homeowner’s, umbrella) that may cover damages. However, insurers frequently argue that hazing or “intentional acts” are excluded from coverage or that the policy doesn’t cover certain defendants.
• Experienced Hazing Lawyers: Our firm, with attorney Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, knows how insurers think. We adeptly identify all potential sources of coverage, challenge wrongful denials, and navigate complex policy exclusions. We argue that even if the hazing was intentional, the failure to supervise, prevent, or intervene by the national organization or university was negligent, which is typically covered by insurance. This strategic approach is crucial to ensure that victims receive full and fair compensation.

PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS

When hazing impacts a family in Carson County, confusion and fear are natural responses. Here are practical guides to help parents, students, and former members navigate this challenging territory.

8.1 For Parents

As a parent, you are often the first line of defense. Knowing the warning signs and what steps to take can be life-saving.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be attuned to changes in your child’s behavior and physical state. Look for:
  • Unexplained bruises, cuts, or repeated “accidents” with unconvincing explanations.
  • Sudden, extreme exhaustion, fatigue, or significant sleep deprivation.
  • Drastic changes in mood, increased anxiety, irritability, depression, or social withdrawal from non-Greek friends.
  • Constant, secretive use of their phone for group chats, especially if they seem anxious about missing “mandatory” events or getting calls at odd hours.
  • Defensiveness or evasiveness when asked about their organization’s activities.
  • Sudden declines in academic performance due to lack of sleep or time.
  • Unusual financial demands or requests for money without clear explanation.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation openly and without judgment. Emphasize their safety and well-being above their membership in any group. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority?” or “Is there anything happening that makes you uncomfortable?” Be clear you will support them regardless of their choices.
• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize medical care immediately. Document everything meticulously: photograph injuries (multiple angles, over several days as bruising develops), screenshot any relevant texts or social media, and write down every detail your child shares (who, what, when, where).
• Dealing with the University: If you engage with university administrators, document every communication (date, time, who you spoke with, what was discussed). Specifically ask about:
  • Any prior incidents involving the same organization.
  • What actions the school took in response to past violations.
  • What steps the university intends to take now.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child sustains significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or attempting to conceal the incident, it is time to consult with an experienced hazing attorney. Delaying action can jeopardize evidence and legal options.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

If you are a student or pledge in Carson County, your safety and well-being are paramount. You have rights, and help is available.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? If an activity makes you feel unsafe, humiliated, coerced, or forces you to drink to excess or endure pain; if it’s hidden from the public or administrators; if older members make new members do things they won’t do themselves—it is almost certainly hazing. Remember, a true “tradition” should bond, uplift, and adhere to university policies, not break you down.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Despite what older members might say, your “agreement” to an initiation ritual doesn’t make it legal or safe. Texas law (Education Code § 37.155) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. This is because courts and universities recognize the immense power dynamics, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion that undermine true voluntary consent in these situations.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave any organization at any time. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself immediately and contact a trusted adult (parent, RA, academic advisor). You can report hazing confidentially or anonymously through campus channels (Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, campus police) or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293).
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer good-faith protections. If you call for medical help in an emergency, even if underage drinking or hazing was involved, you often cannot be disciplined for seeking assistance. Your safety is prioritized over minor infractions.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were part of a hazing incident, even if you participated in or witnessed it, you have a crucial role to play in preventing future tragedies.

• Acknowledging Guilt and Fear: It’s common to feel conflicted, guilty, or afraid of retaliation. However, your testimony and evidence can be pivotal in preventing future harm and saving lives.
• Your Role in Accountability: Our firm believes in accountability for all parties. We can help you understand your legal risks, explain protections for witnesses, and explore pathways for you to contribute to justice while safeguarding your own interests. Cooperating with an investigation can be an important step toward making amends and preventing further abuse.
• Seeking Legal Advice: If you have concerns about your own legal exposure, seeking individual legal advice is crucial. Our firm also handles criminal defense cases and can advise on how criminal hazing charges might interact with civil litigation.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Carson County families, understanding these common pitfalls is as important as knowing what to do. Avoid these errors to protect your child’s legal rights and their future:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: What parents often think is protecting their child by erasing incriminating content actually looks like a cover-up to investigators and can severely damage or even destroy a case. It can be viewed as obstruction of justice. Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content. Call us, and we’ll help you preserve evidence properly.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: While a parent’s instinct might be to “give them a piece of my mind,” this immediately tips off the organization, allowing them to lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses. Instead: Document everything discreetly, then call Attorney911 before any direct confrontation.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities sometimes pressure families for quick “internal resolutions” or ask them to sign waivers. Instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first, as you may inadvertently waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit or accept a settlement far below your child’s true damages.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: While you may want others to know what happened, anything posted on public social media can be used by defense attorneys, leading to inconsistencies that hurt credibility and potentially waiving legal protections. Instead: Document privately. Your lawyer can advise on appropriate public statements if necessary.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: If an organization learns you’re considering legal action, they may try to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that could harm your case. Instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer to protect your child.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities have their own interests, and internal processes may not prioritize your child’s full legal remedies. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run while you wait. Instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Consult a lawyer immediately while also engaging with the university process.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may offer a quick, low-ball settlement, or ask for recorded statements that can be used against you. Instead: Politely decline to discuss the incident and inform them that your attorney will contact them.

Watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it escalates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who are officers of an organization and knowingly fail to report hazing can also face criminal charges.
• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts and juries recognize that “consent” given under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.
• “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 of limitations may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Learn about Texas statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• “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 can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability of the risks. Many major hazing cases that resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments occurred off-campus, demonstrating that location does not provide a shield from accountability.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before ever reaching a public trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy and can often negotiate for sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We aim for accountability while protecting your child’s well-being.

ABOUT THE MANGINELLO LAW FIRM + CALL TO ACTION

When your family faces a hazing incident, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need tenacious attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and possess the proven skills to overcome their defenses. You need the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, is a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with deep roots in complex litigation, serious injury cases, and fighting for institutional accountability. We understand that hazing at Texas universities can impact families across the state, including those right here in Carson County. We bring unique qualifications to the table that make us particularly effective in hazing cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Attorney Lupe Peña brings invaluable insider knowledge to our firm. Her previous experience as an insurance defense attorney for a national firm means she knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. This foreknowledge is a significant advantage for our clients. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) is crucial for navigating fraternity and university insurance coverage disputes.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Attorney Ralph Manginello is not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in litigation stemming from the catastrophic BP Texas City explosion, a complex federal court case against a billion-dollar corporation. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we are equipped to take on the most powerful defendants, building cases that force accountability and achieve justice. We’ve proven we know how to fight and win against powerful defendants. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: Our firm has a proven track record in obtaining multi-million dollar settlements for families in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We don’t settle cheap. We work with esteemed economists to value loss of life and collaborate with medical experts to document lifetime care needs for brain injury or permanent disability cases. We build cases that force accountability and ensure victims receive the compensation they need for long-term care and altered futures. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases.
• Dual Civil and Criminal Hazing Expertise: Attorney Ralph Manginello’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives our firm a unique advantage. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, allowing us to advise students and former members who may face dual exposure without compromising a civil case. When hazing results in criminal charges, Attorney911’s criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we understand both the criminal and civil tracks.
• Investigative Depth: We don’t just take your word for it; we investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. We leverage a network of experts: digital forensic specialists to uncover deleted group chats and social media evidence, medical professionals to document injuries, and psychologists to assess emotional trauma. We know how to expose the hidden narratives, subpoena national fraternity records for prior incidents, and uncover university files through powerful discovery tools.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments operate behind closed doors. Our team balances an empathetic approach with the tough, direct advocacy needed to stand up to institutions and secure justice. We prioritize getting answers, holding the right people accountable, and helping prevent this from happening to another family, without quick settlements that undervalue the harm.

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor, or another institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Carson County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911 for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

We’ll listen to what happened without judgment, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward. In your free consultation, you can expect us to:

• Listen attentively to your story and the details of the incident.
• Review any evidence you might have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• Clearly explain your legal options, including the possibility of a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what you can expect during the legal process.
• Answer your questions about costs, including how our contingency fee works—we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc
• Provide guidance without pressure to hire us on the spot; we want you to take the time to decide what’s best for your family.
• Assure you that everything you tell us is confidential.

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

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@atty910.com