Unmasking Hazing: A Guide for Collingsworth County Families on Campus Abuse in Texas

It’s “pledge lock-in” night at a fraternity house near a major Texas university. Students, eager to join the ranks of a coveted organization, are pushed to their limits. They might be forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, endure grueling physical exercises, or participate in humiliating rituals designed to break them down. Phones are out, filming the orchestrated chaos, but not for safety – for intimidation and “tradition.” Someone might get hurt, falling or collapsing, but the fear of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble” silences anyone who might consider calling 911. The student victim, caught between a powerful desire to belong and a gnawing sense of fear, feels trapped.

This scenario is not hyperbole or a relic of the past. It is a modern reality playing out on campuses across Texas, impacting families from every corner of our state, including right here in Collingsworth County. We understand that parents in Collingsworth County send their children to universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University with hopes for their bright futures, not for injury or trauma.

This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for families in Collingsworth County and throughout Texas who need to understand the complex world of campus hazing. We will explore:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The intricate web of Texas and federal laws that govern hazing.
• Crucial lessons from major national hazing cases and how they apply to the educational landscape in Texas.
• Specific incidents and trends at prominent Texas universities: UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.
• The profound impact of national fraternity and sorority histories on local chapter conduct and liability.
• Practical legal options and strategies available to victims and their families in Collingsworth County and beyond.

Please note: This article offers general information and is not a substitute for specific legal advice tailored to your unique situation. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, known as Attorney911, stands ready to evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts. We serve families across the diverse communities of Texas, including those in Collingsworth County, and are dedicated to seeking justice for victims of campus abuse.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

  • Call 911 for medical emergencies first and foremost.
  • Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate help in critical situations – that’s why we’re known as the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

• In the first 48 hours, quick action is vital:

  • Prioritize getting medical attention for your child immediately, even if they insist they are “fine” or try to minimize what happened. Their health is paramount.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it can be deleted or destroyed:
    • Screenshot any group chats, text messages, or direct messages instantly.
    • Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles, ideally with a point of reference like a ruler or coin.
    • Safeguard any physical items related to the hazing, such as clothing, questionable receipts, or objects used.
  • Write down everything you know about the incident while your memory is fresh: who was involved, what occurred, when it happened, and where.
  • Do NOT, under any circumstances:
    • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This often leads them to destroy evidence and coach witnesses.
    • Sign any documents from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel.
    • Post details about the incident on public social media. This can compromise your case.
    • Permit your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

• Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

  • Evidence is fragile and can disappear quickly through deleted group chats, destroyed property, and coached witnesses.
  • Universities and organizations frequently move swiftly to control the narrative and conduct their own investigations, which may not align with your child’s best interests.
  • Our legal team can move quickly to help preserve crucial evidence and protect your child’s rights from the outset.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The image of hazing often conjures up outdated movie scenes of lighthearted pranks or boisterous parties. However, in 2025, hazing is far more insidious, dangerous, and technologically sophisticated. For Collingsworth County families whose children attend Texas universities, it’s crucial to understand that hazing is defined not by how “harmless” it seems to seasoned members, but by its impact on the individual.

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, and occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students. It’s not about whether a student “agreed” to participate; when there’s a power imbalance, peer pressure, and a desire to belong, true consent is often absent.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms, often hidden in plain sight or disguised as “tradition” or “bonding.” The Manginello Law Firm has seen first-hand how these tactics inflict lasting harm:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is by far the most dangerous and deadly form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often in rapid succession during “lineups,” “chugging challenges,” or “drinking games” where incorrect answers or failures to perform are met with forced consumption. Pledges may be pressured to consume entire bottles of liquor, leading to acute alcohol poisoning and even death, as seen in tragic cases like Stone Foltz and Max Gruver. It can also extend to being pressured to consume unknown substances or other drugs.
• Physical Hazing: Beyond the well-known paddles and beatings, physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics, often called “workouts” or “smokings,” that push students far beyond safe physical limits, leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis—a severe muscle breakdown. Other forms include sleep deprivation, food and water restriction, exposure to extreme temperatures, or unsafe environments designed to break a new member down. The death of Chun “Michael” Deng, who suffered fatal head injuries during a “glass ceiling” ritual, tragically illustrates the severe consequences of physical hazing.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This degrading form of abuse can inflict profound psychological trauma. It includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (often referred to as “roasted pig” positions or “elephant walks”), and other sexually degrading acts. Hazing can also involve racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, including the use of slurs or forced role-playing of stereotypes, all designed to humiliate and demean.
• Psychological Hazing: This often-underestimated category involves intense mental and emotional abuse. It can manifest as constant verbal abuse, threats, forced social isolation, manipulation, public shaming (both in-person and online), and extreme intimidation. This type of hazing can lead to severe anxiety, depression, a sense of worthlessness, and long-term psychological trauma, even without physical injury.
• Digital/Online Hazing: With the pervasive use of technology, hazing has moved into the digital realm. This includes demands for constant engagement in group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord), leading to sleep deprivation from required instant responses. Digital hazing also involves online “challenges,” dares, or public humiliation via social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, requiring students to create or share compromising images or videos. Geo-tracking through apps like “Find My Friends” can also be used to enforce constant monitoring and control.

Hazing is not limited to college Greek life. We have seen it in:

• Fraternities and sororities, across all councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural).
• College Corps of Cadets, ROTC programs, and other military-style organizations.
• Spirit squads, university-affiliated organizations, and tradition-based clubs.
• Varsity athletic teams, including football, basketball, baseball, cheerleading, and swimming.
• Marching bands and other performing arts groups.
• Various service, cultural, and academic organizations.

The persistence of hazing, despite laws and increased awareness, is often fueled by a combination of social status, reverence for “tradition,” and a deeply ingrained culture of secrecy. New members are frequently told, “What happens here, stays here,” making it incredibly difficult for victims to come forward and exposing them to repeated abuse.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For Collingsworth County families, understanding the legal landscape around hazing in Texas is crucial. Our state, like many others, has specific laws designed to combat this destructive behavior, but navigating these laws and their implications requires experienced legal guidance.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

In Texas, hazing is not just a campus policy violation; it’s a crime. The Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F, broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by an individual or a group, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, and
• Is done for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members primarily include students.

This definition is critical because it explicitly covers acts that endanger both physical and mental well-being, acknowledging the psychological toll of hazing. Importantly, it doesn’t matter if the hazing happens in a dorm, an off-campus house, or during a retreat—the law applies regardless of location. The “reckless” element means that even if the perpetrators didn’t intend to cause serious harm, if they knew or should have known their actions posed a risk, they can still be held accountable.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law:

• Class B Misdemeanor: This is the default classification for hazing that does not result in serious injury. Penalties can include up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes an injury requiring medical treatment, the charge can be raised to a Class A misdemeanor, carrying potential jail time of up to one year and a fine of up to $4,000.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a state jail felony, carrying up to two years in a state jail facility and a fine up to $10,000.
• Failure to Report: Individuals who are members or officers of organizations and knowingly witness or are aware of hazing and fail to report it can face misdemeanor charges.
• Retaliation: Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

It’s vital to remember that these are summaries; the actual statute is more detailed and technical.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Justice

When hazing occurs, there are typically two distinct legal avenues for accountability:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (through a district attorney or prosecutor) against individuals who are alleged to have violated criminal hazing statutes or other laws (e.g., assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, negligent homicide). The primary goal of a criminal case is to punish the accused through fines, incarceration, or probation. While a criminal conviction can be powerful evidence in a civil case, it’s not a prerequisite for pursuing civil action.
• Civil Cases: These lawsuits are filed by victims or their surviving family members against those responsible for the hazing. The aim of a civil case is to obtain monetary compensation for the harm suffered and to achieve accountability from individuals and institutions. Civil claims can include allegations of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

It is common for both criminal and civil investigations and proceedings to occur simultaneously in severe hazing incidents.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also play a role in college hazing.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant new federal law requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to be more transparent about hazing incidents. Among other provisions, it mandates detailed public reporting of hazing violations and strengthens campus hazing education and prevention efforts. Institutions will also need to maintain comprehensive public hazing data, with full implementation phased in by approximately 2026. This law will provide Collingsworth County families with greater access to information about hazing at Prospective universities.
• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or creates a hostile environment based on sex, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities can be held liable for their failure to adequately respond to such incidents.
• Clery Act: This federal law requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents, particularly those involving assaults, alcohol-related offenses, or other crimes, often overlap with Clery reporting requirements, providing another layer of transparency and accountability.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

A hazing incident can involve a complex web of responsible parties. An experienced hazing attorney understands how to identify all potentially liable entities to ensure full accountability for victims:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, encouraged, supplied prohibited substances, carried out the hazing acts, or participated in cover-ups can be held personally liable.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team involved can be sued as an entity. Often, current and former officers or “pledge educators” who organized or oversaw the hazing bear significant responsibility.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which charters, supervises, and collects dues from local chapters, can be held liable. This often hinges on whether the national organization knew or should have known about past hazing incidents, failed to adequately enforce their “anti-hazing” policies, or demonstrated deliberate indifference to risks.
• University or Governing Board: Colleges and universities themselves can be sued for negligence, gross negligence, or premises liability. This often involves examining whether the institution failed to adequately supervise student organizations, ignored prior warnings, or failed to enforce its own policies. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) often claim sovereign immunity under Texas law, but exceptions can apply, especially in cases of gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) typically have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Depending on the circumstances, others might be held liable, including landlords or owners of properties where hazing occurred, individuals who unlawfully supplied alcohol (e.g., under Texas dram shop laws), or security companies.

Every hazing case is unique, and the specific parties who can be held liable will depend on a thorough investigation of the facts.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

Understanding national hazing cases is crucial for Collingsworth County families because they illustrate the recurring patterns of abuse, the devastating consequences, and the increasing legal accountability that can inform hazing lawsuits right here in Texas. These cases establish powerful precedents that courts often consider.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death: A Tragic and Recurring Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing-related fatalities. The Manginello Law Firm has seen the heartbreaking financial and emotional toll these incidents take.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most widely reported hazing deaths, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died from traumatic brain injuries after a “bid acceptance” night that involved extreme drinking. Fraternity security cameras captured Piazza falling repeatedly and members delaying calling for help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath saw dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and the enactment of the comprehensive Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case laid bare the dangers of extreme intoxication, the tragic consequences of delayed medical intervention, and the devastating impact of a culture of silence.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. The incident led to criminal hazing charges against multiple fraternity members and FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life, prompting a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida. This case underscored how formulaic “tradition” drinking challenges are a recurring script for disaster.
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver died with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where he was forced to consume alcohol for incorrect answers. Multiple members faced charges, and one was convicted of negligent homicide. The civil case was settled confidentially, but the incident spurred the creation of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making felony hazing a reality. This case vividly demonstrated how legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of insidious hazing practices.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” pledge night. Multiple fraternity members were criminally convicted of hazing-related charges. His family later reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million coming from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This critical case showed that universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities, and it led to the strengthening of Ohio’s anti-hazing laws.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

Hazing dangers aren’t limited to alcohol. Physical abuse and degrading rituals cause severe injuries and death.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng died from traumatic brain injury during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. He was blindfolded, weighed down with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a brutal “glass ceiling” ritual. Fraternity members delayed calling 911. Multiple members were criminally convicted, and the national fraternity itself was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for ten years. This landmark case proved that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than on-campus events, and national organizations can face severe criminal penalties and financial liability.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse: Beyond Greek Life

Hazing is not confined to fraternities and sororities; it permeates other organizations, including university athletics.

• Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023–2025): This incident exposed widespread sexualized and racist hazing within a prominent university athletic program. Former players alleged systemic abuse over multiple years, leading to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and its coaching staff, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later confidentially settled a wrongful-termination suit), and a national reckoning regarding institutional oversight in athletics. This case tragically demonstrated that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, with major athletic programs sometimes harboring systemic abuse.

What These Cases Mean for Collingsworth County Families in Texas

The common threads in these national tragedies are chilling: forced consumption of dangerous amounts of alcohol or engaging in other dangerous physical acts, profound humiliation, an alarming delay or outright denial of medical care, and concerted efforts to cover up the abuse. The pattern is clear: significant reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts often follow only after victims and their families courageously pursue legal action.

For Collingsworth County families whose children attend or plan to attend the University of Houston, Texas A&M, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, or Baylor University, these national lessons are directly relevant. They underscore that while these incidents may have occurred out of state, the legal principles of accountability, foreseeability, and institutional liability apply right here in Texas. When a local chapter repeats behaviors seen in prior national incidents, it strengthens arguments for national and university negligence and responsibility.

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

Collingsworth County families send their children to universities across Texas. Whether your student is at the University of Houston in our state’s largest city, Texas A&M with its storied traditions, the vast campus of UT Austin, the vibrant community of SMU, or the faith-based environment of Baylor, understanding the specific hazing landscape at these institutions is crucial.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a dynamic urban campus, attracts students from all over Texas, including Collingsworth County. Families in Collingsworth County may have children attending UH for its diverse academic programs and bustling city environment. Hazing at UH can involve various student organizations, from its active Greek life to numerous clubs and athletic groups.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a large, diverse campus located in Houston, Texas. Its metropolitan setting and academic reputation draw a wide range of students. UH’s growing residential population and vibrant Greek system, alongside a multitude of student organizations, create a complex social environment where hazing can unfortunately take root.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Houston strictly prohibits hazing, articulating clear policies against it in its student code of conduct. The university defines hazing broadly, encompassing acts that endanger physical or mental health, regardless of whether they occur on or off campus, and regardless of the student’s perceived “consent.” UH encourages reporting through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university maintains a statement on hazing on its website, outlining its commitment to prevention and consequence.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Like many large universities, UH has faced its share of hazing incidents. In 2016, a particularly severe case involved the Pi Kappa Alpha (PKA) fraternity. Pledges were allegedly subjected to immense pressure, significant sleep and food deprivation during a multi-day event, and physical abuse. One student suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. This incident led to misdemeanor hazing charges and a lengthy suspension for the chapter. Other disciplinary actions have been taken against various fraternities for behaviors deemed “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and policy violations, resulting in suspensions or probation. These events highlight UH’s proactive stance in suspending chapters implicated in hazing. However, compared to some other Texas institutions, public details about specific violations may be less accessible, making it challenging for families to track historical patterns.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

A hazing case originating at UH could involve investigations by the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) and/or the wider Houston Police Department, depending on where the incident occurred and its severity. Civil lawsuits related to UH hazing would likely be filed in state district courts in Harris County, given Houston’s status as the county seat. Potential defendants could include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university itself, often alongside property owners where the hazing took place.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For Collingsworth County students attending UH and their families, knowledge and quick action are key:

• Report through official channels: Immediately contact the UH Dean of Students office, UHPD, or utilize the university’s online reporting forms if hazing is suspected or confirmed.
• Document EVERYTHING: Preserve all digital communications (screenshots of texts, group chats), photos, videos, and meticulous notes of incidents, dates, times, and participants.
• Seek medical attention: Prioritize getting immediate medical care for any injuries, no matter how minor they seem.
• Investigate prior incidents: Consult public records, though sometimes limited, to look for any documented prior complaints or disciplinary actions against the organization involved at UH.
• Consult a Houston-based hazing lawyer: An attorney experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can help families navigate UH’s administrative processes, uncover potential prior discipline, and gather crucial evidence that may not be readily apparent.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, deeply rooted in tradition and spirited culture, attracts students from across Texas, including many from rural counties like Collingsworth County. Its campus in College Station is home to a robust Greek life and the iconic Corps of Cadets, both of which have been sites of hazing concerns. Families from Collingsworth County send their young Aggies to College Station with pride, expecting a safe and enriching collegiate experience.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M in College Station is renowned for its unique blend of academic excellence and profound traditions, epitomized by its large Greek system and the highly respected Corps of Cadets. This tradition-heavy, military-style environment, while fostering camaraderie, has historically faced challenges with hazing within both Greek organizations and the Corps itself.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M explicitly prohibits hazing, outlining its policy in various university publications and student codes. The hazing policy covers all student organizations and activities, both on and off campus, and emphasizes that consent is not a defense. The university encourages reporting through the Dean of Student Life, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and through confidential online reporting forms.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has experienced significant hazing incidents both recently and historically. In a high-profile case around 2021, two pledges of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity filed a lawsuit alleging they were subjected to extreme physical hazing. They claimed they had industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them, resulting in severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The fraternity chapter was suspended for two years by the university, and the lawsuit sought $1 million in damages. More recently, in 2023, a cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing within the Corps of Cadets, describing simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose. This cadet sought over $1 million, while the university maintained that it addressed the matter through its internal rules. These incidents demonstrate that hazing at A&M is a persistent challenge, spanning both Greek life and deeply ingrained Corps traditions.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at Texas A&M, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) and/or the College Station Police Department (or even the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, depending on location) would typically be involved in any criminal investigation. Civil lawsuits for hazing at A&M would generally proceed in the state district courts of Brazos County, where College Station is located. Collingsworth County families involved in such cases would find their legal proceedings centered around the College Station/Bryan area, with potential defendants including individual hazers, the local chapter, the national organization, and the university, particularly concerning its oversight of the Corps of Cadets.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Collingsworth County families with Aggies, or those considering A&M, should be highly vigilant:

• Understand Corps policies: For Corps members and their families, a deep understanding of Corps policies and reporting channels is essential, as hazing within military-style organizations can be particularly severe due to the culture of authority and discipline.
• Report to student life or UPD: Immediately report any suspected hazing to the Dean of Student Life or the Texas A&M UPD.
• Secure digital evidence: Given the nature of modern hazing, preserving screenshots of group chats, photos, and videos is paramount, as demonstrated in past A&M hazing litigation.
• Seek immediate medical attention: Do not delay medical assessment for any physical or psychological symptoms.
• Consult a Texas hazing lawyer: An attorney familiar with A&M’s unique traditions and the specifics of Brazos County courts can provide crucial guidance, especially when dealing with complex cases involving both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The flagship University of Texas at Austin, located in the state capital, is a destination for many top students, including those from Collingsworth County seeking an elite education. UT Austin maintains one of the largest and most active Greek systems in the nation, and its transparency surrounding hazing incidents sets an important precedent.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a massive public university known for its academic rigor, vibrant student life, and a highly competitive Greek system comprising nearly 60 fraternity and sorority chapters, along with countless other student organizations and athletic programs. Its central location in Austin, within Travis County, makes it a hub for student activity across the Central Texas region.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Texas at Austin has a clear and comprehensive hazing policy, strongly outlined in its institutional rules. UT explicitly prohibits hazing, stating it will not tolerate physical or mental abuse, injury, or forced servitude. UT is one of the most proactive universities in Texas regarding hazing transparency, maintaining a public “Hazing Violations” page on its website. This page lists documented incidents, the organizations involved, the nature of the conduct, and the disciplinary actions taken. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), and the Title IX office.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page provides valuable insight into ongoing issues. Recent entries show organizations facing disciplinary action for a range of hazing behaviors. For instance, in 2023, the Pi Kappa Alpha (PKA) fraternity was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, which the university determined constituted hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education. Other student groups, including spirit organizations like the Texas Wranglers, have faced sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based practices. While UT’s transparency in publishing these violations is commendable, it also highlights the persistent challenges universities face in eradicating hazing. These repeated violations demonstrate that, despite policies, the underground culture of hazing continues.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing incidents at UT Austin could be investigated by the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) and/or the Austin Police Department, depending on the specifics and jurisdiction. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County district courts, as Austin is the county seat. A crucial aspect of pursuing a hazing claim against an organization at UT is leveraging the university’s public hazing log. This log can provide powerful pattern evidence, demonstrating that the university and national organizations had prior knowledge of hazing issues with specific chapters, thereby strengthening arguments for negligence or deliberate indifference.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

Collingsworth County families with students at UT Austin have a distinct advantage due to the university’s transparency, but vigilance is still key:

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations page: Regularly check this page (hazing.utexas.edu) to understand the track record of student organizations your child might join.
• Report to Dean of Students or UTPD: Utilize official reporting channels if hazing is suspected.
• Document thoroughly: Photos, videos, group chats, and careful notes of all incidents are vital, especially for demonstrating a pattern of abuse.
• Consider Title IX: If hazing involves any form of sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, contact the Title IX Coordinator immediately in addition to other reporting.
• Consult a Central Texas hazing lawyer: An attorney experienced with UT Austin’s unique administrative and legal landscape, and the specifics of Travis County courts, can best help families navigate their options.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, nestled in Dallas, is a private institution with a prominent Greek life system and a reputation for affluence. Collingsworth County families whose students attend SMU will find a distinct campus culture, which also brings its own hazing challenges.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private university in Dallas, Texas, known for its beautiful campus and strong Greek presence. The culture at SMU, particularly within its fraternity and sorority organizations, is often perceived as exclusive and influential, which can sometimes create an environment ripe for hazing activities designed to reinforce social hierarchies.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU prohibits hazing and outlines its policies against such behavior in its student code of conduct. As a private institution, SMU manages its internal disciplinary processes differently from public universities. SMU offers various hazing prevention efforts, including reporting forms and anonymous systems such as “Real Response,” designed to encourage students to come forward without fear of retaliation.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has had its own struggles with hazing allegations. In 2017, the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity at SMU was suspended after new members reportedly experienced paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter faced severe restrictions on recruiting efforts for several years. While SMU strives to address these issues, the private nature of the university means that detailed information about specific investigations and outcomes may not be as publicly accessible as at state-funded institutions. This lack of public transparency can present unique challenges for Collingsworth County families trying to understand past incidents and for attorneys seeking to gather evidence.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing incidents at SMU, investigations might involve the SMU Police Department and/or the Dallas Police Department, depending on where the incident occurred. Civil lawsuits would be filed in the state district courts of Dallas County. Collingsworth County families pursuing a hazing claim against an organization at SMU must be prepared for the differences in how a private university handles investigations and records compared to a public one. Discovery in a civil lawsuit can be crucial to compelling the release of internal reports that might not otherwise be publicly posted.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Collingsworth County families with students at SMU should be particularly diligent due to the private university context:

• Utilize SMU’s reporting systems: Take advantage of anonymous reporting mechanisms like “Real Response” if direct reporting feels unsafe.
• Document meticulously: As public records can be limited at private institutions, your personal documentation of all evidence (digital, photos, notes) becomes even more critical.
• Understand SMU’s disciplinary process: Familiarize yourself with how SMU investigates and sanctions hazing, often a distinct process from public universities.
• Consult a Dallas/Fort Worth-area hazing lawyer: An attorney with experience navigating private university policies and Dallas County courts can provide invaluable guidance in uncovering information and pursuing accountability for hazing at SMU.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University in Waco, Texas, is known for its strong Christian values and commitment to academic excellence. Attracting students from across Texas, including from Collingsworth County, Baylor’s campus culture is unique, influenced by its religious identity. However, like other institutions, Baylor has not been immune to hazing incidents.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor is a private Baptist university with a distinct religious identity that shapes its campus culture. It has a significant Greek life presence and numerous other student organizations. Baylor has garnered national attention in recent years for its handling of student welfare issues, particularly related to sexual assault and institutional oversight, which provides a broader context for understanding its approach to hazing.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor University has a clear anti-hazing policy that aligns with its commitment to student safety and well-being. The policy prohibits any act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued membership. Baylor encourages reporting through its Division of Student Life, Campus Public Safety (BUPD), and its confidential reporting systems.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor University has faced hazing issues, with one notable incident occurring in 2020. The university suspended 14 players from its highly visible Baylor baseball team following a hazing investigation. These suspensions were staggered over the early season, impacting the team’s performance and highlighting that hazing is not exclusive to Greek organizations. This incident came within a broader period of scrutiny for Baylor regarding its institutional oversight and student conduct issues, particularly after its well-publicized handling of a sexual assault scandal. These events underscore the challenges Baylor faces in upholding its “zero-tolerance” policy while managing recurring misconduct within its student groups.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing incidents at Baylor University could be investigated by the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) and/or the Waco Police Department or McLennan County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits would proceed in the state district courts of McLennan County, where Waco is located. Collingsworth County families considering legal action against Baylor or its student organizations must consider the university’s private status, its unique policies and procedures, and its history of navigating high-profile student conduct cases. These factors can influence the discovery process and how information is obtained and used in litigation.

5.2.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Collingsworth County families with students at Baylor:

• Familiarize yourself with Baylor’s policies: Understand how Baylor’s religious mission and its student conduct policies intertwine in addressing hazing.
• Use official reporting channels: Whether through the Division of Student Life or BUPD, ensure suspected hazing is formally reported.
• Document all communications and evidence: Maintain meticulous records of any interactions with university officials, as well as all digital and physical evidence related to the hazing.
• Seek counseling support: Baylor’s counseling services can offer crucial support for students experiencing trauma from hazing.
• Consult a Central Texas hazing lawyer: An attorney experienced with private university contexts and the McLennan County legal system can help families critically evaluate Baylor’s responses and effectively pursue legal remedies.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Collingsworth County families, investigating hazing means understanding not just what happened locally on a Texas campus, but also the broader history of the organizations involved. Many fraternities and sororities at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University are chapters of national organizations. These national bodies, while often espousing strong anti-hazing creeds, frequently have extensive histories of incidents across the country.

Why National Histories Matter in Texas Hazing Cases

When a local chapter in Texas—be it at UH, A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor—engages in hazing, the national organization’s past conduct can become a critical piece of evidence. Here’s why:

• Foreseeability: National headquarters often maintain thick manuals filled with anti-hazing policies and risk management guidelines. These exist precisely because they have witnessed hazing-related deaths and catastrophic injuries at their chapters nationwide in the past. They are aware of the recurring patterns: forced drinking nights, physically demanding traditional rituals, and humiliating practices.
• Notice and Knowledge: If a Texas chapter repeats a hazing “script” that led to another chapter being suspended or sued in a different state, it strongly suggests that the national organization had foreseeable notice of the danger. Despite this notice, if they failed to adequately intervene, supervise, or enforce their own policies, it strengthens arguments for negligence or even gross negligence against the national entity.
• Pattern Evidence: Courts can consider whether national organizations have a pattern of failing to meaningfully enforce anti-hazing policies or respond aggressively to prior incidents. This can be crucial in demonstrating a culture of deliberate indifference or inadequate oversight from the national level.

Organization Mapping and Key National Hazing Incidents

While we cannot list every chapter, it’s illustrative to look at some of the major fraternities and sororities with known national hazing issues that also have a presence at our major Texas universities:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Nationally, Pi Kappa Alpha has been involved in multiple tragic hazing incidents. The death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021 (alcohol poisoning during a pledge night) resulted in a $10 million settlement, with a substantial portion from the national fraternity. The 2012 death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (alcohol poisoning) also led to a $14 million settlement. These cases demonstrate a pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing within the organization, making any similar incident at a Texas chapter highly concerning and legally significant.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): SAE has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Nationally, SAE has faced multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries. Notably, the death of Carson Starkey in 2008 from alcohol poisoning prompted a national reckoning within the fraternity and led to the “Aware Awake Alive” foundation. More recently, allegations of hazing causing a traumatic brain injury were filed against an SAE chapter at the University of Alabama in 2023. Here in Texas, an SAE chapter at Texas A&M faced a $1 million lawsuit in 2021 after pledges alleged severe chemical burns from being covered in industrial-strength cleaner. An assault lawsuit was filed against a UT Austin SAE chapter in 2024. This consistent pattern of severe hazing, including chemical burns and physical assault, shows a troubling history that informs litigation against any SAE chapter.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): This fraternity has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. The national organization gained tragic notoriety with the death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at LSU in 2017. He died from alcohol toxicity during a forced drinking game, leading to the Max Gruver Act (felony hazing) in Louisiana. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of alcohol-fueled hazing rituals within Phi Delta Theta.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, Pi Kappa Phi was involved in the tragic death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017, who died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. This case highlights the dangers of traditional “big/little” events when they involve forced alcohol consumption, a pattern often seen in hazing.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, Beta Theta Pi is tragically linked to the death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University in 2017. Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” night involving extreme alcohol consumption and a subsequent hours-long delay in seeking medical help. Criminal charges were filed against numerous members, and the incident led to the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case is a prime example of institutional failure, cover-ups, and severe criminal and civil liability.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Kappa Sigma has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor. Nationally, Kappa Sigma has a long and troubled history with hazing. The 2001 drowning death of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami, following a hazing event, resulted in a $12.6 million jury verdict against the fraternity and led to a law named in his honor in Florida. More recently, an ongoing lawsuit against the Texas A&M Kappa Sigma chapter (2023) alleges severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis, from extreme physical hazing. This organization’s history repeatedly demonstrates a propensity for dangerous physical and alcohol-related abuse.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, Sigma Chi has also faced significant legal challenges over hazing. A recent case at the College of Charleston (2024) resulted in the victim’s family receiving more than $10 million in damages for physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment. This demonstrates that severe personal injury and multi-million-dollar awards are not isolated to deaths. The University of Texas at Arlington chapter also faced a lawsuit and settlement in 2021 after a pledge was hospitalized for alcohol poisoning.

Tying National Histories to Legal Strategy for Collingsworth County Families

For Collingsworth County families impacted by hazing, these national patterns are not just historical footnotes; they are powerful legal tools.

• Patterns of repeated, similar incidents across different states and campuses demonstrate that these organizations (and the universities that charter them) operate with repeated warnings about their hazardous practices.
• The courts will consider whether national organizations and universities:
  • Meaningfully enforced their anti-hazing policies or if they were merely “paper policies.”
  • Responded aggressively enough to prior incidents to genuinely deter future misconduct.
• This track record can significantly influence:
  • Settlement leverage: Showing a history of neglect can compel defendants to offer fair settlements rather than risk damaging public trials.
  • Insurance coverage disputes: Experienced lawyers can navigate arguments insurers often make about hazing being an “intentional act” not covered by policies, by focusing on negligent supervision by superiors.
  • Potential for punitive damages: When an organization acts with gross negligence or deliberate indifference to known risks, a jury might award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter others.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully pursuing a hazing case requires a sophisticated approach to evidence collection, a thorough understanding of the damages incurred, and a strategic legal plan. For Collingsworth County families facing the aftermath of hazing, this can feel overwhelming, but our firm is here to guide you.

7.1 Evidence: The Foundation of Your Case

In hazing litigation, evidence is often volatile and vulnerable to destruction. The Manginello Law Firm employs cutting-edge investigative techniques to unearth and preserve every piece of evidence.

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical category of evidence in modern hazing cases. GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, Instagram, and even fraternity-specific apps are where plans are made, events are orchestrated, and members often boast or complain. We work to secure:
  • Screenshots of full threads with timestamps and participant names.
  • Recovered/deleted messages: Digital forensics can sometimes retrieve messages that perpetrators try to erase.
• Photos & Videos: Visual evidence captured by phones (from members, bystanders, or even the victims themselves) is highly persuasive. This includes:
  • Content filmed during hazing events, including humiliation, forced activities, or injuries.
  • Footage shared in private group chats or on social media.
  • Security camera footage from chapter houses or event venues.
• Internal Organization Documents: These can reveal the official and unofficial practices of a chapter and national organization. We seek:
  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, or “ritual books.”
  • Emails, texts, or meeting minutes from officers discussing “new member education” or “traditions.”
  • National organization policies, training materials, and prior risk management reports.
• University Records: Colleges and universities often maintain extensive records that can shed light on prior issues. This includes:
  • Previous conduct files, probations, or suspensions involving the same organization.
  • Incident reports to campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Clery Act reports and other public safety disclosures.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These documents objectively detail the harm suffered. We gather:
  • Emergency room reports, ambulance records, and hospitalization notes.
  • Toxicology reports (especially for alcohol or drug-related hazing).
  • Records from physical therapy, surgery, rehabilitation.
  • Psychological evaluations and therapy notes documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other trauma.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are crucial, especially from:
  • Other pledges or new members, who may initially be afraid to speak but often come forward once legal action is initiated.
  • Former members who quit or were expelled for refusing to participate in hazing practices.
  • Roommates, RAs, coaches, or trainers who noticed changes in behavior or physical condition.

7.2 Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

Hazing inflicts vast and varied damages. The Manginello Law Firm works to ensure that Collingsworth County families and victims receive comprehensive compensation for all aspects of their suffering:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This includes immediate costs like ambulance transport, emergency room visits, and hospitalization, as well as ongoing expenses for surgery, physical therapy, medications, and mental health counseling. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage (as in the Danny Santulli case), a “life care plan” calculates the lifetime cost of 24/7 care.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can disrupt education, leading to missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation, and ultimately, a reduced earning capacity if long-term injuries or psychological trauma impact the ability to work.
• Non-Economic Damages: These subjective but legally compensable damages include physical pain and suffering, profound emotional distress, trauma, humiliation, and the loss of enjoyment of life (e.g., inability to participate in hobbies, sports, or social activities).
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In tragic fatalities, surviving family members can recover for funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and immense grief, sorrow, and loss of companionship.

It is important to understand that we are describing categories of damages, not promising or predicting specific dollar amounts. Every case is unique, and compensation is based on the specific evidence of harm.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, each with their own legal counsel and, crucially, their own insurance policies. National fraternities, universities, and even local chapters typically carry substantial insurance coverage. However, insurers are incentivized to minimize payouts and often argue:

• That “hazing” or “intentional acts” are explicitly excluded from their policies.
• That the policy doesn’t cover certain entities or types of damages.

The Manginello Law Firm possesses deep insight into these insurance tactics, particularly through Lupe Peña’s experience as a former insurance defense attorney. We know how to:

• Identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, including national, local, and university policies, as well as individual homeowner policies.
• Navigate complex disputes about policy exclusions and “intentional conduct” clauses, often by focusing on the defendants’ negligent supervision or failure to prevent foreseeable harm.
• Compel insurers to fulfill their duty to defend and indemnify, ensuring that resources are available to compensate victims.

We explain this without divulging confidential legal strategy, but to assure you that we understand the complexities and are prepared to challenge insurers vigorously.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For Collingsworth County families and students navigating a hazing crisis, immediate, actionable guidance is paramount. Here, we offer practical advice for parents, students, and even witnesses who might be wrestling with what to do.

8.1 For Parents: Your Crucial Role in Recognizing & Responding

Parents are often the first line of defense. Knowing the warning signs and how to respond can be life-saving.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be alert to changes that can signal hazing, including unexplained bruises, cuts, or repeated “accidents”; extreme fatigue, exhaustion, or sudden sleep deprivation; drastic changes in mood, increased anxiety, withdrawal from family or old friends; constant and secretive phone use for group chats, especially if there’s a visible fear of missing “mandatory” events.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach conversations with empathy, not judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority?” or “Is there anything about the initiation that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your highest priority, and you will support them regardless of their choices about the organization.
• If Your Child Is Hurt: Immediately prioritize medical care for any injuries, even if seemingly minor. Document everything thoroughly: take clear photos of injuries, keep screenshots of any relevant texts or group chats, and meticulously note down dates, times, locations, and what your child shares with you.
• Dealing with the University: Every interaction with university administrators should be carefully documented. Keep records of emails, call summaries, and meeting notes. Specifically ask about prior incidents involving the same organization and what measures the school did or did not take in response.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing what happened, it’s time to consult with an experienced hazing lawyer.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Your Rights and Safety

We speak directly to students: your safety and well-being far outweigh any organizational “tradition.”

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? If you feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced; if you’re forced to drink or endure pain; if the activity is hidden from the public or administrators – it is hazing. Your gut feeling is often right.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The law, and indeed common sense, recognizes that “consent” given under immense peer pressure, fear of exclusion, or desire for belonging is not true voluntary consent. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing allegations.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave any organization at any time. If you fear retaliation, tell a trusted adult outside the organization first. You can report hazing anonymously through campus channels or national tip lines.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many universities and state laws (including Texas) encourage students to call for help in medical emergencies by offering protections or amnesty from disciplinary action, even if alcohol or drug use was involved. Your safety, and the safety of your friends, is more important than anyone getting “in trouble.”

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were a part of hazing, or witnessed it, and now grapple with guilt or fear, know that your testimony can prevent future tragedies.

• Your courage to speak up can prevent future harm and save lives. Many victims and families rely on the honest accounts of former members to hold perpetrators and institutions accountable.
• While seeking your own legal advice might be prudent, cooperating with authorities or victims’ legal teams can be a crucial step towards both personal healing and broader accountability. Lawyers can navigate your role as a witness, protecting your rights while you help bring justice.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

For Collingsworth County families, the aftermath of hazing is emotionally charged, and it’s easy to make critical errors that can severely damage a potential legal claim. Avoid these common mistakes:

1. Allowing Your Child to Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence:
   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This can appear as an intentional cover-up, potentially hindering your case and even leading to criminal allegations of obstruction of justice.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even if it feels embarrassing or incriminating. Attorney911 has a video explaining how to use your cell phone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs).
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:
   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This will immediately trigger their legal teams, leading to evidence destruction, witness coaching, and the fabrication of defenses.
   • What to do instead: Document everything privately, then consult a lawyer who can advise on the appropriate next steps.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms Without Legal Counsel:
   • What universities do: They might pressure families to sign waivers or agree to “internal resolution” that appears swift and final.
   • Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your fundamental legal rights to sue for damages, and any proposed settlement is often a lowball offer far below the case’s true value.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an experienced attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer:
   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened and warn others.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys relentlessly scour social media for information. Inconsistencies or emotional posts can severely undermine your child’s credibility, and you could unintentionally waive critical legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Keep all documentation private. Your lawyer can strategically manage public messaging to ensure it supports, rather than harms, your case.
5. Allowing Your Child to Attend a “Last Meeting” with the Organization:
   • What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic; we just want to hear you out.”
   • Why it’s wrong: These meetings are often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against your child in legal proceedings.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication should be handled exclusively by your attorney.
6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It” Internally:
   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating, let us resolve this internally to spare your child further stress.”
   • Why it’s wrong: During internal investigations, crucial evidence can disappear, witnesses graduate or forget details, and the statute of limitations can expire. The university’s process focuses on institutional compliance, which often does not equate to real accountability or justice for your child.
   • What to do instead: Preserve all evidence immediately and consult with a lawyer. The university’s process is separate from a legal claim.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:
   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to help us process the claim quickly.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any recorded statement or early settlement offer will likely be used against you, and is almost certainly a lowball figure.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline any conversation and inform them, “My attorney will contact you regarding this matter.”

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances, you can pursue legal action against a university for hazing. However, it’s nuanced. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) often benefit from sovereign immunity under Texas law, meaning they are protected from certain types of lawsuits. Exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations (when hazing is gender-based), or when suing individual university employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (such as SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case hinges on its specific facts – contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, it certainly can be. Texas law designates general hazing as a Class B misdemeanor. However, if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it is elevated to a state jail felony, carrying much more severe penalties. Additionally, individuals in leadership roles who knowingly fail to report hazing can face criminal charges.
• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation activities?”
  Absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that in situations of intense peer pressure, a power imbalance between new members and older members, and the fear of exclusion, a student’s “agreement” is often coerced, not voluntary. Your child’s case will not be dismissed simply because they initially went along with the activities.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, a hazing lawsuit (like most personal injury or wrongful death claims in Texas) must be filed within two years from the date the injury or death occurred. This is known as the Statute of Limitations. However, in cases where a cover-up occurred or the harm wasn’t immediately apparent, the “discovery rule” might extend this period. For minors, the clock often doesn’t start until they reach adulthood. Regardless, time is always critical in these cases—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to discuss the specific timeline for your situation. Attorney911 has a video explaining the Statute of Limitations at 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 or sororities can still be held responsible based on their sponsorship of the organization, their control over its members, their knowledge of hazing risks, and the foreseeability of such incidents. Numerous major hazing cases that resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments have occurred at off-campus retreats, private homes, or “unofficial” houses, including the Pi Delta Psi retreat case (Michael Deng) and the Sigma Pi case (Collin Wiant).
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  We understand the profound desire for privacy, especially in sensitive hazing cases. The vast majority of hazing lawsuits are resolved through confidential settlements before ever reaching a public trial. We work diligently with our clients to request sealed court records and negotiate confidential settlement terms, prioritizing your family’s privacy interests while still pursuing the accountability and compensation you deserve.

The law can be complex, and its application depends entirely on the unique facts of each case. We strongly advise contacting an experienced attorney to review your specific situation, explain your rights under Texas law, and help you understand your best options.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the profound trauma of a hazing incident, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need a legal team that deeply understands how powerful institutions—national fraternities, universities, and their insurers—fight back, and possesses the proven ability to achieve justice despite those challenges.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We specialize in serious injury, wrongful death, and complex litigation, and our unique expertise makes us exceptionally suited to handle hazing cases across Texas, including for Collingsworth County families.

We are not just attorneys; we are advocates with insider knowledge and unyielding determination:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight from her previous career as an insurance defense attorney at a national law firm. She knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies operate—how they value hazing claims, their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusions, and their settlement strategies. “We know their playbook because we used to run it,” and this knowledge is a powerful asset in seeking maximum compensation for our clients. Learn more about Lupe Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Giants: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has an extensive track record in complex litigation against massive corporations. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the historic BP Texas City explosion litigation, and he has significant federal court experience in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. We are not intimidated by national fraternities, multi-billion-dollar universities, or their formidable defense teams; we have a proven history of taking on powerful defendants and winning. Learn more about Ralph Manginello’s credentials at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working with top economists to accurately value loss of life and the lifetime care needs for severe brain injuries or permanent disabilities. Our dedication means “we don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force genuine accountability.” For more information on our approach to catastrophic cases, visit our wrongful death claim lawyer page at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Dual Criminal and 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 unique perspective allows us to advise witnesses and former members who may face dual criminal and civil exposure.
• Unrivaled Investigative Depth: We leverage a network of top experts—medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists—to build an airtight case. We possess the skills and resources to obtain hidden evidence, including deleted group chats, confidential chapter records, and university files through aggressive discovery and public records requests. “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

From our primary office in Houston, and with additional offices in Austin and Beaumont, we serve families across the entire state of Texas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families in Collingsworth County and throughout the surrounding region. Our firm’s comprehensive experience means we understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments really operate behind closed doors, and we know how to connect their historical patterns of abuse to local incidents.

At Attorney911, we approach every hazing case with profound empathy and a commitment to victim advocacy. We know this is likely one of the hardest things a family can endure. Our goal is to find answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and ultimately help prevent similar tragedies from befalling another family. We believe in thorough investigation and unwavering pursuit of justice, not bravado or quick, inadequate settlements.

Don’t Face Hazing Alone – Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus, from the University of Houston to Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, we want to hear from you. Families in Collingsworth County and throughout the wider Texas Panhandle region have the undeniable right to answers, accountability, and justice.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, trading as Attorney911, for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen intently to what happened, explain your legal options clearly, and help you determine the best path forward for your family.

In your free consultation, you can expect us to:

• Listen to your story without judgment, providing a compassionate space for you to share.
• Review any evidence you’ve already gathered (photos, texts, medical records) and offer immediate advice on preservation.
• Explain your legal options, which may include criminal reporting, a civil lawsuit, or a combination of both.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• Answer your questions about legal fees, explaining our contingency fee basis – meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. For a thorough explanation, watch our video on How Contingency Fees Work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• Provide our insights without pressure for you to hire us on the spot; we want you to take your time and make the right decision for your family.
• Assure you that everything you discuss with us is completely confidential.

Call Attorney911 today – the Legal Emergency Lawyers™:

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

Whether you’re in Collingsworth County or anywhere else across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you do not have to face this alone. Call us today.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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