Understanding Hazing: A Comprehensive Guide for Concho County Families on Texas Campus Abuse and Your Legal Options

The call comes late, or perhaps it’s a strained conversation during a holiday visit. Your child, home from one of Texas’s vibrant universities, is withdrawn, bruised, or evasive. They might hint at “traditions” or “bonding experiences” within their fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or student organization. They’re exhausted, their grades are slipping, and they seem to carry a secret burden. This could be happening to a student from Concho County attending a campus in College Station, Austin, Houston, Waco, or Dallas — and you sense something is deeply wrong.

Then, the true horror unfolds: an initiation ritual involving excessive alcohol consumption, extreme physical exertion, degrading acts, or sexualized torment. Others chant, film on phones, and laugh, while someone gets hurt—falls, vomits, collapses. The fear of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble” silences anyone who might call for help. Your child feels trapped, caught between loyalty to the group and their own safety and well-being.

This scenario, tragically, is far too common at campuses across our state. For families in San Angelo and throughout Sterling and Tom Green counties, extending into Concho County itself, the thought of their child experiencing such trauma while away at college is a profound fear. The Manginello Law Firm understands this fear, and we are committed to providing clarity and support during such difficult times.

This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for families in Concho County and across Texas who need to understand the complex landscape of hazing. We will cover:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The detailed legal framework governing hazing under Texas and federal law.
• Critical lessons from major national hazing cases and their direct relevance to Texas families.
• Specific incidents and patterns at leading 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.
• How national fraternity and sorority histories, alongside local chapter conduct, contribute to liability and risk.
• The legal options available to victims and their families in Concho County and throughout Texas.

Please remember that while this article offers general information, it is not a substitute for specific legal advice. Every case has unique facts, and The Manginello Law Firm can evaluate individual situations based on their specific circumstances. From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we proudly serve families throughout Texas, including those in Eden, Paint Rock, Lowake, and the wider Concho County community.

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 above all else.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and DMs immediately.
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
  • Save any physical items (clothing, receipts, objects).
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when, and where.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice.
  • Post details on public social media.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast: group chats are deleted, objects are removed, and witnesses are coached.
• Universities often move quickly to control the narrative surrounding hazing incidents.
• We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights from the very beginning.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For many in Concho County, the image of hazing might still conjure outdated scenes from Hollywood movies: a minor prank, a harmless prank, or simply a rite of passage. However, modern hazing is far more insidious, dangerous, and often deeply psychological. It’s a systemic issue, rooted in power imbalances and a coercive culture that thrives on secrecy and a twisted sense of tradition.

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. This definition is crucial because “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when peer pressure and power imbalance are involved. The law recognizes that true consent cannot be given under duress.

Main Categories of Hazing

Modern hazing takes many forms, often escalating in severity and cunning. We categorize these into three tiers, moving from subtle psychological manipulation to outright violence. Attorney911 has encountered all of these forms in our hazing cases.

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing

Often dismissed as “harmless fun” or “tradition,” subtle hazing establishes a power differential that psychologically primes individuals for more severe abuse. For Concho County families, recognizing these early signs is critical, as they rarely happen in isolation.

• Deception and Secrecy Oaths: Pledges are often told to lie to parents, university officials, or outsiders about their activities. This creates a dangerous “us vs. them” mentality.
• Assigning Derogatory Names or Identities: New members may be forced to respond to demeaning nicknames, stripping away their individual identity.
• Requiring New Members to Perform Duties for Older Members: This extends beyond reasonable shared responsibilities to include designated driving at all hours, mandatory cleaning, laundry, or running errands for older members—often with an implicit threat for refusal.
• Social Isolation: New members might be restricted from contact with non-members or require permission to socialize, severing their support systems.
• Deprivation of Privileges: Being told they cannot speak unless spoken to, sit in certain areas, or use specific entrances reinforces their lower status.
• Requiring Attendance at Events that Interfere with Academics: Mandatory late-night meetings or tasks during exam periods demonstrate a disregard for a student’s primary purpose at a university.
• “Scavenger Hunts” or “Tasks”: These seemingly harmless activities are often designed to humiliate (e.g., stealing items, performing public stunts) or even subtly endanger, pushing boundaries without direct physical harm.
• Modern Digital Controls: Group chat monitoring, demanding instant responses at all hours, geo-tracking, and social media policing are increasingly common, extending control into every aspect of a new member’s life.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing

These behaviors cause emotional or physical discomfort, often creating a hostile environment without necessarily causing lasting injury. They are designed to degrade, exhaust, and break down a new member’s resistance.

• Verbal Abuse: Yelling, screaming, insults, and degrading language are common, often employed to create a constant state of anxiety and fear.
• Sleep Deprivation: Late-night “meetings,” early-morning tasks, and multi-day events with minimal sleep are designed to wear down physical and mental defenses.
• Food and Water Restriction: Limiting meals, forcing consumption of unpleasant or excessive amounts of food, or denying water can be dangerous and dehumanizing.
• Forced Physical Activity Beyond Safe Limits: “Smokings,” extreme calisthenics, or forced runs that are punitive rather than conditioning can lead to exhaustion, injury, and serious medical conditions like heat stroke or rhabdomyolysis.
• Public Humiliation: Forcing pledges to perform embarrassing acts in public, wear degrading costumes, or endure “roasts” where they are verbally attacked chips away at dignity.
• Exposure to Disgusting Conditions: Being forced into filthy spaces or covered in non-harmful but humiliating substances like food, condiments, or eggs adds to the degradation.
• Digital Humiliation: Forcing pledges to post embarrassing content online or participate in online “challenges” for the amusement of older members has emerged as a particularly cruel tactic.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing

This is the most dangerous form, carrying a high potential for physical injury, sexual assault, or even death. These are the incidents that typically lead to serious criminal charges and significant civil litigation.

• Forced/Coerced Alcohol Consumption:
  • “Lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” reveal nights with handles of hard liquor, or “Bible study” games where wrong answers mean forced drinking. The goal is often maximum intoxication, quickly.
  • This is the leading cause of hazing deaths.
• Forced Drug Use: Pressuring pledges to consume illegal drugs or unknown substances.
• Physical Beatings and Paddling: Punches, kicks, slaps, or beatings with wooden paddles, sometimes leading to internal injuries, burns, or even branding.
• Dangerous Physical “Tests”: The “glass ceiling” (blindfolded tackling), forced fights, or other high-risk physical challenges can result in traumatic brain injury, broken bones, and other severe harm.
• Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexual assault or coercion, or being made to engage in sexually degrading acts. This causes profound and lasting trauma.
• Racist/Homophobic/Sexist Hazing: Using slurs, role-playing stereotypes, or forcing minority members to perform degrading acts.
• Kidnapping/Restraint: Illegally restraining pledges, tying them up, or blindfolding them during forced transport.
• Exposure to Extreme Environments: Being locked in freezing rooms, left outside in extreme weather, or denied access to basic necessities like bathrooms.
• Modern, Extreme Tactics: In recent years, we’ve seen pledges set on fire (San Diego State Phi Kappa Psi) or covered in industrial-strength cleaners causing chemical burns (Texas A&M SAE). These incidents highlight an alarming escalation.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to one type of organization or campus. While fraternities and sororities (including Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and multicultural Greek letter organizations) are commonly associated with hazing, it pervades many other student groups. Concho County families should be aware that hazing can occur in:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These organizations, often emphasizing tradition and discipline, can be breeding grounds for hazing if not properly supervised.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Groups like student spirit organizations or “secret societies” (e.g., Texas Cowboys-type groups at UT Austin) have been disciplined for hazing.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, cheerleading, and swim teams, hazing has been documented at all levels of collegiate sports.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can fall prey to harmful initiation rituals, as seen in tragic cases involving collegiate marching bands.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Hazing can infiltrate any group where a strong social hierarchy or an intense desire for belonging exists.

The persistence of hazing, despite widespread awareness of its dangers, is often due to deeply ingrained traditions, a desire for social status, and a culture of secrecy. New members are frequently pressured to endure because “everyone else did it,” and a code of silence protects perpetrators and perpetuates the cycle.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Concho County, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial. Both state and federal laws aim to prevent hazing and hold individuals and institutions accountable.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions within its Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F, that define and prohibit hazing. This applies to any public or private postsecondary educational institution in the state, including the universities many Concho County students attend.

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

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

This definition covers a broad range of behaviors. Crucially, the law explicitly states that “I agreed to it” is not a defense. Why? Because the law recognizes that under immense peer pressure, power imbalances, and the desire to belong, true voluntary consent is often impossible.

Criminal Penalties:

• Hazing activity, without serious injury, is generally a Class B Misdemeanor (punishable by fines and up to 180 days in jail).
• If the hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment, it can be a Class A Misdemeanor.
• Most critically, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a State Jail Felony in Texas. This carries significant prison time and severe fines.
• Individuals who are aware of hazing and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges.
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Organizational Liability:

• Organizations themselves (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can face criminal prosecution and substantial fines up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it. Universities can also revoke recognition for these organizations.

Reporter Protections:

• Texas law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who report a hazing incident in good faith to university authorities or law enforcement. Furthermore, many university policies and Texas law itself offer amnesty for students who call 911 or seek medical help in an emergency, even if underage drinking or other minor offenses were involved. The priority is getting help to someone injured, not punishing those who seek aid.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important for Concho County families to understand the two parallel tracks a hazing case can take:

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (the prosecutor’s office) and aim to punish individuals for breaking the law. Typical hazing-related criminal charges can include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and even negligent homicide or manslaughter in fatal cases. The burden of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
• Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving families and aim to achieve monetary compensation and institutional accountability. These cases focus on legal theories such as negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, and emotional distress. The burden of proof is “by a preponderance of the evidence,” which is lower than in criminal cases.

Critically, a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Both types of cases can proceed simultaneously, and the Manginello Law Firm has extensive experience navigating both the criminal and civil aspects of hazing incidents.

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

Beyond state laws, federal regulations also play a significant role in campus safety and hazing prevention:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal law requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to enhance transparency and prevention efforts related to hazing. By roughly 2026, institutions will be required to publish more detailed hazing incident reports and implement stronger educational programs. This federal mandate will increase accountability for universities across Texas.
• Title IX / Clery Act: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, federal Title IX obligations may be triggered, requiring universities to investigate and address such misconduct. The Clery Act also mandates that universities report certain campus crimes, and many hazing incidents—especially those involving assault, sexual assault, or alcohol/drug offenses—fall under its reporting requirements.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining liability in a hazing lawsuit is complex, but several parties can be held accountable, providing avenues for justice for families in Concho County.

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, encouraged, supplied alcohol, carried out the hazing acts, or participated in cover-ups can be held personally liable for their actions.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself, if it operates as a legal entity, can be sued. Officers or “pledge educators” who organized or oversaw the hazing activities are often central figures.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which often dictates policies, collects dues, and supervises local chapters, can be held liable. Their liability often hinges on whether they knew or should have known about prior hazing incidents, either at the specific chapter or as a pattern across their organization, and failed to act.
• University or Governing Board: While public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT may have some protection under sovereign immunity, exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or, in some cases, Title IX violations. Private institutions like SMU and Baylor generally have fewer immunity protections. Universities can be held liable for negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or showing deliberate indifference to known patterns of hazing.
• Third Parties: Other entities can also be responsible, including landlords or owners of houses where hazing occurred, bars or alcohol suppliers (under Texas dram shop laws if they served obviously intoxicated individuals), or security companies.

Every hazing case is fact-specific, and not every party is liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney from Attorney911 can thoroughly investigate to identify all potential defendants.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic pattern of hazing deaths and severe injuries at universities across the country serves as a stark reminder of the dangers involved and establishes crucial precedents for cases here in Texas. These national anchor stories illustrate the consequences of unchecked hazing and reinforce the need for robust legal action. Attorney911 regularly analyzes these cases to inform our strategy for Concho County families seeking justice.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced or coerced alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing fatalities. These cases demonstrate a recurring, predictable problem that institutions and national organizations are often aware of, yet fail to prevent.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most high-profile hazing cases in U.S. history, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after an extreme alcohol-fueled bid-acceptance event. Fraternity brothers provided vast quantities of alcohol, forced pledges to consume it rapidly, and then delayed calling 911 for hours as Piazza suffered severe falls and internal injuries. The incident was partially captured on the fraternity’s own surveillance cameras, revealing a horrific lack of care. Dozens of fraternity members faced criminal charges, and robust civil litigation ensued, leading to substantial confidential settlements. The tragedy also spurred Pennsylvania to enact the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, upgrading hazing penalties. This case profoundly demonstrates how extreme intoxication, deliberate delays in seeking medical attention, and a pervasive culture of silence can lead to devastating legal and human consequences.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume them rapidly. Criminal hazing charges were brought against multiple members, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life, overhauling its policies in response. Coffey’s death highlights how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights, often disguised as harmless bonding, are a recurring script for disaster within Greek organizations.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver died from extreme alcohol toxicity during a hazing ritual known as “Bible study.” Pledges were forced to answer questions about the fraternity’s history, and incorrect answers resulted in forced, rapid consumption of high-proof alcohol. This horrific event prompted Louisiana to pass the Max Gruver Act, significantly strengthening its anti-hazing laws and making felony hazing a reality in the state. This case underscores how legislative change often follows public outrage fueled by clear, undeniable proof of extreme hazing.

• 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” night. This incident led to multiple criminal convictions for hazing-related charges against fraternity members. Civil litigation resulted in a substantial $10 million settlement for the family, with nearly $3 million coming from Bowling Green State University and $7 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha organization and individuals. This case is a critical example of how universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities when they fail to prevent hazing on their campuses.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualistic hazing methods also carry extreme risks, often resulting in severe injury or death.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng died from a traumatic brain injury suffered during a harrowing off-campus fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Pledges were subjected to a brutal ritual known as the “glass ceiling,” which involved being blindfolded, weighed down with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled. Fraternity members delayed seeking medical help for hours. This case led to multiple criminal convictions, including an unprecedented criminal conviction against the national fraternity itself for aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This tragedy demonstrates that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous, if not more so, than campus events, and national organizations can face severe sanctions for inadequately supervising their chapters.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is far from exclusive to Greek life. Major athletic programs, often with immense institutional support and public visibility, can also harbor systemic abuse, affecting students from communities like Concho County who excel in sports.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): This scandal revealed allegations of widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the university’s prestigious football program over multiple years. Players described disturbing acts that included forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, and derogatory treatment based on race and origin. Multiple lawsuits were filed against Northwestern and its coaching staff, leading to the highly publicized firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled a wrongful-termination suit confidentially. This case profoundly shaped the national conversation, demonstrating that hazing extends beyond Greek life into even high-profile athletic programs and raises serious questions about institutional oversight and accountability.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national cases – tragic as they are – establish critical patterns and legal precedents that directly impact families in Concho County and across Texas. The common threads running through these incidents include:

• Recurring Patterns: Forced drinking, humiliation, physical violence, and the dangerous delay or deliberate denial of medical care.
• The Cover-Up Culture: A persistent code of silence and active cover-ups among members and sometimes institutions.
• Predictability: Many of these incidents, particularly those involving excessive alcohol, were foreseeable given the organizations’ prior histories and publicly available warnings.
• Escalating Consequences: Major legal reforms, enhanced criminal penalties, and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after a tragedy and sustained litigation.

For Concho County families whose children attend or plan to attend Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, these national lessons are directly relevant. They underscore the importance of legal counsel who understands how to leverage these precedents to build a strong case for justice and accountability.

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

Families in Concho County often send their children to universities across Texas, from the bustling urban campuses to the more traditional collegiate towns. While Concho County itself is not home to one of the state’s largest universities, its students are deeply connected to the academic and social environments of institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. Each of these schools, despite their unique cultures, has faced hazing incidents, underscoring the pervasive nature of this issue.

Attorney911 is a Houston-based firm with offices in Austin and Beaumont, strategically positioned to serve families from Concho County who may have children attending these major Texas universities. Our experience navigating the specific policies and legal landscapes of these institutions is invaluable. While our primary office is in Houston, we regularly represent clients from rural and urban communities across Texas, leveraging technology and a network of resources to ensure justice for hazing victims, regardless of where they live or where the incident occurred.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus, is home to a diverse student body and a bustling Greek life scene. Its proximity to Houston means that any hazing incident can swiftly involve municipal police and the city’s robust legal infrastructure, which Attorney911 is deeply familiar with.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a large public research university, offering a blend of commuter and residential experiences. Its Greek community is highly active, with numerous chapters across all major councils (IFC, Panhellenic, MGC, NPHC). Beyond Greek life, a huge variety of student organizations, including cultural groups and sports clubs, contribute to campus life, all of which are susceptible to hazing. For Concho County families, UH offers a dynamic city environment, but this also means navigating a large, complex university system.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH maintains a comprehensive hazing policy, which prohibits such activities both on and off campus. The policy specifically forbids forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress as part of initiation or affiliation. Students and parents at UH can report suspected hazing through the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, or the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). UH also provides public statements on hazing prevention and some disciplinary actions.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has had its share of hazing incidents, demonstrating the ongoing challenges even with clear policies.

• In 2016, a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at UH faced severe allegations. Pledges were reportedly deprived of sufficient food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. One student allegedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface during the hazing. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and a significant university suspension, highlighting the potential for both criminal repercussions and severe campus discipline.
• More broadly, UH’s disciplinary records indicate various other fraternities and sororities have faced sanctions for behaviors “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse, excessive physical activity, and policy violations that led to suspensions or probation. While UH is less transparent with its public violation list than UT, these incidents underscore the persistence of hazing.

These incidents highlight UH’s efforts to suspend chapters when hazing occurs, but also reveal the challenges in publicly detailing every aspect of such misconduct.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

A hazing case originating at UH would typically involve the University of Houston Police Department for on-campus incidents or the Houston Police Department for off-campus events within the city. Concho County families seeking justice for incidents at UH would navigate the court system within Harris County, where Houston is located. Potential defendants in such civil suits could include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university itself, along with landlords or property owners where the hazing occurred. Our Houston office is perfectly situated to handle these cases, working directly with families from Concho County who may be navigating a complex urban legal landscape.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For students from Concho County attending UH, and their parents:

• Report to Authority: Use UH’s official channels: the Dean of Students, UHPD, or online reporting forms. If it’s a criminal act, the Houston Police Department is a critical resource.
• Document Everything: Maintain meticulous records of any suspected hazing, including screenshots of group chats, photos, videos, and detailed notes of conversations. This evidence is crucial for later legal action.
• Understand Prior Incidents: Research any publicly available disciplinary records related to the organization. This can help establish a pattern of misconduct that strengthens a civil case.
• Consult a Houston-Based Attorney: An attorney experienced in Houston-area hazing cases, such as Attorney911, can help uncover prior disciplinary actions and navigate the university’s internal processes, which can often be opaque.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, particularly in College Station, is deeply rooted in tradition, where the Corps of Cadets and a passionate Greek life significantly shape student experience. Many Concho County students choose A&M, often drawn by its reputation and values.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M in College Station is renowned for its strong traditions, particularly the Corps of Cadets, which fosters a military-style environment and emphasizes discipline. Alongside the Corps, A&M boasts a large and active Greek life, with numerous fraternities and sororities. The culture is often described as tight-knit and loyal, values that can, unfortunately, be exploited in hazing scenarios if not properly cultivated and overseen. For Concho County families, A&M represents a blend of cherished heritage and cutting-edge academics. The Bryan-College Station metropolitan area, encompassing both cities, is where most off-campus activity occurs, and thus where many hazing incidents might take place. Bryan is the county seat of Brazos County, where judicial proceedings would typically occur.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M strictly prohibits hazing, adhering to state law and its own Student Rules. The university’s policy covers both on and off-campus activities and explicitly defines forbidden acts, including forced consumption, physical abuse, and any activity that creates psychological or emotional distress. Reporting channels include the Dean of Student Life, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and specific reporting avenues within the Corps of Cadets for its members.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced significant hazing controversies, underscoring the risks across different student organizations.

• In 2021, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chapter at Texas A&M faced a lawsuit alleging horrific hazing. Pledges claimed they were subjected to strenuous physical activities while substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, were poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued the fraternity for $1 million, and the university suspended the chapter for two years. This incident showcases a particularly brutal form of hazing that goes far beyond traditional physical abuse.
• More recently, in 2023, a former Corps of Cadets member filed a lawsuit against Texas A&M, alleging degrading and physically abusive hazing. The cadet claimed he was subjected to simulated sexual acts and tied up between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages, even as A&M asserted it handled the matter under its internal rules. This case is crucial as it highlights that hazing is not confined to Greek life but can tragically infiltrate even revered traditions like the Corps, challenging the notion that “tradition” justifies abuse.
• Kappa Sigma at Texas A&M is facing ongoing litigation as of 2023 for alleged hazing resulting in severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical exertion). This particular injury is a known risk of forced exercise hazing and is central to Attorney911’s specialized legal representation in such cases.

These incidents at Texas A&M demonstrate the university’s mixed track record in dealing with hazing across its prominent student institutions, from Greek life to the Corps.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Incidents within the Corps of Cadets typically involve the university’s internal disciplinary process alongside UPD investigations. Off-campus hazing for Greek organizations would likely involve the College Station Police Department or Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. Civil cases would be filed in Brazos County courts. Potential defendants are varied, spanning individual cadets or students, local chapters, national organizations, the university, and potentially individual university or Corps officials. For Concho County families, understanding the dual jurisdiction of campus and local law enforcement is key, and our firm’s Austin office, working closely with our Houston team, frequently handles cases in this region.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For Concho County families whose students are at A&M:

• Understand Corps Culture: If your student is in the Corps, openly discuss the difference between legitimate military training and abusive hazing.
• Report to Multiple Channels: Report to A&M Student Life, UPD, and the College Station Police Department if legal violations occurred.
• Document Everything: Photos of injuries, screenshots of group chats (especially GroupMe, widely used at A&M), and any physical evidence are vital.
• Seek Experienced Counsel: An attorney with experience in hazing claims against both Greek organizations and military-style institutions at Texas A&M can help navigate the unique cultural nuances and legal complexities inherent in these cases.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution, drawing students from every corner of Texas, including Concho County. Its active Greek life and diverse student organizations mean it is not immune to hazing.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is one of the largest public universities in Texas, celebrated for its academic rigor and vibrant cultural scene. Its Greek system is extensive and deeply embedded in freshman social life, with numerous fraternities and sororities recognized by various councils. Beyond Greek life, UT has a plethora of student organizations, including athletic teams, spirit groups like the Texas Wranglers, and other honor societies, all of which have seen hazing incidents unfold. Families from Concho County sending their children to UT are often navigating a transition to a very competitive and socially complex urban campus in Austin, the state capital.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin has a clear anti-hazing policy aligned with state law. It prohibits any behavior that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. UT is notably transparent, maintaining a public Hazing Violations page on its website, which lists organizations, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed. Reporting can be made through the Dean of Students Office, the Student Conduct office, the UT Police Department (UTPD), or various anonymous online forms.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s public Hazing Violations page is a critical resource, revealing a consistent pattern of misconduct by numerous organizations.

• In 2023, the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pika) chapter at UT was disciplined after new members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, actions found to constitute hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education. This parallels the Stone Foltz tragedy at Bowling Green and highlights the common “Big/Little” rituals.
• Other groups, including spirit organizations like the Texas Wranglers and various service clubs, have also faced sanctions for alcohol-related hazing, forced physical workouts, and other punishment-based practices targeting new members. These documented incidents frequently involve violations of UT’s conduct policies and show a recurring challenge with student organizations across the university.
• In January 2024, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chapter at UT was sued for over $1 million by an Australian exchange student who alleged assault at a party. The student suffered severe injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, a fractured tibia, and a broken nose. This chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations, demonstrating a pattern of neglect and raising questions about university oversight.

UT’s transparency, while commendable, also underscores the persistent nature of hazing and the need for continuous vigilance and enforcement.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing incidents at UT Austin would typically involve investigations by the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) or the Austin Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in state district courts in Travis County, where Austin is located. Given Austin’s status as a state capital, the legal environment is robust. The Manginello Law Firm’s Austin office is well-versed in navigating both university procedures and the Travis County court system, providing a local presence and expertise for Concho County families whose children attend UT.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

For Concho County families with students at UT Austin:

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations Page: Use the university’s public website to research any organization your student is considering joining. Former violations can indicate a pattern that will be critical in a civil case.
• Report Directly: Report hazing to the Dean of Students, Student Conduct, UTPD, or Austin PD, especially if criminal activity is involved.
• Preserve Digital Evidence: UT students are highly digitally connected. Screenshots of GroupMe, iMessage, Instagram DMs, and any other social media activity are essential evidentiary pieces.
• Seek Austin-Based Legal Counsel: An attorney with specific experience in UT Austin hazing cases can leverage the university’s transparency and familiarity with the Austin legal community to build a strong claim.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University in Dallas holds a unique position among Texas universities, known for its strong academic programs and a prominent, highly social Greek life.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private university located in a wealthy section of Dallas, attracting students from affluent backgrounds many from Dallas and neighboring counties such as Collin and Denton. Its Greek life is a central component of its social scene, with a significant percentage of students participating in fraternities and sororities. The campus culture emphasizes tradition and social standing, factors that can unfortunately contribute to hazing behaviors. For Concho County families, SMU represents a prestigious academic environment, but one where the social pressures can be intense. The Dallas legal system, where SMU resides, is highly developed, which is an environment Attorney911 operates in regularly.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU strictly prohibits hazing, articulating clear policies against any acts that endanger students physically or psychologically for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Given its private status, SMU’s policies are often enforced rigorously to maintain its reputation and minimize legal exposure. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, the SMU Police Department, and various anonymous reporting systems like “Real Response,” which allows students to report concerns via their phones.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has seen its share of hazing allegations and disciplinary actions, emphasizing that no institution is immune.

• In 2017, a Kappa Alpha Order chapter at SMU faced significant disciplinary action following allegations of hazing that included paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended and placed under severe restrictions, including a ban on recruiting, for several years. This incident underscored the potential for physical and alcohol-related abuse even within the context of a private university with strong oversight.
• More broadly, SMU’s student conduct records, though not always as publicly transparent as a state university’s, reveal ongoing investigations and sanctions against fraternities and other student groups for hazing-related violations. The focus on “respecting tradition” can sometimes mask harmful practices, making internal accountability critical.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing incidents at SMU are investigated by the SMU Police Department for campus-related matters, or the Dallas Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would be filed in the state district courts within Dallas County. As SMU is a private university, it does not enjoy the same sovereign immunity protections as public institutions, potentially expanding the scope of direct liability claims against the university itself. Attorney911, with our extensive experience in navigating the Texas legal system across major metropolises including the DFW Metroplex, is equipped to represent Concho County families against powerful private institutions like SMU.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For Concho County families whose students attend SMU:

• Leverage Anonymous Systems: Utilize SMU’s anonymous reporting systems if direct reporting feels risky.
• Private University – Different Stakes: Understand that while SMU is a private institution, it has a significant reputation to protect, which can sometimes influence their approach to internal investigations and settlements.
• Documentation is Key: As with any hazing incident, meticulously document all evidence. Given the private nature, this raw evidence is crucial.
• Consult a Dallas-Area Attorney: An attorney intimately familiar with the Dallas legal community and SMU’s internal governance can best advise on strategy, especially given the nuances of private university liability.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Christian institution in Waco, has faced intense scrutiny over its handling of student welfare issues, most notably a past sexual assault scandal. This history informs how it approaches other forms of campus misconduct, including hazing.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. It is deeply rooted in its Christian mission, which shapes its campus culture and student conduct policies. Greek life is active, alongside numerous religiously affiliated student organizations and competitive athletic programs. For Concho County families, Baylor represents a blend of academic excellence and faith-based values. However, its past struggles with institutional oversight mean that students and parents must be particularly diligent regarding campus safety. Waco, the county seat of McLennan County, is where any legal proceedings related to Baylor would typically occur.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, emphasizing its commitment to fostering a safe and respectful campus environment. The policy directly reflects state law and prohibits activities that endanger student health or safety. Reporting hazing can be done through Baylor’s Department of Student Activities, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), or through anonymous reporting links on the university’s website. Baylor’s public statements often underscore a “zero tolerance” stance, though the effectiveness of enforcement can always be a point of contention in litigation.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history, particularly its highly publicized sexual assault scandal, has cast a long shadow, highlighting past inadequacies in its institutional oversight. This background influences how current hazing incidents are perceived and handled.

• In 2020, the Baylor baseball team suspended 14 players following a hazing investigation. The suspensions were staggered over the early season, demonstrating a degree of internal discipline for a high-profile athletic program.
• This incident, alongside others within Baylor’s Greek system, reinforces that even institutions with stated “zero tolerance” policies and strong ethical foundations can struggle with recurring misconduct. The intersection of athletic programs, social groups, and institutional oversight remains a complex challenge.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing incidents at Baylor are investigated by the Baylor Department of Public Safety (BUPD) for on-campus matters, or the Waco Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would be filed in the state district courts of McLennan County. Similar to SMU, as a private university, Baylor does not possess sovereign immunity, which can simplify the process of holding the institution directly accountable in civil court. Attorney911’s geographic reach and expertise in handling complex cases, including those against universities grappling with past misconduct issues, positions us well to represent Concho County families affected by incidents at Baylor.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Concho County families with students at Baylor:

• Scrutinize “Zero Tolerance” Policies: While Baylor emphasizes strong anti-hazing stances, understand that the application and enforcement of these policies are crucial. Document any inconsistencies.
• Report Carefully: Given Baylor’s history, reporting serious hazing to both BUPD and appropriate Waco law enforcement is a prudent step, particularly if it involves criminal acts.
• Consider Past Institutional Issues: Counsel should be aware of Baylor’s broader institutional challenges regarding sexual assault and student safety, as these can provide context for arguments regarding negligent supervision and institutional indifference in a hazing claim.
• Seek Experienced Counsel: An attorney with experience in hazing cases and an understanding of navigating claims against private universities with unique cultural or institutional histories can be invaluable.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Concho County families and students, understanding that many campus fraternities and sororities are not just local clubs but extensions of powerful national organizations is crucial. These national bodies often have extensive histories, including repeated hazing incidents that can directly impact liability in Texas courts.

Why National Histories Matter

The reality is, most fraternities and sororities at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are chapters of larger national or international organizations. These national headquarters (HQs) are much more than just names; they are entities with vast resources, legal counsel, and, critically, thick anti-hazing manuals and risk management policies. These policies exist because these organizations have faced numerous hazing deaths and catastrophic injuries in the past. They know the patterns: the forced drinking nights, the ritualistic paddling, the humiliating traditions that surface year after year, chapter after chapter.

When a Texas chapter repeats the same hazing script that led to another chapter being suspended, sued, or even criminally charged in another state, it creates a powerful legal argument: foreseeability. It demonstrates that the national organization had prior knowledge of such dangerous patterns and, potentially, failed to take adequate steps to prevent them. This foreknowledge can significantly strengthen arguments for negligence or gross negligence and open the door to punitive damages against the national entities.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

Attorney911 is intimately familiar with the national organizations that operate chapters at Texas universities. While not every single chapter can be listed here, the following analysis highlights some of the major fraternities and sororities active at our Texas universities and connects them to their troubling national hazing histories.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

• Present at: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor.
• National History & Incidents: Pi Kappa Alpha has a deeply troubling history with hazing, particularly involving extreme alcohol consumption. The Stone Foltz case (Bowling Green State University, 2021), where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey, resulted in a $10 million settlement and multiple criminal convictions. Another tragic case involved David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois University, 2012), who died from alcohol poisoning, leading to a $14 million settlement against 44 fraternity/sorority members. These incidents indicate a pattern of dangerous “Big/Little” or “pledge night” alcohol hazing within the organization.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

• Present at: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor.
• National History & Incidents: SAE has a long and tragic national history of hazing, including multiple alcohol-related deaths. The national organization famously eliminated its traditional “pledge” process in 2014 in response to this pattern, though hazing continues.
  • Locally, the Texas A&M chapter was sued for $1 million in 2021 by pledges who alleged severe chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner poured on them during hazing.
  • The University of Texas at Austin chapter faced over a million-dollar lawsuit in January 2024 for an alleged assault on an exchange student, occurring while the chapter was already suspended for prior hazing violations. These local incidents show that the national pattern of misconduct unfortunately replicates itself within Texas.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• Present at: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor.
• National History & Incidents: The most prominent tragedy linked to Phi Delta Theta is the death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver (Louisiana State University, 2017) from alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” drinking game. This incident resulted in felony hazing convictions and the creation of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a landmark anti-hazing law. The recurring nature of forced drinking games within the organization highlights a national pattern of negligence that is often presented in civil litigation.

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• Present at: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor.
• National History & Incidents: Pi Kappa Phi is associated with the alcohol-related death of Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, 2017) during a “Big Brother Night,” where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. This led to criminal prosecutions and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU.

Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)

• Present at: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor.
• National History & Incidents: Beta Theta Pi became infamous following the death of Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, 2017) from traumatic brain injuries sustained during an alcohol-fueled hazing ritual. The horrific delays in seeking medical attention and efforts to cover up the incident led to extensive criminal and civil litigation and the establishment of Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law.

Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI)

• Present at: Texas A&M, UT Austin (locally inactive per UT directory).
• National History & Incidents: Phi Gamma Delta is linked to the catastrophic injury of Danny Santulli (University of Missouri, 2021). Santulli suffered severe, permanent brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol, resulting in multi-million-dollar confidential settlements with 22 defendants. This case represents the dire, life-altering consequences hazing can inflict without leading to immediate death.

Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ)

• Present at: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor.
• National History & Incidents: Kappa Sigma has a significant national hazing history. Chad Meredith (University of Miami, 2001) drowned after being coerced by fraternity members to swim across a lake while intoxicated, leading to a $12.6 million jury verdict against the fraternity and the eventual creation of a criminal hazing law in Florida. The ongoing lawsuit against the Texas A&M chapter in 2023 for hazing that allegedly caused severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis, demonstrates the continued pattern of dangerous physical hazing within the organization.

Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ)

• Present at: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor.
• National History & Incidents: This historically Black fraternity has faced hazing allegations, including reports of physical abuse and beatings. The case of Rafeal Joseph (University of Southern Mississippi, 2023) involved a former student alleging severe hazing including repeated beatings with a wooden paddle, requiring emergency surgery and months of rehabilitation. Joseph filed a federal lawsuit against the university and the chapter, highlighting the potential for severe physical harm in such groups.

Pi Delta Psi (ΠΔΨ)

• Not explicitly listed at the 5 Texas universities, but relevant for national precedent.
• National History & Incidents: As mentioned earlier, Chun “Michael” Deng (Baruch College, 2013) died during a brutal “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus retreat. The national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, a landmark decision underscoring organizational liability.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For Concho County families seeking justice, understanding these national patterns is invaluable. When a university chapter repeats hazing practices that have already caused injury or death in other chapters across the country, it strongly suggests that the national organization had prior warnings and constructive notice of the risks. This significantly strengthens arguments that the national body was negligent in supervising its chapters or in enforcing its nominal anti-hazing policies.

Courts can consider whether national organizations:

• Meaningfully enforced their anti-hazing policies, or if these policies were mere “paper policies” designed to shield from liability rather than prevent harm.
• Responded to prior incidents aggressively enough, or if past sanctions were too lenient, allowing dangerous behaviors to fester.

This analysis can significantly impact:

• Settlement Leverage: Demonstrating a pattern of foreseeability and negligence gives victims and their families a stronger position at the negotiating table.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: It can help overcome claims by insurers that hazing was an “unforeseeable” or “intentional” act outside the scope of coverage.
• Potential for Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, demonstrating a history of ignored warnings and systemic failure can open the door to punitive damages, which are designed to punish reckless defendants and deter future misconduct.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Building a successful hazing case requires a thorough, strategic approach, especially when facing powerful institutions and national organizations. Attorney911 leverages modern investigative techniques and deep legal experience to construct compelling claims for families in Concho County and throughout Texas.

Evidence

The strength of any hazing case hinges on the evidence collected and preserved. Modern hazing, often conducted in secret, requires specialized and aggressive evidence gathering.

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical category of evidence in 2025.

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Signal, Telegram, and proprietary fraternity/sorority apps: These are treasure troves of information. Messages documenting plans, coercion, instructions, discussions about hazing events, and even cover-up attempts by members are invaluable. We instruct clients to screenshot full conversations with timestamps and participant names, and we work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages or content from cloud backups. Attorney911’s video, “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), explains best practices for preserving this vital evidence.
  • Social Media: Instagram (stories, DMs, posts), Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook (Messenger), and X (formerly Twitter) can reveal posts or stories showing hazing events (even if cleverly disguised), photos/videos of injuries, humiliation, forced drinking, location tags, and comments.

• Photos & Videos:

  • Injuries: Immediate and sequential photographs of injuries (bruises, burns, lacerations) are crucial. These should capture multiple angles and show progression over time.
  • Locations & Objects: Photos or videos of the hazing location, props used (paddles, excessive alcohol), or conditions (filthy rooms) also serve as powerful evidence.
  • Event Recordings: If safely obtained, video recordings of hazing in progress or of members discussing hazing are highly persuasive.

• Internal Organization Documents: Subpoenas can uncover vital documents, including:

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, or “ritual books” that outline “traditions.”
  • Emails or texts from officers giving instructions related to new members.
  • National policies, risk management guidelines, and training materials that show what the national organization knew or should have known.

• University Records: Through discovery in litigation, we can obtain:

  • Prior conduct files related to the specific organization (disciplinary actions, probation, prior warnings).
  • Campus police incident reports.
  • Clery Act reports and similar disclosures that show patterns of misconduct (e.g., alcohol violations, assaults).
  • Internal emails and memos among administrators discussing the organization or specific incidents.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the full extent of the harm done.

  • Emergency room and hospitalization records, including toxicology reports (blood alcohol content).
  • Surgical reports, rehabilitation notes, and long-term care plans.
  • Psychological evaluations and therapy notes documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other emotional distress resulting from the hazing.

• Witness Testimony:

  • Other pledges or members who participated or observed the hazing.
  • Roommates, RAs, coaches, or trainers who noticed changes in the victim.
  • Former members who quit or were expelled, often willing to speak out.
  • Emergency responders or medical staff who treated the victim.

Damages

Hazing can inflict profound and lasting harm, and the law allows victims and their families in Concho County to seek compensation for these damages. Attorney911 is committed to ensuring accountability for every aspect of the harm suffered. The video “How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onBzdkIWadY) offers an overview of how we evaluate claims.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This includes everything from immediate emergency room visits and ambulance transport to surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, medications, and mental health counseling. For catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury, it can involve multi-million-dollar life care plans to cover 24/7 care for the rest of a victim’s life.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This compensates for missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed entry into the workforce, and, in severe cases, a diminished future earning capacity if injuries lead to permanent disabilities that affect a student’s ability to work.
• Non-Economic Damages: These are subjective but legally compensable. They include:
  • Physical Pain and Suffering: From immediate injury to chronic pain.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: Including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, humiliation, and the profound trauma of the experience.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Being unable to participate in hobbies, social activities, or simply enjoy the college experience.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the tragic event of a hazing-related death, surviving family members (parents, children, spouse) can recover for:
  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society.
  • Their own grief and emotional suffering. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness, malice, or gross negligence, courts may award punitive damages. These are not about compensating the victim but punishing the defendants and deterring future misconduct. Their availability and caps vary by state, but they can be a powerful tool for accountability.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Part of the strategic complexity in hazing cases involves identifying all potential defendants and understanding their insurance coverage. National fraternities, national sororities, and universities often carry significant insurance policies that may come into play.

However, insurers frequently attempt to deny coverage by arguing that hazing, especially explicit assault or intentional acts, is excluded under their policies. They may also claim that the policy doesn’t cover certain individual defendants or that the incident occurred off-premises beyond their scope.

Here, the expertise of attorneys like Lupe Peña, who previously worked for national insurance defense firms, is invaluable. We know how insurers try to:

• Minimize claims values.
• Delay settlements.
• Exploit coverage exclusions.

Attorney911 is skilled at identifying all potential sources of coverage (chapter policies, national policies, university umbrella policies, even individual homeowners’ policies), navigating complex disputes about exclusions, and forcing insurers to meet their obligations. Our goal is to ensure that all accountable parties contribute to compensating the severe harm caused by hazing.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family, immediate, actionable guidance is critical. This section offers practical advice for parents, students, and even former members or witnesses in Concho County who may be struggling with this issue.

For Parents

For parents in Concho County, the first step is often recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to respond effectively without jeopardizing your child’s safety or future legal options.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be alert to changes in your child’s behavior or physical appearance.

  • Physical: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, extreme fatigue, weight changes, or obvious sleep deprivation.
  • Behavioral/Emotional: Sudden secrecy, withdrawal from family or old friends, anxiety, depression, irritability, defensiveness when asked about their organization, or references to “getting through this.”
  • Academic: Dropping grades, missing classes, or sacrificing study time for mandatory organization events.
  • Digital: Excessive phone use for group chats, anxiety when the phone pings, or attempts to delete messages.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy and without judgment. Emphasize that their safety and well-being are paramount, far more important than any loyalty to a group. Assure them that you will support them, regardless of what they’ve experienced or been forced to do.

• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize immediate medical care. Insist that they go to the emergency room or seek professional medical attention. While seeking care, tell the medical providers what happened (e.g., “my child was forced to drink,” or “fell during a hazing activity”) so it is documented accurately in their medical records. Document everything yourself: take photos of injuries, screenshot any text messages presented to you, and write down an account of what your child tells you, including dates and locations.

• Dealing with the University: Document every interaction with university administrators. Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization and what measures the school took in response. Understand that universities may have varying levels of transparency and responsiveness.

• 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 or hiding the truth, contact a hazing attorney immediately.

For Students / Pledges

If you are a student or pledge in Concho County or at any Texas university, and you are experiencing hazing, remember that you have rights and options.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? If an activity makes you feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced, or if you are forced to drink or endure pain, or if the activity has to be hidden from the public or administrators – it is almost certainly hazing. The desire to belong is powerful, but your safety and dignity come first.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Understand that external pressure, fear of exclusion, and power dynamics often negate true, voluntary consent. You do not volunteer to be abused.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: If you feel unsafe, your first priority is to remove yourself from the situation. You have the legal right to leave the organization at any time. If you fear retaliation, report this fear to the Dean of Students or campus police. You can report hazing anonymously through campus channels or national tip lines like 1-888-NOT-HAZE.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer good-faith reporting protections. This means you will not be punished for seeking medical help in an emergency, even if you were underage drinking or broke other minor rules. Your life and health are the priority.

For Former Members / Witnesses

If you are a former member or witness of hazing, you may be struggling with guilt, fear, or a desire to make things right.

• Your Role in Accountability: Your testimony and evidence can be instrumental in preventing future harm and potentially saving lives. While it may be difficult, speaking out is a crucial step toward justice for victims.
• Seeking Legal Advice: If you have concerns about your own criminal or civil liability, seek independent legal counsel. An attorney can help you navigate your role, potentially negotiate immunity agreements, and protect your rights as a witness or even a co-defendant. Attorney911’s criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) allows us to advise individuals facing dual civil and criminal exposure.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

Hazing cases are complex and time-sensitive. Unfortunately, well-meaning actions can inadvertently undermine a victim’s legal options. For any Concho County family facing this crisis, avoiding these critical mistakes is paramount. Attorney911 explains these in detail in our video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY).

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence.

   • Why it’s wrong: While parents might think they’re protecting their child from further trouble, deleting evidence looks like a cover-up and can be seen as obstruction of justice. It can severely cripple a legal case.
   • What to do instead: Preserve and backup everything immediately, even content that might be embarrassing. Digital forensics experts can often recover deleted data, but original screenshots are always best.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly.

   • Why it’s wrong: Direct confrontation will immediately cause the organization to lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses on what to say, and build their defense.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in private, then contact an attorney before any direct communication with the organization.

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms.

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities often pressure families into signing waivers or “internal resolution” agreements that may waive your right to pursue further legal action. These internal settlements are often far below the true value of the case and protect the institution more than the victim.
   • What to do instead: Never sign anything from the university or any organization without an attorney reviewing it first.

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer.

   • Why it’s wrong: While the urge to share your story is understandable, anything posted publicly can be used against you by defense attorneys. Inconsistencies can hurt credibility, and it can inadvertently waive certain legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document everything privately, and let your legal team control public messaging strategically.

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” with the organization.

   • Why it’s wrong: Organizations may try to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements from your child that could be damaging to a future case.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication with the organization should typically go through your lawyer.

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it.”

   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses graduate and scatter, and the statute of limitations can expire. Universities primarily focus on internal discipline and protecting their reputation, not necessarily full civil compensation for victims.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately. The university process is separate from seeking real civil accountability.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer.

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you make, even seemingly innocuous ones, can be used against your claim. Early settlement offers are often significantly undervalued.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with adjusters directly and inform them that your attorney will contact them.

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 entirely on specific facts and applicable law. 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. However, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals, including officers, can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing.
• “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 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, the statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of injury or death. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations often destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) provides further details.
• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?” Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (e.g., Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?” Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing case in Texas, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, stands ready to be that advocate for Concho County families.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Concho County and surrounding regions like San Angelo, Sterling City, and Eden. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families across the entire state. Our firm brings unique, battle-tested qualifications to every hazing case:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years as a defense lawyer for national insurance firms. This insider knowledge means we know exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. We understand their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because, as we say, “We know their playbook because we used to run it.” You can learn more about Lupe’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Led by Ralph Manginello, our firm isn’t intimidated by powerful defendants. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City refinery explosion litigation, taking on a multi-billion-dollar corporation. This federal court experience and deep background in complex litigation means we are equipped to fight against national fraternities, universities, and their well-funded defense teams. “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.” More on Ralph’s extensive experience can be found at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, collaborating with economists to value loss of life and life care planners to project future medical costs for brain injuries or other permanent disabilities. “We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.” Our wrongful death expertise is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the elite Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives our firm critical insight into how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise not only victims but also witnesses and former members who may face dual exposure, ensuring comprehensive legal guidance. Our criminal defense capabilities are further outlined at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
• Investigative Depth: We build cases on meticulous investigation. This means working with digital forensics experts to recover deleted group chats and social media evidence, subpoenaing national fraternity records to uncover patterns of past incidents, and leveraging public records requests to gain access to university files. “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can ever face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We approach each case not with bravado or a desire for quick settlements, but with thorough investigation and a genuine commitment to real accountability and systemic change.

Call to Action

If your child, a student from Concho County, has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor, or another institution—we want to hear from you. Families in San Angelo, Sterling City, Eden, and throughout Concho County have the right to answers, accountability, and justice.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options clearly, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; our priority is to provide you with the information you need. Our video “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc) explains how we don’t get paid unless we win your case.

During your free and confidential consultation, we will:

• Listen to your story without judgment.
• Review any evidence you may have (photos, texts, medical records).
• Explain your legal options, including criminal reporting, civil lawsuits, or both.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what you can expect during the legal process.
• Answer your questions about legal costs and our contingency fee structure.
• Address your concerns about privacy and confidentiality.

Contact us today; you don’t have to face this alone:

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781 (For immediate emergencies or after-hours contact)
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

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

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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