Hazing on Campus: A Definitive Guide for Cooke County Families & Texas Students

It’s 3 AM, and the phone rings with a frantic call from your high school student, now a freshman at a Texas university. They’re at an off-campus fraternity house, pressured to drink far beyond their limits, participating in what older members call a “tradition.” Others around them are filming on phones, chanting, and laughing. Suddenly, someone collapses, but no one wants to call 911 for fear of “getting the chapter shut down” or, worse, “getting in trouble” themselves. Your child feels trapped between loyalty to a group they desperately want to join and their own safety, or the safety of a friend.

This chilling scenario, or one strikingly similar, plays out far too often on college campuses across Texas. For families in Cooke County and across our great state, the dream of a college education and rich social life can quickly turn into a nightmare of injury, trauma, or even death, all under the guise of “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.”

This comprehensive guide serves as an essential resource for Cooke County families and students navigating the complex and often dangerous world of college hazing. We will delve into:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• A clear breakdown of Texas and federal laws related to hazing.
• Insights from major national hazing cases and how their lessons apply to Texas universities.
• Detailed information on hazing incidents and institutional responses at the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University.
• Your legal options if you or a loved one in Cooke County or elsewhere in Texas becomes a victim of hazing.

While this article offers general information and does not constitute specific legal advice, The Manginello Law Firm is here to evaluate individual cases based on their unique facts. We proudly serve families throughout Texas, from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, extending our reach to communities like Cooke County.

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

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

  • Evidence can vanish quickly, from deleted group chats to destroyed physical items and coached witnesses.
  • Universities and organizations often move swiftly to control the narrative.
  • We can help preserve critical 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

For many Cooke County parents, the word “hazing” might bring to mind black-and-white images from an old movie or a distant news report. However, modern hazing is far more pervasive, insidious, and dangerous than outdated stereotypes suggest. It’s not just a “prank” or “boys being boys” – it’s a sophisticated system of abuse designed to create loyalty through fear and humiliation.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

At its core, hazing refers to any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group. This behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits individuals. A critical point we emphasize: saying “I agreed to it” does not automatically make an activity safe or legal when there is underlying peer pressure, a significant power imbalance, or threats of social exclusion. True consent cannot be given under duress.

Main Categories of Hazing

Current hazing practices encompass a wide spectrum of harm, often escalating and overlapping:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing
  This remains one of the most common and deadliest forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking, such as chugging challenges, “lineups” where pledges are forced to rapidly consume alcohol, or games designed to ensure intoxication. It often includes pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances, putting students at extreme risk of alcohol poisoning, overdose, and long-term health consequences.

• Physical Hazing
  Beyond the stereotypical paddling, physical hazing today involves brutal “workouts,” extreme calisthenics like hundreds of push-ups or prolonged wall sits, often called “smokings,” far exceeding normal conditioning. Pledges are often subjected to sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation, and exposure to extreme cold or heat, which can lead to hypothermia, heatstroke, or serious organ damage. Forced fighting or dangerous physical “tests” are also forms of physical hazing.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
  This category targets an individual’s dignity and often involves forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig” positions), or degrading costumes. These acts are frequently accompanied by racial, homophobic, or sexist slurs and role-play, designed to break down an individual’s self-esteem and enforce conformity through humiliation.

• Psychological Hazing
  While less visible, psychological hazing can inflict profound and lasting damage. This includes constant verbal abuse, threats, and intentional social isolation from friends and family. Manipulation tactics, forced confessions, and public shaming—whether in person or on social media—are strategically used to exert control and erode an individual’s sense of self.

• Digital/Online Hazing
  With the ubiquity of smartphones and social media, hazing has evolved to include online components. This involves group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation orchestrated via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. Pledges may be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos of themselves or others, leading to lasting damage to their reputation and mental health. Organizations also leverage geo-tracking apps like Find My Friends to monitor pledges’ movements, ensuring compliance with often arbitrary demands.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

A common misconception is that hazing is limited to fraternities. However, the reality is far broader. Hazing occurs across a diverse range of student organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes those under Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and various multicultural Greek councils.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations with hierarchical structures and traditions can sometimes foster environments where hazing takes root under the guise of training or discipline.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Groups like cheerleading teams, dance teams, or university tradition societies (such as the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin) have been known to engage in hazing practices.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to soccer, baseball, and track, hazing is a documented issue across male and female sports teams at all levels.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly harmless organizations dedicated to arts and culture can fall prey to hazing, with rituals designed to “earn” a spot or prove dedication.
• Other Student Organizations: Some service, cultural, and academic organizations, even those with positive missions, can sometimes develop problematic initiation practices.

The unfortunate truth is that social status, tradition, and intense pressure for secrecy often allow these dangerous practices to flourish, even when everyone involved “knows” that hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited by universities. The desire to belong, fear of exclusion, and the emotional manipulation employed by perpetrating individuals and groups are powerful forces that perpetuate hazing despite efforts to eradicate it.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing is crucial for Cooke County families and students seeking justice. In Texas, a robust legal framework addresses hazing, encompassing both criminal and civil statutes, with additional layers of federal oversight.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, designed to protect students from dangerous and demeaning practices. Critically, these laws broadly define hazing to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. The act must endanger the physical or mental health or safety of a student.

This means if someone pressures or forces you to do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they did so with intent or reckless disregard for your safety, that is hazing under Texas law, regardless of your perceived “consent.”

• Criminal Penalties: Hazing in Texas carries criminal consequences:

  • Most hazing incidents are classified as a Class B Misdemeanor.
  • If hazing results in an injury requiring medical attention, it can escalate to a Class A Misdemeanor.
  • Critically, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be prosecuted as a State Jail Felony. This means individuals involved could face incarceration.
  • Additionally, Texas law makes it a misdemeanor for individuals (especially officers or members in official capacity) to fail to report hazing they are aware of, or to retaliate against someone who reports hazing.

• Reporter Protections: To encourage reporting, Texas law offers some limited immunity or leniency for individuals who report a hazing incident or call for help in good faith, even if they were technically involved in the event. This “Good Samaritan” type protection is designed to prioritize saving lives and preventing further harm.

It’s important to remember that this overview is a summary. The actual Texas Education Code sections and their interpretations can be more technical, reinforcing the need for experienced legal counsel.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, there can be two distinct legal pathways for accountability:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated and pursued by the state (through a local district attorney or prosecutor). The primary goal of a criminal case is to punish offenders for violating state laws, with outcomes ranging from fines and probation to jail or prison time. In hazing contexts, criminal charges can include the hazing offenses themselves, furnishing alcohol to minors, various forms of assault, or even manslaughter in the most tragic, fatal cases. Convictions require proving guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

• Civil Cases: These are brought by the victims of hazing or their surviving family members. The primary goal of a civil lawsuit is to seek monetary compensation, or “damages,” for the harm suffered, and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil cases typically revolve around claims of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The burden of proof in civil cases is typically lower, requiring proof by a “preponderance of the evidence.”

Crucially, criminal and civil cases can run concurrently. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a successful civil case, and often, civil discovery (the process of gathering evidence) can uncover information useful for both legal tracks.

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

Beyond state laws, federal regulations also play a role in addressing hazing on college campuses.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation (phased in by around 2026) will require colleges and universities that receive federal funding to:

  • Increase transparency by publicly reporting hazing incidents involving student organizations.
  • Strengthen their hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Maintain and make available specific hazing data. This will provide unprecedented insight into the scope of hazing nationwide.

• Title IX / Clery Act:

  • Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or creates a sexually hostile environment, it can trigger a university’s Title IX obligations, requiring investigation and appropriate disciplinary action. This can be a powerful tool for accountability, especially in cases where hazing has gendered components.
  • The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. While hazing isn’t a standalone Clery crime category, many hazing incidents involve underlying Clery crimes like assault, alcohol violations, or drug offenses, which must be reported, providing another layer of public data and potential for oversight.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining who is legally responsible in a hazing case is complex but crucial for seeking justice. Liability can extend beyond the direct perpetrators to many actors and institutions:

• Individual Students: The students who actively planned, carried out, supplied alcohol, or directly participated in the hazing acts are primary defendants. This also includes those who coerced others, or were involved in covering up the incident.

• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or student organization involved can be held liable. This is especially true if the organization, through its officers or members acting in an official capacity, authorized, encouraged, or knew about the hazing and failed to stop it.

• National Fraternity / Sorority: Many seemingly local chapters are part of larger national (or international) organizations. These national headquarters have policies, collect dues, and often have a supervisory role. They can be held liable if:

  • They knew, or reasonably should have known, about the local chapter’s hazing history.
  • They failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies.
  • They failed to adequately train, intervene, or discipline the local chapter.

• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself (e.g., UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor) can be held responsible under various legal theories. This often involves questions of:

  • Negligence: Did the university fail in its duty to protect students?
  • Gross Negligence: Was the university consciously indifferent to a known, extreme risk?
  • Failure to Supervise: Did they fail to adequately oversee student organizations?
  • Premises Liability: Did dangerous conditions on campus property contribute to harm?
  • Prior Knowledge: Did the university have prior warnings about the specific organization or a pattern of hazing that it failed to address adequately?
  • Title IX Violations: If discrimination or sexual harassment was involved.
    Public universities in Texas (UH, Texas A&M, UT) may invoke sovereign immunity, but critical exceptions exist for gross negligence or certain federal claims.

• Third Parties: Beyond the immediate circle, others might share liability:

  • Property Owners/Landlords: If the hazing occurred on property they owned or managed, and they were aware of dangerous activities.
  • Alcohol Providers: Bars, stores, or individuals who illegally furnished alcohol to minors involved in hazing events.

Every hazing case has unique facts, and not every party will be liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney understands how to meticulously investigate, identify all responsible parties, and pursue accountability across this complex web of potential defendants.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

While we focus on Texas, major national hazing cases highlight patterns and significantly influence how courts and juries consider hazing litigation right here in Texas. These tragedies showcase the severe consequences of unchecked hazing and reinforce the critical need for accountability.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and consistently fatal form of hazing involves forced or excessive alcohol consumption. These cases demonstrate a recurring playbook: coercion, heavy drinking, and a dangerous delay in seeking medical help.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
  During a “bid acceptance” event, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. He suffered multiple falls, including one down a flight of stairs, resulting in severe head injuries. Chapter security cameras captured members letting him suffer for hours before calling for help, fearing “getting the chapter shut down.” His death led to one of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history, with dozens of criminal charges, extensive civil litigation, and the creation of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case underscores how extreme intoxication, a callous delay in calling 911, and a pervasive culture of silence can be legally devastating for both individuals and organizations.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
  Pledge Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event, where pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them rapidly. His death resulted in criminal hazing charges against multiple fraternity members and prompted Florida State University to temporarily suspend all Greek life, overhauling its anti-hazing policies. Coffey’s case tragically illustrates how formulaic “tradition” driven drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster in Greek life chapters nationwide, including those found at universities where Cooke County families send their children.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
  Max Gruver, a freshman pledge, died after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where he was forced to consume excessive amounts of alcohol (leading to a BAC of 0.495%). Answering questions incorrectly meant more drinking. His tragic death led to the passing of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making felony hazing easier to prosecute. This case served as a critical example of how legislative change often follows public outrage and clear, undeniable proof of hazing’s devastating impact.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
  During a “Big/Little reveal” night, 20-year-old pledge Stone Foltz was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol and died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple fraternity members were convicted of hazing-related criminal charges. In a landmark civil settlement, his family received $10 million, with $7 million coming from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. His death significantly strengthened Ohio’s anti-hazing laws. This case powerfully demonstrates that universities and national fraternities face significant financial and reputational consequences when their students or chapters engage in lethal hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing schemes pose direct threats to students’ lives and well-being, often with a similar playbook of secrecy and delayed medical attention.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
  Michael Deng, a pledge at Baruch College, was subjected to a violent, blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. During the ritual, he was tackled repeatedly while carrying a heavy backpack. He sustained fatal head injuries, and fraternity members delayed seeking medical help for hours, exacerbating his condition. This case resulted in criminal convictions for multiple members and, significantly, the national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, later being banned from Pennsylvania for a decade. Deng’s death highlights that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous, if not more so, than on-campus events, and national organizations can be held directly accountable for their chapters’ actions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it also pervades athletic programs, often under the guise of “team bonding” or “toughening up” new players.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
  In 2023, former Northwestern University football players came forward with allegations of widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program, spanning multiple years. The scandal led to the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially. These allegations triggered multiple civil lawsuits against Northwestern and its coaching staff. The Northwestern scandal powerfully demonstrated that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, reaching into major athletic programs with high profiles and significant institutional support. It raised critical questions about institutional oversight and the responsibility of universities to protect student-athletes from abuse.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies, while often occurring outside of Texas, reveal common threads that are unfortunately woven into hazing incidents at Texas universities, including those attended by students from Cooke County and the surrounding Texas regions. The patterns are disturbingly similar: forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, dangerous delays in seeking medical care, and systematic cover-ups.

The multi-million-dollar settlements, criminal prosecutions, and legislative reforms that followed these cases often only occur after a tragedy has struck and courageous victims or their families pursue litigation. These national lessons provide valuable precedents and a framework for understanding the high stakes involved. Cooke County families who find their loved ones facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are not alone; they are operating within a legal and cultural landscape profoundly shaped by these national lessons of accountability. An experienced Texas hazing attorney understands how to leverage these precedents to seek justice.

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

For Cooke County families, understanding the specific environments and historical responses of Texas’s major universities is paramount. While students from Cooke County may attend various institutions across the state, these five prominent universities frequently attract students from our region. The Manginello Law Firm has extensive experience navigating the unique dynamics of each of these campuses, advocating for students and families across Texas, including those from Cooke County and its neighboring communities like Gainesville, Lindsay, Callisburg, and Valley View.

We’ll lead with the University of Texas at Austin, which draws a significant number of students from North Texas and plays a major role in the academic landscape, before moving on to the other key institutions.

5.1 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, attracts students from all corners of Texas, including many from Cooke County and the greater North Texas region. Its vibrant campus culture includes a large and influential Greek system, alongside numerous other student organizations. Hazing incidents at UT not only impact students directly but also send ripples throughout communities like ours that proudly send their young people to study there.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a sprawling urban campus known for its academic rigor, spirited traditions, and a large, active Greek life comprising over 60 fraternity and sorority chapters, encompassing Panhellenic, IFC, NPHC, Multicultural, and Asian Greek Councils. Beyond Greek life, UT boasts hundreds of diverse student organizations, from academic and service clubs to highly competitive spirit groups like the Texas Cowboys and sports clubs. This rich organizational landscape, while fostering community, also presents various environments where hazing can occur.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

UT Austin maintains a clear and publicly accessible anti-hazing policy. The University’s General Information Catalog, Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP), and the Student Conduct and Academic Integrity office all reiterate a zero-tolerance stance against hazing. The policy explicitly prohibits hazing on or off campus, whether it involves physical harm, alcohol/drug abuse, or emotional distress, for the purpose of initiation or continued membership. UT is notably transparent with its reporting requirements, publishing an annual Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) that lists organizations, incident dates, the nature of violations, and resulting sanctions. This level of transparency is a crucial resource for families seeking to understand an organization’s history.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s public Hazing Violations page serves as a transparent record of ongoing challenges:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This IFC fraternity, often associated with a national history of severe hazing, was disciplined after new members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. The university found this constituted hazing, placing the chapter on probation and mandating hazing-prevention education. This specific incident follows a pattern seen nationally within Pi Kappa Alpha.
• Texas Wranglers (2022): A long-standing spirit and service organization, the Texas Wranglers faced sanctions for alcohol misuse, forced exercise, and psychological manipulation as part of their new member process, demonstrating that hazing is not confined to Greek life.
• Delta Chi (2021): The IFC fraternity received suspension for alcohol hazing and physical abuse, including forced calisthenics and public humiliation, illustrating continued issues even with existing policies.
• Other organizations, including other Greek chapters and even academic clubs, have received disciplinary actions for various hazing violations, from forced alcohol consumption to sleep deprivation and humiliating acts.

These public records, while demonstrating UT’s commitment to transparency, also highlight the persistent challenges the university faces in fully eradicating hazing. The regular appearance of severe incidents on this list suggests that sanctions alone may not be enough to prevent future harm.

5.1.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident involving a student from Cooke County at UT Austin, legal proceedings could be complex. Criminal investigations might involve the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) or the Austin Police Department (APD), depending on where the incident occurred (on-campus vs. off-campus neighborhoods like West Campus or North Campus). Civil lawsuits against the responsible parties (individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and potentially the University of Texas System) would likely be filed in state district courts in Travis County (where Austin is located).

Crucially, UT’s publicly available hazing incidents log provides compelling evidence for civil suits. A history of prior violations for a specific organization can be used to demonstrate foreseeability, arguing that the university and national fraternity knew or should have known about the risk of hazing and failed to take adequate preventive measures. This is a powerful tool for our firm in building a strong case for Cooke County families.

5.1.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

For Cooke County students attending UT Austin and their families:

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations page: Before joining any organization, consult hazing.utexas.edu to understand its disciplinary history.
• Report Concerns Internally: Utilize UT’s official reporting channels, including the Students’ Ombuds Office, the Dean of Students office, UTPD, or the Title IX Coordinator (if sexual harassment is involved). UT’s online reporting forms allow for anonymous submissions where appropriate.
• Document Everything: If you suspect or witness hazing, collect screenshots of group chats, photos/videos, and meticulous notes of events.
• Seek Medical Attention: If physical or psychological harm occurs, prioritize immediate medical care and ensure the medical provider documents how the injuries occurred.
• Consult Legal Counsel Early: Talking to a lawyer experienced in Austin-based hazing cases can help you preserve evidence, understand UT’s internal processes, and uncover critical information about prior discipline and internal files that may not be immediately available to the public. For Cooke County families, this guidance is invaluable as you navigate circumstances far from home.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a legendary institution with a fierce sense of tradition and loyalty, deeply resonates with families not just in Bryan-College Station, but throughout Texas, including Cooke County. Its unique culture, heavily influenced by the Corps of Cadets, presents a distinct landscape for student organizations, including a large Greek system.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M in College Station is renowned for its deep-seated traditions, particularly its venerated Corps of Cadets, which fosters a military-style environment of strict discipline and hierarchy. Alongside the Corps, A&M boasts a significant Greek life presence with numerous IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and Multicultural chapters, as well as a vast array of student organizations. The university’s emphasis on “Aggie Spirit” and tradition, while a source of strength, can also sometimes be misapplied to justify practices that fall into hazing territory.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M’s Student Rules clearly define and prohibit hazing, both on and off campus, for any student organization. The policy outlines severe consequences for individuals and organizations involved, including disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion. The university’s Division of Student Affairs, Student Conduct Office, and the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life provide official reporting channels. Like UT, Texas A&M emphasizes education and prevention, but incidents still occur.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced its share of prominent hazing allegations and incidents that illustrate the intersection of Greek life, tradition, and unacceptable behavior:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (Around 2021): This national fraternity, historically notorious for hazing, was involved in a particularly disturbing incident at Texas A&M. Two pledges alleged they were subjected to strenuous physical activity and then had substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended by the university, and the pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity, highlighting the extreme and dangerous nature of some hazing.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging severe and degrading hazing within the Corps. The allegations included simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages, drawing national attention to hazing within military-style organizations. A&M stated it addressed the matter through its internal processes, but the civil action underscores the potential for litigation even when internal discipline occurs.
• Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): More recently, allegations surfaced of hazing within the Kappa Sigma fraternity resulting in severe injuries, specifically rhabdomyolysis – a dangerous muscle breakdown caused by extreme physical exertion, often seen in forced workouts. This ongoing litigation highlights the persistent, physically damaging nature of some hazing at A&M.

These incidents demonstrate that despite A&M’s strict policies and strong internal culture, hazing remains a serious concern affecting both Greek life and revered university institutions like the Corps of Cadets.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Cooke County families, a hazing incident at Texas A&M would involve unique jurisdictional considerations. Criminal investigations would likely fall under the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) or the Bryan Police Department (given College Station’s proximity) or the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, depending on the incident location. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in state district courts within Brazos County, where College Station is located.

Potential defendants would vary based on the organization involved, whether it’s a Greek chapter or a Corps outfit. Our firm recognizes the nuances of Texas A&M’s strong traditions and how these are often invoked in defense against hazing allegations. We are adept at dissecting such claims and focusing on the underlying facts of abuse. This includes connecting with Cooke County families and students, often from rural or smaller communities, who are navigating the immense institutional power of Texas A&M.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For Cooke County students at Texas A&M and their families:

• Be Vigilant about “Tradition”: Understand that some “traditions” or “rites of passage” within various A&M organizations might secretly cross the line into hazing. Question anything that feels coercive, degrading, or dangerous.
• Utilize A&M’s Support Systems: Report concerns confidentially to the Student Conduct Office, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, or through the “Stop Hazing” portal on the university’s website. If within the Corps, trusted chain of command or higher-level student affairs personnel.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: Preserve all digital evidence—group chats, photos, videos, messages—and detailed notes of incidents. For physical injuries, seek immediate medical care and ensure documentation links injuries to the hazing.
• Access External Support: If you’re hesitant to report internally due to institutional pressure, the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) and experienced legal counsel provide confidential avenues.
• Consult Attorney911: We understand the unique challenges of A&M and can offer crucial guidance, helping Cooke County families navigate investigations, preserve evidence, and seek justice against powerful organizations within the A&M system.

5.3 University of Houston (UH)

As a major urban center, Houston attracts a diverse student body from across Texas, including students from Cooke County who seek opportunities in a metropolitan environment. The University of Houston is a significant institution within this vibrant city, with a growing residential and deeply active Greek life.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a large, dynamic public university nestled within the heart of the nation’s fourth-largest city. UH serves a diverse student body, comprising both commuters and a growing number of residential students. Its Greek life is robust, featuring chapters from the Houston Panhellenic Council (HPC) for sororities, Interfraternity Council (IFC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), United Greek Council (UGC), and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) for historically Black fraternities and sororities. Beyond Greek organizations, UH hosts a vast array of student clubs, sports groups, and cultural associations, all of which fall under the university’s hazing policies.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Houston maintains clear and comprehensive anti-hazing policies, explicitly outlined in its Student Handbook and various Greek Life guidelines. Hazing is strictly prohibited, whether it occurs on campus, at an off-campus property, or during officially recognized or unofficial events. Prohibited acts include forced consumption of alcohol or food, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, undue mental stress, or any action that endangers a student’s mental or physical health. UH provides several reporting channels, including the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also posts some disciplinary information regarding organizational misconduct on its website.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While the University of Houston may not have the same level of public hazing incident reporting as UT Austin, it has dealt with significant hazing cases:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): This IFC fraternity at UH was involved in a serious hazing incident where pledges were allegedly deprived of sufficient food, water, and sleep over several days. During the ordeal, one student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges filed by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office and received a multi-year suspension from the university, highlighting severe physical harm stemming from hazing. This incident reinforces the national pattern of dangerous behavior within some Pi Kappa Alpha chapters.
• Other Disciplinary References: Public records from UH have referenced disciplinary actions involving multiple IFC and MGC fraternities for behavior described as “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse, forced activities, and general policy violations. These actions have resulted in various sanctions, including probation, social restrictions, and suspensions, indicating a recurring struggle to enforce anti-hazing policies.

These incidents underscore that even with robust policies, hazing remains a persistent challenge at UH, impacting students from across Texas, including those from Cooke County and its neighboring parishes.

5.3.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at UH, legal proceedings in Houston can be complex. Criminal investigations could be conducted by the UHPD for incidents on campus, or the Houston Police Department (HPD) and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events within Greater Houston. Any civil lawsuit would typically be filed within the state district courts of Harris County, given UH’s location within the county seat of Houston.

Potential defendants in a UH hazing case could include individual students, the local chapter itself, the national fraternity or sorority, and the University of Houston System. Depending on the specifics, property owners or event organizers might also face liability. The Manginello Law Firm, with its primary office in Houston, is uniquely positioned to handle these complex cases within Harris County courts, leveraging our intimate knowledge of the local legal landscape. We understand how an incident affecting a student from Cooke County can be effectively litigated here in Houston.

5.3.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For Cooke County students attending the University of Houston and their families:

• Understand UH’s Policies: Familiarize yourselves with the university’s official anti-hazing policies and the Code of Conduct.
• Utilize Internal Reporting: Report any suspected hazing to the Dean of Students Office, UHPD, or the anonymous online reporting portal provided by the university.
• Meticulous Documentation: If hazing is suspected or occurs, immediately begin collecting and preserving evidence. This includes screenshots of group chats (GroupMe is common at UH), photos of injuries or events, and detailed chronological notes.
• Prioritize Medical Care: If there are any signs of physical injury or distress, seek immediate medical attention at an urgent care center or local hospital in Houston. Ensure that medical professionals document the suspected cause of injuries.
• Contact a Houston-based Hazing Attorney: For those in Cooke County, our Houston office provides the local expertise needed for UH cases. A lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can help you navigate UH’s sometimes-complex internal investigation processes, ensure evidence is properly preserved, and pursue legal accountability against all responsible parties.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a distinguished private institution, holds a unique place in the landscape of Texas higher education. Located in Dallas, it attracts a significant portion of its student body from affluent communities, including those across North Texas and beyond Cooke County. SMU’s culture, including its prominent Greek life, has faced scrutiny over hazing incidents that impact students and families across the state.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private, religiously affiliated university located in a prestigious area of Dallas. Known for its strong academic programs and beautiful campus, SMU is also characterized by a vibrant social scene heavily influenced by its active Greek life, comprising Panhellenic and IFC chapters, as well as NPHC and Multicultural Greek organizations. The university’s endowment and private status contribute to a specific campus environment, where social pressures and the allure of exclusive organizations can be particularly potent.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU maintains an explicit anti-hazing policy, clearly defining hazing as any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group. The policy, detailed in the Student Code of Conduct, covers both on-campus and off-campus activities. SMU provides reporting channels through the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Affairs, and the SMU Police Department. Anonymous reporting systems, such as “Real Response,” are also promoted to encourage bystander intervention and reporting.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Like other major Texas universities, SMU has had its share of hazing incidents that have led to disciplinary action:

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA) Incident (2017): This IFC fraternity at SMU faced severe disciplinary action following allegations of hazing that included pledges being paddled, forced to consume alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The extensive investigation led to the suspension of the chapter, with significant restrictions placed on its social activities and recruitment until around 2021. This incident highlights the prevalence of traditional physical and alcohol hazing even at private institutions.
• Other Greek Life Suspensions: Over the years, other SMU Greek chapters have faced disciplinary actions, including social probation, suspension, or chapter revocation, for various hazing violations, alcohol infractions, and conduct detrimental to student welfare. While SMU, as a private university, is not required to disclose incidents with the same transparency as public institutions like UT, these actions are often communicated internally and through alumni networks.

These documented incidents underscore that despite SMU’s policies and resources, hazing continues to pose risks to its students, including those from Cooke County.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident involving a student from Cooke County at SMU, legal proceedings could diverge from those at public universities. As a private institution, SMU generally does not have the same sovereign immunity protections as public universities in Texas. This can simplify certain aspects of litigation against the university, allowing for a more direct pursuit of civil claims in many instances. Criminal investigations would involve the SMU Police Department for on-campus incidents or the Dallas Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in state district courts within Dallas County.

Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and SMU itself. The absence of sovereign immunity means civil claims against SMU might proceed differently than against state-funded institutions. Our firm specializes in navigating the legal strategies that are unique to private university hazing cases, ensuring that Cooke County families receive comprehensive representation.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For Cooke County students attending SMU and their families:

• Understand Private School Dynamics: Be aware that while SMU publishes anti-hazing policies, internal disciplinary actions may not be as publicly transparent as at state universities.
• Utilize SMU’s Reporting Channels: Report any suspected hazing to the Office of the Dean of Students, SMU Police Department, or anonymously through their “Real Response” system.
• Thorough Documentation: As with all hazing incidents, immediately collect and save all evidence: screenshots of group chats common in Greek life (e.g., GroupMe), photos or videos of events/injuries, and detailed notes.
• Prioritize Well-being: If a student experiences physical injury or severe emotional distress, seek immediate medical or psychological care, and ensure the cause is documented in medical records.
• Seek Experienced Legal Counsel Early: Given the complexities of private university litigation, contacting an attorney experienced in Dallas-based hazing cases is crucial. The Manginello Law Firm can provide essential guidance on how to navigate SMU’s internal processes and pursue civil claims against a private institution. We serve families from Cooke County by bringing clarity and actionable legal strategy to these challenging situations.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist institution, is known for its strong academic programs and deeply rooted faith-based community. Located in Waco, it draws students from across Texas, including many from Cooke County, seeking a distinct university experience. Baylor’s history includes significant moments of institutional scrutiny, particularly concerning student safety and accountability, which color its response to issues like hazing.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is a private Christian university with a strong emphasis on faith, service, and academic excellence within a close-knit campus environment in Waco. While not having the largest Greek system in Texas, it still has a significant presence with numerous Panhellenic, IFC, NPHC, and Multicultural Greek chapters. Beyond Greek life, Baylor boasts many spirit organizations, athletic teams, and faith-based student groups. The university’s values-driven mission often sets high expectations for student conduct, yet hazing incidents, when they occur, can be particularly jarring against this backdrop.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor University maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that aligns with Texas state law, prohibiting any act causing mental or physical harm for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership. The policy applies to all student organizations, on or off campus, and outlines clear disciplinary consequences. Baylor promotes several reporting avenues, including the Office of Student Conduct, the Department of Student Activities, and the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD). The university often emphasizes a “zero-tolerance” approach, especially given its past institutional challenges regarding student safety.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history includes periods of intense scrutiny over its handling of student welfare, notably concerning its football program and Title IX issues. This background means hazing incidents, when they arise, are often viewed through a lens of heightened accountability.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): Following an internal investigation into hazing allegations within the Baylor baseball program, 14 players were suspended. The suspensions were staggered over the early part of the season to ensure team participation while still enacting discipline. This incident highlighted that hazing issues can penetrate even high-profile athletic programs, challenging institutions to balance competitive success with student safety.
• Previous Greek Life Incidents: While Baylor, as a private university, may not always publicly detail every hazing infraction, various Greek chapters have faced internal investigations and disciplinary actions for violations including alcohol misuse, forced activities, and conduct deemed inconsistent with university policies. Public details are often communicated more broadly within Greek life councils or alumni organizations.

These incidents demonstrate that even a faith-based institution with a strong emphasis on student conduct can face hazing challenges, impacting students from communities like Cooke County.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident involving a student from Cooke County at Baylor University in Waco, legal proceedings would be handled differently than at public Texas universities. As a private institution, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity, meaning civil claims against the university can proceed more directly. Criminal investigations would involve the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) for on-campus incidents or the Waco Police Department and McLennan County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in state district courts within McLennan County.

Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and Baylor University itself. The specific context of Baylor’s policies, its religious identity, and its past well-publicized institutional challenges would all factor into the strategic approach of a civil lawsuit. The Manginello Law Firm offers the expertise needed to navigate these unique aspects of litigation against private universities.

5.4.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Cooke County students attending Baylor and their families:

• Be Aware of Baylor’s Specific Context: Recognize that Baylor’s private, faith-based nature can influence how incidents are handled, and transparency may differ from public universities.
• Utilize Baylor’s Reporting Options: Report suspected hazing to the Office of Student Conduct, Department of Student Activities, or the Baylor University Police Department.
• Thorough Documentation is Key: Immediately secure all possible evidence: screenshots of texts and group chats, photos/videos of injuries or events, and detailed sequential notes.
• Prioritize Medical Care: If injuries or severe emotional distress occur, seek prompt medical or psychological evaluation and ensure the medical record clearly states the suspected cause of harm.
• Consult Legal Counsel Promptly: Contacting an attorney experienced in Waco-based hazing cases is vital. The Manginello Law Firm can provide crucial guidance on confronting hazing at Baylor, understanding their disciplinary processes, and pursuing justice against all responsible entities. We are dedicated to supporting Cooke County families through these challenging circumstances.

6. Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

When hazing occurs at a Texas university, it’s rarely an isolated incident. Many fraternities and sororities with chapters at institutions like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor are part of vast national organizations. Understanding the interconnectedness of local actions with national patterns is crucial for Cooke County families seeking accountability.

Why National Histories Matter

The unfortunate truth is that many fraternities and sororities, including those with chapters at our major Texas universities (like Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, and Kappa Alpha Order), are part of national organizations that have faced repeated, tragic hazing incidents across the country.

These national headquarters often possess extensive anti-hazing manuals and sophisticated risk management policies. Why? Because they have witnessed devastating deaths and catastrophic injuries at their chapters before. They are often acutely aware of the recurring patterns of hazing within their own organizations: the forced large-volume drinking events, the “traditional” paddling rituals, the humiliating and dangerous initiation scripts.

When a local chapter in Texas repeats the same dangerous behavior that led to another chapter being shut down or sued in a different state, this establishes a powerful legal argument of foreseeability. It demonstrates that the national organization knew, or should have known, about the inherent risks of such practices and failed to adequately prevent them. This “prior knowledge” is a cornerstone of negligence claims and can significantly strengthen arguments for punitive damages against national entities.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Here’s a look at some of the prevalent Greek organizations at Texas universities and how their national histories inform our approach to local hazing incidents:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Active at UH, Texas A&M, and UT. Nationally, Pi Kappa Alpha has a disturbing record, perhaps most notably involved in the Stone Foltz hazing death at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died of alcohol poisoning. Another tragic incident was the David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois University (2012), also due to alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event, which resulted in a $14 million settlement for his family. These incidents reveal a pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing, particularly during “Big/Little” events, which has also manifested at Texas chapters.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. SAE has been involved in multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. These include a traumatic brain injury lawsuit at the University of Alabama (filed 2023) and incidents at Texas A&M where pledges allegedly suffered chemical burns (2021) and UT-Austin where an exchange student alleged assault and severe injuries at a chapter party (2024). SAE’s national leadership famously eliminated its pledge process in 2014 in response to a pattern of deaths, yet incidents continue to occur.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Found at UH, Texas A&M, SMU, and Baylor. This fraternity was involved in the Max Gruver hazing death at Louisiana State University (2017), where a pledge died from alcohol toxicity during a forced drinking game. His death directly led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute, the Max Gruver Act. This case highlights a national pattern of dangerous alcohol games used within the organization.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT. Beta Theta Pi was central to the catastrophic Timothy Piazza hazing death at Penn State University (2017). Piazza died from traumatic brain injuries after extreme alcohol consumption and falls, with fraternity members delaying calling for medical help. This case, involving over a thousand criminal counts, became one of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history and led to new anti-hazing laws.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Active at UH and Texas A&M. This organization had a pledge, Andrew Coffey, die from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event at Florida State University (2017). The incident led to multiple prosecutions and a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida.

• Kappa Alpha Order (KΑ): Present at Texas A&M and SMU. KA chapters have faced disciplinary actions related to hazing at various universities, including a well-documented incident at SMU itself (2017) involving paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.

• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Found at Texas A&M. Phi Gamma Delta was involved in the devastating Danny Santulli hazing incident at the University of Missouri (2021), where a pledge suffered severe, permanent brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol. Santulli’s family reached multi-million-dollar settlements with 22 defendants.

• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, and Baylor. Sigma Chi has also had multiple hazing allegations and incidents. A recent case at the College of Charleston (2024) resulted in a family receiving more than $10 million in damages for physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment.

• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Found at UH, Texas A&M, and Baylor. Kappa Sigma was involved in the Chad Meredith drowning death at the University of Miami (2001), where a pledge drowned after being persuaded by fraternity members to swim while intoxicated. A jury awarded his parents a $12.6 million verdict, and a law was named in his honor. Further hazing allegations involving severe injuries recently surfaced at their Texas A&M chapter (2023).

• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, SMU, and Baylor. While NPHC (historically Black Greek letter organizations) officially prohibit hazing, some chapters, including Omega Psi Phi, have faced allegations. A recent federal lawsuit (2023) alleged severe beatings with a wooden paddle during “Hell Night” at the University of Southern Mississippi, resulting in emergency surgery and months of rehabilitation.

This list, while not exhaustive, shows a pattern. Many organizations have chapters across Texas’s top universities, and knowledge of their national hazing histories becomes a crucial part of our legal strategy.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

These patterns across states and campuses are not mere coincidences; they are powerful evidence that certain organizations had repeated warnings about specific dangerous practices but failed to implement meaningful change. In a civil lawsuit, courts can consider whether national organizations:

• Meaningfully enforced their stringent anti-hazing policies, or if these were merely “paper policies.”
• Responded to prior incidents with sufficient aggression and effective deterrence.
• Had a culture that either tolerated or implicitly encouraged hazing, despite official prohibitions.

This evidence profoundly affects:

• Settlement Leverage: Demonstrating a pattern of prior incidents can increase pressure on defendants to settle, as facing a jury with such a history is risky.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: Prior knowledge and patterns can influence how insurance companies evaluate claims, making it harder for them to deny coverage based on “unforeseeability” or “rogue actor” defenses.
• Potential for Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, where an organization demonstrated a conscious disregard for safety despite repeated warnings, evidence of a national pattern of hazing can be used to argue for punitive damages, designed to punish and deter similar conduct in the future.

For Cooke County families, understanding these national histories means that what happened to a student thousands of miles away can be instrumental in seeking justice for an incident right here in Texas.

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully pursuing a hazing lawsuit requires meticulous investigation, a thorough understanding of the types of damages available, and a strategic legal approach. For Cooke County families, confronting a university or national fraternity can feel overwhelming, but our firm has the experience and resources to build a powerful case.

Evidence

The key to any strong hazing case lies in the evidence. Modern hazing, while hidden, leaves a digital footprint, and a comprehensive investigation will seek out every possible piece of information. The Manginello Law Firm’s video, “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), offers critical insights into preserving the evidence that can win your case.

• Digital Communications: In 2025, group chats and direct messages are often the most profound source of hazing evidence. We meticulously collect:

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and various fraternity/sorority-specific apps. These show the planning, intent, specific orders, and cover-up attempts.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments, and other social media communications.
  • Crucially, evidence includes both live messages and successfully recovered/deleted messages (which often require digital forensics experts). Proper screenshotting with timestamps and full context is vital.

• Photos & Videos: Visual evidence is incredibly compelling:

  • Content filmed by members during hazing events, often for internal bragging or instruction.
  • Footage shared in private group chats or even briefly posted on social media.
  • Subpoenaing security camera footage from houses or venues, as well as Ring or doorbell camera footage around off-campus properties, can provide objective proof of who was present and what transpired.

• Internal Organization Documents: These reveal official policies versus actual practices:

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, or “ritual books” that outline “traditions.”
  • Emails or text messages from officers or “pledge educators” discussing the new member process.
  • National organization policies, training materials, and prior risk management reports.

• University Records: We leverage discovery tools to obtain comprehensive university files:

  • Prior conduct files, records of probation, or suspensions against the same organization.
  • Incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Clery Act reports and similar disclosures that can reveal patterns of past misconduct.
  • Internal emails and memos among administrators discussing the organization or wider hazing issues.

• Medical and Psychological Records: Documenting the impact of hazing is essential:

  • Emergency room and hospitalization records, reflecting immediate injuries.
  • Surgery and rehabilitation notes, for lasting physical harm.
  • Toxicology reports, detailing alcohol or drug levels.
  • Thorough psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, severe depression, anxiety, or even suicidality, establishing emotional and mental harm.

• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are critical:

  • Testimony from other pledges, current members who break the code of silence, roommates, RAs, coaches, or bystanders.
  • Former members who quit or were expelled, often willing to speak out about past practices.

Damages

When hazing causes harm, the law provides for several categories of damages to compensate victims and their families. This isn’t about “getting rich”; it’s about covering catastrophic losses and providing for a just future.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs related to physical and mental health treatment:

  • Immediate emergency room visits, ambulance transport, and hospitalization.
  • Surgeries, ongoing medications, and physical therapy.
  • Counseling and psychiatric care for emotional trauma like PTSD, depression, or anxiety.
  • For catastrophic injuries (e.g., permanent brain damage from alcohol poisoning), this can include detailed life care plans projecting costs for 24/7 care for the victim’s lifetime.

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can severely derail a student’s future:

  • Lost wages if the student was working during college and couldn’t due to injury or recovery.
  • Missed semesters, withdrawn courses, or delayed graduation, impacting future career entry.
  • Loss of scholarships (academic, athletic, or Greek-based) due to academic decline or withdrawal.
  • In severe cases, a diminished future earning capacity if injuries lead to permanent disabilities affecting career potential.

• Non-Economic Damages: These address the intangible, yet very real, suffering:

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: The agony of direct injuries, and chronic pain from lasting conditions.
  • Emotional Distress and Trauma: Including deep-seated psychological harm such as PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and the profound humiliation or loss of dignity.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in activities previously enjoyed, social withdrawal, and the overall diminishment of quality of life.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the tragic event of a hazing-related death, surviving family members can pursue:

  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided to the family.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and society for parents, siblings, or a spouse/partner.
  • Grief and emotional suffering experienced by the family.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple layers of defendants and complex insurance policies. Fraternities, universities, and their national organizations typically carry substantial insurance. However, their insurers will often attempt to deny coverage, arguing that hazing or “intentional acts” are excluded, or that their policy doesn’t cover certain defendants.

This is where the unique advantage of The Manginello Law Firm comes into play. Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), possesses insider knowledge of how these large insurance companies value, negotiate, and defend against such claims. We understand their tactics for delaying payments, arguing coverage exclusions, and low-balling settlements. Our experience allows us to:

• Identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, including individual homeowner’s policies, chapter policies, national policies, and university umbrella policies.
• Aggressively challenge arguments for exclusion by demonstrating that the institution’s negligence (e.g., failure to supervise, enforce policies) is covered, even if the hazing itself was intentional.
• Force insurers to defend the claims against their clients and, if necessary, pursue bad faith claims if they wrongfully deny coverage.

This strategic approach to insurance coverage is critical for maximizing recovery for Cooke County families and holding all responsible parties accountable.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family, immediate action and clear information are essential. For Cooke County parents, students, and witnesses, knowing what to do—and what not to do—can make all the difference.

8.1 For Parents

Parents play a critical role in recognizing, responding to, and ultimately preventing hazing.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be observant of these indicators in your child:

  • Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” with inconsistent explanations.
  • Extreme Fatigue: Constant exhaustion, severe sleep deprivation, or falling asleep at odd times.
  • Drastic Mood Changes: Uncharacteristic anxiety, depression, irritability, or withdrawal from family and friends.
  • Secrecy: A sudden reluctance to discuss organizational activities, often with phrases like “I can’t talk about it” or “it’s a secret.”
  • Constant Phone Use: Obsessive monitoring of group chats, constant texts/calls at odd hours, and anxiety about missing “mandatory” events.
  • Academic Decline: Sudden drops in grades, missing classes, or an inability to focus on studies.
  • Financial Changes: Unexpected demands for money for “fines,” “dues,” or items for older members.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy and without judgment. Emphasize their safety and well-being above all else. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you really doing?” or “Is there anything about [organization] that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that your priority is them, not the organization’s reputation.

• If Your Child Is Hurt: Prioritize immediate medical care. Insist that the medical staff document how the injuries occurred, including any mention of hazing. Then, meticulously document everything yourself: take photos of injuries from multiple angles and over several days, screenshot all relevant texts/group chats, and write down a chronological account of events.

• Dealing with the University: Every communication with university administrators should be carefully documented. Ask specific questions about: prior incidents involving the same organization, what actions the school took (or didn’t take), and how they plan to ensure your child’s safety and academic continuity.

• 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, contact The Manginello Law Firm immediately. Early legal consultation is critical to preserving evidence and navigating complex institutional responses.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

We speak directly to students from Cooke County who may be experiencing or witnessing hazing or are under pressure. Your safety and well-being come first.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? If you feel unsafe, humiliated, coerced, or are forced to consume alcohol/drugs or endure pain; if the activity is hidden from the public or administrators – then it is hazing. Real tradition does not involve physical, emotional, or psychological abuse.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Texas law (Education Code § 37.155) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. When you are under intense peer pressure, fearing exclusion, or experiencing a power imbalance, even if you “agreed” to participate, the law recognizes that this was not true voluntary consent. You are the victim, not an accomplice.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave any organization or situation at any time. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you wish to de-pledge or report hazing, tell a trusted adult outside the organization first (parent, RA, professor). You can send a resignation email to chapter leadership, but do not meet them alone if you fear retaliation. Many schools and state laws, like Texas’s Good Samaritan provisions, offer amnesty for students who call for help in an emergency, even if underage drinking or other minor infractions were involved.

• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Texas has laws to protect students who report hazing in good faith. These protections are designed to encourage reporting without fear of criminal or civil liability arising from the report itself. Many university policies also offer forms of amnesty if you call for medical help for someone experiencing a hazing emergency.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were once part of a hazing incident, or witnessed one, you might carry heavy burdens of guilt or fear of retribution.

• Your action can prevent future harm and save lives. Your testimony and evidence—whether digital communications, photos, or your personal account—can be instrumental in holding perpetrators and organizations accountable.
• You may need your own legal advice. Cooperating with an investigation or lawsuit can be a complex decision. We can provide confidential legal counsel to explain your rights, potential liabilities, and how your cooperation might proceed while protecting your interests. The Manginello Law Firm’s criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can advise on both criminal exposure and civil liability aspects.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Cooke County families navigating a hazing incident, crucial missteps in the initial hours and days can severely jeopardize your ability to seek justice. The Manginello Law Firm has compiled a list of critical mistakes to avoid. Our video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY), further elaborates on these pitfalls.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: While you might want to protect your child, deleting evidence can look like a cover-up, makes building a case nearly impossible, and can even constitute obstruction of justice.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, no matter how embarrassing. Screenshots of group chats (like GroupMe or Snapchat), photos of injuries or events, and any saved digital files are critical.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly:

   • Why it’s wrong: Direct confrontation will almost certainly lead them to immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses against you.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in private, then contact an attorney before any direct communication.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or agree to “internal resolution” processes. Signing these without legal review can waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, and any settlements offered will likely be far below the true value of your case.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or organization without an experienced attorney reviewing it first.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: While it’s natural to want to share your story, anything posted publicly can be used against you by defense attorneys, creating inconsistencies that damage credibility. It can also inadvertently waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document your story privately. Let your lawyer control public messaging to protect your case.

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”:

   • Why it’s wrong: Organizations often pressure students to attend “one last meeting” to discuss their departure. This is commonly used to intimidate, pressure, or extract statements that could harm a future case.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication from the organization should be directed through your lawyer.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: While universities initiate internal investigations, critical evidence can disappear rapidly, witnesses graduate and scatter, and the statute of limitations can run out. Universities also often primarily aim to contain the incident and protect their reputation, not necessarily ensure the fullest possible accountability for victims.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s internal process is not a substitute for robust legal action.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer:

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you give can be used against you, and they will likely offer a quick, lowball settlement before you understand the full extent of your damages.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with any insurance adjuster and tell them, “My attorney will contact you.”

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities in Texas (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) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While basic hazing is often a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony in Texas if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers or members who knowingly fail to report hazing can also face criminal charges.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges or a bar to civil claims. Courts recognize that “consent” given under severe peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death in Texas for personal injury and wrongful death cases. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may 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?”
  The location of the hazing does not necessarily eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and the foreseeability of hazing, even if it occurs at an off-campus property. Many major hazing cases, including the Pi Delta Psi retreat death and cases involving “unofficial” fraternity houses, have resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments despite occurring off-campus.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Many hazing cases are resolved through confidential settlements before a public trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy and can work to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. Our goal is to achieve accountability and justice while protecting your child’s future.

For any specific questions or to discuss the unique facts of your situation, always consult directly with an experienced attorney.

9. About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, major universities, and their deep-pocketed insurers—fight back, and how to win anyway. This is where The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, stands apart.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Cooke County and surrounding areas, who have been impacted by hazing. We understand that hazing at Texas universities can affect students from Cooke County just as profoundly as those from our own backyard.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

The Manginello Law Firm brings a formidable combination of legal expertise, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to every hazing case:

• Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña): Our Associate Attorney Lupe Peña (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) is a third-generation Texan who formerly worked as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. This experience means she knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. This insider perspective is invaluable when fighting for maximum compensation for our clients.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello): Our Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), has over 25 years of experience practicing law. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the complex BP Texas City explosion litigation, proving our capability to take on billion-dollar corporations and win. With extensive federal court experience (including the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas), we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We know how to fight powerful defendants and secure justice.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: Attorney911 has a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/). We work with top economists and medical experts to fully value lifetime care needs for severe brain injuries, organ damage, and other permanent disabilities resulting from hazing. We don’t settle cheaply; we build comprehensive cases that force accountability and provide for our clients’ futures.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores our deep understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses, victims, and even former members on their rights and potential exposure, providing comprehensive guidance on both criminal and civil tracks.

• Unmatched Investigative Depth: We pride ourselves on meticulous investigation. Our network of experts includes digital forensics specialists, medical professionals, economists, and psychologists. We are experts at obtaining hidden evidence, including deleted group chats and social media histories, subpoenaing national fraternity records showing prior incidents, and uncovering university files through aggressive discovery tactics and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it – because it does.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually operate behind closed doors. We know how to investigate modern hazing, balance victim privacy with public accountability, and effectively prove coercion within these often-secretive cultures. We approach every hazing case with empathy, understanding that this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We value thorough investigation and real accountability above quick settlements.

Call to Action

If your child, friend, or loved one from Cooke County has endured hazing at any Texas campus – be it UT, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor, or another institution – we want to hear from you. Families in Cooke County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, accountability, and justice.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to what happened without judgment, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story empathetically.
• We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options, including criminal reporting, civil lawsuits, or both.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• We will clarify our fee structure, as we work on a contingency fee basis – meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time you need to decide.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

Contact Us Today:

• Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com

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

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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