In Dawson County, our fraternity and sorority hazing lawyers at Attorney911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ offer free consultations and contingency fees. With over 25 years of experience, including federal court expertise taking on national fraternities and universities, our former insurance defense attorney understands fraternity insurance tactics. We handle university hazing injury and wrongful death cases, as proven by our involvement in BP Explosion litigation, demonstrating our fight against massive institutions. We specialize in evidence preservation, boast multi-million dollar proven results, and possess HCCLA criminal defense plus civil wrongful death expertise. We’ve handled cases involving UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. Hablamos Español. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

When the vibrant promise of a college experience takes a dark turn, leaving a student injured, humiliated, or even worse, the dreams of a family can shatter in an instant. For families across Texas, including those right here in Dawson County, the insidious practice of hazing can transform the excitement of university life into a nightmare. We’ve seen these scenes unfold repeatedly: a young man or woman, eager to belong, finds themselves pressured into dangerous rituals, surrounded by cheering peers who prioritize tradition or group loyalty over basic human safety.

Imagine an initiation night in a fraternity house somewhere in Texas. The air is thick with anticipation and peer pressure. A student, desperate to fit in, is told to drink an entire bottle of hard liquor. Others are filming on their phones, chanting, and laughing—believing this is just harmless “bonding.” Suddenly, the student collapses, vomiting, their body shutting down from acute alcohol poisoning. Fear grips the room, but no one wants to call 911 immediately. They’re afraid of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble” with the university. That student feels trapped, torn between a desperate need for help and a chilling code of silence. This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s a tragic reality that happens far too often, leaving families in Dawson County and across our state grappling with unimaginable consequences.

This comprehensive guide is designed for families in Dawson County and throughout Texas who are navigating the complex, often devastating, aftermath of a hazing incident. We understand the confusion, the fear, and the anger that can follow such an event. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of hazing on students and their loved ones. This guide will help you understand:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, extending beyond old stereotypes and into new, insidious forms.
• The specific legal framework in Texas and federal laws designed to combat hazing.
• Critical lessons from major national hazing cases and how they directly apply to the experiences of Texas families.
• Documented incidents and patterns of hazing at prominent Texas universities, including the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University.
• The legal options available to victims and their families in Dawson County and across Texas seeking accountability and justice.

While this article provides general information to empower and educate you, it is not a substitute for specific legal advice tailored to your unique situation. Every hazing case presents distinct facts and challenges. The Manginello Law Firm is here to evaluate individual cases and provide compassionate, strategic counsel. We serve families throughout Texas, and our commitment extends to every community, including Dawson County.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

  • Call 911 for medical emergencies first and foremost. Prioritize their life and safety above all else.
  • Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate help in legal emergencies—that’s why we’re known as the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

• In the first 48 hours, critical steps can make all the difference:

  • Ensure your child receives medical attention immediately, even if they insist they are “fine” or just “embarrassed.” Injuries or intoxicants may not be immediately obvious.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: Screenshot group chats, texts, and DMs. Rapidly fading digital evidence is often the cornerstone of a strong case. Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles and document their progression over several days. Secure any physical items like damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in hazing.
  • Write down everything while memories are fresh, including who was involved, what happened, when, and where.
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or responsible individuals directly. This can lead to evidence destruction, witness coaching, and further harm.
    • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice. Such documents often have significant legal implications.
    • Post details on public social media. This can compromise your case and create unnecessary stress.
    • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any potential evidence. This could seriously hinder legal efforts.

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

  • Evidence disappears rapidly, whether through intentional deletion of group chats, destruction of physical items, or witnesses being coached to stay silent.
  • Universities and organizations move quickly to control the narrative and conduct internal investigations that may not serve your child’s best interests.
  • We can help preserve crucial evidence and protect your child’s legal rights before it’s too late.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The tragic stories of hazing victims often lead people to picture old, black-and-white images of students forced to wear ridiculous outfits or engage in a bit of “rough-housing.” However, hazing in 2025 is far more sophisticated, insidious, and dangerous. For Dawson County families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or collegiate organizations, it’s crucial to understand that today’s hazing has evolved beyond simply “a dumb prank” or “just partying.” It’s a calculated practice designed to enforce perceived loyalty through physical, psychological, and even digital coercion, often with devastating consequences.

We define hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act conducted on or off campus by individuals or groups, directed against a student, that endangers their mental or physical health or safety. This occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students. A critical point to understand is that a student’s “agreement” or “consent” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal, especially when peer pressure, power imbalances, and fear of exclusion are at play.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms, often escalating from subtle pressures to overt violence. Recognizing these categories is the first step in understanding and combating this pervasive issue.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most common and deadly forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking, often through dangerous “drinking games,” “lineups” where pledges consume large quantities of alcohol quickly, or challenges that require rapid, excessive consumption. In some extreme cases, students may be pressured to consume unknown substances or dangerous mixtures. The goal is often to incapacitate pledges, making them more vulnerable and less able to resist. The fatal incidents involving Stone Foltz at Bowling Green, Andrew Coffey at Florida State, and Max Gruver at LSU all tragically illustrate the deadly risks of forced alcohol consumption.

• Physical Hazing: This category includes any act that causes physical pain, injury, or extreme discomfort. Examples range from traditional paddling and beatings to extreme “workouts” or “smokings”—intense physical activity far beyond normal conditioning limits. Sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation, and exposure to extreme environmental conditions (cold, heat) are also common. These activities are designed to break down a pledge’s resistance, foster a false sense of unity through shared suffering, and demonstrate “commitment.” The death of Chun “Michael” Deng, who suffered fatal head injuries during a violent ritual, is a stark reminder of the lethal potential of physical hazing.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This degrading form of hazing involves forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (such as the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig” positions), or being forced to wear degrading costumes. These acts are often designed to assert dominance, strip individuals of their dignity, and exploit vulnerability. Some incidents have included acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, using slurs or forcing individuals to role-play stereotypes. Such actions inflict deep, lasting psychological trauma.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked, psychological hazing can be just as damaging as physical abuse. It includes sustained verbal abuse, threats, forced social isolation, and relentless intimidation. Pledges may be subjected to malicious manipulation, forced public confessions of embarrassing secrets, or targeted public shaming on social media platforms or during group meetings. This form of hazing aims to break down an individual’s self-esteem and independence, making them more submissive to the group’s demands.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the rise of smartphones and social media, hazing has moved into the digital realm. This includes constant monitoring and demands through group chats on platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, and Discord, often requiring instantaneous responses regardless of the time of day. Students may be subjected to online “challenges” or dares, public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, or pressured to create and share compromising images or videos. Geo-tracking through apps like Find My Friends can also be used to monitor pledges’ movements, fostering a pervasive sense of surveillance and control.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is limited to “frat boys” at large state universities. While fraternities and sororities (across IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils) are frequently in the news for hazing incidents, the practice is far more pervasive. Harms students across a wide range of organizations, including:

• Corps of Cadets, ROTC, and other military-style groups: These organizations often include traditions that, while framed as “boot camp” or “training,” cross the line into hazing.
• Spirit squads, tradition clubs, and university organizations: Groups like “Texas Cowboys” or various spirit organizations, once celebrated for upholding university traditions, have faced discipline for hazing.
• Athletic teams: Hazing is unfortunately common in high school and collegiate sports, including football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, and cheerleading squads. The Northwestern University hazing scandal highlights how even prominent athletic programs can be riddled with systemic abuse.
• Marching bands and performance groups: Even seemingly innocuous organizations are not immune. Hazing in marching bands, dance teams, and other performance groups can involve physical endurance tests, sleep deprivation, and psychological abuse.
• Service, cultural, and academic organizations: While less frequently reported, these groups can also foster environments where hazing, particularly subtle or psychological forms, is used for initiation or “bonding.”

The persistence of hazing, even with widespread awareness and strict university rules, highlights the powerful roles of social status, tradition, and the code of silence. Many students, desperate to belong or uphold a legacy, endure or inflict hazing, believing it’s a necessary rite of passage. This underlying culture allows dangerous practices to continue thriving, often out of sight, until tragedy strikes.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For Dawson County families seeking justice after a hazing incident, understanding the relevant legal landscape is paramount. Texas has a clear legal framework against hazing, but it’s often complex to navigate, especially when considering the interplay of criminal charges, civil lawsuits, and federal regulations.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas law explicitly prohibits hazing, making it clear that such activities are not merely “traditions” but illegal acts with serious consequences. The definition of hazing under the Texas Education Code is broad, covering both physical and psychological harm.

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act on or off campus, by an individual or a group, directed against a student, that:

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

In plain English, if someone makes you do something dangerous, harmful, humiliating, or degrading as a condition of joining or staying in a group—and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risks—that’s hazing under Texas law. Critically, it doesn’t matter if the act occurs on campus or at an off-campus private residence; the legal prohibition extends to any location. Furthermore, a student’s “consent” to participate is not a legal defense, recognizing that true consent cannot be given under duress or the coercive environment of hazing.

Texas law also outlines criminal penalties for hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: This is the default classification for hazing that does not cause significant injury. It carries potential penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes an injury requiring medical treatment, the charge elevates to a Class A misdemeanor.
• State Jail Felony: In tragic cases where hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, the offense becomes a state jail felony, carrying more severe penalties.

Texas law also holds individuals accountable for inaction. It is a misdemeanor to fail to report hazing if you are an organization member or officer and knew about the incident. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Beyond individuals, organizational liability is also addressed. Organizations (like fraternities, sororities, or clubs) can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized, encouraged, or knew about hazing through an officer or member acting in an official capacity and failed to report it. Universities also have the power to penalize, including revoking recognition and banning the organization from campus.

Key takeaway for Dawson County families: The law provides mechanisms to hold both individuals and organizations accountable, both criminally and civilly, for hazing that occurs anywhere in Texas.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When a hazing incident occurs, families often wonder about the legal avenues available. It’s crucial to understand the distinct purposes and processes of criminal and civil cases.

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated and pursued by the state (in Texas, through district attorneys or county attorneys). The primary goal of a criminal case is to punish specific individuals for breaking the law. Typical hazing-related criminal charges can include hazing offenses, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or in the most tragic circumstances, even manslaughter or negligent homicide. If convicted, defendants face penalties such as fines, probation, or incarceration. A criminal conviction can also serve as powerful evidence in a subsequent civil lawsuit.

• Civil Cases: These are initiated by the victim or their surviving loved ones (the plaintiffs) against those responsible for the harm (the defendants). The primary goal of a civil case is to obtain monetary compensation for the damages suffered and to hold individuals, organizations, and institutions accountable. Common legal theories in civil hazing lawsuits include negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, and premises liability. Civil cases focus on the legal duty owed to the victim, how that duty was breached, and the resulting harm.

In hazing incidents, both criminal and civil cases can proceed simultaneously, serving different but complementary aims. It’s important to note that securing a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a successful civil lawsuit. The standards of proof and evidence differ, and a civil case can often succeed even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction.

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

Beyond state laws, federal regulations also play a significant role in combating hazing and ensuring campus safety at universities throughout Texas and the nation.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation, set to be fully implemented by around 2026, aims to increase transparency and strengthen prevention efforts at colleges and universities that receive federal funding. It mandates that these institutions:

  • Report hazing incidents more transparently to the public.
  • Establish and strengthen comprehensive hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Maintain public databases of hazing data, making it easier for prospective students and parents to make informed decisions.

• Title IX / Clery Act: These federal laws also have implications for hazing incidents:

  • Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based discrimination or hostility, it can trigger Title IX obligations for the university. This requires prompt and effective response mechanisms to address and prevent such misconduct, regardless of whether it’s part of a hazing ritual.
  • Clery Act: This act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents often involve crimes like assault, alcohol-related offenses, or drug offenses, which must be reported under Clery, contributing to public safety statistics and increased accountability.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

One of the complexities of hazing litigation is identifying all potentially liable parties. In a civil hazing lawsuit, a broad range of individuals and entities can be held accountable for the harm caused:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, orchestrated, participated in, or even stood by and failed to intervene during hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes the students who supplied alcohol to minors, carried out assaults, or helped cover up the incident.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team involved in the hazing can be sued as a distinct legal entity. This also includes individual officers, “pledge educators,” or other leaders who authorized, condoned, or directly engaged in hazing activities.
• National Fraternity / Sorority: Many local chapters are part of larger national organizations. The national headquarters can be held liable if they knew or reasonably should have known about a pattern of hazing within a chapter or their organization and failed to take adequate preventative or disciplinary action. Their liability often stems from their role in setting policies, collecting dues, providing training, and monitoring local chapters.
• University or Governing Board: The college or university itself, whether public or private, can be sued. Liability might be based on negligent supervision, failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, providing a dangerous environment, or even deliberate indifference to known patterns of hazing. For public universities in Texas (like UH, Texas A&M, UT), sovereign immunity can be a defense, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when claims are brought against individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) typically have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Other entities can also bear responsibility. This might include landlords or property owners of off-campus houses where hazing occurred, bars or liquor stores that illegally furnished alcohol to minors (under dram shop laws), or security companies hired to manage events if their negligence contributed to the harm.

Every hazing case is fact-specific, and the list of potentially liable parties can vary. A thorough legal investigation is necessary to identify all responsible individuals and organizations. For families in Dawson County, understanding this broad scope of liability means that many avenues may exist to pursue justice and ensure accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

While each hazing incident is a personal tragedy, examining national cases reveals critical patterns—common hazing methods, institutional failures, and the significant legal consequences that follow. These anchor stories serve as powerful precedents, informing how we approach hazing cases for Dawson County families and highlight the stakes involved for students at Texas universities.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most frequently cited cause of hazing deaths is acute alcohol poisoning, often linked to extreme coerced consumption.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” event involving extreme alcohol consumption. Security cameras within the Beta Theta Pi fraternity house shockingly captured Piazza falling repeatedly and suffering severe brain injuries after being forced to drink excessively. Tragically, fraternity members delayed calling for medical help for nearly 12 hours. This case resulted in an unprecedented range of criminal charges against fraternity members, civil litigation, and the creation of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, significantly strengthening anti-hazing statutes. The takeaway for Texas families is chilling: extreme intoxication, coupled with a deliberate delay in calling 911 and a pervasive culture of silence, can lead to devastating legal and human consequences.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): During a “Big Brother Night” event, Andrew Coffey, a freshman pledge, was reportedly given a handle of hard liquor and pressured to consume dangerous amounts. He died from acute alcohol poisoning. The incident led to multiple criminal prosecutions of fraternity members and prompted Florida State University to temporarily suspend all Greek life, leading to significant policy overhauls. This case tragically demonstrates how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a recurring script for disaster, with fatal outcomes that extend across the nation.

• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from alcohol toxicity after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to drink heavily for answering questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol level was an astounding 0.495%. Gruver’s tragic death directly led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, which upgraded hazing to a felony. This legislative change in a neighboring state underscores how public outrage and undeniable proof of hazing often drive significant legal reforms.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” pledge event and died from alcohol poisoning. This incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions of fraternity members for hazing-related charges. In the civil realm, Bowling Green State University (a public institution) agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the family, in addition to other substantial settlements with the fraternity and individuals. This case powerfully illustrates that universities, especially those with public funds, can face significant financial and reputational consequences right alongside the fraternities themselves.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physically brutal and ritualized hazing continues to cause severe harm and death.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a freshman pledge, died after being blindfolded, weighted down with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a fraternity “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Fraternity members delayed calling emergency services, and Deng succumbed to traumatic brain injuries. This case led to multiple criminal convictions for individual members, and, critically, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and subsequently banned from operating in Pennsylvania for a decade. The message here is clear: off-campus “retreats” are not safe havens for hazers but rather venues where dangerous acts escalate, and national organizations can face severe legal sanctions for their chapters’ actions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life alone; it can infest even highly visible, revenue-generating athletic programs.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a widely publicized scandal, former football players at Northwestern alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. These shocking allegations led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and its coaching staff. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially. This case delivered a stark reminder that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, with major athletic programs—and the universities that oversee them—being vulnerable to systemic abuse and significant legal fallout.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national hazing tragedies, while geographically distant, cast a long shadow over every campus in America, including those attended by students from Dawson County. They establish critical legal precedents and reinforce universal truths:

• The common threads woven through these cases are chillingly consistent: forced drinking, humiliation, physical violence, a dangerous delay or denial of medical care, and concerted efforts to cover up the wrongdoing.
• Significant reforms, legislative changes, and multi-million-dollar settlements consistently follow only after tragedy strikes and courageous families pursue determined legal action.
• Texas families facing hazing situations at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor are not isolated. They operate within a legal and cultural landscape profoundly shaped by these national lessons. An experienced hazing attorney understands these precedents and how they can be leveraged to advocate for justice within the Texas court system.

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

For families in Dawson County, understanding the specific dynamics of hazing at Texas’s major universities is crucial. While hazing is a statewide issue, each campus has its own culture, policies, and history of incidents. Our firm serves families across Texas, extending our reach from Dawson County to these prominent educational institutions.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus in our home city, is a significant part of the Houston landscape, attracting students from across the region, including those from Dawson County who seek opportunity in a large city setting. With its active Greek life and diverse student body, UH, like any major university, has grappled with hazing.

5.1.1 Campus & culture snapshot

UH is a large, dynamic urban campus known for its academic rigor and diverse student population. While it traditionally served many commuter students, its residential population is growing. UH boasts a wide array of student organizations, including a robust Greek life represented by multiple fraternities and sororities from various councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural), alongside numerous sports clubs and cultural groups. This bustling environment, while offering immense opportunities, also presents challenges related to student conduct and organizational behavior.

5.1.2 Hazing policy & reporting

The University of Houston maintains a strict policy prohibiting hazing, defining it broadly to include any act that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of affiliation. This prohibition applies to acts occurring both on and off campus. UH’s policies specifically forbid forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and acts causing mental distress as part of any initiation process. UH provides clear reporting channels through its Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also makes a hazing statement and some disciplinary information available on its website, reflecting its commitment to transparency and prevention.

5.1.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

UH has a history of addressing hazing incidents, underscoring the universal challenge universities face. A notable case involved Pi Kappa Alpha in 2016, where pledges were allegedly subjected to food, water, and sleep deprivation during a multi-day event. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being violently pushed onto a table or a similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was subjected to university suspension.

Other disciplinary actions at UH have referenced behaviors “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse and policy violations, leading to additional suspensions or probations for various fraternities. While UH actively investigates and disciplines, the extent of public detail regarding these incidents can sometimes be limited, contrasting with the more comprehensive public violation lists provided by some other Texas universities.

5.1.4 How a UH hazing case might proceed

Given UH’s location in Houston, hazing cases typically involve an array of law enforcement and legal entities. Depending on where an incident occurs, the involved agencies may include both the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) for on-campus incidents and the Houston Police Department (HPD) for off-campus events within the city limits. Civil lawsuits arising from hazing at UH would be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. Potential defendants in such cases could include the individual students directly involved, the local chapter itself, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university and the owners of any property where hazing took place. An attorney from Attorney911, representing a family from Dawson County, would strategically navigate these various jurisdictional considerations to build a comprehensive case.

5.1.5 What UH students & parents should do

For UH students and their parents, taking proactive steps when hazing is suspected is crucial.

• If you suspect hazing, report it to the UH Dean of Students Office, UHPD, or utilize the university’s online reporting forms.
• Document any prior complaints or known past incidents involving the specific organization, as this information can be vital evidence.
• Contacting a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can provide a significant advantage. Our firm understands the local legal landscape and can help uncover prior disciplinary actions and internal university files through legal discovery.
• Preserve all evidence: screenshots of group chats, photos of injuries or events, and records of communication with university officials.
• Prioritize safety. If any student, including those from Dawson County, is in immediate danger, call 911 without hesitation.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, deeply rooted in Aggie traditions, draws students from every corner of Texas, including Dawson County. Known for its strong sense of community, the Corps of Cadets, and a proud Greek life, A&M faces its own set of hazing challenges that often intersect with its unique culture.

5.2.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Texas A&M is a prominent public research university with a rich history and distinct culture, particularly known for its loyal alumni network and deep-seated traditions. The Corps of Cadets, one of the largest uniformed student organizations in the nation, embodies a military-style environment with intense discipline and a strong emphasis on tradition. Alongside this, A&M hosts a vibrant Greek life, with numerous fraternities and sororities, and a multitude of student organizations and athletic teams. This unique blend of traditionalism and contemporary student life creates a complex environment for student conduct.

5.2.2 Hazing policy & reporting

Texas A&M strictly prohibits hazing, adhering to Texas law and its own institutional policies. The university’s policies cover both physical and mental hazing, alcohol and substance abuse, and any acts that endanger a student’s health or safety during initiation or affiliation periods. The A&M system strongly encourages reporting through its Division of Student Affairs, the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMU PD), and various online reporting platforms. The university emphasizes its commitment to investigating all allegations and imposing appropriate sanctions, ranging from probation to expulsion for individuals and suspension or permanent derecognition for organizations.

5.2.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

Texas A&M has faced several highly publicized hazing incidents over the years, spanning both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets, showing how hazing can be intertwined with tradition in various campus organizations.

• A significant civil lawsuit involving Sigma Alpha Epsilon around 2021 garnered national attention. Pledges reported being subjected to severe physical hazing, including having substances like industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them, leading to severe chemical burns that required emergency skin graft surgeries. The fraternity chapter was suspended by the university, and the aggrieved pledges pursued a civil suit.
• The Corps of Cadets has also faced hazing allegations. In a 2023 civil lawsuit, a former cadet alleged degrading hazing, which included simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. This lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages, highlighting the severe psychological and emotional distress such rituals inflict. A&M stated it addressed the matter under its internal regulations.
• Ongoing concerns about hazing at both fraternities and in specific Corps outfits led to repeated university investigations and disciplinary actions, underscoring the ongoing challenge of separating harmful practices from legitimate traditions.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M hazing case might proceed

Hazing cases originating from Texas A&M, particularly those impacting students from Dawson County, can involve several local and state authorities. Law enforcement jurisdiction typically falls to the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMU PD) for on-campus incidents and the Bryan Police Department or College Station Police Department (and potentially the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office) for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Bryan/College Station and Brazos County. Due to its status as a public university, Texas A&M may invoke sovereign immunity, but our firm navigates exceptions to liability when the university’s gross negligence or deliberate indifference
contributed to the harm. Potential defendants usually include the individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and potentially the university itself.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M students & parents should do

For Texas A&M students and their parents, especially those from Dawson County, vigilance and decisive action are essential.

• Immediately report any suspected hazing to the Division of Student Affairs, TAMU PD, or utilize the university’s anonymous reporting options.
• Document any prior hazing allegations or disciplinary history relevant to the specific Greek organization or Corps outfit involved.
• Be aware that cases involving the Corps of Cadets may require a nuanced understanding of military-style reporting structures alongside civilian legal avenues.
• For students from Dawson County, contacting a lawyer with experience in Texas A&M hazing cases is crucial. We have experience navigating complex litigation against public universities and can help families understand their rights against powerful institutions, ensuring accountability beyond campus disciplinary actions.
• Preserve all digital evidence—group chats, social media posts, and any visual recordings.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, is a magnet for students across Texas, including those from Dawson County, and the nation. Its large, energetic campus, vibrant Greek life, and myriad student organizations have also brought challenges with hazing.

5.3.1 Campus & culture snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in Texas, with a bustling urban campus environment. It is home to a highly competitive academic scene, diverse cultural groups, and a prominent Greek life system comprising dozens of fraternities and sororities, including traditional IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural organizations. The campus fosters a spirit of strong traditions, high-level athletics, and extensive student involvement, which, unfortunately, sometimes provides fertile ground for hazing practices.

5.3.2 Hazing policy & reporting

The University of Texas at Austin maintains an uncompromising anti-hazing policy, strictly prohibiting any act that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for initiation or affiliation purposes, regardless of location. The university is particularly proactive in its transparency, publishing a detailed Hazing Violations page on its website. This page openly lists specific organizations, the dates of their violations, the nature of the misconduct, and the disciplinary sanctions imposed, making it a valuable public resource for students and parents. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

UT Austin’s public hazing violations page offers a clear window into the persistent nature of hazing on campus. For instance, Pi Kappa Alpha was disciplined in 2023 after new members were directed to consume milk to the point of sickness and perform strenuous calisthenics—a clear act of hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement enhanced hazing-prevention education. Other organizations, including spirit groups like the Texas Wranglers and various athletic clubs, have faced sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, sleep deprivation, and other punishment-based practices hidden under the guise of “tradition” or “training.”

This level of transparency, while commendable, also underscores the ongoing battle against hazing. Despite public sanctions and educational efforts, these patterns recur across various student groups. For Dawson County families, reviewing these records can provide crucial insight into the track record of organizations their children might consider joining.

5.3.4 How a UT hazing case might proceed

Hazing cases at UT Austin, affecting students from Dawson County and beyond, involve navigating specific legal and jurisdictional pathways. Incidents on campus would typically fall under the jurisdiction of the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), while off-campus hazing within Austin’s city limits could involve the Austin Police Department (APD). Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Austin and Travis County. As a public university, UT Austin may assert sovereign immunity, but as with Texas A&M, there are avenues to hold the university accountable, particularly in cases of gross negligence or deliberate indifference, or by pursuing claims against individual actors. The existence of UT’s public hazing violations log can significantly strengthen civil suits by providing compelling pattern evidence and demonstrating prior knowledge.

5.3.5 What UT students & parents should do

For UT Austin students and their parents, especially those from Dawson County, taking advantage of the university’s transparency and acting decisively are vital.

• Regularly check UT’s official Hazing Violations page (accessible via the Dean of Students website) to stay informed about organizations with disciplinary histories.
• Immediately report any suspected hazing to the Dean of Students or UTPD; utilize anonymous reporting options if fear of retaliation is a concern.
• For Dawson County families, contacting a hazing lawyer is essential. Our firm has experience leveraging public records and confronting the legal strategies of large public universities, helping to build robust cases for accountability and justice.
• Methodically document all evidence, including digital communications, photographs, and witness accounts.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, known for its picturesque Dallas campus and strong Greek presence, attracts students from Texas and beyond, including many from Dawson County seeking a private university experience. SMU faces hazing challenges common to many institutions with robust Greek life and active campus organizations.

5.4.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a prestigious private university located in Dallas, known for its beautiful campus, strong academic programs, and vibrant social scene. SMU is particularly noted for its active Greek life, with a significant percentage of its undergraduate students participating in fraternities and sororities from Panhellenic, IFC, and NPHC councils. The university fosters a culture of tradition and exclusivity that, in some instances, can unfortunately be intertwined with hazing practices within various student organizations.

5.4.2 Hazing policy & reporting

SMU maintains a strong anti-hazing policy that prohibits any practice that is physically or psychologically degrading, dangerous, or causes discomfort in connection with initiation or continued membership in an organization. The policy covers acts on and off campus. SMU encourages reporting through its Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the SMU Police Department (SMU PD). The university also leverages anonymous reporting systems, such as “Real Response,” to empower students to come forward without fear of immediate identification, underscoring its commitment to fostering a safe campus environment.

5.4.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

SMU has historically taken action against organizations found responsible for hazing. A notable incident involved Kappa Alpha Order around 2017. Reports alleged that new members were subjected to physical hazing, including paddling, forced excessive alcohol consumption, and severe sleep deprivation. The chapter faced immediate suspension from the university, along with stringent restrictions on its ability to recruit new members and operate, extending for several years.

While private universities like SMU often do not maintain the same level of publicly accessible disciplinary records as public institutions (like UT Austin’s hazing log), this does not mean incidents go unaddressed. SMU actively investigates allegations and imposes sanctions, which can include probation, suspension, or permanent derecognition of chapters.

5.4.4 How an SMU hazing case might proceed

For students from Dawson County or other parts of Texas impacted by hazing at SMU, the legal process would typically involve the Dallas legal system. Incidents on campus would fall under the jurisdiction of the SMU Police Department (SMU PD), while off-campus hazing within Dallas could involve the Dallas Police Department (DPD) or the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in state or federal courts with jurisdiction over Dallas County. As a private university, SMU typically does not enjoy the same sovereign immunity protections as public universities, potentially making it more directly vulnerable to negligence claims. Potential defendants include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and the university itself. Given the less public nature of some private university disciplinary records, a comprehensive civil investigation often becomes even more critical to uncover prior incidents.

5.4.5 What SMU students & parents should do

For SMU students and their parents, particularly those from Dawson County, understanding the university’s reporting mechanisms and the importance of thorough documentation is key.

• Utilize SMU’s reporting channels, including the Dean of Students office, SMU PD, or anonymous systems like Real Response if you fear retaliation.
• Document everything meticulously, including digital communications, photos, and any signs of injury or psychological distress.
• For Dawson County families, contacting a hazing lawyer with experience navigating the legal complexities of private universities is particularly important. Our firm can compel discovery, uncovering internal reports and prior incident details that may not be publicly available.
• Prioritizing safety and well-being should always be the first step; do not hesitate to seek medical or psychological help if needed.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a unique position in the Texas academic landscape, attracting a wide array of students, including those from Dawson County. Its faith-based mission, combined with a strong athletic program and Greek life, presents particular considerations in addressing hazing.

5.5.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Baylor University is the largest Baptist university in the world, with a deeply ingrained faith-based mission that influences its campus culture and student life. Located in Waco, Baylor is known for strong academics, high-level athletic teams, and a significant Greek presence (Panhellenic, IFC, NPHC, and other multicultural groups). The university strives to foster a supportive community, but like other institutions, it has faced challenges related to balancing student traditions with safety and ethical conduct, particularly in the context of hazing and other forms of misconduct that have drawn national scrutiny in recent years.

5.5.2 Hazing policy & reporting

Baylor University has clear policies strictly prohibiting hazing, encompassing all acts that are physically or psychologically harmful, abusive, or demeaning for the purpose of affiliation with any university-recognized organization. Baylor’s policies align with Texas law and emphasize a “zero tolerance” approach to such behaviors. The university encourages reporting through various channels, including its Division of Student Life, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), and an online reporting form. Baylor often highlights its commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment, particularly in light of its religious mission and principles.

5.5.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

Baylor University has faced significant scrutiny in recent years related to its institutional oversight and handling of student misconduct, particularly in the aftermath of a major sexual assault scandal that began unfolding in 2015. This history has intensified pressure on Baylor to robustly address all forms of student abuse, including hazing.

One example of hazing discipline involved the Baylor baseball team in 2020, where 14 players were suspended following a university investigation into hazing allegations. These suspensions were staggered over the early season, demonstrating the university’s willingness to impose consequences on prominent athletic programs. This incident, while not directly involving Greek life, highlighted that hazing can occur in various student organizations and that even those with high profiles are subject to university rules and potential discipline.

The context of Baylor’s broader challenges—including its prominent athletic programs and previous institutional failures—means that hazing allegations at Baylor often carry added weight. Baylor’s stated “zero tolerance” approach is continually tested by recurring misconduct, requiring diligent enforcement.

5.5.4 How a Baylor hazing case might proceed

Hazing cases impacting students from Dawson County or other regions who attend Baylor University would engage the legal framework in Waco. On-campus incidents would fall under the jurisdiction of the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), while off-campus hazing in Waco could involve the Waco Police Department (WPD) or the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in state or federal courts with jurisdiction over McLennan County. As a private university, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity, which can simplify some aspects of civil litigation compared to public universities, allowing for more direct claims of negligence against the institution itself. Potential defendants typically include the individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and the university. Given Baylor’s unique institutional history, a thorough legal investigation would also examine the university’s broader culture of oversight and response to student misconduct.

5.1.5 What Baylor students & parents should do

For Baylor University students and their parents, particularly those from Dawson County, understanding the institution’s approach to student conduct and acting decisively are key.

• Report any suspected hazing directly to Baylor’s Division of Student Life or BUPD, using an online reporting form if anonymity is preferred.
• For Dawson County families, contacting a hazing lawyer is highly advisable. Our firm has experience in addressing complex institutional liability, particularly in light of Baylor’s past scrutiny regarding student safety and misconduct. We can help assess patterns of behavior and demonstrate how systemic issues may have contributed to a hazing incident.
• Preserve all evidence, digital or physical, and seek immediate medical or psychological support if needed.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

The Greek system, both at Texas universities and nationwide, operates under a dual structure: local chapters on campus are part of larger national or international organizations. This structure is critical when investigating hazing, as the history of a national organization can directly influence the legal accountability of a local chapter at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor and impacts families as far as Dawson County.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

When hazing occurs at a local chapter, such as a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at the University of Houston or a Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at Texas A&M, it is rarely an isolated incident. These chapters are often part of national fraternities or sororities whose headquarters develop risk management policies, anti-hazing manuals, and training programs—precisely because they have a history of deaths, catastrophic injuries, and lawsuits stemming from similar incidents at other chapters nationwide.

National organizations are fully aware of the dangers associated with practices like forced drinking nights, paddling traditions, and degrading rituals. When a local Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous script that has led to fatalities or severe injuries at other chapters across the country—such as the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at Bowling Green State University or the Phi Delta Theta chapter at LSU—it can show foreseeability. This pattern evidence is crucial in civil lawsuits, strengthening arguments that the national organization failed to adequately supervise, warn, or discipline its chapters, contributing to negligence or even justifying punitive damages.

6.2 Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Many fraternities and sororities with chapters at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor have national histories relevant to hazing. Below, we synthesize some prominent examples where the national organization’s history sheds light on the broader issue.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): This fraternity has a concerning national history of hazing. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021, where he died from alcohol poisoning after a forced drinking ritual, is a stark example. Another case involves David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University in 2012, who also died from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event, leading to a $14 million settlement. When a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at UT Austin or the University of Houston is involved in hazing, these national patterns of alcohol-related incidents demonstrate a foreseeable risk that the national organization should have addressed more effectively.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): SAE has faced numerous allegations and substantial legal action related to hazing nationwide. Historically, SAE has been associated with multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries across the country, leading to widespread scrutiny and internal reforms, including a temporary elimination of the traditional pledge process. More recently, lawsuits include one against the SAE chapter at the University of Alabama (filed 2023) alleging traumatic brain injury to a pledge during a hazing ritual. In Texas, the SAE chapter at Texas A&M University faced a lawsuit (2021) where pledges alleged they suffered severe chemical burns from substances poured on them during a hazing incident. At the University of Texas at Austin, an Australian exchange student sued the SAE chapter in 2024 for over $1 million, alleging assault at a fraternity party, with the chapter already under suspension for prior violations. These cases highlight a pervasive pattern of dangerous conduct that national SAE has struggled to control.

• Phi Delta Theta (Phi Delt): The death of Max Gruver at Louisiana State University in 2017 from extreme alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” drinking game is a critical incident. This case led to a $6.1 million verdict and the creation of the Max Gruver Act, making felony hazing a reality in Louisiana. Any hazing incident involving a Phi Delta Theta chapter at Baylor or SMU should be viewed in the context of this national tragedy, demonstrating the organization’s prior, tragic awareness of the risks associated with certain “traditions.”

• Pi Kappa Phi (Pi Kapp): The death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017, also from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night,” is a significant part of Pi Kappa Phi’s national history of hazing. This incident resulted in criminal prosecutions and led to a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU. If a Pi Kappa Phi chapter at the University of Houston or Texas A&M is implicated in hazing, the national organization’s prior knowledge of the dangers of new member drinking events is highly relevant.

• Beta Theta Pi: This fraternity is unfortunately linked to the tragic death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University in 2017. Piazza died from injuries sustained after a bid acceptance event involving extreme alcohol consumption. The egregious delay in seeking medical help and the evidence of cover-up efforts led to hundreds of criminal charges and a powerful new anti-hazing law.

• Kappa Sigma: Texas Christian University (TCU) saw an arrest in 2018 for a Kappa Sigma member allegedly hazing pledges. One of the most significant cases in their national history is the $12.6 million jury verdict awarded to the parents of Chad Meredith who drowned in 2001 after being persuaded by Kappa Sigma members to swim across a lake while intoxicated. Texas A&M University also has ongoing litigation in 2023 involving serious injuries alleged from Kappa Sigma hazing, including rhabdomyolysis.

• Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI): The catastrophic injury to Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri in 2021, where he suffered severe, permanent brain damage from a forced drinking ritual, is a defining moment. Santulli’s family settled with 22 defendants, reportedly for multi-million-dollar amounts, highlighting the severe consequences of FIJI hazing.

This is not an exhaustive list but illustrates how particular organizations have faced repeated allegations and severe penalties across the nation. For families in Dawson County, understanding this background is crucial: if a local chapter repeats a dangerous practice seen elsewhere, it strengthens the argument that the national organization had ample warning and failed to act.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The documented national history of hazing within specific fraternities and sororities is far more than just news headlines; it’s a critical component of a robust legal strategy in a civil hazing lawsuit in Texas.

• Foreseeability and Pattern Evidence: When a national organization has a history of hazing incidents—especially those involving alcohol, specific rituals, or physical abuse—it establishes a strong argument that the organization had foreseeable knowledge of the risks. If these patterns recur, it becomes difficult for the national entity to claim ignorance or that a local chapter’s actions were “rogue” or “unforeseeable.”
• Negligence and Gross Negligence: This history allows plaintiffs to argue that the national organization was negligent, or even grossly negligent, in its oversight. Did they appropriately enforce their anti-hazing policies? Did they adequately train local chapter leaders? Did they respond aggressively enough to prior incidents? A long history of similar violations undermines claims of diligence.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: National organizations and universities carry substantial insurance policies. However, insurers often try to deny coverage by arguing that hazing is an “intentional act” or falls under exclusion clauses. Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge as a former insurance defense attorney, understands how to counter these defenses. We can demonstrate that while the individual acts may be intentional, the organization’s negligent supervision or failure to prevent known dangerous patterns should trigger coverage.
• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, especially where an organization demonstrated a reckless disregard for student safety despite repeated warnings or prior incidents, punitive damages may be sought. These are designed not just to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. The national history of an organization is often key to proving the level of culpability required for punitive awards.

For Dawson County families, this means that every incident, every lawsuit, and every fatality involving a national fraternity or sorority at any university in the U.S. contributes to a growing body of evidence that can be leveraged to hold national organizations accountable when their Texas chapters engage in hazing.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully pursuing a hazing lawsuit requires a meticulous and strategic approach, particularly in collecting and preserving evidence. For Dawson County families facing such a challenge, understanding what evidence is critical and how it translates into compensation is paramount.

7.1 Evidence

In modern hazing cases, evidence disappears quickly. We emphasize immediate action, as digital and physical trails can vanish or be destroyed.

• Digital Communications: In today’s collegiate world, group chat logs are often the most crucial piece of evidence. This includes exchanges on GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even internal fraternity/sorority apps. Key evidence includes:

  • Messages detailing hazing plans, instructions, or threats.
  • Discussions of secrecy or cover-up attempts.
  • Time-stamped messages showing forced late-night activities or sleep deprivation.
  • Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages, but initial screenshots are invaluable. Our firm advises families to use their cellphone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs).

• Photos & Videos: Smartphones capture a wealth of information. This includes:

  • Content filmed by members during hazing events, often for internal “entertainment” or documentation.
  • Footage shared in private group chats or on public social media before quick deletion.
  • Security camera footage from houses or venues where hazing occurred.
  • Photographs of injuries, humiliating acts, or forced drinking.

• Internal Organization Documents: These can reveal the official versus unofficial culture of an organization:

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, or lists of “traditions.”
  • Emails or texts from officers giving instructions or making threats.
  • The national organization’s anti-hazing policies and training materials, often used to show a discrepancy between policy and practice.

• University Records: Public universities have reporting obligations, which can be critical:

  • Records of prior disciplinary actions, probation, or suspensions against the chapter.
  • Incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Clery Act reports, which document certain campus crimes, and the university’s public hazing violations page (like UT Austin’s).

• Medical and Psychological Records: These documents objectively detail the harm suffered:

  • Emergency room and hospitalization records, including toxicology reports.
  • Notes from surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing physical therapy.
  • Psychological evaluations that diagnose conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation resulting from the hazing.

• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are powerful:

  • Testimony from other pledges, current members, roommates, or RAs who observed the hazing.
  • Statements from former members who left the organization over hazing concerns.
  • Our firm works with witnesses carefully, understanding they often face immense pressure and fear of retaliation.

For Dawson County families, evidence collection must begin immediately. The faster key evidence is secured, the stronger the potential case for accountability.

7.2 Damages

When pursuing a hazing lawsuit, the goal is to recover comprehensive compensation (damages) for all harm suffered. This financial recovery aims to address both the tangible and intangible losses.

• Medical Bill & Future Care: This category covers all healthcare costs, both immediate and projected. It includes emergency room visits, ambulance transport, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and ongoing physical, occupational, or speech therapy. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage (as in the Danny Santulli case), it involves detailed life care plans to cover decades of specialized care.

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes lost wages if the victim was employed, but more significantly, it accounts for lost educational opportunities. This can manifest as missed semesters, tuition expenses for transferring schools, loss of scholarships, and the delayed entry into a chosen career field. For victims with permanent injuries, economists project diminished future earning capacity over their lifetime.

• Non-Economic Damages: These address the intangible, yet profound, suffering caused by hazing. This includes physical pain and suffering, as well as the deep emotional distress, trauma, and humiliation. Conditions like PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression are common. It also encompasses the loss of enjoyment of life—the inability to participate in activities once loved, social withdrawal, and the erosion of trust.

• Wrongful Death Damages: In the most tragic hazing fatalities, surviving family members can claim damages for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and profound non-economic losses such as loss of companionship, love, guidance, and the intense grief and suffering of parents and siblings.

It’s important to understand that listing these types of damages is not a promise of specific dollar amounts. Every case’s value is unique, determined by the severity of the injury, the evidence, and the applicable law.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Pursuing a hazing lawsuit often involves navigating complex insurance landscapes. National fraternities, sororities, and universities typically carry substantial insurance policies designed to protect them from liability. However, their insurers often attempt to deny coverage.

• Insurance Denials: Insurers frequently argue that hazing constitutes “intentional acts” or “criminal acts,” which are often excluded from standard liability policies. They may also claim that the policy does not cover certain defendants, like a specific local chapter, or that the incident occurred outside policy terms.
• Overcoming Defenses: Experienced hazing lawyers, like our team at Attorney911 (with Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney), know how to counter these tactics. We argue that even if the hazers’ actions were intentional, the national organization’s or university’s negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or reckless disregard for known risks is a separate, covered act of negligence. We identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, including national policies, local chapter policies, and university umbrella policies, and we are prepared to fight for coverage in court if necessary.
• Strategizing Against Institutions: Facing institutions with deep pockets and aggressive legal teams requires sophisticated strategy. Our firm’s experience with complex litigation, including the BP Texas City explosion, means we are not intimidated by powerful defendants. For Dawson County families, this implies a legal team prepared to engage in comprehensive discovery, identify all liable parties, and strategically pursue maximum accountability.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing strikes, families in Dawson County and across Texas are often blindsided and unsure of the immediate steps to take. Here, we offer practical, actionable advice for parents, students, and even former members, empowering them to respond effectively and ethically.

8.1 For Parents

As a parent, your child’s safety and well-being are paramount. Recognizing the signs of hazing and knowing how to respond can be life-saving.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be attentive to sudden, unexplained changes in your child’s physical or behavioral state. Look for:

  • Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, cuts) or repeated “accidents” with weak explanations.
  • Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation, often linked to late-night “mandatory” activities.
  • Drastic changes in mood, including increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or social withdrawal.
  • Constant, secretive phone use for group chats, coupled with a fear of missing “mandatory” events.
  • A sudden drop in academic performance or complaints about lack of study time.
  • Reluctance to talk about their organization, often saying things like, “I can’t talk about it” or “It’s a secret.”

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not accusation.

  • Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with your group? Are you enjoying it?”
  • Emphasize that their safety, health, and academic success are more important than any social status. Reassure them you will support them regardless of their choices.
  • Let them know you are there to listen without judgment.

• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize their immediate safety and health.

  • Get them medical care immediately. Whether it’s the ER or student health, ensure medical professionals are aware of hazing as the potential cause.
  • Document everything: Take photos of injuries (multiple angles, over several days as bruises develop), screenshot any incriminating texts or social media posts, and write down exactly what your child tells you (dates, times, who was involved, what happened).
  • Save physical evidence like damaged clothing or receipts for forced purchases.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document every communication with university administrators, including who you spoke to, when, and what was discussed.
  • Specifically ask about: any prior incidents involving the same organization and what the university did (or didn’t do) in response.
  • Be wary of signing any forms or agreements without legal counsel reviewing them first, as they may waive your rights.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer:

  • If your child has suffered significant physical injuries or psychological trauma.
  • If you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident, stonewalling, or attempting to hide what happened.
  • The sooner you contact an attorney, the better. Evidence disappears quickly, and universities often try to control the narrative.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

For students from Dawson County involved in campus organizations, recognizing hazing and prioritizing your safety is crucial.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself:

  • Am I being forced or pressured to do something I genuinely don’t want to do?
  • Would I do this if my membership or standing wasn’t conditional on it?
  • Is this activity dangerous, degrading, humiliating, or illegal?
  • Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
  • Are older members making new members do things they don’t do themselves?
  • Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?
  • If you answered YES to any of these, it is very likely hazing.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: In the coercive environment of hazing, phrases like “you agreed to it” or “it’s voluntary” are often hollow. The law and common sense recognize that genuine consent cannot be given under duress, fear of social exclusion, or intense peer pressure. Your desire to belong does not make a physically or psychologically dangerous act acceptable or legal.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • You have the legal right to leave any situation or organization at any time. Your safety is paramount.
  • If you feel unsafe or want to de-pledge, first confide in a trusted adult outside the organization (parent, professor, RA).
  • Report privately or anonymously to the Dean of Students, campus police, or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE.
  • If you fear retaliation, document any threats and report those fears to campus authorities or local police.

• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many universities and Texas law offer good-faith protections. This means you generally cannot be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help in an emergency, even if you or others were drinking underage or involved in the hazing. Your life and health are the priority.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

We understand the complex emotions, including guilt and fear, that can arise if you were a part of or witnessed hazing. However, your actions now can be instrumental in preventing future harm.

• Your Testimony Can Save Lives: If you have information about hazing, your testimony or evidence can provide critical insight, help prevent future tragedies, and bring accountability.
• Seek Legal Counsel: It is wise to seek your own legal advice from an attorney regarding your rights and potential exposure. While you may have been involved, cooperating with an investigation or lawsuit can be a crucial step toward healing and accountability.
• Navigating Your Role: Lawyers can help clarify your role as a witness or advise you if you face criminal or civil exposure, ensuring your rights are protected while you assist in bringing justice.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

When navigating a hazing incident, families often make innocent, yet potentially devastating, mistakes. For Dawson County families, understanding these pitfalls is crucial. Watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

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

   • What parents think: “I don’t want them or their friends to get in more trouble.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This can be seen as an intentional destruction of evidence, which looks like a cover-up and can severely damage the viability of a case, making legal action nearly impossible.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing or seemingly minor content. Digital forensics can recover deleted data, but original screenshots and saved chats are always superior.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly:

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind and demand answers.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This almost always prompts the organization to immediately lawyer up, destroy any remaining evidence, coach witnesses on what to say, and prepare strong defenses against your claims. You lose any element of surprise.
   • What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer from Attorney911 before any direct confrontation. Let us manage communication.

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms without legal review:

   • What universities often do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements quickly, often presenting them as the fastest or only path to closure.
   • Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit for damages, and any proposed “settlement” or resolution from the university is typically far below the true value of your case.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign a single document from the university or any organization without an experienced hazing attorney reviewing it first.

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

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened to my child and prevent it from happening to others.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys will screenshot every post, comment, and delete. Inconsistencies or emotional statements can be used against your child’s credibility, and posting publicly may inadvertently waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document all details privately and thoroughly. Let your legal team control public messaging strategically and at an appropriate time.

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” or “talk it over”:

   • What fraternities/sororities say: “Just come talk to us before you do anything drastic”; “Let’s clear the air.”
   • Why it’s wrong: These meetings are often designed to pressure your child, extract statements that later hurt their case, or intimidate them into silence without their attorney present.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication from or to the organization should go through your lawyer.

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

   • What universities often promise: “We’re investigating, and we’ll handle this internally and appropriately.”
   • Why it’s wrong: University investigations are often designed to protect the institution’s reputation, not necessarily to pursue maximum justice for your child. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations can run out while you wait. The university controls the narrative.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Consult with a lawyer immediately. While the university process may be part of an overall strategy, it is rarely sufficient on its own for true accountability and compensation.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer:

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim” or “Let’s work this out quickly.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Any recorded statement or early settlement offer will inevitably be used against you, and initial offers are almost always lowball. Adjusters represent the insurance company’s interests, not yours.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with any insurance adjuster directly and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities in Texas, like UH, Texas A&M, and UT, have some sovereign immunity protection, but exceptions exist for cases involving gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities, such as SMU and Baylor, generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends heavily on its unique 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 typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor, Texas law elevates hazing to a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or results in death. Additionally, individuals who are officers of an organization and fail to report a known hazing incident can face misdemeanor charges.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes, absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to prosecution for hazing. This a critical point. Courts recognize that “consent” given under immense peer pressure, within a power imbalance, or out of fear of social exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, in Texas, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, this period can be extended by the “discovery rule” if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent. In instances of active cover-up or fraud, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused). Given that crucial evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records, time is truly critical. 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), offers further insights.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of hazing activities does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities/sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge of prior incidents, and the foreseeable risk of off-campus hazing. Many significant hazing cases, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat case (Michael Deng) and the Sigma Pi unauthorized house case (Collin Wiant), occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments and substantial consequences.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  The vast majority of hazing lawsuits are resolved through confidential settlements before a public trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy and, where appropriate, can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. Our goal is to secure justice and accountability while minimizing public exposure for your child and family.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the profound trauma and injustice of a hazing incident, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, wealthy universities, and their deep-pocketed insurers—fight back, and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ dedicated to representing hazing victims and their families across Texas.

Our firm brings unique, battle-tested qualifications to hazing cases that set us apart:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), previously worked as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and, more often, undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their arguments for denying coverage, and their settlement strategies because she used to be on their side. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Hablamos Español—contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for a consultation in Spanish.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), has extensive federal court experience and was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the historic BP Texas City explosion litigation. This experience means we are not intimidated by taking on billion-dollar corporations, national fraternities with vast resources, or well-funded university defense teams. We’ve taken on powerful defendants and achieved significant results, and we know how to fight for your family.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases and catastrophic injury claims, collaborating with economists and medical experts to value the immense human and financial costs of severe injuries. We understand how to calculate damages for lifetime care needs in cases involving brain injury or permanent disability. We don’t settle cheap; we build comprehensive cases that force accountability and substantial compensation. Learn more about our firm’s wrongful death experience at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

• Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides us with unique insight into the criminal aspects of hazing. We understand how criminal charges against individuals interact with civil litigation, and we can advise witnesses or former members who may face dual criminal and civil exposure. Our criminal defense experience means we understand these interconnected legal pathways.

• Investigative Depth: We pride ourselves on thorough investigation, leveraging a network of experts including digital forensics specialists, medical professionals, economists, and psychologists. We meticulously uncover hidden evidence, from deleted group chats and social media content to subpoenaing national fraternity records and obtaining university files through discovery and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, is a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with offices in Austin and Beaumont, serving families throughout Texas, including Dawson County and surrounding communities like Lamesa, O’Donnell, and Midway. We understand that hazing at Texas universities profoundly impacts families in Dawson County and across the entire region. We specialize in knowing how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually work behind closed doors—and perhaps more importantly, where their oversight fails.

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We approach every case with empathy, unwavering dedication, and a commitment to thorough investigation and real accountability, not just quick settlements. We understand how contingency fees work; we don’t get paid unless we win your case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).

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

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

Here’s what you can expect in your free consultation with Attorney911:

• We will listen to your story with compassion and without judgment.
• We will review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records).
• We will explain your legal options: pursuing a criminal report, filing a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what you can expect from the legal process.
• We will answer all your questions, clearly explaining our contingency fee structure—meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
• 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 confidential.

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

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

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