Understanding Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Freestone County Families

The phone rings late, a parent’s heart sinks. It’s your child, a freshman at a Texas university, their voice muffled and shaky. Something happened at the fraternity house, or maybe it was an athletic meet, or a club event. They’re embarrassed, hurt, and scared. They mention “initiation night,” forced drinking, a painful challenge, or a degrading act. The group insisted it was “just tradition,” but now your child is withdrawn, fearful, perhaps even injured, and feeling trapped between loyalty to the group and their own safety.

This scenario is far too common at campuses across our state, including the universities where many Freestone County students pursue their education. From the vibrant Greek life at the University of Houston to the long-standing traditions of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, the energetic student organizations at the University of Texas at Austin, and the distinct cultures of Southern Methodist University and Baylor, hazing continues to cast a long shadow. This guide is written for families in Freestone County and across Texas who need to understand what hazing truly looks like in 2025, the legal landscape surrounding it, and what options are available when a tradition crosses the line into abuse.

This is a comprehensive resource on hazing and the law in Texas, crafted for families in Freestone County and surrounding communities such as Fairfield, Teague, and Wortham, who are seeking clarity and accountability. We’ll explore:

What hazing entails in today’s collegiate environment, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
The intricacies of Texas and federal law as they apply to hazing.
Crucial lessons from major national hazing cases and how they inform situations affecting Texas families.
The escalating concerns at prominent Texas institutions like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.
The legal avenues available to victims and their families in Freestone County and throughout Texas.

Please remember, this article provides general information and is not a substitute for specific legal advice. Every case is unique, and we strongly encourage you to seek a confidential consultation for personalized guidance. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, is dedicated to serving families throughout Texas, including those in Freestone County, with expert legal representation in hazing cases.

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, swift action is critical:

Get medical attention immediately, even if your child insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately. This digital trail is often the most powerful evidence.
- Photograph any injuries from multiple angles, ensuring timestamps and sufficient detail.
- Save any physical items involved, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in hazing.
Write down everything while the memory is fresh—who, what, when, and where.
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization yourself. This can lead to evidence destruction or witness coaching.
- Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice.
- Post details on public social media. Such posts can compromise your case.
- Let your child delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears rapidly through deleted group chats, destroyed property, and coached witnesses. Universities often move quickly to manage the narrative. We can help preserve vital evidence and protect your child’s rights from the outset. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Freestone County families, the understanding of hazing needs to evolve beyond outdated movie portrayals or simple pranks. In 2025, hazing is a pervasive and dangerous issue that often takes subtle, insidious, and frankly, brutal forms. It’s any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. This can range from seemingly minor humiliations to life-threatening acts of physical and psychological abuse. Crucially, a student’s coerced “agreement” to participate does not make the act safe or legal when peer pressure and power imbalances are at play.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is less about “tradition” and more about control and coercion. It occurs when a new member is compelled to participate in activities that are humiliating, threatening, or harmful, as a condition of membership or affiliation. The crucial element is often the power dynamic: older members use their position to make new members endure discomfort or danger. Even if an activity is framed as “optional,” the implicit threat of social exclusion or being blackballed from the group makes true consent impossible.

Main Categories of Hazing

Modern hazing manifests in several interconnected categories, often escalating as the initiation period progresses.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is the most common and often deadliest form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking, such as chugging challenges, “lineups” where pledges consume excessive amounts of alcohol, or games designed for rapid intoxication. Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances, including illicit drugs, is also a severe risk. These acts often result in alcohol poisoning, injury, or death.
Physical Hazing: This category includes direct physical abuse like paddling and beatings. It also encompasses extreme calisthenics, forced “workouts,” or “smokings” that push individuals far beyond safe physical limits, often leading to rhabdomyolysis or severe exhaustion. Sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation, and exposure to extreme cold or heat, or other dangerous environments, are also forms of physical hazing.
Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are designed to degrade and demean new members. This can involve forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts like “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” positions, and other activities that are sexually degrading. Hazing can also feature acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, slurs, or forced role-play that reinforces harmful stereotypes.
Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but deeply damaging, psychological hazing includes verbal abuse, constant threats, and deliberate isolation from outside support systems. It also involves manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming campaigns, whether face-to-face or through digital platforms. This trauma can lead to severe and lasting emotional distress.
Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones and social media, hazing has moved online. This includes mandatory participation in group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation through platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, and others. New members may be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or to respond instantly to messages at all hours, contributing to sleep deprivation and anxiety. Tactics such as geo-tracking through phone apps are also increasingly common.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to one type of organization or a single campus area. While fraternities and sororities (including Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and multicultural Greek-letter organizations) are frequently associated with hazing, it also occurs in:

Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations with strict hierarchical structures and emphasis on tradition, such as the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, can be contexts for hazing disguised as “discipline” or “character building.”
Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Groups like spirit organizations, campus honor societies, or long-standing tradition clubs (e.g., Texas Cowboys-type groups at UT Austin) can also develop hazing rituals.
Athletic Teams: From football to basketball, baseball, cheerleading, and smaller club sports, hazing can be prevalent in athletic programs where team bonding is often twisted into abusive practices.
Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign groups like marching bands or theater ensembles can have problematic initiation rituals.
Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with an exclusive membership process can fall prey to hazing, where the desire to belong is exploited.

The unfortunate reality is that social status, the allure of tradition, and an enforced culture of secrecy allow these practices to persist, even when participants know hazing is illegal and unsafe. For Freestone County parents, understanding this broader context is vital when evaluating your child’s experiences at their respective Texas university.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Freestone County whose children attend universities across Texas, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. Texas law, alongside certain federal provisions, provides pathways for accountability and justice.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, primarily Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Under Texas law—which governs cases in Freestone County and throughout the state—hazing is defined as:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

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

This definition is designed to be broad and inclusive. Here’s what that means in plain terms:

Broad Scope: Hazing can happen anywhere—on campus, off-campus at a private residence, or even at a remote retreat. The physical location does not negate its legal classification as hazing.
Mental or Physical Harm: The law recognizes that harm isn’t just physical. Psychological trauma, extreme humiliation, severe stress, or threats that endanger mental well-being are also forms of hazing.
Intent: It’s not necessary to prove malicious intent. If the act was committed knowingly or recklessly (meaning the person knew the risk and disregarded it), it can still be hazing.
“Consent” is Not a Defense: One of the most important aspects of Texas hazing law (Section 37.155) is that it explicitly states that the victim’s “consent” to the activity is not a defense to prosecution for hazing. This acknowledges the inherent power imbalance and peer pressure involved, recognizing that a student under duress cannot truly consent to activities that pose a risk to their health or safety.

Criminal Penalties

Texas hazing laws carry significant penalties, varying depending on the severity of the harm:

Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that does not result in serious injury is typically a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by fines and potential jail time up to 180 days.
Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes an injury requiring medical attention, it can escalate to a Class A misdemeanor.
State Jail Felony: Critically, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a state jail felony, carrying more severe penalties including prison time and substantial fines.

Additionally, individuals who are members or officers with knowledge of hazing and fail to report it can face misdemeanor charges. Retaliation against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor offense.

Organizational Liability

Organizations themselves (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can also be held criminally responsible for hazing. This occurs if the organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer or a member acting in an official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it. Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke official recognition, effectively banning the organization from campus. This dual liability—for both individuals and the organization—is a vital tool for achieving accountability.

Reporter Protections

Texas law (Section 37.154) provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who report a hazing incident in good faith to a university or law enforcement. This provision is designed to encourage reporting without fear of personal repercussions. Furthermore, in medical emergencies, Texas law and many university policies offer amnesty for students who call 911 for help, even if underage drinking or other minor offenses were involved.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important for Freestone County families to understand the distinction between criminal and civil legal actions related to hazing. These are separate but often parallel processes.

Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (prosecutors) against individuals or organizations. The goal is to punish those who broke the law, typically through fines, jail time, or probation. Common hazing-related criminal charges range from misdemeanor hazing to furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, or, in tragic cases, manslaughter.
Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving families seeking monetary compensation for the harm suffered. The focus is on holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence, gross negligence, or intentional acts. Civil lawsuits can address wrongful death, personal injury, negligent hiring or supervision, premises liability, and severe emotional distress.

A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil case. Even if criminal charges are not filed or do not lead to a conviction, a civil case can still proceed and be successful, based on a lower burden of proof.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal provisions also impact hazing accountability:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation requires institutions of higher education that receive federal funding to report hazing incidents more transparently. Colleges will need to publish data on hazing violations and related disciplinary actions, and implement stronger hazing prevention programs. This is expected to be fully phased in by around 2026, offering greater transparency for parents when researching universities.
Title IX & Clery Act: When hazing involves sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or gender-based hostility (e.g., forced nudity, sexual assault), it can trigger Title IX obligations, requiring universities to investigate and respond. The Clery Act requires universities to report certain campus crimes and maintain safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with these categories when they involve assaults, alcohol offenses, or drug crimes, leading to mandatory reporting.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining liability in a hazing case is complex, but several parties can be held accountable, offering multiple avenues for justice for Freestone County families:

Individual Students: Those who planned, orchestrated, supplied alcohol, carried out the hazing acts, or actively participated in a cover-up can be held personally liable.
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself (if it’s a legally recognized entity) can be sued. This often extends to individuals acting as officers or “pledge educators” who hold positions of authority within the chapter.
National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which sets policies, collects dues, and is responsible for supervising its collegiate chapters, can be found liable. This often hinges on whether the national organization had knowledge of prior hazing patterns, failed to enforce its own rules, or was deliberately indifferent to known risks.
University or Governing Board: Universities can be held liable under theories of negligence, gross negligence, or civil rights violations in certain circumstances. Key factors include whether the university ignored prior warnings, failed to properly supervise student organizations, or was deliberately indifferent to a known pattern of hazing. For public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin), the defense of sovereign immunity applies, but exceptions exist, particularly in cases of gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections.
Third Parties: This can include landlords or owners of properties where hazing occurred, bars or alcohol suppliers (under dram shop laws), and security companies or event organizers who failed to ensure a safe environment.

Every hazing case is fact-specific, and not every party will be liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney understands how to identify all potential defendants and build a comprehensive case.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic stories of hazing victims across the United States are not isolated incidents; they reveal stark patterns of reckless behavior, institutional negligence, and a culture of silence. These national cases, though not always occurring in Texas, set crucial legal precedents and illustrate the severe consequences that can follow hazing, shaping how similar cases might proceed for Freestone County families whose loved ones attend Texas universities.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced or extreme alcohol consumption remains the most common factor in hazing-related fatalities. The following cases underscore this deadly pattern:

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” event involving rapid, forced alcohol consumption. He suffered severe falls, some captured on the fraternity’s own surveillance cameras, yet brothers delayed calling for medical help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath saw dozens of fraternity members facing over 1,000 criminal charges, extensive civil litigation, and the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, one of the nation’s toughest. This case highlighted extreme intoxication, the tragic consequences of delayed medical care, and the pervasive culture of silence.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a freshman pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of liquor and pressured to drink to dangerous levels. The incident led to criminal hazing charges against multiple members, an overhaul of FSU’s Greek life policies, and a statewide emphasis on anti-hazing initiatives in Florida. It serves as a stark reminder of how “traditional” drinking rituals can lead to tragedy.
Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol intoxication after participating in a “Bible Study” drinking game where incorrect answers led to forced consumption. His blood alcohol content was 0.495%, more than six times the legal limit for driving. The incident sparked public outrage and led to the creation of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing law with severe penalties. This case powerfully demonstrated how legislative change often follows the clearest proof of systemic hazing.
Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was reportedly forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” initiation event. He died from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members, and Bowling Green State University (a public institution) agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the Foltz family regarding the university’s role. Other significant settlements were reached with the national fraternity and individuals. This outcome underscored that public universities can face substantial financial and reputational consequences alongside the fraternities themselves. For Freestone County families, this is significant, as it shows that universities, even with immunity protections, can be held financially accountable.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing schemes also cause severe injuries and death:

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died during a “crossing over” ritual for Pi Delta Psi at a remote retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and weighted down with a backpack, he was repeatedly tackled in a “glass ceiling” ritual. Fraternity members tragically delayed calling 911 for hours. The subsequent criminal and civil proceedings led to multiple member convictions, and the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter – a landmark decision. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This incident revealed the extreme dangers of off-campus “retreats” used to hide hazing, and confirmed that national organizations can face serious legal sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; major athletic departments can also be breeding grounds for abuse:

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In 2023, former football players at Northwestern University alleged widespread sexualized, racist, and physically abusive hazing within the program over multiple years. The scandal led to multiple lawsuits against the university and coaching staff, resulting in the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later reached a confidential settlement in his wrongful-termination suit. This case proved that hazing extends to major collegiate athletic programs, raising critical questions about institutional oversight and the responsibility of universities to protect student-athletes.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These anchor stories reveal common threads that echo in hazing incidents across Texas and for Freestone County families seeking justice: forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, deliberate delays in calling for medical care, and concerted cover-up efforts. While these tragedies spurred significant legal and legislative reforms in other states, the lessons learned are directly applicable to Texas. Multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts often follow only after relentless litigation from families determined to hold institutions accountable. For Freestone County families whose children are attending UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, understanding these national precedents is vital, as they provide a roadmap for the legal strategies that can succeed in Texas courts.

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

For Freestone County families, the choice of university is a significant one. Many students from our communities head to the leading institutions in Texas. While each campus boasts a unique culture and academic excellence, they all share a common challenge: the persistent threat of hazing. As Houston-based Texas hazing specialists, we understand that whether your child attends school nearby or across the state, their safety under Texas law is paramount.

Here, we examine the context of hazing at five prominent Texas universities, with a particular focus on the University of Houston, given its proximity to Freestone County and the ease with which families from our region can access legal services in Houston.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a dynamic urban campus within easy reach of Freestone County, is a significant destination for many students from our area. With its diverse student body, active Greek life, and wide array of student organizations, UH presents both immense opportunities and, unfortunately, exposure to hazing risks. Families sending their children to UH are often concerned about safety in a large, bustling metropolitan environment.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a large, public Tier One research university located in the heart of Houston. It caters to a substantial commuter population while also fostering a vibrant residential campus experience. Greek life is robust, with numerous fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural Greek Council) that are integral to campus social life for many. Beyond Greek organizations, UH supports a vast network of student groups, including sports clubs, cultural associations, and academic societies, all of which are potential contexts where hazing could occur.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a clear stance against hazing, reflecting its commitment to student safety. Its policy, governed by the Texas Education Code, explicitly prohibits hazing both on and off campus. This includes forbidding forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs; sleep deprivation; any form of physical mistreatment; and activities designed to cause mental distress or humiliation as part of initiation or affiliation.

UH provides multiple avenues for reporting hazing, including:

The Dean of Students office.
The Office of Student Conduct.
The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD).
Anonymous online reporting forms or hotlines.

The university also strives to publish information regarding hazing policies and, to varying degrees, disciplinary actions taken against organizations found responsible for hazing.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has faced its share of hazing allegations and disciplinary actions:

2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: In a widely publicized incident involving the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity (often known as Pike), pledges were allegedly subjected to a multi-day event that included severe sleep, food, and water deprivation. Tragically, one student suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. This incident led to misdemeanor hazing charges and prompted a university-imposed suspension for the chapter.
Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: UH’s public disciplinary records, while not as exhaustive as some other universities, show recurring instances of organizations being sanctioned for behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” particularly involving alcohol misuse, physical endurance tests, and violations of organizational policies. These actions highlight the university’s efforts to address hazing, but also reveal the persistent challenges in eradicating it.

These examples underscore UH’s commitment to addressing hazing when identified, but also the continuous need for vigilance and robust legal action when policies fail to prevent harm.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Freestone County families dealing with a hazing incident at UH, the legal process will likely involve several agencies and jurisdictions. Depending on where the hazing occurred, the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) or the Houston Police Department (HPD) may be involved in criminal investigations. Civil lawsuits against responsible parties could be filed in the courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County, such as the Harris County District Courts.

Potential defendants in such a case could include:

Individual students directly involved.
The local chapter and its officers.
The national fraternity or sorority organization.
Potentially the University of Houston itself, particularly if there is evidence of negligence or deliberate indifference.
Property owners (e.g., if the hazing occurred at an off-campus house/venue).

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For Freestone County students and parents connected to the University of Houston, specific proactive steps are vital:

Familiarize yourself with UH’s reporting mechanisms: Know how to contact the Dean of Students, UHPD, or utilize anonymous reporting options.
Document everything: If you suspect hazing, immediately screenshot all digital communications, photograph any injuries, and write down every detail chronologically.
Research prior incidents: Look for any public records of prior hazing complaints or disciplinary actions involving the specific organization at UH. While comprehensive public lists can be limited, any evidence of a pattern strengthens a civil case.
Consult a Houston-based hazing attorney: Engaging a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can be critical. We are familiar with the local legal landscape, how UH responds to allegations, and how to uncover internal university files and prior disciplinary records that may not be publicly disclosed. Freestone County families can easily access our Houston office for confidential consultations.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station, a cornerstone for students from across Texas, including Freestone County, possesses a unique institutional culture marked by deep-seated traditions and a strong sense of pride. While these traditions are often celebrated, they have also historically provided cover for hazing within both Greek life and, significantly, the Corps of Cadets.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its vast student population, rich traditions, and the esteemed Corps of Cadets, a deeply integrated military-style organization. Alongside the Corps, A&M hosts an extensive Greek system (IFC, CPC, MGC, NPHC) and countless student groups. The culture here often emphasizes loyalty, toughness, and enduring challenges, which can unfortunately be manipulated into justification for hazing.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, adhering strictly to Texas state law and outlining clear definitions of what constitutes hazing and its severe consequences. The university’s hazing policies cover all recognized student organizations, athletic teams, and even the Corps of Cadets.

Reporting channels include:

The Dean of Students.
Student Conduct Office.
University Police Department (UPD).
The Corps of Cadets leadership (for Corps-specific incidents).
Anonymous reporting via phone or online forms.

A&M’s annual Hazing Report details findings from investigations and sanctions imposed.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced multiple high-profile hazing incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): This case involved two pledges who alleged they were covered in a mixture of industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit during a hazing ritual. This led to severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued the fraternity for $1 million, resulting in a two-year suspension for the chapter. This incident highlighted the extreme physical dangers and chemical hazards that can be involved in hazing.
Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and sexually explicit hazing. This included simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The cadet sought over $1 million in damages, with A&M responding that it handled the matter according to its internal policies. This case underscored that hazing is not limited to Greek life and can permeate even highly structured, tradition-rich organizations.
Kappa Sigma (KS) Allegations (2023, ongoing): There have been ongoing allegations of hazing against the Kappa Sigma fraternity at Texas A&M, resulting in severe injuries such as rhabdomyolysis (a serious muscle breakdown from extreme physical exertion). Such cases emphasize the need for specialized legal representation focused on the specific medical consequences of hazing.

These incidents demonstrate the university’s continuous struggle to combat hazing embedded in various student segments.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Freestone County families with A&M students, legal proceedings may involve Brazos County courts. University Police Department (UPD) handles incidents on campus, while Bryan or College Station police departments may be involved off-campus. Civil litigation could target individual members, local chapters, national organizations, and potentially the university itself, focusing on the specific facts of negligence and institutional knowledge.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For Freestone County students and parents at Texas A&M, specific actions can protect your rights:

Understand both Greek and Corps hazing risks: Be aware that hazing takes different forms in different organizational cultures.
Leverage A&M’s Hazing Report: Review the annual hazing reports published by the university to understand prior incidents and disciplined organizations.
Document extensively: Keep records of all communications, injuries, and testimony. In hazing cases involving the Corps, unique records and command structures must be understood.
Seek legal counsel familiar with Texas A&M’s unique environment: An attorney who understands both Greek life and Corps culture and A&M’s institutional responses can provide invaluable guidance.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution for many Freestone County students, drawing bright minds to its bustling campus and vibrant city. While its academic prestige and spirit are legendary, UT Austin continually grapples with persistent hazing issues across its diverse organizations, particularly within its extensive Greek system and spirit groups.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is one of the largest universities in Texas, celebrated for its academic rigor, spirited traditions, and strong sense of pride. Its Greek life is expansive, comprising numerous (over 60) fraternities and sororities from various councils (UPC, IFC, TAPC, NPHC), which form a significant part of the social landscape. Beyond Greek organizations, UT also hosts a multitude of spirit groups, athletic teams, and cultural organizations, all of which have seen hazing incidents.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy consistent with Texas state law. The policy explicitly prohibits any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership. UT has been proactive in trying to maintain high levels of transparency regarding hazing.

Reporting mechanisms at UT include:

The Dean of Students office.
Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.
The UT Police Department (UTPD).
Anonymous reporting options online and via phone.

Crucially, UT Austin publishes a detailed Hazing Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu), which lists organizations, the dates of their violations, the nature of the misconduct, and the sanctions imposed. This public transparency is among the highest in the state and provides valuable information for families.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page is a key resource that consistently logs disciplinary actions:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): The UT chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. This was classified as hazing and the chapter was placed on probation with mandatory hazing-prevention education.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (January 2024): An Australian exchange student sued the UT chapter for over $1 million, alleging he suffered a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, and a broken nose after being assaulted by fraternity members at a party. The SAE chapter was already under university suspension for prior hazing and safety violations at the time of the alleged assault, highlighting a pattern of misconduct.
Texas Wranglers and Other Spirit Organizations: Several spirit groups and tradition-based organizations at UT have faced sanctions for various forms of hazing, including forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and humiliating initiation practices. For instance, the “Absolute Texxas” spirit group (2022) was disciplined for hazing violations that included alcohol/drug misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, and degrading new members.

These incidents, publicly acknowledged by UT, highlight a recurring problem and the university’s efforts to enforce its policies, while simultaneously demonstrating that hazing persists despite these measures.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Freestone County families, a hazing case at UT Austin would involve the UT Police Department (UTPD) for campus-related criminal matters, or the Austin Police Department for off-campus incidents. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County, where Austin is located. The extensive public record of hazing violations maintained by UT Austin can be a powerful asset in civil litigation, providing strong evidence of an organization’s history of misconduct and the university’s prior knowledge of these issues.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

For Freestone County students and parents at UT Austin, these steps are crucial:

Utilize UT’s Hazing Violations page: Regularly check hazing.utexas.edu to be aware of organizations with a history of violations. This is an invaluable tool for researching an organization’s safety record.
Document All Communications: Preserve all official and informal communications related to pledging or initiation from any UT organization.
Understand UTPD and Austin PD interactions: Know the appropriate law enforcement agency to contact based on the incident’s location.
Engage a Texas hazing attorney: An attorney with experience specifically navigating UT Austin’s system, understanding the nuances of UTPD and Austin PD interactions, and leveraging the university’s public records, is essential.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private institution nestled in Dallas, stands apart from the public universities due to its institutional structure and the dynamics of its Greek life. While distance might be greater for Freestone County families, SMU draws students from across Texas, making its hazing landscape relevant to those seeking higher education within our state.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academic programs, and a vibrant social scene, heavily influenced by a strong Greek presence. Its reputation as a high-end private university often means a robust social calendar for fraternities and sororities (Panhellenic and IFC), which often play a central role in student life. This tightly-knit social environment can sometimes foster conditions where hazing, often disguised as “exclusivity” or “tradition,” flourishes.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

As a private university, SMU maintains strict anti-hazing policies that align with Texas law and national best practices. These policies explicitly forbid any hazing activity, regardless of whether it occurs on or off university property. SMU emphasizes student welfare and provides various reporting channels:

The Dean of Students.
Student Conduct and Community Standards.
SMU Police Department (SMUPD).
Anonymous reporting options, including services like Real Response, designed to gather information without revealing identities.

SMU aims to maintain transparency regarding hazing incidents and disciplinary actions, though, as a private institution, its public reporting may differ from state-mandated disclosures at public universities.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has taken action against hazing, reflecting its commitment to addressing the issue:

Kappa Alpha Order (KA) Incident (2017): This fraternity chapter faced severe penalties after allegations of hazing emerged, including reports of pledges being paddled, forced to consume alcohol, and subjected to sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended and faced restrictions on its activities, including recruitment, for several years. This incident served as a significant reminder that hazing persists even at institutions with strong oversight.
Ongoing Investigations: SMU’s Student Affairs website regularly updates on chapters placed under university review or suspension for alleged policy violations, including hazing, indicating continuous vigilance and enforcement.

These documented responses illustrate SMU’s efforts to maintain accountability within its Greek system.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Freestone County families, a hazing case at SMU would involve SMU Police Department for campus incidents or Dallas Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Dallas County courts. As a private university, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more straightforward to pursue claims against the institution directly, though each case’s specifics dictate strategy. Discovery in civil litigation can compel SMU to release internal records and communications that illuminate prior knowledge or negligence regarding hazing.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For Freestone County students and parents at SMU:

Familiarize yourself with SMU’s unique reporting mechanisms: Understand how anonymous reporting systems like Real Response function and whether they offer sufficient protection and data collection.
Be aware of the social dynamics: In an environment where Greek life is prominent, peer pressure can be immense. Discuss safe exit strategies if an organization’s activities become concerning.
Document everything comprehensively: For private universities, public records may not be as accessible, making personal documentation (screenshots, witness accounts) even more critical.
Consult a Texas hazing attorney specializing in private university litigation: An attorney experienced with the legal procedures and discovery processes relevant to private institutions like SMU is invaluable for navigating the unique aspects of such a case.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University in Waco, while smaller than other flagship universities, holds a unique place in the Texas educational landscape, attracting students from Freestone County and beyond with its strong academic and faith-based community. However, Baylor has faced significant institutional challenges in recent years, including scandals that underscore the importance of robust oversight and accountability for student safety, extending to hazing.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor is a private Baptist university known for its commitment to Christian education, strong traditions, and highly competitive athletic programs. Its campus culture fosters a close-knit community but also includes a Greek system (Panhellenic, IFC, NPHC, MGC) and various student organizations that are central to social life. The university’s recent history of high-profile scandals, particularly concerning sexual assault and Title IX compliance within its athletic programs, significantly influences its approach to all forms of student misconduct, including hazing.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University maintains a “zero tolerance” policy for hazing, deeply integrated into its Code of Conduct and student handbooks. This policy aligns with Texas law, explicitly prohibiting any activity that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Given its past challenges, Baylor emphasizes accessible reporting channels:

Office of Student Conduct.
Baylor Police Department (BUPD).
EthicsPoint hotline for anonymous reporting.
Title IX Office (especially if hazing has a sexual component).

Baylor commits to investigating all hazing reports thoroughly and issues sanctions for violations, which are often communicated internally and, to varying degrees, publicly.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s past challenges have led to increased scrutiny and, consequently, more transparent responses to misconduct, including hazing:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An internal investigation into the Baylor baseball program revealed hazing activities that led to the suspension of 14 players. These suspensions were staggered across the early season to minimize disruption, but signaled the university’s effort to address athletic hazing. This incident underscored that hazing can occur even within highly visible and competitively important athletic programs.
Fraternity Suspensions: Public records and internal communications have occasionally revealed fraternities and sororities at Baylor under suspension or probation for various hazing-related offenses. These typically involve violations of alcohol policies, physical acts, and activities that degrade or humiliate new members.

These incidents, set against Baylor’s broader institutional struggles regarding student safety and oversight, highlight the complex environment.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Freestone County families, a hazing case at Baylor would involve the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) for on-campus incidents or Waco Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County courts. As a private university, Baylor is not protected by sovereign immunity, potentially simplifying the process of holding the institution directly accountable in civil court. However, any case against Baylor would likely engage with its historical responses to student safety issues, making skilled legal advocacy crucial for navigating this complex landscape.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Freestone County students and parents at Baylor:

Review Baylor’s specific policies: Familiarize yourself with the “zero tolerance” policy and the various reporting avenues, particularly the EthicsPoint hotline for anonymity.
Document everything thoroughly: Given the potential for institutional scrutiny surrounding student safety, meticulously record all evidence.
Understand the institutional context: Be aware of Baylor’s recent history and how it influences current conduct and accountability measures.
Seek legal counsel with experience in private university contexts: An attorney who understands Baylor’s institutional dynamics and its unique legal posture is crucial for effectively pursuing accountability in cases of hazing.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

The patterns of hazing seen across UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor are not isolated to local chapters. They are frequently echoes of a national problem, often tied to the very structure and history of national Greek-letter organizations. For Freestone County families, understanding this connection is vital for seeking comprehensive accountability.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

Most fraternities and sororities at Texas campuses—whether they’re the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor—are not independent organizations. They are local chapters of much larger national organizations. These national headquarters often promulgate extensive anti-hazing manuals and implement risk management policies. They do so because they have a long, painful history of deaths, catastrophic injuries, lawsuits, and multi-million-dollar settlements stemming from hazing incidents at chapters across the country.

These national HQs are intimately aware of common hazing patterns that repeat year after year: the forced drinking at “Big/Little reveal” nights, the brutal physical “traditions” disguised as rites of passage, the humiliating rituals designed to break down new members. When a chapter at a Texas university replicates these dangerous scripts, particularly ones that have led to closures or lawsuits elsewhere, it demonstrates a crucial legal concept: foreseeability. The national organization can no longer claim ignorance; they were on notice. This can significantly strengthen negligence or gross negligence arguments against national entities in civil litigation.

6.2 Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While we cannot list every single chapter and its history, a pattern emerges from the National Hazing Incident Reference Database that links local Texas chapters to national issues. Here are some examples of major fraternities and sororities present at Texas universities with documented national hazing issues:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Active at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Nationally, Pi Kappa Alpha has been embroiled in numerous high-profile hazing deaths. The Stone Foltz tragedy at Bowling Green State University (2021) involved a pledge forced to drink a bottle of alcohol, resulting in his death and a $10 million settlement for the family. The David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois (2012) also involved alcohol poisoning and resulted in a $14 million settlement. These cases demonstrate a recurring pattern of severe alcohol hazing within the organization, making similar incidents at Texas chapters deeply foreseeable by the national body.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU. SAE has a national history checkered with hazing-related deaths and severe injuries. Notably, a pledge at the University of Alabama reportedly suffered a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual in a 2023 lawsuit. Our firm has also seen lawsuits against SAE chapters in Texas, including a $1 million claim at Texas A&M (2021) where pledges suffered chemical burns from industrial cleaner, and a $1 million+ lawsuit at UT Austin (2024) alleging assault during a party while the chapter was on suspension for prior violations. These patterns underscore a systemic issue often involving extreme physical hazing and disregard for safety, particularly around alcohol.
Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. The national organization gained tragic notoriety with the death of Max Gruver at Louisiana State University (2017) due to a forced drinking game. This incident directly led to Louisiana’s felony Max Gruver Act. The repeated emphasis on forced alcohol consumption in initiation rituals across its chapters highlights a severe and known risk.
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Pi Kappa Phi was implicated in the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017), where he died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event that demanded excessive drinking. This incident, like others, shows a pattern of high-risk alcohol hazing.
Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, and Baylor, among other Texas schools. Kappa Sigma has a significant national hazing history. The Chad Meredith drowning death at the University of Miami (2001) resulted in a $12.6 million jury verdict against the fraternity for negligence based on hazing. More recently, allegations of severe injuries like rhabdomyolysis from physical hazing have emerged against a Texas A&M chapter (2023), confirming ongoing concerns within the organization. A 2018 incident at Texas Christian University also involved members being arrested for allegedly hazing pledges.
Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. The national organization is arguably synonymous with the Timothy Piazza tragedy at Penn State (2017), where extreme alcohol hazing led to his death and significant criminal and civil actions. This case sets a high bar for institutional accountability for hazing-related negligence.
Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor. Sigma Chi has also faced substantial hazing litigation. In a 2024 case at the College of Charleston, a pledge’s family received more than $10 million in damages for physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment. This indicates that their national organization has a history of severe hazing allegations.

This brief overview is not exhaustive, but it illustrates how many organizations active at Texas universities have a well-documented history of hazing. For Freestone County families, this context is crucial when evaluating a hazing incident, as it points to a pattern of foreseeability for these national organizations.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

Understanding these national patterns is not just historical curiosity; it is a critical component of hazing litigation. When a Texas chapter stationed at Freestone County-adjacent universities like the University of Houston, or at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, repeats a hazing practice that has caused injury or death at another chapter in a different state, it substantially strengthens the victim’s civil case.

Foreseeability: Courts can consider whether national organizations, despite having anti-hazing policies, failed to meaningfully enforce them or aggressively respond to prior incidents. The repeated nature of hazing within certain organizations makes it increasingly difficult for them to claim “we didn’t know.”
Settlement Leverage: A strong history of national misconduct puts significant pressure on defendants and their insurers to settle. They know that a jury is likely to view repeated violations, particularly those that caused injury or death, as evidence of deliberate indifference or gross negligence.
Insurance Coverage Disputes: While insurers may initially try to deny coverage for hazing, arguing “intentional acts” are excluded, a pattern of negligence by the national organization or university in failing to prevent hazing can bring the claim back under the umbrella of coverage.
Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, where there’s clear evidence of systemic failure, deliberate indifference, or repeated disregard for known dangers, punitive damages may be sought. These are designed not just to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.

For Freestone County families, knowing that their legal team can connect their local experience to a broader national pattern of misconduct is empowering. It means taking on these powerful institutions with a deep understanding of their vulnerabilities and a strategy honed by past legal victories.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

When a hazing incident occurs, especially for Freestone County families whose children are students at Texas universities, building a comprehensive legal case requires meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of the law, and a strategic approach to evidence collection and presentation. The Manginello Law Firm excels at this complex process.

7.1 Evidence

In today’s digital age, evidence in hazing cases must be collected swiftly and comprehensively. We meticulously gather and analyze all available evidence to establish liability and demonstrate the full extent of harm.

Digital Communications: These are often the most critical pieces of evidence. GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even fraternity-specific apps are where plans are made, events are coordinated, and hazing is often documented—or even encouraged. Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, and TikTok content also play a vital role. Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages, but immediate screenshots and preservation by victims are invaluable. Our firm has specific expertise in leveraging Attorney911’s video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) to guide clients on how to preserve this crucial evidence.
Photos & Videos: Content filmed by members during hazing events, often for their own amusement, can be damning. This includes footage shared in private group chats, posted on social media, or even captured by surveillance cameras (like Ring doorbell footage) at houses and venues.
Internal Organization Documents: This includes pledge manuals, initiation scripts, lists of “traditions,” and emails or texts from officers or “pledge educators” detailing requirements for new members. National fraternity policies and risk management training materials, or the lack thereof, are also vital to demonstrate knowledge and enforceability.
University Records: We subpoena or request through public records laws (for public universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) past conduct files, disciplinary actions, probation records, and incident reports related to the organization. This helps establish a pattern of prior misconduct and the university’s knowledge. Clery Act reports and similar disclosures also contribute to demonstrating broader institutional awareness.
Medical and Psychological Records: Comprehensive documentation from emergency rooms, hospitals, and ongoing medical treatment is essential. This includes toxicology reports (for alcohol/drug poisoning), imaging (X-rays, CTs, MRIs), and all records related to surgeries and rehabilitation. For psychological harm, evaluations from psychologists or psychiatrists diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidality are crucial for non-economic damages.
Witness Testimony: Including other pledges, active members who saw the hazing, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, or any bystanders. Former members who quit or were expelled can also provide powerful testimony about a culture of hazing within the organization.

7.2 Damages

In civil hazing cases, victims and their families can seek compensation for a wide range of “damages,” which represent the harms suffered. We work diligently to ensure all categories of loss are thoroughly documented and pursued. For a detailed explanation of what families can recover, see our “Typical Settlement for a Personal Injury Case” video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onBzdkIWadY).

Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs from immediate emergency care (ambulance, ER, ICU) to ongoing treatments, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and mental health counseling. For catastrophic injuries (e.g., brain damage, organ failure), this includes the creation of life care plans to cover decades of specialized care.
Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Compensation for lost wages due to time off work, as well as the significant impact on a student’s education. This can include missed semesters, loss of scholarships, and the delayed entry or reduced capacity to enter the workforce, diminishing lifetime earning potential.
Non-Economic Damages: These quantify the subjective, non-financial harms. This includes physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, psychological trauma (such as PTSD, anxiety, humiliation, and depression), and the loss of enjoyment of life (e.g., inability to participate in sports, hobbies, or social activities that were once meaningful).
Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the most tragic cases, families of deceased hazing victims can recover for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and profound non-economic losses such as the loss of companionship, love, and emotional support. Grief and mental health treatment for surviving family members are also considered.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, each with their own legal counsel and insurance policies.

National fraternities and universities typically carry extensive insurance policies. However, insurers will aggressively argue that hazing, being an “intentional act,” falls under exclusions in their policies. They often try to deny coverage or argue that the claim falls outside policy limits.
Experienced hazing lawyers at our firm meticulously identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, including individual homeowner’s policies of students involved, local chapter policies, national organization policies, and university umbrella policies. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, leverages her background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) to anticipate and counter these tactics, forcing insurers to defend claims and negotiate fair settlements. We navigate complex disputes about policy exclusions, ensuring that all liable parties contribute to the victim’s rightful compensation.

This strategic approach to evidence, damages, and defense is how we fight for accountability for Freestone County families facing the devastating impact of hazing.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing strikes, Freestone County families and students often feel isolated and confused. Knowing what to do, what to look for, and who to trust can make all the difference. Here’s practical advice for those affected.

8.1 For Parents

For Freestone County parents, recognizing the signs of hazing and knowing how to respond is critical.

Warning Signs of Hazing:
- Unexplained injuries or “accidents”: Look for bruises, burns, cuts, or other trauma, especially if explanations don’t add up or shift.
- Sudden exhaustion or sleep deprivation: Constant late nights, early mornings, or being constantly “on call” for group activities.
- Drastic changes in mood: Increased irritability, anxiety, depression, withdrawal from old friends or family, or uncharacteristic secrecy about group activities.
- Physical changes: Significant weight loss or gain, extreme fatigue beyond normal college stress.
- Secretive or defensive behavior: Answering questions about the organization with “I can’t talk about it,” or aggressively defending the group despite obvious distress.
- Digital anxiety: Constant phone use to monitor group chats, anxiety when the phone pings, or fear of missing mandatory digital check-ins.
- Financial strain: Unexplained money demands, “fines,” or purchasing expensive items/alcohol for older members.
How to Talk to Your Child: Approach with empathy, not judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority? Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priority, not their membership status, and that you will support them no matter what.
If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize immediate medical care. Document everything: take clear photos of injuries, screenshot any messages or posts, and write down exactly what your child tells you, including names, dates, and locations.
Dealing with the University: Document every interaction with university administrators. Specifically ask about prior incidents involving the organization and what actions the school took. If the university seems dismissive or tries to downplay the incident, it is a significant red flag.
When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has sustained significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or trying to cover up what happened, contact an attorney immediately.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

To students at Texas universities, particularly those in Freestone County who may be considering joining an organization:

Is this Hazing or Just Tradition? If you feel unsafe, humiliated, degraded, or coerced; if you’re forced to drink or endure pain; if the activity must be hidden from the public, university administrators, or your parents—it probably is hazing. Your gut instinct is often right.
Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The law, especially in Texas, recognizes the immense pressure to conform. When faced with exclusion or ridicule, a student cannot genuinely “consent” to harmful acts. You are not at fault if you were coerced.
Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave any organization at any time. If you feel unsafe leaving alone, confide in a trusted adult (parent, RA, academic advisor) before telling the organization. Report dangerous hazing to campus authorities or local police. Many schools offer anonymous reporting options, and Texas law protects good-faith reporters.
Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: In Texas and many universities, students who call for emergency medical help for themselves or others, even if underage drinking or minor infractions were involved, are often protected from disciplinary action related to those minor infractions. Prioritize safety above all else.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you are a former member or a witness to hazing at a Texas university, you may carry guilt or fear of repercussions. However, your testimony and any evidence you possess could prevent future harm and save lives. While you may want to seek your own legal advice regarding your involvement, cooperating with an investigation or lawsuit can be a powerful step toward accountability and preventing others from suffering. Attorneys can help navigate your role as a witness or address any dual criminal/civil exposure you may face.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Freestone County families, navigating the aftermath of hazing is stressful. It’s easy to make critical errors that can severely jeopardize your legal options. Our firm frequently sees these mistakes. We’ve even made a video about it: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY).

Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: What parents often think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.” Why it’s wrong: This can look like obstruction of justice, make a case nearly impossible to prove, and destroy vital evidence. What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating to others.
Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: What parents often think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.” Why it’s wrong: This prompts them to immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses. What to do instead: Document everything privately, then call a lawyer before any direct confrontation.
Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your right to pursue legal action, and these settlements are often far below the true value of your case. What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first.
Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: What families think: “I want people to know what happened.” Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility; and you may inadvertently waive legal privileges. What to do instead: Document privately as advised; let your lawyer control public messaging.
Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: What fraternities/organizations say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic.” Why it’s wrong: This is often a tactic to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against them in legal proceedings. What to do instead: Once you consider legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.
Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.” Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, the statute of limitations continues to run, and the university often prioritizes its reputation over full accountability for your child’s harm. What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult a lawyer immediately. University processes are not a substitute for legal accountability.
Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim.” Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball. What to do instead: Politely decline and say, “My attorney will contact you.”

8.5 Short FAQ

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it escalates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing.
“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” given under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.
“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately; you can learn more about the statute of limitations in our video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c).
“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities/organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat death in Pennsylvania or the Sigma Pi death at an unofficial off-campus house in Ohio) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments and criminal convictions.
“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. While any legal action is a public record, our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and works to secure sealed court records and confidential settlement terms whenever possible. We balance public accountability with your child’s well-being and future.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the devastating impact of hazing at a Texas university, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, universities, and their insurers—fight back, and how to win anyway. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, offers precisely that specialized expertise.

We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with deep experience in serious injury, wrongful death, and institutional accountability cases. Our team is uniquely qualified to handle the complexities of hazing litigation for Freestone County families and victims across our state.

Our unique qualifications for hazing cases include:

Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight from her career as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/
Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello has decades of experience taking on formidable adversaries. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the historic BP Texas City explosion litigation, and his extensive federal court experience (including the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means he is not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We have taken on billion-dollar corporations and won, applying the same aggressive strategy to fight for your child’s rights. Learn more about Ralph Manginello at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record of securing significant outcomes in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists and medical experts to properly value a life lost or the extensive lifetime care needs for severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries or organ damage that often result from hazing. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force accountability and truly compensate for the harm. Our wrongful death practice is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
Intimate Knowledge of Institutional Dynamics: We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments operate behind closed doors—their traditions, their hierarchies, and their vulnerabilities. This insight allows us to anticipate their defenses and uncover critical evidence other firms might miss. Our firm has specific expertise in navigating the criminal aspects of hazing, as detailed by our criminal defense page: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
Cutting-Edge Investigative Depth: We pride ourselves on our meticulous approach to evidence. This includes obtaining deleted group chats and social media evidence (as highlighted in our video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), subpoenaing national fraternity’s risk management files, uncovering university records through discovery and public records requests, and working with top digital forensics, medical, and psychological experts. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.
Empathy and Relentless Victim Advocacy: We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to listen, get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We balance compassion for your family with a fierce determination to achieve justice, understanding that true accountability often requires strong legal action. We offer our services on a contingency fee basis; for an explanation, watch our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

Whether your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or another institution in the state, the trauma of hazing can be profound. Families in Freestone County and throughout the surrounding region deserve answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to what happened without judgment, explain your legal options under Texas law, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; our priority is to empower you with information.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) today, or reach us directly at (713) 528-9070, or on mobile at (713) 443-4781. You can also visit our website at https://attorney911.com or email our Managing Attorney, Ralph Manginello, at ralph@atty911.com.

Hablamos Español. For consultation in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com. We are here to help.

Whether you’re in Freestone 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