Hazing in Texas: A Definitive Guide for Families in Haskell County and Beyond

The cold night air hung heavy with secrecy, shielding the dark ritual unfolding inside a rented house near campus. A new member, desperate to belong, was pressured to consume an entire bottle of hard liquor during a “brother-sister reveal” event. Laughter and chants filled the room as peers filmed on their phones, pushing the young person past their limits. Soon, the cheers turned to panicked whispers. The student collapsed, vomiting, then lay still. Fear gripped the room, not for the fallen student, but for “getting the chapter shut down.” Precious minutes—hours—ticked by before anyone dared to call for help.

This scenario, tragically, is not a fictional tale. It’s a chillingly common one that plays out on campuses across Texas and the nation each semester. For families in Haskell County, who send their children off to universities within our great state or beyond, the fear of such a call is very real. It’s a fear rooted in devastating headlines that have become all too frequent.

We understand that you dedicate yourselves to raising resilient, capable young adults in communities like Haskell County. You expect them to thrive, not just survive, their college years. Yet, the hidden world of hazing, often cloaked in tradition and secrecy, can shatter those expectations and leave indelible scars. When a child from Haskell County pursues higher education at a university like Texas Tech in Lubbock, or Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, or heads to one of the major institutions closer to metropolitan areas like Houston, Austin, or Dallas, they enter new social landscapes. These landscapes, designed for growth and learning, can sometimes harbor dangerous practices that put young lives at risk.

This article is your comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas. It’s written specifically for families in Haskell County and across Texas who need to understand:

• What modern hazing truly looks like in 2025, far beyond mere pranks.
• How Texas and federal law address hazing, both criminally and civilly.
• The critical lessons from major national hazing cases and how they apply here in Texas.
• What has been happening at major 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 Haskell County and throughout Texas to seek justice and accountability.

Please note, this article provides general information and is not specific legal advice. Every situation is unique, and we encourage you to contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential evaluation of your specific circumstances. We serve families throughout Texas, bringing our expertise to communities like Haskell County and all corners of the state.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours, time is critical:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine” or just “embarrassed.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Immediately screenshot all group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) related to the incident.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles, ensuring timestamps are visible.
  • Secure any physical items involved, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing.
• Write down everything while your memory is fresh: who was involved, what exactly happened, when and where it took place, and any specific conversations or threats. This contemporaneous record is invaluable.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This can alert them to destroy evidence or coach witnesses.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel. You could inadvertently waive critical rights.
  • Post details about the incident on public social media. This can compromise your case and be used against you.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence from their devices. Once digital evidence is gone, it’s often lost forever.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears remarkably fast. Deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, and coached witnesses are common defense tactics.
• Universities and organizations move quickly to control the narrative and protect their reputations.
• Our team can help you preserve critical evidence, navigate the complex university systems, and protect your child’s rights from the outset.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The image of hazing that many of us carry—perhaps from movies or old news stories—often falls short of the complex and dangerous reality of today. For Haskell County families, it’s crucial to understand that modern hazing extends far beyond “harmless pranks” or “character-building traditions.”

Hazing, in plain English, is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits an individual. Critically, statements like “I agreed to do it” or “it was voluntary” do not automatically make the activity safe or legal, especially when significant peer pressure and power imbalances are at play.

Main Categories of Hazing

Modern hazing manifests in many insidious forms:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is a leading cause of hazing-related deaths. It includes forced or coerced drinking, often through dangerous “chugging challenges,” “lineups,” or drinking games designed for rapid, excessive consumption. Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances, including illicit drugs, is also a grave concern.
• Physical Hazing: This can involve direct physical abuse such as paddling, beatings, or forced fights. It also includes extreme calisthenics, relentless “workouts,” or “smokings” that push individuals far beyond safe physical limits, leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis. Other forms include severe sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, and exposure to extreme environmental conditions (e.g., freezing temperatures or intense heat) or dangerous environments.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts deeply violate personal dignity and often inflict lasting psychological trauma. Examples include forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (sometimes given demeaning nicknames like “roasted pig” or “elephant walk”), wearing degrading costumes, and performing acts with explicit racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones through slurs or forced role-play.
• Psychological Hazing: This form of abuse aims to dismantle an individual’s self-esteem and autonomy. It can involve verbal abuse, threats, severe intimidation, and social isolation. Victims may endure forced confessions, public shaming sessions on social media or in group meetings, and relentless psychological manipulation designed to create dependency and submission.
• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones and social media, hazing has evolved into the digital realm. This includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. Victims may be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or to respond instantly to commands at all hours, leading to significant sleep deprivation and anxiety. Geo-location tracking is another modern tactic used to control new members.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It is a common misconception that hazing is limited to Greek life. While fraternities and sororities (including Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural chapters) are frequently involved, hazing is a pervasive issue across a wide spectrum of collegiate organizations:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These organizations, particularly those with deep-rooted traditions and hierarchical structures, can be breeding grounds for hazing, with “discipline” often blurring into abuse.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Groups: Organizations like the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin or other campus spirit groups, meant to foster school pride, can sometimes engage in dangerous forms of hazing.
• Athletic Teams: Hazing permeates all levels of collegiate sports, from football and basketball to baseball, cheer, swimming, or even esports teams. “Team building” exercises can easily devolve into abusive rituals.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous organizations are not immune. The tragic death of Robert Champion from drum major hazing at Florida A&M University is a stark reminder.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group that fosters exclusivity and a strong sense of identity can potentially engage in hazing practices, often under the guise of “bonding” or “earning your place.”

The underlying factors that sustain hazing—social status, the allure of tradition, tight-knit secrecy, and a fear of “breaking ranks”—allow these dangerous practices to flourish, even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal and unethical. For Haskell County families, understanding these broad categories illuminates the hidden risks your children might face.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Haskell County whose children attend colleges throughout Texas, understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing is essential. Both state and federal laws attempt to curb these dangerous practices, and victims have avenues for pursuing justice.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions embedded in its Education Code. Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F, clearly defines and prohibits hazing.

In plain terms, under Texas law, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, performed on or off campus, by an individual or a group, directed against a student, IF that act:

• 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.

Key aspects of Texas law:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing can happen on or off campus, and the legal protections still apply. This is critical for activities at off-campus houses, private retreats, or bars.
• Harm is broadly defined: It covers both physical harm (like beatings, forced exercise, or dangerous consumption) and mental harm (such as extreme humiliation, psychological manipulation, or intimidation).
• Recklessness is enough: The perpetrator doesn’t need to have a malicious intent to cause harm. If they acted recklessly, meaning they were aware of a significant risk of danger and disregarded it, it still qualifies as hazing.
• “Consent” is not a defense: As explicitly stated in Texas Education Code § 37.155, it is not a defense that the person being hazed “consented” to the activity. This recognizes that true consent is impossible in situations of power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of social exclusion.

Criminal Penalties:
Hazing is a crime in Texas, and the penalties can be severe:

• Most hazing incidents begin as a Class B Misdemeanor (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000).
• If the hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment, it can escalate to a Class A Misdemeanor.
• Crucially, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it is immediately elevated to a State Jail Felony and carries much more significant penalties, including imprisonment.
• Additionally, individuals who are members or officers of an organization and know about hazing but fail to report it can face misdemeanor charges. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Organizational Liability:
Under Texas Education Code § 37.153, organizations themselves (fraternities, sororities, sports teams, clubs) can be held criminally liable if they:

• Authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it.
  Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation and, significantly, revocation of their recognition by the university, banning them from campus. This provision underscores that accountability extends beyond individuals to the groups that foster these dangerous environments.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important for Haskell County residents to understand the two distinct legal pathways for hazing:

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (prosecutors) against individuals or organizations. The goal is to punish those who broke the law through jail time, fines, or probation. In hazing contexts, criminal charges can include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in fatal cases.
• Civil Cases: These are initiated by the victims or their surviving families against individuals and entities responsible. The purpose is to seek monetary compensation for the damages suffered and to hold those responsible accountable. Civil claims often focus on theories of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Crucially, these two legal processes can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a successful civil lawsuit.

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

Beyond state laws, federal regulations also play a role in compelling universities to address hazing:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funds enhance their efforts to combat hazing. Key provisions require these institutions to:
  • Increase transparency by publicly reporting all hazing incidents.
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Maintain and make available public hazing data. These requirements are being phased in, with full implementation expected by 2026. This act empowers families from Haskell County with more information to assess campus safety.
• Title IX / Clery Act:
  • Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or creates a hostile environment based on gender, it can trigger a university’s Title IX obligations, requiring investigation and action.
  • The Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents, particularly those involving assaults, alcohol/drug violations, or serious injuries, often overlap with categories that must be reported under Clery.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

For families seeking justice, identifying all potentially liable parties is a critical step in a civil hazing lawsuit:

• Individual Students: Those who planned, orchestrated, participated in, supplied illegal substances, or helped cover up the hazing can be held personally liable. This includes officers and “pledge educators.”
• Local Chapter / Organization: The collegiate organization itself (e.g., the local fraternity or sorority chapter, sports club, or spirit group) can be sued as a legal entity.
• National Fraternity/Sorority (or Parent Organization): The national headquarters that oversees local chapters, collects dues, governs policies, and provides training can be held liable. Liability often depends on what the national organization knew or should have known about a chapter’s hazing history, its failure to enforce policies consistently, and its role in fostering a culture of such activities.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, or its governing board (like the University of Texas System or Texas A&M University System), may be sued. This liability often stems from negligence in supervision, failure to enforce known policies, ignoring previous warnings, or demonstrating deliberate indifference to a known pattern of hazing. Sovereign immunity often protects public institutions like UH, A&M, and UT, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, specific state laws, or federal claims like Title IX. Private universities like SMU and Baylor generally have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Other entities can also bear responsibility, such as:
  • Landlords or property owners of off-campus houses or venues where hazing occurred, especially if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Bars or alcohol suppliers who negligently served minors or over-served intoxicated individuals, particularly if Texas dram shop laws are violated.
  • Event organizers or security companies that failed in their duty to ensure safety.

Every hazing case in Haskell County or elsewhere in Texas is fact-specific, and the precise combination of liable parties will vary depending on the unique circumstances and the strength of the evidence.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic reality of hazing is underscored by a sobering national history of deaths and severe injuries. These cases reveal dangerous patterns and have reshaped laws and institutional responses across the country. For families in Haskell County, understanding these anchor stories provides critical context for evaluating current risks and legal options in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption remains the most common and deadly form of hazing.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after participating in a “bid acceptance” event involving extreme alcohol consumption. Security camera footage from the fraternity house revealed Timothy suffering multiple falls and severe injuries, with fraternity members delaying calling for help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath involved dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and the passing of the landmark Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, which significantly escalated penalties for hazing. This case highlighted how extreme intoxication, a deliberate delay in seeking medical aid, and a pervasive culture of silence and cover-up can lead to devastating consequences and legal ramifications.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. He was allegedly given a handle of liquor and was forced to drink it rapidly. His death led to criminal hazing charges against multiple fraternity members, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life, overhauling its policies. The tragedy underscored how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a recurring script for disaster, with fatal results.
• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (September 2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old pledge, died from alcohol toxicity after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink heavily when answering questions incorrectly. His death directly led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing law with serious penalties. This case vividly demonstrated how personal tragedies can spark legislative change and public outrage, forcing institutions and lawmakers to act.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (March 2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” reveal. The horrific incident led to multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members involved. Civilly, the Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, including approximately $7 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This case served as a critical reminder that universities themselves can face significant financial and reputational consequences, alongside national fraternities, when they fail to prevent hazing on their watch.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Hazing also involves dangerous physical acts, often disguised as “tradition.”

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (December 2013): Michael Deng, an 18-year-old pledge, died from a traumatic brain injury suffered during a brutal “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and carrying a heavy backpack, he was repeatedly tackled. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours. The case resulted in multiple criminal convictions, and significantly, the national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This landmark case made it clear that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than parties on campus, and that national organizations are indeed accountable for the conduct of their chapters.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it also deeply affects athletic programs.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a scandal that rocked collegiate athletics, former Northwestern football players came forward with harrowing allegations of widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program. This included coerced sexual acts, forced nudity, and racist verbal abuse. The fallout led to the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially. Multiple lawsuits against Northwestern and its coaching staff further exposed the systemic nature of the abuse. This case powerfully demonstrated that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, permeating big-money athletic programs, and raised critical questions about institutional oversight and responsibility.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies, while not occurring in Haskell County or our immediate region, cast a long shadow over every college campus, including those like Texas Tech in Lubbock, West Texas A&M in Canyon, Abilene Christian University, or any of the major university systems in Texas. They highlight several common threads: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, deliberate delay or denial of medical care, and sophisticated cover-up attempts. The multi-million-dollar settlements, criminal convictions, and legislative reforms that typically follow these events only happen after devastating losses and intensive legal battles.

For families in Haskell County and across Texas, these national lessons underscore the urgent need for vigilance and legal readiness. When hazing occurs at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, victims and their families are not alone; they are operating within a legal landscape shaped by these national precedents and the growing demand for accountability.

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

The Manginello Law Firm serves families across Texas, including Haskell County, with a deep understanding of the unique dynamics at play on our state’s diverse university campuses. While Haskell County itself does not host a large university campus, many families from our area send their children to colleges across the state. The experiences of students at these major institutions—University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor—are directly relevant to the concerns of any parent in Haskell County whose child might attend.

We will start with the University of Houston, as our main office is located in Houston, providing us with extensive local insight into UH’s campus and culture.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant and diverse urban campus in the heart of our state’s largest city, blends commuter and residential life, attracting students from across Texas, including those from Haskell County who seek a dynamic metropolitan education. UH boasts a robust Greek life presence, with a multitude of fraternities and sororities, alongside numerous other student organizations, cultural groups, and sports clubs that can sometimes become environments for hazing.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH’s campus is a microcosm of Houston’s diversity, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and community engagement. Greek life at UH, encompassing IFC, Panhellenic, MGC, and NPHC organizations, plays a significant role in student social life. The pressure to belong and maintain traditions can sometimes lead to hazing in these and other groups.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, reflecting the broader Texas Education Code. UH’s policy explicitly prohibits hazing whether it occurs on-campus or off-campus. It forbids forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and acts that cause mental distress, all when used for initiation or continued membership. UH provides clear reporting channels through its Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the UH Police Department (UHPD). The university also provides an online form and a public statement on hazing on its website, aiming for transparency and encouraging reporting.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

A notable incident involving hazing at UH highlights the dangers. In 2016, the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity chapter at UH faced severe allegations. Pledges reportedly endured extreme deprivation of food, water, and sleep during multi-day events. Tragically, one student suffered a lacerated spleen after allegedly being slammed onto a table or similar surface. Following the investigation, the chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was subjected to university suspension, along with other sanctions. While public details on all disciplinary actions at UH can be less extensive than some other public universities, such incidents clearly demonstrate the university’s willingness to enforce policies and suspend chapters when hazing is discovered.

5.1.3 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For families in Haskell County whose children attend UH, understanding the procedural aspects of a hazing case is crucial. Investigations would likely involve the UH Police Department (UHPD) and/or the Houston Police Department (HPD), depending on where the incident occurred. Civil lawsuits would be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. Potential defendants in such cases could include the individual students involved, the local fraternity chapter, the national fraternity organization, and potentially the university itself, particularly if there is evidence of negligence or deliberate indifference. Property owners of off-campus venues where hazing occurred might also be included.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

Families from Haskell County with students at UH should be acutely aware of hazing risks and protective measures:

• Report promptly: Utilize UH’s reporting channels (Dean of Students, UHPD, online forms) if hazing is suspected or occurs.
• Document everything: Before and during any formal university report, meticulously collect digital evidence, photographs of injuries, medical records, and detailed notes of what transpired.
• Seek legal counsel immediately: If hazing has resulted in injury or significant trauma, consult with a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases. Our firm, with its deep roots in Houston, can help navigate the complexities of university investigations and pursue appropriate legal action, including uncovering prior complaints against specific organizations or obtaining internal university files.
• Educate and empower: Review the warning signs of hazing and emphasize to students their right to withdraw from any activity that makes them uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Understand the law: Be aware that Texas law does not recognize consent as a defense to hazing, providing crucial legal protection to victims.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a sprawling campus in College Station and a common destination for students from across Texas, including Haskell County, is steeped in tradition, particularly within its highly visible Corps of Cadets. Alongside its robust Greek life, A&M’s unique culture presents distinct hazing dynamics.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its strong Aggie traditions, fierce loyalty, and a culture that often emphasizes discipline, hierarchy, and “earning your place.” The Corps of Cadets, a military-style organization, contributes significantly to this environment, where the line between challenging tradition and harmful hazing can sometimes become dangerously blurred. Greek life is also a major component of student life, with numerous fraternities and sororities.

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M prohibits hazing both on and off campus, as per state law and university policy. Their “Student Rules” explicitly define and forbid any act that endangers a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. A&M’s reporting channels include the Student Conduct Office, the Dean of Student Life, and the University Police Department (UPD). The university encourages anonymous reporting and has policies in place to investigate all allegations swiftly.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Response

Texas A&M has faced significant hazing allegations over the years, impacting both Greek life and Corps organizations.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): This particularly egregious case involved allegations by two pledges who claimed they were subjected to brutal hazing rituals. They reported being covered in various substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, resulting in severe chemical burns that required emergency skin graft surgeries. The SAE chapter was suspended by the university, and the pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity, highlighting the severe physical and emotional trauma inflicted by such acts.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and potentially sexualized hazing within the Corps. The allegations included simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages. While A&M stated it addressed the matter under its internal rules, the public lawsuit brought the issue of hazing within the Corps to the forefront. These incidents underscore that hazing at A&M impacts multiple student populations.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For families contemplating legal action from Haskell County regarding hazing at Texas A&M, the process often involves specific entities. Investigations can be led by the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) in conjunction with the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office or College Station Police Department for off-campus incidents. Civil suits against A&M as a public institution often navigate sovereign immunity, but exceptions or claims against individuals (like university officials or specific students) can allow cases to move forward. Lawsuits against fraternities, national headquarters, or property owners are also common.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Families in Haskell County with students at Texas A&M, whether in Greek life or the Corps of Cadets, need to be proactive:

• Understand Corps and Greek traditions: Discuss the difference between healthy tradition and harmful hazing. Empower your student to identify and resist activities that cross the line.
• Utilize A&M’s reporting system: Be familiar with the university’s official channels for reporting hazing, including anonymous options.
• Document everything vigilantly: Aggies are often taught attention to detail. Apply this to hazing by meticulously collecting all available evidence, including digital communications and medical records, without delay.
• Consult legal professionals earliest: Given the complex nature of hazing allegations, particularly within the Corps of Cadets and against a public university, legal guidance from a firm experienced in Texas hazing litigation is crucial for protecting rights and preserving evidence.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution and a popular choice for students from Haskell County. Its large, dynamic campus and vibrant social scene, including a massive Greek life presence and numerous student organizations, means it is also unfortunately a site for recurring hazing incidents.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is iconic, known for its academic rigor, spirited student body, and thriving social scene. Its Greek life is one of the largest in the nation, with several dozen fraternities and sororities contributing to a highly visible campus presence. Beyond Greek organizations, numerous spirit groups, athletic clubs, and student associations also foster strong traditions—some of which have unfortunately included hazing.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin strictly enforces state anti-hazing laws and its own comprehensive hazing policy. The university’s policy condemns any reckless or intentional act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of students for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. UT is one of the more transparent universities in Texas regarding hazing, maintaining a public Hazing Violations page on its website (which often includes names of organizations, dates of incidents, findings of hazing, and disciplinary sanctions imposed). Reporting is facilitated through the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the UT Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Example Incidents & Response

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations record offers crucial insights into the types of incidents occurring:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): This fraternity chapter was sanctioned for hazing violations that included new members being directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. The university found this to be hazing, resulting in disciplinary action including probation and mandates for new hazing-prevention education programs.
• Texas Cowboys (2020): A highly visible and tradition-rich spirit organization, it was sanctioned after hazing allegations, including reports of mental and physical abuse during initiation.
• In numerous other instances, UT’s public log details various fraternities, sororities, and other student groups being sanctioned for alcohol-related hazing, forced workouts, inappropriate physical contact, sleep deprivation, and other forms of punishment-based practices.

These repeated violations, despite the university’s transparency, highlight the ongoing challenge in eradicating hazing and underline the importance of vigilance for Haskell County families.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

When hazing occurs at UT Austin, investigations may involve the UT Police Department (UTPD) for on-campus incidents or the Austin Police Department (APD) for off-campus events. Given UT’s status as a public university, civil suits would also contend with sovereign immunity laws, but specific claims against individuals, federal claims (e.g., Title IX), or claims of gross negligence could bypass these protections. UT’s transparent hazing log is invaluable in civil lawsuits, as prior violations can serve as strong evidence of pattern and foreseeability against the organization and potentially the university. Lawsuits are typically filed in Travis County, where Austin is located.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For students from Haskell County attending UT Austin, and their parents, proactive measures are key:

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations page: Familiarize yourself with this publicly accessible record to understand the history of organizations your student might consider joining.
• Utilize university and external reporting: Be aware of how to report hazing to UT officials, as well as external anonymous hotlines if direct reporting feels unsafe.
• Document, document, document: Given UT’s commitment to transparency, a well-documented case with digital evidence, photos of injuries, and accounts of events can be particularly impactful in both university investigations and civil litigation.
• Seek legal guidance early: Contacting an experienced attorney as soon as hazing is suspected ensures that evidence is preserved and that the complexities of university policy and state law are navigated effectively.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, nestled in the heart of Dallas, represents a private institution experience for Haskell County students. Known for its strong academic programs and active Greek life, SMU, like other universities, has nevertheless faced its share of hazing incidents that parents and students should be aware of.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a prestigious private university known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and a vibrant social scene heavily influenced by its extensive Greek life. Many students from Haskell County and similar Texas communities are drawn to SMU’s academic and social environment. The close-knit nature of Greek organizations on campus, while fostering strong bonds, can also create an environment where hazing traditions are perpetuated.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies that align with Texas law, prohibiting any activity that endangers the mental or physical health of students in the context of initiation or affiliation. Given its private status, SMU has an internal process for addressing student conduct. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students office, Student Affairs, and the SMU Police Department. The university also utilizes online forms and encourages anonymous reporting through systems like “Real Response” to gather information about policy violations, including hazing.

5.4.3 Example Incident & Response

SMU has had to address hazing concerns within its Greek community. A significant example occurred in 2017 involving the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity. Reports indicated that new members were allegedly subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation as part of their new member process. Following an investigation, the chapter was suspended and faced restrictions, including a ban on recruiting new members for several years. This incident underscored the ongoing challenge even elite private universities face in preventing hazing within their storied Greek systems.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Haskell County families pursuing a hazing case at SMU, the legal process differs slightly from public institutions. As a private university, SMU generally does not have the same sovereign immunity protections as public universities, which can simplify the process of suing the institution directly. Cases would typically be filed in courts within Dallas County. Potential defendants would include the individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and SMU itself. Civil discovery can be particularly potent against private institutions to compel the release of internal reports and communications that might otherwise remain confidential.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Families from Haskell County with students at SMU should take heed:

• Understand SMU’s internal processes: Be familiar with how SMU conducts investigations and sanctions organizations, recognizing that outcomes may not always be publicly disclosed in the same way as at public universities.
• Utilize all reporting avenues: Leverage SMU’s official reporting channels, including anonymous options like “Real Response,” and be aware of when and how to involve the SMU Police or Dallas Police Department.
• Protect crucial evidence: Digital communications, photos, videos, and medical records are vital. The private nature of SMU makes early preservation of all evidence even more important, as internal records may be less accessible without legal intervention.
• Seek skilled legal counsel: Engaging a legal team experienced in hazing and complex litigation can be crucial to navigating both SMU’s internal processes and the civil court system to achieve accountability.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a prominent private Christian institution in Waco, offers a distinct campus experience for students from Haskell County. Its community-focused environment and strong emphasis on values have not, however, made it immune to hazing incidents within its Greek life and athletic programs.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is known for its strong Christian identity, vibrant campus traditions, and a close-knit community feel. It attracts students from across Texas, including Haskell County, who are seeking an education within a faith-based framework. Baylor has active Greek fraternities and sororities, and its athletic programs, particularly its high-profile football team, are a significant part of campus life. The blend of tradition and strong group identity within these organizations can sometimes create conditions where hazing unfortunately takes root.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University strongly prohibits hazing, articulating in its official policies that any act endangering mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation is unacceptable and violates both university code and Texas law. Baylor’s reporting mechanisms route through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Department of Public Safety (Baylor Police), and various administrative offices. The university emphasizes its commitment to investigating all reports and taking appropriate disciplinary action.

5.2.3 Example Incident & Response

Baylor has encountered hazing issues, including in its athletic department.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An internal investigation into allegations of hazing within the Baylor baseball program led to the suspension of 14 players. The suspensions were staggered across the early season, indicating the university’s serious response to the findings. This incident, while handled internally, reflected ongoing challenges even in competitive university athletic programs.
• Baylor has also faced scrutiny for its handling of broader student conduct issues, particularly allegations related to the football program and Title IX violations, which, while not directly hazing, speak to the institutional challenges of overseeing student groups and ensuring safety. That history of prior scrutiny and scandal can sometimes inform how a university responds—or fails to respond—to new allegations.

5.2.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Haskell County families considering a hazing case at Baylor University, the process would typically involve filing suit in McLennan County courts, where Waco is located. As a private university, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it more directly suable than public institutions. Potential defendants would encompass individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and Baylor University itself. The context of Baylor’s previous institutional challenges and its policies related to student safety could play a significant role in how a civil hazing case is litigated, particularly regarding questions of institutional negligence or oversight.

5.2.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

Families from Haskell County with students at Baylor should be particularly attentive:

• Familiarize yourself with Baylor’s policies: Understand the university’s anti-hazing policies and its specific reporting procedures.
• Encourage open communication: Baylor’s strong community emphasis should ideally foster an environment where students feel safe to report. Parents should reinforce this message, emphasizing that safety comes before any club or team affiliation.
• Document and preserve: As with other institutions, swift and thorough documentation of any hazing incidents, digital footprints, and physical evidence is paramount.
• Seek specialized legal advice: Given Baylor’s unique status as a private, faith-based institution and its prior history of facing institutional oversight challenges, retaining legal counsel with experience in both hazing and complex institutional liability is highly recommended for any family pursuing a claim.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

On any of Texas’s prominent university campuses—whether it’s UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, or Baylor—students from Haskell County are likely to encounter a strong Greek presence. Understanding that these local chapters are part of vast national organizations, each with its own history and pattern of behavior, is critical when evaluating a hazing claim.

Why National Histories Matter

When hazing occurs, it’s never an isolated incident. Many fraternities and sororities, including all those with chapters on Texas campuses like Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Alpha Order, and countless others, are part of extensive national organizations. These national headquarters:

• Develop detailed anti-hazing manuals and strict risk management policies. They do this not out of proactive prudence alone, but often because they have witnessed tragic deaths and catastrophic injuries at their chapters in the past.
• Possess a deep institutional knowledge of dangerous patterns: forced drinking nights, physically abusive “traditions,” and humiliating rituals that recur across their chapters nationwide.

When a local Texas chapter—be it at UT, A&M, or UH—repeats the same dangerous script that led to a death or severe injury at another chapter in a different state, this can be crucial in a civil lawsuit. It helps demonstrate foreseeability, arguing that the national organization knew or should have known these activities were dangerous and could lead to harm, yet failed to prevent them. This pattern of knowledge can significantly strengthen arguments for negligence or gross negligence against national entities, and even open them to punitive damage claims in some circumstances.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While an exhaustive list of every chapter and incident is beyond the scope of this guide, here we highlight some of the major national fraternities and sororities present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, noting their national hazing issues.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This national fraternity has numerous chapters across Texas. Nationally, Pike has a tragic history of hazing incidents, most notably the Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State University in 2021, where a pledge died of alcohol poisoning from forced drinking. Other severe cases underline a pattern of dangerous “Big/Little” events and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): SAE is a large national fraternity with chapters at many Texas universities. Nationally, SAE has been associated with multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries. Tragic cases, including a traumatic brain injury lawsuit at the University of Alabama (filed 2023) and past fatalities, show a troubling pattern. Here in Texas, SAE was involved in a 2021 lawsuit at Texas A&M University where pledges alleged chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner, and a 2024 University of Texas at Austin lawsuit alleging assault.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): With chapters at UT, A&M, Baylor, and beyond, Phi Delta Theta’s national record includes the devastating death of Max Gruver at Louisiana State University in 2017, a case involving forced drinking games that led to significant legal changes in Louisiana (the Max Gruver Act).
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): This fraternity has chapters across Texas campuses. Nationally, it is prominently linked to the Andrew Coffey hazing death at Florida State University in 2017, another case of fatal alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event.
• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Chapters are active at Texas A&M and SMU, among others. Kappa Alpha Order has faced numerous hazing suspensions and allegations across the country, including the 2017 incident at SMU involving paddling and forced drinking.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Chapters at Baylor, Texas A&M, and UT. Nationally prominent due to the Timothy Piazza death at Penn State in 2017, a case that exposed horrific delays in getting help after extreme alcohol consumption and falls.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): With chapters throughout Texas, Sigma Chi has been involved in several hazing incidents, including a significant 2024 case at the College of Charleston where a family received more than $10 million in damages for physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Chapters across Texas. Tragedies like the Chad Meredith death at the University of Miami in 2001 (a $12.6 million jury verdict for drowning following forced lake swimming) illustrate the severe consequences. A Texas A&M University incident is ongoing as of 2023 with allegations of hazing causing rhabdomyolysis.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Active on several Texas campuses including Texas A&M and UT. Nationally, this fraternity is linked to the catastrophic brain injury suffered by Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri in 2021 due to forced, excessive alcohol consumption.

These examples demonstrate that the issues are not isolated to one local chapter but often reflect deeper patterns within national organizations.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For Haskell County families, understanding these national patterns is crucial for any legal strategy:

• Proof of Foreseeability: When specific hazing methodologies (e.g., forced drinking during “Big/Little” events) have led to injuries or deaths at multiple chapters of a national organization, it becomes difficult for that national body to claim ignorance or that the tragic outcome was “unforeseeable.” This pattern evidence is powerful in court.
• Enforcement of Policies: Courts will scrutinize whether national organizations genuinely enforced their anti-hazing policies or if these were merely “paper policies”—extensive rulebooks that were consistently ignored at the chapter level. If nationals received warnings, conducted perfunctory investigations, or imposed minimal punishments for prior violations, it severely undermines their defense.
• Impact on Litigation: This information impacts:
  • Settlement Leverage: Strong evidence of national negligence empowers victims to demand fair settlements.
  • Insurance Coverage Disputes: It can help overcome claims by insurers that hazing is an “intentional act” and thus excluded from coverage, by shifting the focus to the national organization’s negligent supervision.
  • Punitive Damages: In egregious cases where the national organization displayed a reckless disregard for student safety, evidence of a pattern of negligence can support claims for punitive damages, designed to punish and deter future misconduct.

Our firm aggressively investigates these national histories to build the strongest possible case for our clients in Haskell County and throughout Texas.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully pursuing a hazing case in Texas, whether it involves students from Haskell County or other areas, requires meticulous investigation, a thorough understanding of the law, and strategic litigation. This is not simply about proving an injury; it’s about exposing systemic failures and holding powerful institutions accountable.

7.1 Evidence

In the digital age, evidence in hazing cases is both abundant and fleeting. Our firm specializes in uncovering and preserving the critical pieces needed to build a strong case.

• Digital Communications: This is arguably the most critical category of evidence today.
  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and fraternity/sorority-specific apps are often treasure troves. These platforms reveal planning, intent, knowledge, who was involved, and what was said before, during, and after a hazing incident.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, and TikTok content can also provide crucial insights into activity and sentiment.
  • Crucially, while deleted messages can sometimes be recovered through digital forensics, immediate screenshots by victims or witnesses are gold standard.
• Photos & Videos:
  • Content filmed by members during hazing events, often shared in group chats or private social media.
  • Security camera footage from fraternity/sorority houses, campuses, or off-campus venues.
  • Photos or videos of injuries, humiliating acts, or forced drinking are invaluable.
• Internal Organization Documents: Subpoenas can uncover official pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, emails, and texts from officers planning hazing. National organizational policies and training materials are also vital for showing what they should have known or done.
• University Records: Through discovery in a lawsuit or public records requests (for public universities like UH, A&M, UT), we can obtain:
  • Prior conduct files, probation, or suspension records for the involved organization.
  • Incident reports from campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Clery reports and other disclosures that reveal patterns of misconduct.
  • Internal emails among administrators discussing the organization or specific hazing concerns.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These are essential for documenting the full extent of harm.
  • Emergency room and hospitalization records, including toxicology reports (blood alcohol content).
  • Records of surgeries, ongoing treatment, and physical therapy.
  • Psychological evaluations that document PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation directly related to the hazing.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts from other pledges, current or former members, roommates, Resident Assistants (RAs), coaches, or bystanders who observed the hazing or its aftermath are critical. Former members who quit or were expelled can be particularly powerful witnesses.

7.2 Damages

When hazing leads to injury or death, the law aims to compensate victims and their families for the full scope of their losses. While we cannot promise specific dollar amounts, we can explain the types of damages recoverable in Texas personal injury and wrongful death cases:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This includes immediate costs like ambulance transport, emergency room visits, and hospitalization (including ICU stays). It also covers long-term expenses such as physical therapy, ongoing psychiatric care, prescription medications, future surgeries, and for catastrophic injuries (like traumatic brain injury), a life care plan outlining all necessary medical and personal care for the victim’s lifetime.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This encompasses lost wages if the victim or a parent had to miss work. Critically, it also addresses the long-term impact on a student’s future through:
  • Lost semesters or forced withdrawals, leading to lost tuition and fees.
  • Loss of scholarships (academic, athletic, Greek).
  • Diminished future earning capacity if injuries are permanent, requiring an economic expert to project lifetime losses.
• Non-Economic Damages: These subjective but legally compensable damages include:
  • Physical pain and suffering from injuries, both immediate and ongoing.
  • Emotional distress, trauma, and profound humiliation (PTSD, anxiety, depression).
  • Loss of enjoyment of life, meaning the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, friendships, or experience the normal joys of youth.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): When hazing results in death, the surviving family members (parents, children, and a spouse) can recover substantial damages beyond immediate costs:
  • Funeral and burial expenses.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided over their lifetime.
  • Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society suffered by the family.
  • Grief and severe emotional suffering of the surviving family members.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Holding multiple parties accountable is key in hazing litigation:

• National fraternities, universities, and individuals often carry insurance policies that may cover claims related to personal injury.
• However, insurers frequently argue that hazing constitutes “intentional acts” or “criminal conduct,” which are often excluded from coverage. They may attempt to deny coverage and avoid their “duty to defend.”
• Our experienced hazing lawyers work to:
  • Identify all potential insurance policies, including those held by individuals, chapters, national organizations, and universities.
  • Navigate complex disputes regarding exclusions, arguing that negligence in supervision or failure to prevent foreseeable harm should trigger coverage.
  • Compel insurers to fulfill their duty to defend or settle rightfully within policy limits.

Understanding these complexities is how we strategically pursue the full range of damages for our clients, both in Haskell County and across Texas.

Practical Guides & FAQs

We understand that when hazing strikes, families in Haskell County and beyond need clear, actionable guidance. Here, we offer practical advice for parents, students, and witnesses, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Vigilance and communication are your best tools.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:
  • Unexplained Injuries: Look for bruises, cuts, or burns that don’t have a clear, believable explanation, or “accidents” that seem to happen frequently.
  • Extreme Exhaustion or Sleep Deprivation: Your child may seem constantly tired, falling asleep in unusual places, or complaining of mandatory late-night activities and early morning wake-up calls.
  • Drastic Mood Changes: Watch for sudden irritability, anxiety, depression, withdrawal from old friends, or an uncharacteristic secrecy about new activities.
  • Obsessive Phone Use: Your child might be constantly checking group chats, showing anxiety when their phone pings, or being forced to respond to commands at all hours.
  • Financial Strain: Unexpected demands for money, forced purchases, or strange “dues” or “fines” that don’t add up.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Start with open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with your [group]? Is anything making you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are paramount, and you will support them no matter what.
• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize medical care immediately. Do not delay. Document everything they tell you, including specific threats or demands, along with any visible injuries (photograph them from multiple angles with a ruler for scale). Save all digital and physical evidence.
• Dealing with the University: Document every conversation, email, and meeting with university administrators. Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization and what actions the school took. This documentation is crucial.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or concealing what happened, contact The Manginello Law Firm immediately.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

Your safety is paramount. Empower yourself with this knowledge:

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Am I being forced or pressured to do something I genuinely don’t want to do? Is this activity dangerous, degrading, embarrassing, or illegal? Would current members (or the organization’s national leadership, or my parents) approve if they knew exactly what was happening? If the activity needs to be kept secret from outsiders or makes you feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced—it’s hazing.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The law, and basic ethics, recognize that true “consent” is impossible in situations with such extreme power imbalances. Your desire to “belong,” peer pressure, and fear of exclusion or reprisal means any agreement is likely coerced, and thus not legally valid consent.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, you have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. Inform trusted family or friends first. You can send a simple email or text to the organization’s leadership stating you are resigning your membership/pledgeship. If you fear retaliation, report this concern to the university’s Dean of Students and campus police.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Texas law and most university policies offer protections to individuals who, in good faith, report hazing or call for medical assistance in an emergency, even if they were involved in underage drinking or other minor infractions. These amnesty policies are designed to encourage people to save lives without fear of severe punishment for minor violations.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: Acknowledging Your Role, Finding Your Voice

We understand if you carry guilt, fear, or a conflicting sense of loyalty.

• Your Testimony Matters: You have the power to help prevent future harm and save lives. Your evidence can be critical in holding individuals and institutions accountable.
• Legal Counsel: You may also need your own legal advice to understand your rights and potential exposure. While cooperation can be an important step toward accountability, it’s wise to have counsel. Our firm can help navigate your role as a witness or advise on potential criminal and civil implications.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: Parents often want to protect their child from further trouble, but deleting crucial evidence makes a legal case nearly impossible and can even constitute obstruction. Instead, preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content. Our video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) offers best practices for this.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: While emotionally understandable, directly confronting the organization will invariably lead them to lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses. Instead, document everything discreetly, then call a lawyer before any confrontation.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first. You could inadvertently waive your right to sue, and internal settlements are often far below the true value of your case.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: Sharing details publicly can severely compromise your case. Defense attorneys screenshot everything, and inconsistencies or public statements can hurt your credibility and waive legal protections. Instead, document privately and let your lawyer control any public messaging.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: Once you suspect hazing, any further contact can be used for pressure, intimidation, or to extract statements that hurt your case. All communication should go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities’ internal processes are often designed to protect the institution. Evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations can run out. Preserve evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately. The university process does not equal real accountability.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any recorded statement can be used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball. Politely decline and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities in Texas (like UH, Texas A&M, and UT) benefit from sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, specific state law violations, or federal claims like Title IX. Private universities (such as SMU and Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. Under Texas law, hazing is typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor. However, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face criminal charges for failing to report hazing.
• “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 hazing. Our legal system recognizes that what appears to be “agreement” 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 personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this period if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute of limitations might be tolled (paused). Time is critically important—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) provides more detail.
• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities or organizations can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and whether the hazing was foreseeable. Many major hazing cases that resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments, like the Pi Delta Psi retreat death, occurred off-campus.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. While public lawsuits are sometimes necessary for accountability, we can explore options to request sealed court records and negotiate confidential settlement terms to protect your family’s privacy.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the aftermath of hazing, you need more than just a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with the unparalleled expertise to tackle the complex legal and investigative challenges of hazing cases in Texas.

From our Houston office, a hub from which we serve clients across the entire state, including families in Haskell County, we bring a unique combination of inside knowledge and aggressive litigation experience. We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families far beyond college towns, reaching homes in Haskell County and every other corner of our diverse state.

Our firm offers distinct advantages for hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney for a national firm. She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies operate, how they value (and undervalue) hazing claims, their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Lupe Peña’s full background is available at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, is an expert in complex litigation. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on one of the largest corporations in the world. He has extensive federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas). We are not intimidated by national fraternities, powerful universities, athletic departments, or their well-funded defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants. You can 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 in complex wrongful death cases, collaborating with economists to accurately value the devastating loss of a life. We possess extensive experience valuing lifetime care needs for victims of catastrophic brain injuries or other permanent disabilities. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that compel accountability and secure truly fair compensation. Our wrongful death practice is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides us with a unique understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual perspective is crucial for understanding the full landscape of a hazing case and can be invaluable for advising witnesses and former members who may face dual exposure. Our criminal defense experience is outlined at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
• Investigative Depth: We leverage a robust network of experts, including medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. Our experience in complex industrial disaster litigation has honed our skills in uncovering hidden evidence, whether it’s deleted group chats, confidential chapter records, or internal university files obtained through discovery and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually operate behind closed doors. We know how to investigate modern hazing, how to compel discovery of hidden evidence, and what makes hazing cases distinct and challenging—from powerful institutional defendants and insurance coverage fights to the delicate balance of victim privacy and public accountability. Our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@Manginellolawfirm, features numerous educational videos on personal injury law, client rights, and effective evidence documentation. We believe in thorough investigation and real accountability, not quick settlements.

Call to Action for Haskell County Families

If your child or family member has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor, or another institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Haskell County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, justice, 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 for your family.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story with empathy and without judgment.
• We will review any evidence you have collected (photos, texts, medical records).
• We will explain your legal options: a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what you can expect during the legal process.
• We will answer your questions about costs – we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Our video “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc) fully explains this.
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; you can take your time to decide.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

Do not face this alone. Evidence disappears quickly, and institutions move fast to control the narrative.

Contact Attorney911 today:

• Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct (Houston Office): (713) 528-9070
• Cell (24/7): (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com

Hablamos Español – For a consultation in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español están disponibles para nuestra comunidad.

Reading this article does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is unique, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. An experienced attorney can review your specific facts, explain your rights under Texas law, and help you understand your best options.

Whether you’re in Haskell 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