Texas Hazing Litigation: A Comprehensive Guide for Johnson County Families and College Students

When a young person leaves the familiar comforts of Johnson County to embark on their college journey, parents expect them to face academic challenges, new freedoms, and perhaps a bit of homesickness. What no parent anticipates is that their child will be subjected to the dangerous, humiliating, and often illegal practices of hazing. In Texas, a state known for its vibrant college culture and strong traditions, hazing continues to cast a long, dark shadow over fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, military organizations, and many other student groups.

We at The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, understand the profound shock and helplessness families in Johnson County and across Texas feel when their child is harmed by hazing. From the quiet neighborhoods of Cleburne and Joshua to the bustling campuses of Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, and Waco, the threat of hazing touches nearly every community. Our firm is committed to empowering Johnson County families with the knowledge to recognize hazing, understand their legal rights, and hold responsible parties accountable.

1. Hook + Overview

1.1 The Nightmare On Campus: A Texas Story

Imagine this scenario, eerily familiar to so many Texas families: It’s “initiation night” at an off-campus fraternity house near a major university attended by students from Johnson County. Your son, a bright-eyed freshman, feels an overwhelming pressure to “fit in.” He’s told by older members he needs to “prove his loyalty” by participating in a “drinking game.” It’s not a game; it’s a brutal gauntlet of forced alcohol consumption, with older members chanting and filming on their phones. He’s pressured to chug handle after handle of liquor, his pleas to stop ignored or met with ridicule.

As the night wears on, your son collapses, barely breathing. The fear in the room is palpable, but no one wants to call 911. They’re terrified of “getting the chapter shut down” or facing disciplinary action. Precious minutes turn into hours as his condition deteriorates, his life hanging in the balance, all while the group tries to decide how to cover it up. He feels trapped, caught between loyalty to an organization that has betrayed him and his own desperate need for safety. This isn’t a rare occurrence; it’s a tragically common narrative playing out at campuses across the state where Johnson County families send their children.

1.2 Your Comprehensive Guide to Texas Hazing Law

This is a comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas, written specifically for families in Johnson County and across Texas who need to understand the realities of campus abuse. We will explore:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes to reveal its insidious modern forms.
• How Texas and federal laws define and address hazing, including criminal penalties and civil liability.
• The critical lessons learned from major national hazing cases and how these precedents apply to Texas families and our state’s universities.
• The specific challenges and histories of hazing at University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University—institutions where many Johnson County students pursue higher education.
• The legal options available to victims and families in Johnson County and throughout Texas seeking justice and accountability.

This article provides general information, not specific legal advice. While we serve families throughout Texas, including those in Johnson County and the surrounding communities of Cleburne, Burleson, and Mansfield, we encourage you to contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential evaluation of your individual case, as outcomes always depend on specific facts.

1.3 IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies, without hesitation. Prioritize their life and safety.
• 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, every action counts:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Injuries like alcohol poisoning, internal bleeding, or exertional rhabdomyolysis may not be immediately obvious but can be fatal.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately. These digital trails are often the most crucial evidence.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles, showing size and progression over time.
  • Save any physical items associated with the hazing, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in the rituals.
• Write down everything while your memory is fresh: who was there, what happened, when it happened, and where. Contemporaneous notes are invaluable.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This could lead to evidence destruction or witness intimidation.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice. You could inadvertently waive your rights.
  • Post details on public social media. This can compromise your case and be used against you.
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence. This can be viewed as obstruction.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate, and universities often move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve evidence, protect your child’s rights, and prevent critical mistakes from destroying your claim. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

2. Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Johnson County families, understanding modern hazing is crucial because it often looks very different from the “Animal House” movie stereotypes. Hazing is not just “a dumb prank” or “just partying”; it is a systemic abuse of power, designed to demean, control, and ultimately, break down new members, making them subservient to the group.

2.1 Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

In plain English, hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. This means that if someone is made to do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to become part of or stay in a club, team, or organization, and they don’t truly have a free choice, it’s hazing.

Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal. When there’s a significant power imbalance, peer pressure, or fear of social exclusion, consent is meaningless. Texas law, like many state laws, explicitly rejects “consent” as a defense to hazing.

2.2 Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms, often escalating from subtle psychological manipulation to extreme physical violence. Here are the main categories common at institutions attended by Johnson County students:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is by far the most common and often deadliest form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking, chugging challenges, “lineups” where pledges must drink until sick or unconscious, “games” that require rapid alcohol consumption, or being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances. Many hazing deaths result from acute alcohol poisoning.
• Physical Hazing: This includes forms traditional and brutal: paddling and beatings; extreme calisthenics, also known as “workouts” or “smokings,” pushed far beyond normal conditioning; sleep, food, or water deprivation; and exposure to extreme cold or heat, or other dangerous physical environments. Examples include the Texas A&M SAE chemical burns case where pledges were sprayed with industrial cleaner, causing severe injury.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply degrading category often involves forced nudity or partial nudity; simulated sexual acts, sometimes referred to as “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” positions; wearing degrading costumes; or acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, slurs, or role-playing. Such acts inflict profound psychological trauma.
• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but equally damaging, psychological hazing includes persistent verbal abuse, threats, forced social isolation, manipulation, or forced confessions of a personal nature. It can also involve public shaming, whether spoken in meetings or amplified on social media platforms.
• Digital/Online Hazing: This is a growing and stealthy form of hazing. It includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. Pledges are often pressured to create or share compromising images or videos and are frequently monitored or required to be “on call” for group chats at all hours, leading to sleep deprivation and intense anxiety.

2.3 Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is limited to “frat boys.” The reality is far broader, affecting a wide array of campus organizations across Texas. Hazing is a pervasive issue found in:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes traditional Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council groups, as well as National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) “Divine Nine” organizations and multicultural Greek letter organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: At institutions like Texas A&M, the Corps of Cadets, with its emphasis on discipline and tradition, has faced allegations of hazing that blur the line between rigorous training and abuse.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Organizations: Groups like the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin, or various social and spirit organizations, have been implicated in hazing rituals that aim to instill “unity” through dangerous means.
• Athletic Teams: Hazing permeates sports at all levels—from football and basketball to baseball, cheerleading, and swimming. The Northwestern University football hazing scandal is a stark reminder that even high-profile athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can fall prey to hazing, with “traditions” that include physical abuse or humiliating acts.
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with a hierarchical structure and an “initiation” process can be susceptible to hazing.

Hazing persists because it’s often cloaked in the guise of “tradition,” “bonding,” or “earning your letters.” The power dynamics, the desire for social status, and the ingrained culture of secrecy allow these harmful practices to continue, often unbeknownst to university administrators until a tragedy occurs.

3. Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is essential for Johnson County families seeking justice. Texas has robust laws designed to combat hazing, and these can be powerful tools in holding individuals and institutions accountable.

3.1 Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions enshrined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F (§ 37.151 et seq.). These laws make it clear that hazing is a serious offense with significant consequences.

Hazing is broadly 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.

In plain English, this means: if someone makes you do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. Key points include:

• Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing can happen on or off campus—in a dorm, a fraternity house, a private residence, or even an Airbnb.
• Mental or Physical Harm: The harm doesn’t have to be physical. Extreme humiliation, psychological manipulation, or threats that cause severe mental distress also count.
• State of Mind: The act doesn’t have to be malicious; “reckless” is enough. If the individual or organization knew the risk and ignored it, they can be held accountable.
• Consent is Not a Defense: One of the most critical aspects of Texas law is that consent to participate in hazing is not a defense. Even if the victim “agreed” to the activity, it’s still illegal if it meets the definition of hazing (§ 37.155). This directly addresses the power imbalance inherent in hazing.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing (§ 37.152):

• Class B Misdemeanor (Default): Hazing that doesn’t cause serious bodily injury can result in up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury that requires medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be prosecuted as a state jail felony, carrying more severe penalties.
• Failure to Report: Individuals who are members or officers of organizations, and who know about hazing but fail to report it, can also face misdemeanor charges.
• Retaliation: Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):

Organizations themselves can face criminal prosecution if they authorized, encouraged, or if an officer acting in an official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it. Penalties for organizations include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke their recognition. This means both individuals and the organization can be held criminally accountable.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§ 37.154):

Texas law provides immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who report hazing incidents in good faith to university or law enforcement authorities. Additionally, many university policies and Texas’s “Good Samaritan” laws offer amnesty for students who call 911 in medical emergencies, even if alcohol or drugs were involved. This encourages students to seek help instead of fearing punishment.

3.2 Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, there are typically two distinct legal avenues that can be pursued: criminal cases and civil cases.

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (prosecutors) against individuals or organizations accused of violating criminal hazing statutes or other laws (e.g., assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter). The primary goal is punishment, which can include fines, jail time, or probation. Criminal cases focus on whether a crime was committed and if the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving families against individuals and entities (fraternities, universities, property owners) responsible for the harm. The primary goal is monetary compensation for damages suffered (medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income) and to hold negligent parties accountable. Civil cases often focus on theories of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, or premises liability. The standard of proof is lower than in criminal cases (preponderance of the evidence).

It is important to understand that a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a successful civil case. The two processes often run in parallel, and a strong civil case can proceed even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also impact how hazing is addressed and reported at Texas colleges and universities.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates greater transparency and prevention efforts for hazing. Colleges and universities that receive federal funding will be required to publicly report hazing incidents, enhance their hazing education and prevention programs, and maintain public data on hazing violations and disciplinary actions. This public reporting is phased in by around 2026 and will provide crucial information for parents and potential students.
• Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based discrimination, or a hostile environment based on sex, federal Title IX obligations can be triggered. Universities have a legal duty to investigate and address such allegations promptly and effectively, regardless of whether they occur on or off campus.
• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents often involve crimes like assault, alcohol violations, or drug offenses, which fall under Clery reporting requirements. This act aims to provide students and parents with comprehensive data about campus safety.

3.4 Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

A hazing lawsuit can involve multiple defendants, each bearing a degree of responsibility for the harm caused. Identifying all potentially liable parties is a critical step in building a strong case.

• Individual Students: The students who planned, enabled, carried out, or helped cover up the hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes those who provided alcohol, inflicted physical harm, or organized the abusive events.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be sued as a legal entity. This liability often extends to officers and members acting in an official capacity (e.g., “pledge educators” or leadership roles) who organized or oversaw the hazing.
• National Fraternity / Sorority: The national headquarters carries significant responsibility. Their liability often hinges on whether they had knowledge of previous hazing incidents (either at the same chapter or others), failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, or provided inadequate oversight and training. They often have dedicated risk management departments because they are well aware of the dangers.
• University or Governing Board: While public universities in Texas enjoy some protections under sovereign immunity, exceptions exist. Universities can be held liable for negligence, particularly if they knew or should have known about hazing risks, failed to adequately supervise student organizations, or showed deliberate indifference to previous incidents. Private universities generally have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Other entities can also be implicated:
  • Landlords or Property Owners: If the hazing occurred on their property and they knew or should have known about dangerous activities, they might be liable under premises liability laws.
  • Alcohol Providers: Bars, liquor stores, or individuals who illegally furnish alcohol to minors that contributes to a hazing incident can face liability under “dram shop laws” or social host liability statutes.
  • Security Companies or Event Organizers: If employed for an event where hazing occurred, their negligence could contribute to liability.

Every case is unique, and the specific defendants targeted will depend heavily on the facts and evidence. Our job at Attorney911 is to thoroughly investigate every potential party who contributed to your child’s harm.

4. National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

To understand the severity and patterns of hazing at Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, it’s crucial to examine major national hazing incidents. These cases, which have made headlines and led to significant legal and legislative changes, provide critical insights into how hazing occurs, the devastating consequences, and the avenues for accountability that Johnson County families can pursue here in Texas.

4.1 Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and consistently tragic pattern in hazing involves forced or excessive alcohol consumption. This has led to numerous deaths and severe injuries across the country.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most high-profile hazing cases in recent history, 19-year-old pledge Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” event involving extreme alcohol consumption. Videos from the fraternity house showed him suffering multiple falls, including down a flight of stairs, resulting in traumatic brain injuries. Fraternity members waited nearly 12 hours to call for help, delaying critical medical attention. The tragedy led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation with confidential settlements, and the enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, which significantly strengthened anti-hazing statutes. This case highlighted the lethal combination of extreme intoxication, delayed medical care, and a dangerous culture of silence.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume large quantities rapidly. The incident resulted in multiple criminal prosecutions, with members pleading guilty to misdemeanor hazing. Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life and overhauled its policies. For Texas families, this case underscores how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights in Greek life are a repeating script for disaster, regardless of the university.
• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died from alcohol toxicity with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink heavily whenever they answered questions incorrectly. This tragedy spurred Louisiana to enact the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute with serious penalties. The Gruver family settled their civil lawsuit, and the case became a powerful example of legislative change following public outrage and clear proof of lethal hazing.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, 20, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night. This incident led to multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members, including the chapter president who was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million to the Foltz family. The Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and Bowling Green State University (a public institution) collectively agreed to a $10 million settlement with the family. The university’s portion of the settlement, nearly $3 million, demonstrates that even public institutions can face significant financial and reputational consequences, along with fraternities, when their negligence contributes to hazing deaths.

4.2 Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing continue to inflict severe injuries and even death, often in attempts to “prove worthiness” or maintain a distorted sense of tradition.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, 19, died after a violent “glass ceiling” ritual during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and wearing a heavy backpack, he was repeatedly tackled. After suffering traumatic brain injuries, fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours, attempting to cover up the incident. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case tragically illustrated how off-campus “retreats” can be dangerously unsupervised, and how national organizations can face severe sanctions, even criminal liability, for their chapters’ actions.

4.3 Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue within athletic programs, often disguised as “team building” or “character development.”

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): A major scandal erupted when former football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the Northwestern football program over several years. The allegations included forced naked “dry-humping” rituals and other deeply demeaning acts. This led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and its coaching staff. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later confidentially settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit with the university. The Northwestern case highlights that hazing is not limited to Greek life and that major athletic programs, with their high stakes and intense team cultures, can harbor systemic abuse, raising critical questions about institutional oversight.

4.4 What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national anchor stories, deeply tragic yet unfortunately representative, reveal common threads that run through hazing incidents across the country, including those that affect Johnson County students at Texas universities.

Common threads include:

• Forced drinking, humiliation, and violence.
• Delayed or denied medical care due to fear of repercussions.
• Systematic cover-ups to avoid accountability.

These cases unequivocally demonstrate that significant reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts are often realized only after a tragedy occurs and aggressive legal action is taken. For Johnson County families whose children attend UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, understanding these national precedents is vital. It shows that they are not alone in their struggle and that the legal landscape is increasingly shaped by robust efforts to hold institutions and individuals accountable for hazing.

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

For students from Johnson County, these five major Texas universities represent a significant portion of higher education choices, each with its own unique culture, but all facing the same persistent challenge of hazing. Our firm, Attorney911, serves families across Texas, including Johnson County, and we understand the specific nuances of these institutions.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

Students from Johnson County often choose UH for its strong academic programs and proximity to the vibrant opportunities of Houston. However, even in a diverse, urban setting, hazing remains a concern.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a large, dynamic urban university with a growing residential population alongside its commuter students. It boasts a diverse student body and an active Greek life, encompassing traditional IFC and Panhellenic chapters, along with robust NPHC and multicultural Greek councils. Beyond Greek life, numerous other student organizations contribute to campus culture.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

UH maintains a clear anti-hazing policy, prohibiting any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health and safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. This policy applies both on-campus and off-campus and specifically bans forced consumption of alcohol or controlled substances, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and activities causing mental distress. UH provides reporting channels through the Dean of Students’ office, Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). Certain hazing-related disciplinary actions are publicly listed on the university’s Student Life website.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

In 2016, the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at UH faced serious allegations. Pledges reportedly endured sleep and food deprivation during a multi-day event, with one student suffering a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was suspended by the university. While UH has taken disciplinary action against several fraternities for behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort, often involving alcohol misuse, these incidents highlight a persistent challenge across their Greek system despite stated policies.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Johnson County family seeking accountability for hazing at UH, involved agencies could include the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) and/or the Houston Police Department, depending on where the incident occurred. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university and property owners. Given UH’s status as a public university, any claim against the institution itself would need to navigate Texas’s sovereign immunity laws.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Report Hazing: Utilize UH’s official reporting channels through the Dean of Students, UHPD, or online reporting forms.
• Document Everything: If you suspect hazing, begin documenting any changes in your child’s behavior, physical condition, and communications. Preserve screenshots of group chats and photographs of injuries.
• Consult a Houston-Based Hazing Lawyer: Contact a law firm experienced in Houston-based hazing cases, like Attorney911, for guidance. We can help uncover prior disciplinary actions and internal university files, which are crucial for building a strong case.
• Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with UH’s specific hazing policies and the student code of conduct.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M is a beacon for many Johnson County students, particularly those drawn to its strong traditions, engineering programs, and the Corps of Cadets. However, the unique culture at Texas A&M, while fostering strong bonds, has also been linked to significant hazing challenges.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M in College Station is renowned for its deep-rooted traditions, fiercely proud student body, and the influential Corps of Cadets, a military-style organization that shapes a significant portion of campus life. Greek life also thrives, though often overshadowed by institutional traditions. The ethos of loyalty and tradition, while powerful, can sometimes be twisted into justification for hazing.

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M strictly prohibits hazing across all student organizations, explicitly defining it according to Texas law. Their policies cover forced consumption of substances, physical and psychological abuse, and anything that endangers mental or physical health for initiation or affiliation. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and specific mechanisms within the Corps of Cadets. The university emphasizes its commitment to investigating all reports and enforcing sanctions.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced multiple high-profile hazing incidents, highlighting issues in both Greek life and the Corps.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): This case involved two pledges who alleged that during a hazing ritual, they were subjected to strenuous physical activity and had substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns that necessitated skin graft surgeries. The pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity, and the chapter was suspended for two years by the university.
• Corps of Cadets (2023): A lawsuit filed in 2023 by a former cadet alleged extreme and degrading hazing. The cadet described being forced into 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, alleging that the university and specific individuals were aware of a culture of hazing within the Corps. Texas A&M publicly stated it handled the matter under its student conduct rules.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Johnson County families dealing with a hazing incident at Texas A&M, law enforcement involvement could range from the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) to the Bryan Police Department or Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, depending on jurisdiction. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over College Station and Brazos County. Claims often focus on both Greek life organizations and the Corps of Cadets, testing the boundaries of university oversight. As a public institution, Texas A&M’s sovereign immunity would be a factor in any claim directly against the university.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand Corps Regulations: If your child is in the Corps, familiarize yourself with their specific rules and channels for reporting concerns that go beyond training into abuse.
• Document Chemical or Physical Burns: In cases involving severe physical harm, such as chemical burns or rhabdomyolysis, immediate medical documentation and preservation of any contaminated clothing are critical.
• Seek Legal Counsel: For hazing at Texas A&M, especially involving physical injury or the unique culture of the Corps, contact an experienced hazing attorney who understands the complexities of Texas A&M-specific challenges and how to navigate claims against a large public university.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a common destination for high-achieving students from Johnson County and across Texas. While renowned for its academic excellence, UT has also grappled with a persistent hazing problem, particularly within its Greek system and various spirit organizations.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the UT System, a sprawling campus with a vibrant and influential Greek life, alongside numerous other student groups, including sports clubs, spirit organizations, and academic societies. Its location in the state capital often places it in the public spotlight, including for issues of student conduct.

5.3.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

UT Austin maintains a rigorous anti-hazing policy, clearly defining hazing under Texas law and prohibiting it across all student organizations, both on and off-campus. The university is notably transparent, publishing a detailed Hazing Violations page on its website. This page lists organizations, dates of incidents, a summary of the conduct, and the sanctions imposed, providing valuable public record. Reporting mechanisms include the Dean of Students’ office, the Office of Student Conduct, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), and anonymous online forms.

5.3.3 Example Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public violation logs detail numerous incidents across various organizations:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This fraternity was sanctioned after new members were allegedly directed to consume significant amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. The university found this to constitute hazing, resulting in chapter probation and mandatory hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (2023): A well-known spirit organization, the Texas Wranglers, was disciplined for hazing violations that included forced physical exercises and activities designed to degrade and humiliate new members.
• UT’s records also show other fraternities, such as Sigma Alpha Epsilon, facing disciplinary action for alcohol-related hazing, physical abuse allegations, and policy violations that compromise student safety.

These repeated violations, despite the university’s public reporting, underscore the ongoing challenge of combating hazing even at institutions with strong transparency.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Johnson County families pursuing a hazing case at UT Austin, law enforcement involvement would likely include the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) and/or the Austin Police Department. Civil lawsuits would be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Austin and Travis County. UT Austin’s public hazing violation log is a crucial asset in civil litigation, as it can be used to demonstrate prior incidents, patterns of misconduct, and the university’s knowledge of ongoing hazing problems, supporting claims of negligence or negligent supervision.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

• Review the UT Hazing Violations Page: Before joining an organization, students and parents should check UT’s official hazing violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) to understand any prior issues a group may have had.
• Utilize Transparency: If an incident occurs, use UT’s transparent reporting structure and ensure all communications and evidence are documented.
• Seek Legal Advice on Prior Violations: An experienced hazing attorney will know how to leverage UT’s public records to build a civil case, using prior violations to establish knowledge and foreseeability against the university and the organization.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

For Johnson County students attending or considering SMU, the experience often involves a robust Greek life. While a private institution, SMU is not immune to hazing.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University is a private, affluent university located in Dallas, Texas, known for its picturesque campus and strong emphasis on Greek life. Fraternities and sororities play a central role in the social fabric, and the desire to join can create intense pressure, sometimes leading to hazing.

5.4.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies, explicitly linked to Texas state law and enforced through its Office of the Dean of Students. Hazing, whether physical, mental, or involving alcohol/substances, is strictly prohibited. SMU employs reporting mechanisms such as online forms and anonymous reporting tools like “Real Response” to encourage students to come forward.

5.4.3 Example Incident & Response

In 2017, the Kappa Alpha Order chapter at SMU faced significant scrutiny after allegations of hazing surfaced. Reports suggested new members were subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended and faced strict restrictions on its activities and recruiting efforts for several years. This incident highlighted the challenges private universities face in controlling off-campus activities of student organizations.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Johnson County families involved in a hazing incident at SMU, law enforcement could include the SMU Police Department and/or the Dallas Police Department. Civil lawsuits related to SMU would typically be filed in courts within Dallas County. As a private university, SMU generally has fewer immunities than public institutions, potentially making claims against the university itself more direct, though they are still vigorously defended. Civil cases can compel discovery of internal university reports and disciplinary actions, even those not publicly posted.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand Private School Dynamics: Recognize that private universities like SMU have different internal investigative processes than public ones, though they are still bound by state law and their own policies.
• Document Discreetly: Due to potential social pressure, students should discretely document hazing incidents through screenshots and photos, backing up evidence outside of campus networks.
• Access Anonymous Reporting: Utilize SMU’s anonymous reporting options if direct reporting feels unsafe.
• Consult a Dallas Hazing Lawyer: Families dealing with SMU hazing should consult with a lawyer experienced in hazing cases in the Dallas metroplex, who understands private university litigation and their specific defense strategies.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University in Waco is a popular choice for many Johnson County students. Its faith-based mission and strong athletic presence contribute to a unique campus culture, which, like other universities, has faced challenges related to hazing.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is a private, Baptist Christian university known for its robust athletics, particularly its successful football program, and a campus culture deeply rooted in its faith-based mission. While Greek life exists, the university’s broader emphasis on community and tradition extends to numerous student organizations and athletic teams.

5.5.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor strictly prohibits hazing across all university-affiliated groups, enforcing policies consistent with Texas state law. Their Student Conduct Administration manages alleged violations, and reporting can be done through various university channels, including the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) and anonymous hotlines. Baylor’s policies emphasize a “zero tolerance” approach to activities that endanger student welfare.

5.5.3 Example Incident & Response

Baylor has faced scrutiny not just for Greek life hazing, but also within its prominent athletic programs.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An investigation into the Baylor baseball program revealed hazing activities that led to the suspension of 14 players. The suspensions were staggered over the early part of the season. This incident, while not directly involving Greek life, illustrated that hazing can permeate various high-profile areas of university life and how university disciplinary actions are often handled internally.

Baylor’s broader history with major scandals, particularly related to football and alleged mishandling of Title IX sexual assault cases, has placed its institutional oversight under a continuous microscope. These past challenges contribute to the context of how thoroughly the university might investigate and respond to hazing allegations.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Johnson County families facing hazing at Baylor, law enforcement involvement could include the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) and the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in courts within McLennan County. As a private university, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it more directly assailable in civil claims for negligence or other torts. However, their legal teams are sophisticated, and their prior experience with high-profile lawsuits means they defend vigorously.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand Baylor’s Culture: Be aware of Baylor’s unique blend of tradition, religious affiliation, and athletic prominence, and how these factors might influence group dynamics and hazing.
• Report to Leadership: If hazing occurs, ensure reports are made to appropriate Baylor leadership, Student Conduct, or BUPD, and follow up rigorously.
• Documentation: Maintain meticulous records of all communications, disciplinary actions (or lack thereof), and medical evidence.
• Consider Legal Action Early: Due to Baylor’s history with high-stakes litigation, engaging an experienced hazing attorney early is crucial to navigate their legal defenses and ensure a thorough investigation.

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

The Greek landscape at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor is often a complex web of local chapters deeply tied to powerful national organizations. For Johnson County families, understanding this connection is crucial because the national history of a fraternity or sorority can be highly relevant in a hazing lawsuit.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

When a student from Johnson County is harmed by hazing at a local chapter, whether in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, or Waco, it’s rarely an isolated incident. Many fraternities and sororities (including some prominent ones like Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, and Kappa Alpha Order) are part of national or international organizations. These national headquarters:

• Often have extensive anti-hazing manuals and sophisticated risk management policies. They implement these procedures because they have a long, painful history of deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits across their chapters.
• Are acutely aware of common hazing patterns, such as forced drinking nights, “Big/Little” rituals that go dangerously wrong, paddling traditions, and degrading initiation events. They know the script because it has played out repeatedly within their own organization.

This awareness is legally significant. When a Texas chapter repeats a dangerous “tradition” that has already led to injury or death at another chapter in a different state, it demonstrates foreseeability. It argues that the national organization knew or should have known about the inherent dangers of such activities and failed to adequately prevent them. This pattern of knowledge can significantly strengthen claims of negligence, gross negligence, and even punitive damages against the national entity, even if the direct incident occurred hundreds of miles away from the home office.

6.2 Organization Mapping: From Local Chapter to National Patterns

While we cannot list every chapter and their specific local incidents (as many are not publicly known), we can connect specific national organizations present at Texas universities to their broader, publicly documented hazing histories. This is crucial for Johnson County families to understand the deep-rooted issues within these organizations.

Here are some examples of major fraternities frequently found at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, along with their national histories of hazing.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity is present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT. Nationally, Pi Kappa Alpha has a tragic history of hazing deaths, most notably Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University (2021), who died from alcohol poisoning after a forced drinking ritual. Another case is David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (2012), who also died from alcohol poisoning, resulting in a $14 million settlement. These cases demonstrate a recurring pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing within the fraternity’s chapters.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. SAE has a national pattern of hazing-related deaths and severe injuries, including the University of Alabama (traumatic brain injury lawsuit, 2023), and specific incidents at Texas A&M (chemical burns, 2021) and UT Austin (assault lawsuit after party, 2024), where the chapter was already on suspension. The national organization even attempted, largely unsuccessfully, to eliminate its traditional pledge process in 2014 due to its recurrent issues.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. This fraternity is nationally known for the tragic death of Max Gruver at Louisiana State University (2017), who died from alcohol poisoning during a forced drinking game.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT. Pi Kappa Phi gained national attention for the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017), who succumbed to acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” hazing event.
• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Found at Texas A&M and SMU. Kappa Alpha Order has a nationwide history of hazing allegations and disciplinary actions, including the SMU chapter’s suspension in 2017 for paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, SMU, and Baylor. This fraternity is tragically associated with the death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University (2017), a landmark case involving extreme alcohol hazing and delayed medical care.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and Baylor. Nationally, Kappa Sigma has been linked to severe hazing incidents, including the $12.6 million jury verdict in the wrongful death of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami (2001) due to alcohol and forced swimming. Recent allegations at Texas A&M (2023) involve severe injuries related to rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Found at Texas A&M. This fraternity is connected to the devastating case of Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri (2021), who suffered permanent brain damage from extreme alcohol hazing, leading to multi-million-dollar settlements.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor. Nationally, Sigma Chi was recently ordered to pay more than $10 million in damages in a College of Charleston hazing lawsuit (2024) involving severe physical and psychological abuse, and faced a settlement in a University of Texas at Arlington case (2020) for alcohol poisoning from hazing.

These examples are not exhaustive but illustrate a critical point: when a Texas chapter repeats a script seen in other states or even within the same state at another university, it demonstrates that the organization had prior notice of the danger.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

Understanding these national patterns is integral to our legal strategy for Johnson County families. These cases serve as powerful evidence in civil lawsuits, demonstrating that:

• Foreseeability: National organizations, given their long histories of hazing incidents, often cannot credibly claim that a specific hazing activity leading to injury or death was “unforeseeable.”
• Failure to Enforce Policies: While national fraternities and universities may trumpet their anti-hazing policies, our investigation often reveals that these policies are merely “paper policies” – not meaningfully enforced, or that prior incidents were met with insufficient action.
• Punitive Damages: Evidence of repeated pattern of behavior, especially after multiple warnings or prior incidents, can be crucial in arguing for punitive damages, which are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future similar acts.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance defense, is uniquely positioned to anticipate and counter arguments from insurers who try to deny coverage by claiming hazing is an “intentional act” exclusion or that the national organization was unaware.

Our firm is well-equipped to investigate these national histories and connect them to the context of local chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor. We subpoena national records, examine risk management files, and delve into communications between local chapters and headquarters to uncover the full extent of institutional knowledge and responsibility.

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For Johnson County families devastated by hazing, the path to justice requires meticulous investigation, a comprehensive understanding of damages, and a robust legal strategy. At Attorney911, we approach every hazing case with the depth and precision of a complex litigation matter, leaving no stone unturned.

7.1 Evidence

The foundation of any successful hazing case rests on compelling evidence. Modern hazing, particularly with its digital component, leaves a distinct trail. We know how to unearth it.

• Digital Communications: These are the single most critical source of evidence in contemporary hazing cases. This includes messages from:
  • Group messaging apps like GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, iMessage/SMS threads, Discord servers, and even private fraternity/sorority apps. These show planning, intent, specific instructions, witness lists, and sometimes even explicit threats.
  • Social media platforms such as Instagram (posts, stories, DMs), Snapchat (snaps, stories, chat), and TikTok (videos, comments, DMs). We look for posts showing hazing events (even if disguised as “fun”), geographic tags, hashtags, and any shared content that victimizes pledges.
  • Emails and direct messages. It’s vital to screenshot full threads with timestamps and participant names, and to back up everything immediately to cloud storage or a secure email. Our firm advises on preserving texts (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), photos, and records carefully.
• Photos & Videos: Beyond screenshots, we look for actual photo and video recordings. This includes content filmed by members during hazing events, footage shared in private group chats, or security camera footage from houses or venues where hazing occurred. Such visual evidence can be undeniable proof of criminal and civil wrongdoing.
• Internal Organization Documents: Through legal discovery, we can compel the production of crucial internal records. This includes pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents, emails or texts from officers giving hazing instructions, national anti-hazing policies, and training materials. These documents often expose the systematic nature of the hazing.
• University Records: We meticulously investigate university records for patterns of misconduct. This includes prior conduct files related to the organization, probation or suspension records, letters of warning, incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices, Clery Act reports (showing broader safety issues), and Title IX complaints where applicable. These records can demonstrate a university’s knowledge of ongoing problems and their failure to intervene effectively.
• Medical and Psychological Records: Crucial for proving the extent of harm. This involves collecting emergency room reports, ambulance records, hospitalization notes (especially for ICU or surgery), lab results (blood alcohol content, toxicology, specific tests for conditions like rhabdomyolysis), imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs), and all follow-up treatment records. If psychological harm is present, evaluations from psychologists or psychiatrists diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or even suicidality are essential to document emotional distress.
• Witness Testimony: Often, the most powerful evidence comes from those who observed or participated in the hazing. This includes other pledges, current or former members, roommates, Resident Assistants (RAs), coaches, trainers, or any bystanders. Former members who have left the organization, often carrying immense guilt, can be particularly impactful witnesses.

7.2 Damages

The damages recoverable in a hazing case aim to compensate the victim and their family for the full spectrum of harm suffered, which can be extensive and life-altering. While every case is unique and we cannot promise specific outcomes, typical categories of damages include:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs related to physical injuries. It starts with immediate care (ambulance, ER, ICU stays, surgeries), then extends to ongoing treatment, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medications, and specialized care. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure, it can include the costs of lifetime care plans, which can amount to millions of dollars.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes lost wages if the victim or a parent had to take time off work due to the injury. More significantly, it covers lost educational opportunities (missed semesters, withdrawal from school, loss of scholarships) and the diminished future earning capacity if the injuries result in a permanent disability that affects their ability to work.
• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for pain and suffering that isn’t easily quantifiable but is deeply debilitating:
  • Physical Pain and Suffering: From the injuries themselves and any ongoing chronic pain.
  • Emotional Distress and Psychological Harm: This can be immense, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe depression, anxiety, humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, and fear. Psychological evaluations are key here.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life that the victim once enjoyed, and the overall reduced quality of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the most tragic hazing cases resulting in death, surviving family members (parents, spouses, children) can pursue wrongful death claims. These damages include:
  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, society, comfort, and guidance.
  • The emotional anguish and grief suffered by the surviving family members.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, each with their own legal team and, critically, their own insurance policies. Navigating this complex landscape is where the expertise of a specialized firm like Attorney911 becomes invaluable.

• Insurance Policies: National fraternities, sororities, universities, and even individual members often hold various insurance policies (liability, homeowner’s, umbrella) that may cover damages.
• Exclusion Arguments: Insurance companies frequently try to deny coverage by arguing that hazing, especially severe or intentional acts, falls under policy exclusions for “intentional conduct,” “criminal acts,” or simply “conduct not intended to be covered.”
• Our Counter-Strategy: With Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, we know precisely how insurers operate. We anticipate these exclusion arguments and craft claims based on negligent supervision, failure to warn, or failure to enforce policies, which are typically covered. We identify all potential sources of coverage, including the local chapter, national organization, university, property owners, and even individual members’ policies. We then aggressively litigate to force insurers to defend and ultimately pay valid claims. We will not hesitate to go to trial if insurers will not make a fair offer.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs

For Johnson County parents, students, and witnesses, having clear, actionable advice can make all the difference in a hazing emergency.

8.1 For Parents

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Here’s how Johnson County parents can protect their college-bound children.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be attuned to changes in your child. Look for:
  • Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, cuts) or repeated “accidents” with inconsistent stories.
  • Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation, looking constantly exhausted.
  • Drastic changes in mood, anxiety, depression, irritability, or withdrawal from family and old friends.
  • Sudden secrecy about organization activities, constant phone use for group chats at odd hours, or fear of missing “mandatory” events.
  • Academic decline, missing classes, or a sudden disinterest in schoolwork.
  • Financial strain or requests for unexplained funds.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach your child with empathy, not accusation. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority?” or “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are paramount, and you will support them no matter what. Reassure them that you won’t judge or get them “in trouble.”
• If Your Child is Hurt: Get them immediate medical care. Document everything: take clear photos of injuries, screenshot any texts or messages they show you, and write down every detail they tell you while it’s fresh. Save names, dates, and locations.
• Dealing with the University: Document every single communication with university administrators. Ask pointed questions about prior incidents involving the same organization and what the school did or didn’t do in response. Do not accept vague assurances.
• 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 actively hiding what happened, contact an experienced attorney immediately.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

For students from Johnson County entering college, recognizing hazing and understanding your rights can be lifesaving.

• Is this Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Am I being forced, pressured, or coerced to do something I don’t want to do? Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal? Would university officials or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening? Is this “tradition” truly about earning membership, or about embarrassing or punishing me? If you answered yes to any of these, it’s likely hazing. If the activity must be hidden from outsiders, it’s not a healthy tradition.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: In environments with power imbalances, immense peer pressure, and a deep desire to belong, “consent” is not truly voluntary. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges. This means that even if you “agreed” to participate, the act can still be illegal. Your rights are protected.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time without penalty. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation immediately and contact a trusted adult (parent, RA, counseling center). You can report hazing anonymously through campus hotlines or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many universities and Texas law provide amnesty or immunity for students who call for help in a medical emergency, even if underage drinking or hazing was involved. Your safety is more important than fear of getting in trouble.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were once part of a hazing incident, either as a participant or an observer, and now carry guilt or fear, your testimony can be instrumental in preventing future tragedies.

• Your Role in Accountability: Your voice can create profound change. Acknowledge your past involvement, but understand that providing truthful testimony and evidence can save lives, deliver justice to victims, and hold dangerous organizations accountable.
• Navigating Legal Exposure: It is wise to seek your own legal advice to understand your rights and potential exposure as a witness or former participant. Our firm can help you navigate these complexities responsibly.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Johnson County families pursuing hazing claims must avoid common missteps that can severely compromise or even ruin their case.

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence: What parents think (“I don’t want them to get in more trouble”) is often wrong. This looks like a cover-up, makes investigation nearly impossible, and can even constitute obstruction. Instead, preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content. Our video on client mistakes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) explains this in detail.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: While your instinct may be to express your outrage, direct confrontation immediately causes them to lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses. Document everything first, then call a lawyer before any confrontation.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms: Universities often pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. Doing so can waive your right to sue, and typically, these agreements resolve claims for far less than their actual value. Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer: While you may want to share your story, anything posted publicly can be screenshotted by defense attorneys, creating inconsistencies that hurt credibility and potentially waiving legal privileges. Document privately, let your lawyer control public messaging.
5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”: Organizations may try to intimidate or extract statements that hurt the case. Once you’re considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”: Universities will investigate, but their primary goal is often to protect the institution. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations runs out while you wait. Preserve evidence now and consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s process is not a substitute for real accountability.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Recorded statements will 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 like UH, Texas A&M, and UT, benefit from some sovereign immunity protections under Texas law. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations (if applicable), and when suing individual university employees in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, it can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default. However, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers of an organization can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report known 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 “agreement” under intense 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 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 graduate, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for an evaluation, as explained in our video on the statute of limitations (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c).
• “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 resulting in multi-million-dollar judgments have occurred off-campus, including at Airbnbs or private residences.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. While we prioritize justice and accountability, we also work to protect your family’s privacy and can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

9. About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions like universities and national fraternities fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we are uniquely positioned to represent Johnson County families in these complex and emotionally charged cases.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Johnson County and the surrounding communities of Cleburne, Burleson, and Mansfield. Our firm recognizes that hazing at Texas universities impacts students from every corner of our state.

Our unique qualifications are critical in hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, leverages her background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims, understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it. You can learn more about Lupe Peña’s experience at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record taking on formidable defendants. He was involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, one of the few Texas plaintiffs’ firms to do so, and has extensive federal court experience. We are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. His full credentials can be viewed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have built cases that have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/). We have experience valuing lifetime care needs for victims with brain injuries or permanent disabilities. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force accountability.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a unique understanding of how criminal hazing charges (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) interact with civil litigation. We can advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.
• Investigative Depth: We bring a network of experts—medical, digital forensics, economists, and psychologists—to every case. Our experience uncovers hidden evidence, from deleted group chats and social media content to subpoenaed national fraternity records and university files. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We understand that hazing cases are different. They involve powerful institutional defendants with experienced defense lawyers, complex insurance coverage fights, and the delicate balance of preserving victim privacy while seeking public accountability. We also understand the nuances of Greek culture, military traditions, and the psychological mechanisms of coercion essential for proving liability.

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to listen with empathy, get you answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We are focused on thorough investigation and real accountability, not just quick settlements.

9.2 Call to Action

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

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

What to expect in your free, confidential consultation:

• We will listen to your story without judgment.
• We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options: pursuing a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• We will answer your questions about costs. We work on a contingency fee basis (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc), which means we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; take the time you need to decide.
• Everything you tell us is confidential.

Contact Us Today:

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

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

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 options.

Whether you’re in Johnson County, Houston, Austin, Dallas, 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