What Kendall County Families Need to Know About Hazing at Texas Universities: A Definitive Guide

The phone rings late on a Friday night, much later than usual. It’s your son, home for the weekend from a major Texas university near Kendall County, his voice shaking. He sounds different—not the confident, optimistic young man who left home just weeks ago. He’s had “initiation night” for the fraternity he’s been pledging, and he looks like he’s been through war. He’s bruised, exhausted, and speaks in terrified whispers about being forced to drink until he blacked out, enduring endless calisthenics, and being publicly humiliated in front of older members who filmed it all on their phones. Someone got hurt tonight, perhaps badly, and now everyone is being told to delete messages and keep quiet. He feels trapped, loyal to his “brothers” but terrified for his own safety.

This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s a harsh reality facing families in Kendall County and across Texas every year. The dream of college life—the camaraderie, the tradition, the personal growth—can quickly devolve into a nightmare of abuse, injury, and even death, hidden behind a cruel code of silence. When your child leaves the comfort of communities like Kendall County to pursue higher education, you trust that their safety and well-being will be protected. Yet, hazing incidents continue to plague campuses, leaving families shattered and institutions scrambling for cover.

This comprehensive guide is written for families in Kendall County and throughout Texas who need to understand:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, far beyond mere pranks or harmless traditions.
• How Texas and federal laws define and address hazing, both criminally and civilly.
• The critical lessons we can draw from major national hazing cases and their direct relevance to Texas families.
• What has been happening at prominent Texas institutions such as 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 and recourse available to victims and their families in Kendall County and across the state.

We understand that for families in Kendall County, the universities themselves may seem distant, whether your child attends a school in Houston, Austin, College Station, Waco, or Dallas. However, the legal and emotional landscape of hazing crosses county lines. Even if your child attends school far from Kendall County, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help. This article provides general information and is not specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm can evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts and we serve families throughout Texas, including Kendall County.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

• In the first 48 hours:

  • Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
    • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately.
    • Photograph injuries from multiple angles and over several days to show progression.
    • Save physical items, such as clothing worn during the hazing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used.
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh: who, what, when, and where.
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity/sorority or other organization directly.
    • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company.
    • Post details on public social media platforms.
    • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

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

  • Evidence disappears fast due to deleted group chats, destroyed property, and coached witnesses.
  • Universities often move quickly to control the narrative surrounding hazing incidents.
  • We can help preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights from the outset.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Kendall County families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or collegiate organizations, hazing is often misunderstood. It’s no longer confined to simple pranks or embarrassing acts from decades past. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, insidious, and often digitally enabled, causing profound physical and psychological harm. At its core, hazing refers to any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, forced, coerced, or strongly pressured, tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group. These actions inherently endanger physical or mental health, humiliate, or exploit individuals.

Crucially, the defense of “I agreed to it” or “they consented” does not automatically make hazing safe or legal. In environments rife with peer pressure, a desire for belonging, and significant power imbalances, true consent is often impossible.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms, often escalating in severity. Understanding these categories is essential for recognizing when a “tradition” has crossed the line into illegal and harmful activity.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing
  This is one of the most prevalent and dangerous forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often to the point of blacking out or alcohol poisoning. This can include:

  • Chugging challenges, “lineups,” or drinking games requiring rapid, high-volume consumption.
  • Being pressured to consume unknown or mixed alcoholic beverages.
  • Forced consumption of other illegal or dangerous substances.

• Physical Hazing
  Physical hazing targets a pledge’s body, often with the intent to “break them down” or test their endurance. Examples include:

  • Paddling and beatings, often camouflaged as “initiation” rituals.
  • Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” that go far beyond normal athletic conditioning, leading to exhaustion, injury, or rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown).
  • Forced sleep deprivation, combined with mandatory late-night activities.
  • Food or water deprivation.
  • Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous physical environments, such as being stranded.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
  This category of hazing is designed to degrade individuals, often targeting their dignity and self-respect. It can leave lasting psychological scars:

  • Forced nudity or partial nudity.
  • Simulated sexual acts, derogatory poses (like the “roasted pig” position), or wearing degrading costumes.
  • Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, including the use of slurs or forced role-play, which inflict emotional and cultural trauma.

• Psychological Hazing
  Often overlooked but profoundly damaging, psychological hazing manipulates a pledge’s mental state:

  • Verbal abuse, constant yelling, insults, and threats.
  • Isolation from friends and family, making the pledge dependent on the group.
  • Manipulation or forced confessions of personal or embarrassing information.
  • Public shaming, whether personally, on social media, or in group meetings.
  • Constant intimidation and fear-mongering designed to maintain control.

• Digital/Online Hazing
  The rise of social media and communication apps has created new avenues for hazing, making it 24/7 and often harder to escape:

  • Group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord.
  • Pressure to create or share compromising images or videos.
  • Constant monitoring of digital activity, demanding immediate responses from pledges.
  • Cyberstalking or harassment if pledges do not comply with demands.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not exclusive to one type of organization or student body. While fraternities and sororities frequently make headlines, the reality is far broader. This includes:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This encompasses all councils—Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These groups, often with deeply ingrained traditions, can foster environments where hazing is mistaken for discipline or team-building.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Groups like the Texas Cowboys at UT, or various spirit organizations, may engage in practices that cross the line into hazing.
• Athletic Teams: From football to cheerleading, pervasive hazing rituals often involve younger players enduring abuse from older teammates.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even in artistic and academic organizations, hazing can occur as a form of “bonding” or “initiation.”
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with a hierarchical structure and initiation process can become a hazing ground.

For Kendall County families, it’s crucial to understand that social status, the allure of tradition, and a deep-seated culture of secrecy are powerful forces that allow these harmful practices to persist, even when participants “know” hazing is illegal and dangerous. The pressure to conform, to “earn your letters,” or to uphold a “tradition” often outweighs a student’s better judgment and sense of self-preservation. This psychological manipulation is a cornerstone of modern hazing.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is paramount for families in Kendall County. Both state and federal laws are designed to combat hazing, providing avenues for criminal prosecution and civil recourse.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, primarily Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

This definition carries significant implications for Kendall County families:

• Location is irrelevant: An act can be considered hazing whether it happens on campus or off campus, in a fraternity house, an Airbnb, or a remote ranch.
• Harm can be physical or mental: Hazing isn’t limited to physical injury; severe psychological trauma or degradation counts as well.
• Intent doesn’t require malice: The perpetrator doesn’t need to intend to cause severe harm. “Reckless” conduct—meaning they knew of the risk but disregarded it—is enough.
• “Consent” is not a defense: As Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states, it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the activity. This is critical because it acknowledges the inherent coercion in hazing environments.

Criminal Penalties:
Hazing carries criminal penalties under Texas law:

• By default, hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor.
• It escalates to a Class A Misdemeanor if the hazing causes bodily injury.
• If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be prosecuted as a State Jail Felony. Felony convictions can lead to prison time and substantial fines.
• Additionally, failing to report hazing when you have knowledge of it, or retaliating against someone who reports hazing, are also misdemeanor offenses.

These provisions are designed to punish offenders and deter future hazing. However, they are a summary and the actual law is more technical in the code.

Organizational Liability:
Texas law also allows organizations themselves to be held criminally accountable for hazing. Under § 37.153, an organization (like a fraternity, sorority, or club) can face criminal prosecution if it authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if 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 the university can revoke the organization’s recognition, effectively banning it from campus. This highlights that both individuals and the organizations they belong to can be held criminally responsible.

Reporter Protections:
Texas Education Code § 37.154 provides immunity for individuals who report hazing in good faith. A person who genuinely reports a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from that report. Furthermore, in medical emergencies, Texas law and many university policies offer amnesty for students who call 911 for help, even if they were engaged in underage drinking or other violations. This is intended to encourage prompt medical attention without fear of punishment.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

While related, criminal and civil hazing cases serve different purposes and have distinct outcomes for Kendall County families.

• Criminal Cases:

  • These are brought by the state (a prosecutor, such as a District Attorney).
  • The aim is to punish the individuals or organizations responsible.
  • Penalties can include fines, jail time, or probation.
  • Common hazing-related criminal charges beyond hazing itself include assault, sexual assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, and, in tragic cases, negligent homicide or manslaughter.

• Civil Cases:

  • These are initiated by the victims or, in cases of wrongful death, their surviving family members.
  • The primary aim is to recover monetary compensation for the harms suffered and to hold responsible parties (individuals, organizations, universities) accountable.
  • Civil lawsuits often focus on legal theories such as:
    • Negligence and gross negligence (failure to exercise reasonable care, or acting with conscious disregard for safety).
    • Wrongful death (when a death results from a negligent or wrongful act).
    • Negligent hiring/supervision (when institutions fail to properly vet or oversee staff or student leaders).
    • Premises liability (when an injury occurs due to unsafe conditions on property).
    • Intentional infliction of emotional distress.

It is important for Kendall County families to understand that a criminal conviction is not required to successfully pursue a civil case. The burden of proof is lower in civil cases, and families can achieve accountability and compensation even if criminal charges are never filed or do not result in a conviction.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also play a crucial role in shaping the hazing landscape, particularly for universities that receive federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):
  This significant federal legislation requires colleges and universities receiving federal aid to implement more robust anti-hazing measures. Key provisions include:

  • Increased transparency: Institutions must publicly report hazing incidents and related disciplinary actions.
  • Enhanced prevention: Colleges must strengthen their hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Public data: By approximately 2026, universities will be required to maintain and disclose public data on hazing incidents. This will provide more clarity for families in Kendall County about the prevalence of hazing at specific institutions.

• Title IX / Clery Act:
  When hazing involves aspects of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, federal Title IX obligations are triggered. This requires universities to investigate and respond promptly to such allegations. The Clery Act requires colleges to report campus crime statistics and maintain campus safety policies, a mandate that often overlaps with hazing incidents involving assault, alcohol, or drug-related offenses. These federal laws provide additional layers of protection and accountability for students.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

One of the complexities of hazing litigation for Kendall County families is identifying all potentially liable parties. An experienced hazing attorney meticulously investigates each case to ensure all responsible individuals and entities are held accountable.

• Individual Students:
  The students directly involved in planning, facilitating, or carrying out the hazing acts, supplying alcohol, or participating in cover-ups can be held personally liable. This includes “pledge educators” or “new member coordinators.”

• Local Chapter / Organization:
  The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be sued, especially if it operates as a legal entity. Its officers and members acting in an official capacity, or those who knew about hazing and failed to report it, can also face liability.

• National Fraternity / Sorority:
  The larger national organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon) can be held liable. This often depends on factors such as their knowledge of prior incidents at other chapters, their failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, collect dues from the chapter, or exercise sufficient oversight. Their broad anti-hazing policies often exist precisely because of past tragedies, which can demonstrate foreseeability.

• University or Governing Board:
  The college or university itself can be sued for negligence or, in some cases, civil rights violations. Liability often hinges on whether the institution had prior warnings, failed to adequately enforce its own policies, or was “deliberately indifferent” to a known risk of hazing. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) may claim sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist, especially for gross negligence or when individual employees are sued in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections.

• Third Parties:
  Other entities can sometimes be held responsible, including:

  • Landlords or property owners of off-campus houses or event venues where hazing occurred.
  • Alcohol providers such as bars or liquor stores, under “dram shop laws,” if they illegally served minors who were subsequently harmed or contributed to the hazing.
  • Security companies or event organizers who failed in their duty to ensure safety.

Every hazing case is fact-specific, and not every party will be liable in every situation. A thorough investigation is required to identify all potential defendants and build a comprehensive case for accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic hazing incidents that make national headlines may seem distant to Kendall County families, but they establish crucial legal precedents and expose patterns of institutional failure that are highly relevant to hazing cases in Texas. These stories highlight the severe consequences of hazing and the lengths to which victims and their families have gone to seek justice and drive change.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced or excessive alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing-related deaths. These cases demonstrate a chilling pattern:

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017):
  In a grim “bid-acceptance” event, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. He subsequently fell multiple times, suffering traumatic brain injuries. Chilling fraternity security camera footage showed members delaying calling for help for hours, exacerbating his injuries. This tragedy led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, comprehensive civil litigation, and the enactment of the groundbreaking Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. For Texas families, this case underscores how extreme intoxication, a deliberate delay in seeking medical care, and a pervasive culture of silence can converge with devastating legal consequences.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):
  During a “Big Brother Night” event, Andrew Coffey, a pledge, was given a handle of hard liquor and pressured into dangerous levels of consumption. He tragically died from acute alcohol poisoning. The incident resulted in multiple criminal prosecutions, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life, initiating a period of comprehensive policy overhaul. This case tragically illustrates how formulaic, generational “tradition” driven by forced drinking often becomes a predictable script for disaster.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017):
  Max Gruver died from alcohol toxicity with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers led to forced drinking. His death sparked public outrage and directly led to the passing of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making felony hazing a reality with serious prison time. This tragedy exemplifies how legislative change often follows high-profile fatalities and undeniable evidence of hazing, impacting the legal landscape across the nation.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):
  During a “Big/Little” pledge night, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol, dying from alcohol poisoning. The aftermath saw multiple criminal convictions for hazing-related charges against fraternity members. Significantly, Bowling Green State University—a public institution—agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the Foltz family, with other settlements reached with the national fraternity and individuals. This landmark case demonstrates that universities, alongside fraternities, face profound financial and reputational consequences for their role in failing to prevent hazing deaths.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized abuse continues to claim lives and cause severe injuries:

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
  Michael Deng, a pledge, was subjected to a violent “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and weighted down with a backpack, he was repeatedly tackled. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, and tragically, help was delayed. Multiple fraternity members were convicted of crimes, and the Pi Delta Psi national fraternity was itself criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case is crucial for Kendall County families because it proves that off-campus “retreats” are not insulated from accountability, and national organizations can be held criminally and civilly liable.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue within athletic programs, often overlooked due to a focus on competitive culture and loyalty.

• Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023–2025):
  Former football players at Northwestern University came forward with allegations of widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. The scandal led to multiple lawsuits against the university and its coaching staff, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later confidentially settled a wrongful-termination suit), and a national reckoning. This case serves as a powerful reminder that hazing extends beyond Greek organizations and can be deeply entrenched within major, high-profile athletic programs, often fueled by a win-at-all-costs mentality and systemic institutional oversight failures.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national anchor stories, while geographically diverse, share critical common threads that demand attention from families in Kendall County:

• Consistent patterns: Forced drinking, humiliation, physical violence, deliberate delays in seeking medical attention, and widespread cover-ups are recurring themes.
• Post-tragedy reforms: Unfortunately, significant legal and institutional reforms, along with multi-million-dollar settlements, often only occur after a tragedy and subsequent determined litigation.
• Texas relevance: Families facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are operating within a legal landscape heavily shaped by these national lessons. The legal strategies developed in these cases directly inform how similar cases are built and litigated in Texas.

Understanding these patterns empowers families to recognize that their children’s experiences, however isolated they may feel, are part of a larger, systemic problem that demands accountability.

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

For Kendall County families, the reality of hazing often hits closest to home when it involves a Texas university. Whether your child attends a school across the state or one closer to Kendall County, like the University of Texas at Austin, the legal and cultural dynamics of these institutions are critical. The Manginello Law Firm serves families throughout Texas, including Kendall County, and maintains a deep understanding of these specific university environments. While the University of Texas at Austin draws many students from Kendall County and is our closest major university focus, we recognize that children from Kendall County attend universities across the state.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

5.1.1 Campus & culture snapshot

The University of Houston is a large, diverse urban campus, serving a mix of commuter and residential students. Its Greek life is vibrant and includes a wide range of fraternities and sororities from various councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural). Coupled with numerous student organizations, sports clubs, and cultural groups, UH fosters a dynamic environment, yet one not immune to hazing risks. Many families in Texas, including those from Kendall County who seek diverse and thriving urban educational experiences for their children, send students to UH.

5.1.2 Hazing policy & reporting

The University of Houston maintains a clear stance against hazing, defining it broadly and prohibiting it whether on-campus or off-campus. Their policy explicitly bans forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and activities designed to cause mental distress as part of initiation or affiliation. UH provides official reporting channels through the Dean of Students’ office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). They also post a public statement regarding hazing and some disciplinary information on their website, though a publicly accessible, detailed violations list like UT’s is less common.

5.1.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

One notable incident occurred in 2016 involving Pi Kappa Alpha. Pledges were allegedly subjected to significant deprivation of food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. This culminated in one student reportedly suffering a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges, and the university initiated disciplinary action leading to suspension. Following incidents have also included disciplinary actions against fraternities for behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort, including alcohol misuse and other policy violations, resulting in various levels of probation or suspension. These examples highlight UH’s proactive measures in suspending chapters, but also the challenges in ensuring full transparency, as detailed public violation reports can be limited.

5.1.4 How a UH hazing case might proceed

Given UH’s location in Houston, hazing cases might involve the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) for on-campus incidents, or the Houston Police Department (HPD) for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. Potential defendants would include the individual students, the local chapter itself, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university and property owners. The Manginello Law Firm, with its primary office in Houston, possesses direct knowledge of the local legal community, court systems, and law enforcement agencies, offering a distinct advantage for families pursuing justice in such cases.

5.1.5 What UH students & parents should do

For UH students and their families:

• Understand UH’s reporting mechanisms: Familiarize yourself with the Dean of Students’ office, UHPD, and online reporting forms.
• Document all communications: Keep records of any interactions with university administrators, including dates, times, and what was discussed.
• Seek legal advice early: If hazing occurs, contacting a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can help navigate university processes, ensure evidence is preserved, and potentially uncover prior discipline and internal university files.
• Prioritize safety: If physical harm or danger is present, immediately call 911 (for medical emergencies) or UHPD/HPD.
• Preserve digital evidence: Crucial for any modern hazing case, screenshot group chats, texts, photos, and videos.

5.2 Texas A&M University

5.2.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Texas A&M University in College Station is renowned for its deep-rooted traditions, unique “Aggie spirit,” and the prominent Corps of Cadets. This environment, steeped in military-style discipline and highly structured hierarchical systems, unfortunately, can sometimes provide cover for hazing practices masked as “tradition” or “character development.” Many families from Kendall County, particularly those valuing strong traditions, send their children to Texas A&M. The university and its surrounding Brazos Valley area serve as the heart of Aggie culture, attracting students from across Texas and beyond.

5.2.2 Hazing policy & reporting

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, both on and off campus, under its Student Rules. Their policy, like many others, broadly defines hazing to include any act that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Hazing at A&M also includes strict prohibitions against physical abuse, coerced consumption of substances, mental distress, and humiliation. Reporting channels typically go through the Division of Student Affairs, Student Conduct Office, the Corps of Cadets leadership (for Corps-related incidents), and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD).

5.2.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

Texas A&M has faced multiple hazing allegations across Greek life and the Corps. A federal lawsuit filed around 2021 against Sigma Alpha Epsilon alleged that pledges suffered severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin grafts after being covered in a dangerous mix of substances, including industrial-strength cleaner. The chapter was suspended, and the pledges sought over $1 million in damages. More recently, in 2023, a former Cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing within the Corps of Cadets, including simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million, highlighting persistent concerns within the Corps despite official prohibitions. These incidents demonstrate that hazing at A&M impacts both Greek life and its revered Corps traditions.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M hazing case might proceed

Hazing cases at Texas A&M would likely involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) for criminal investigations, or the College Station Police Department for off-campus incidents. Civil suits would typically be filed in McLennan County courts. Given the strong traditions within the Corps and Greek life, lawsuits often examine the university’s oversight of these organizations and the role of alumni, if any, in perpetuating hazing culture. Potential defendants include individual students, the local chapter, relevant national organizations, and potentially university personnel or even the university itself, depending on the specifics and facts that emerge.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M students & parents should do

For Texas A&M students and their families:

• Understand A&M’s specific hazing rules: Particularly for those in the Corps, differentiate between tradition and illegal hazing.
• Document all incidents: Maintain meticulous records of any hazing, including dates, times, individuals involved, and specific acts.
• Utilize official reporting channels with caution: While you should use UPD and Student Conduct, also be aware of the need to preserve your own evidence outside of institutional channels.
• Prioritize medical attention: For injuries or intoxication, seek immediate medical care, ideally documenting that hazing was the cause.
• Contact an experienced hazing attorney: Given the institutional complexities and strong defenses that often arise, legal counsel is critical to navigate the unique landscape of Texas A&M.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & culture snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution in the heart of the state, attracting thousands of students from Kendall County and across the nation. Its vibrant campus culture is synonymous with a thriving Greek life, diverse student organizations, and deeply ingrained traditions, all set against the backdrop of a bustling urban environment. This dynamic milieu, while offering unparalleled opportunities, also presents a complex landscape where hazing unfortunately persists across various student groups.

5.3.2 Hazing policy & reporting

UT Austin has one of the most visible and thorough anti-hazing policies and reporting mechanisms among Texas universities. Their policy aligns with Texas Education Code, prohibiting any act causing mental or physical harm for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. UT’s Office of the Dean of Students is the primary reporting hub, and cases are investigated by Student Conduct and Academic Integrity. A unique feature for families in Kendall County is UT’s public online database of hazing violations, which transparently lists organizations, dates of incidents, a description of the conduct, and the disciplinary sanctions imposed. This transparency is a significant asset for victims and attorneys.

5.3.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

UT Austin’s public database offers numerous examples of documented hazing:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The chapter was found responsible for hazing after new members were directed to consume milk to induce vomiting and perform strenuous calisthenics. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement enhanced hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (2022): This spirit organization was sanctioned for hazing violations that included forced physical activity, blindfolding, and coerced participation in embarrassing rituals.
• Various other fraternities, sororities, and student organizations have faced disciplinary action for alcohol-related hazing, sleep deprivation, and other forms of physical and psychological abuse.

These public disclosures confirm that hazing is an ongoing problem across various student groups at UT, despite the university’s efforts at transparency and enforcement.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin hazing case might proceed

Given UT’s location in Austin, hazing cases typically involve the UT Police Department (UTPD) for on-campus incidents or the Austin Police Department (APD) for off-campus events. Civil suits would be filed in Travis County courts. A key advantage for families pursuing a civil case against UT or its organizations is the university’s public hazing violations log. These prior incidents can be powerful evidence to show a pattern of misconduct, demonstrate foreseeability of harm, and prove that the university or national organizations had knowledge of ongoing hazing risks but failed to act effectively.

5.3.5 What UT Austin students & parents should do

For UT Austin students and their Kendall County families:

• Review UT’s public hazing violations log: Use this resource (hazing.utexas.edu) to understand the history of organizations before joining.
• Document everything: Given the strong digital component of hazing, meticulously screenshot all group chats, texts, and social media posts.
• Understand UTPD and APD roles: Know who to contact for criminal matters, and remember that calling 911 for emergencies is paramount.
• Prioritize legal consultation: Given the complexity and UT’s institutional defenses, consulting with a lawyer experienced in Travis County hazing cases is essential to ensure maximum accountability.
• Seek mental health support: UT’s Counseling and Mental Health Center offers confidential support for students experiencing trauma.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a prestigious private university located in Dallas, known for its beautiful campus, strong academic programs, and vibrant social scene. SMU attracts a significant number of students from affluent backgrounds across Texas, including Kendall County. The university has a prominent Greek life system and various student organizations, reflecting its commitment to fostering a rich campus experience. However, like many institutions with a strong Greek presence, SMU has faced its share of challenges related to hazing.

5.4.2 Hazing policy & reporting

SMU strictly prohibits hazing, defining it in alignment with Texas law to include any act that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for initiation or affiliation purposes. SMU emphasizes that consent is not a defense, and that hazing activities extend beyond physical abuse to encompass psychological harm, forced consumption of substances, and even subtle forms of intimidation. The university provides various reporting mechanisms, including its Office of the Dean of Students, student conduct processes, and anonymous reporting systems like “Real Response,” designed to encourage students to come forward without fear.

5.4.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

SMU has had its share of hazing incidents that led to disciplinary action against various fraternities and sororities. A notable incident involving Kappa Alpha Order around 2017 involved allegations that new members were subjected to physical abuse, including paddling, forced consumption of alcohol, and sleep deprivation. This led to the chapter’s suspension and significant restrictions on its recruiting activities for several years. Other instances have involved various Greek organizations being placed on probation for violations of hazing policy, reflecting ongoing battles against the practice on campus. Due to its status as a private institution, SMU’s internal disciplinary records are not always as publicly accessible as those of state universities, which can make it more challenging for families to track patterns without legal assistance.

5.4.4 How an SMU hazing case might proceed

Hazing cases at SMU would typically involve the SMU Police Department (SMU PD) for campus-based criminal matters, or the Dallas Police Department (DPD) for incidents occurring off-campus. Civil lawsuits would be filed in Dallas County courts. As a private university, SMU may not invoke sovereign immunity in the same way public institutions do, which can impact the legal strategies available to plaintiffs. Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and potentially university personnel or SMU itself, depending on the specific allegations and evidence of institutional failure.

5.4.5 What SMU students & parents should do

For SMU students and their Kendall County families:

• Be aware of subtle hazing: SMU’s culture, while rich in tradition, may still harbor less overt forms of hazing that can be equally damaging.
• Utilize anonymous reporting: SMU’s “Real Response” system can be a discreet way to report concerns without immediate direct confrontation.
• Document rigorously: Since SMU’s disciplinary records are not always public, maintaining personal records of incidents, communications, and any evidence is even more critical.
• Seek prompt medical attention: Ensure that any injuries are immediately treated and thoroughly documented by medical professionals, with the cause clearly stated.
• Consult a Dallas hazing attorney: The specific nuances of private university litigation in Dallas County make experienced legal counsel invaluable for navigating SMU’s internal processes and pursuing civil remedies effectively.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, is a private Christian university with a strong religious affiliation and a conservative culture. While known for its academic rigor and school spirit, particularly around its renowned athletic programs, Baylor has faced significant scrutiny in recent years regarding misconduct and institutional oversight, most notably concerning a widespread sexual assault scandal that deeply impacted its reputation. This history informs its response to other forms of student misconduct, including hazing, and affects how families in Kendall County might view the university.

5.5.2 Hazing policy & reporting

Baylor University maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that aligns with Texas law, explicitly prohibiting any activity that causes mental or physical harm for the purpose of initiation, membership, or status in any student organization. Baylor’s policy covers both on-campus and off-campus activities, making it clear that “tradition” is no excuse for hazing. Students are encouraged to report hazing through the Dean of Students’ office, the Department of Student Activities, or the Baylor Police Department (BUPD). The university emphasizes its commitment to a “zero-tolerance” approach, particularly in light of its recent past.

5.5.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

Despite its strong anti-hazing policies and a commitment to reform, Baylor has still seen hazing incidents. A notable situation in 2020 involved the Baylor baseball team, where 14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation. These suspensions were staggered over the early season, impacting team performance and drawing attention to hazing practices even within respected athletic programs. This incident, while contained, reflected a broader challenge for Baylor in consistently enforcing its policies across all student groups and ensuring that its “zero-tolerance” is truly reflected in practice.

5.5.4 How a Baylor hazing case might proceed

Hazing cases at Baylor University would typically involve the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) for on-campus incidents, or the Waco Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would be filed in McLennan County courts. Given Baylor’s private university status and recent history of institutional misconduct controversies, specific attention would be paid to its internal investigations, its adherence to its own policies, and the effectiveness of its oversight mechanisms. The intersection of Baylor’s religious identity, its past scandals, and its response to hazing can create unique legal and public relations challenges, which an experienced attorney can help navigate.

5.5.5 What Baylor students & parents should do

For Baylor students and their Kendall County families:

• Be vigilant about all forms of hazing: Even in conservative environments, hazing can take subtle forms of psychological abuse or be disguised as “character building.”
• Document meticulously: Keep detailed records of any hazing incidents, dates, names, and communications, as official university records may not always be publicly accessible or fully reflective of the underlying problems.
• Understand Baylor’s specific reporting structure: Know how to report to the Dean of Students or BUPD, but also seek external legal counsel to support your formal reports.
• Seek medical and mental health support: Ensure that any physical injuries or emotional trauma receive immediate professional attention and are thoroughly documented.
• Consult a McLennan County hazing attorney: The complexities of litigation against a private university like Baylor, especially given its recent history, demand experienced legal representation to ensure accountability and justice.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Kendall County families, understanding the role of national fraternities and sororities is crucial because their local chapters at Texas universities do not operate in a vacuum. These organizations, often with deep roots stretching back decades or more, come with their own historical patterns of behavior—and their own track records on hazing. What happens at a University of Houston chapter often reflects a pattern seen by the national organization elsewhere, and that history can be powerfully leveraged in a legal context.

Why National Histories Matter

Most fraternities and sororities found at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor—such as Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, or Kappa Alpha Order—are part of larger national organizations. These national headquarters (HQs) typically:

• Possess extensive anti-hazing manuals and intricate risk management policies. They have these precisely because they have a well-documented history of deaths, catastrophic injuries, and systemic misconduct at their various chapters across the country.
• Are intimately aware of hazing patterns. They know the recurring scripts: forced drinking nights, “paddling” traditions (even if officially banned), humiliating rituals, and coerced acts.
• Collect significant dues from local chapters and exert varying degrees of control and oversight.

When a local chapter in Texas unfortunately replicates hazing acts that have already led to tragedy or multi-million-dollar lawsuits elsewhere in the country, this creates a strong legal argument of foreseeability. It means the national organization knew or should have known that such conduct was likely to occur, yet it failed to adequately prevent or address it. This “pattern evidence” is a powerful tool in supporting negligence claims or arguing for punitive damages against national entities.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Here’s a look at some organizations with a national presence at Texas schools and their documented hazing histories, which are highly relevant for Kendall County families whose children might be joining these groups.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike):

  • Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor.
  • National History: Pi Kappa Alpha has a particularly troubling national hazing history. The tragic 2021 death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University, due to forced alcohol consumption during a “Big/Little” pledge event, resulted in a $10 million settlement (from national HQ and BGSU). Prior to this, the 2012 death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University also stemmed from alcohol hazing, leading to a $14 million settlement. These cases clearly show a national pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing, often centered around “Big/Little” events.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE):

  • Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU.
  • National History: SAE historically has a national reputation for severe hazing, leading to numerous deaths and catastrophic injuries across the country. In 2014, the organization famously eliminated pledging nationwide in an attempt to curb these issues, though incidents persist. Recent lawsuits include a 2023 case at the University of Alabama alleging a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during hazing, and a 2021 case at Texas A&M University where pledges allegedly sustained severe chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner and other substances. A 2024 lawsuit against UT Austin’s SAE chapter alleges an exchange student suffered a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, and fractured tibia at a party. These illustrate a pattern of physical and chemical hazing despite national efforts.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

  • Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor.
  • National History: The 2017 death of Max Gruver at Louisiana State University during a forced drinking game (“Bible study”) led to a $6.1 million verdict and the highly influential Max Gruver Act in Louisiana. This case is a stark example of how Phi Delta Theta’s national organization has faced scrutiny and litigation over its members’ hazing practices, particularly related to forced alcohol consumption.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

  • Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT.
  • National History: Pi Kappa Phi faced national scrutiny following the 2017 alcohol poisoning death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University during a “Big Brother Night,” where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. This incident highlighted dangerous alcohol hazing rituals within the organization, leading to widespread criminal prosecutions and a temporary suspension of Greek life at FSU.

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA):

  • Present at Texas A&M, SMU.
  • National History: Kappa Alpha Order has a national track record of hazing investigations, including the 2017 incident at SMU, where members were reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep, leading to the chapter’s suspension. Similar hazing issues have surfaced at other campuses across the U.S., demonstrating a national challenge for the organization in controlling member conduct.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ):

  • Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor.
  • National History: This organization is inextricably linked to the tragic 2017 death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State, where severe alcohol hazing and delayed medical care resulted in traumatic brain injuries. This case not only involved massive criminal prosecutions but also a landmark anti-hazing law. The national organization has implemented aggressive anti-hazing initiatives since, but the history remains part of its identity.

• Pi Delta Psi (ΠΔΨ):

  • While not listed as active at the main Texas universities, this organization has a national presence.
  • National History: The 2013 death of Chun “Michael” Deng from a violent “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus retreat for Baruch College students resulted in the national fraternity itself being criminally convicted – a rare and significant outcome. This demonstrates that organizations can face corporate criminal liability for hazing.

These examples are not exhaustive but illustrate how patterns of hazing behavior, often involving specific rituals or types of abuse, repeat across different chapters of the same national organization.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For Kendall County families, understanding these national histories profoundly impacts legal strategy:

• Proof of Foreseeability: When a local chapter in Texas engages in a type of hazing that has previously harmed or killed students at other chapters of the same national organization, it becomes much easier to argue that the national organization had foreseeable knowledge of the risks. This makes it harder for them to claim they “didn’t know” or that it was the work of “rogue” individuals.
• Settlement Leverage: This pattern evidence can significantly increase settlement leverage. National organizations, wary of further public relations damage and legal fees, may be more inclined to settle when confronted with their own documented history of similar incidents.
• Insurance Coverage: Knowledge of national patterns can also assist in navigating complex insurance coverage disputes. Insurers often try to deny coverage by arguing hazing was an “intentional act” or “unforeseeable.” However, a history of similar incidents can demonstrate that the risk was known and should have been managed, potentially compelling coverage for negligence claims.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, and depending on the jurisdiction and specific claims, a clear pattern of ignored warnings and repeated hazing can support claims for punitive damages, which are designed to punish grossly negligent behavior and deter future misconduct.

By meticulously researching the national and local histories of organizations, The Manginello Law Firm builds robust cases that expose patterns of negligence and force accountability from even the most powerful institutional defendants.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For families in Kendall County confronting the aftermath of hazing, building a strong legal case requires meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of modern evidence collection, and sophisticated legal strategy. We investigate every aspect as if your child’s future depends on it—because it does.

Evidence

In hazing cases, evidence is rapidly disappearing. Deleted messages, coerced statements, and forgotten details can severely weaken a case. Our firm prioritizes immediate and thorough evidence collection.

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical category of evidence in 2025.

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity apps: These platforms are primary channels for planning, coordinating, and documenting hazing. Messages can reveal intent, knowledge, and direct orders. We meticulously work to preserve and analyze screenshots, or if necessary, recover deleted messages using digital forensics.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments: Social media is used for both communication and public (or semi-public) humiliation.
  • Evidence includes both live and recovered/deleted messages. Screenshots must include timestamps and visible participant names. Our video on using your cell phone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving this vital digital evidence.

• Photos & Videos:

  • Content filmed by members during events: Often captured for “fun” or as proof of “loyalty,” these can be damning in court.
  • Footage shared in group chats or posted on social media.
  • Security camera or Ring/doorbell footage: From houses, university buildings, or public venues where hazing occurred.

• Internal Organization Documents:

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “traditions” lists: These can expose official or unofficial practices that constitute hazing.
  • Emails/texts from officers: Revealing discussions about “what we’ll do to pledges.”
  • National policies and training materials: To demonstrate knowledge of risk and failure to enforce.

• University Records:

  • Prior conduct files, probation/suspensions, letters of warning: Crucial to show a pattern of negligence or deliberate indifference by the university.
  • Incident reports: From campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Clery reports: And similar disclosures can reveal broader patterns of campus safety failures.

• Medical and Psychological Records:

  • Emergency room and hospitalization records: Documenting physical injuries and initial medical interventions.
  • Surgery, ongoing treatment, and physical therapy notes: For long-term care needs.
  • Toxicology reports: To confirm alcohol or drug involvement.
  • Psychological evaluations: Diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation resulting from trauma. These records are vital for demonstrating the full scope of non-economic damages.

• Witness Testimony:

  • Pledges, members, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, bystanders: Their accounts can corroborate events and provide crucial details.
  • Former members: Especially those who quit or were expelled, often provide invaluable insights into organizational culture and pressures.

Damages

When hazing results in injury or death, the law aims to compensate victims and their families for their losses. For Kendall County families, understanding the types of damages available is important, not as a guarantee of outcome, but to grasp the full scope of accountability. This framework details what families can recover, a topic our video “How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onBzdkIWadY) further explores.

• Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):

  • Medical bills & future care: Covering everything from emergency room visits, ambulance transport, and hospitalization to long-term physical, occupational, and psychological therapies. For catastrophic injuries, a “life care plan” estimates decades of future medical and personal care needs.
  • Lost earnings / educational impact: This includes lost wages for the student or a parent who had to take time off to provide care, as well as the financial impact of missed semesters, lost scholarships, and delayed entry into the workforce. For permanent injuries, economists calculate diminished future earning capacity over a lifetime.

• Non-Economic Damages (Subjective, But Legally Compensable):

  • Physical pain and suffering: Compensation for the actual pain from injuries, and any ongoing chronic pain.
  • Emotional distress & psychological harm: This can include clinical diagnoses like PTSD, major depressive disorder, and anxiety, as well as pervasive feelings of humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, fear, and flashbacks.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries prevent a student from participating in activities they loved, or negatively impact their overall college experience and social life.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families):

  • In cases of a hazing-related death, eligible family members (spouse, children, parents; sometimes siblings in Texas) can typically recover for funeral and burial costs, loss of the deceased’s financial contributions, and profoundly, for the loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society, along with their own mental anguish and grief. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases.

• Punitive Damages: These are not compensatory but designed to punish defendants for especially egregious or reckless conduct and deter future similar acts. They may be awarded when there is evidence that defendants acted with gross negligence, willful misconduct, or conscious indifference to known risks. In Texas, punitive damages are capped in many cases, but their pursuit underscores society’s condemnation of severe misconduct.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, each with their own legal counsel and, crucially, their own insurance policies. For families in Kendall County, understanding this complex web is vital.

• Insurance: National fraternities, universities, and sometimes even local chapters carry substantial insurance policies designed to cover liability for personal injury. However, insurers frequently argue that hazing or intentional acts are excluded from coverage or that the policy doesn’t apply to certain defendants.
• Experienced Hazing Lawyers: Our firm, leveraging Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), understands these tactics firsthand. We meticulously identify all potential insurance coverage sources, vigorously challenge wrongful denials, and navigate complex disputes about exclusions to ensure that victims receive the compensation they deserve. This is critical because without insurance money, even a successful verdict can be difficult to collect.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For families in Kendall County grappling with the emotional and logistical aftermath of hazing, practical, actionable advice is essential. This section offers guidance for parents, students, and even former members and witnesses, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

8.1 For Parents

For Kendall County parents, recognizing the red flags and knowing how to respond is the first line of defense.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:

  • Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, cuts) or repeated “accidents” with inconsistent stories.
  • Sudden exhaustion, extreme sleep deprivation, or uncharacteristic withdrawal from family or existing friends.
  • Drastic changes in mood, increased anxiety, irritability, or depression.
  • Constant secretive phone use for group chats, coupled with an intense fear of missing “mandatory” events.
  • Rapid weight loss or gain, or visible signs of dehydration.
  • Defensiveness or evasiveness when asked about organizational activities.

• How to Talk to Your Child:

  • Ask open-ended questions rather than confrontational ones (e.g., “How are things really going?” not “Are they hazing you?”).
  • Emphasize safety over status: Reassure them that their well-being is paramount, and you will support them regardless of their decision to withdraw from an organization.
  • Listen without judgment: Create a safe space for them to confide in you.

• If Your Child is Hurt:

  • Get them medical care immediately: Prioritize their health. Ensure medical professionals are aware that hazing led to their injuries.
  • Document everything: Take clear photographs of injuries (from multiple angles, over several days), screenshot texts or group chats, and write down details of what they tell you (names, dates, locations, specific acts).
  • Save names, dates, and locations: This information is critical for building a legal case.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document every communication: Keep a detailed log of all phone calls, emails, and meetings with university administrators. Note names, titles, dates, time, and content.
  • Ask pointed questions: Specifically inquire about prior incidents involving the same organization and what measures the school took in response.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer:

  • If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm.
  • If you feel the university or organization is minimizing what happened, stonewalling you, or hiding crucial information.
  • The sooner, the better: Evidence disappears quickly. An experienced legal team can immediately work to preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

For students from Kendall County involved in an organization, differentiating between harmless tradition and dangerous hazing can be challenging due to intense peer pressure and a desire to belong.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?

  • Ask yourself:
    • Do I feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced into doing something I don’t want to do?
    • Am I being forced to drink, endure pain, or perform degrading acts?
    • Is this activity hidden from the public or administrators?
    • Would older members be willing to do the same things they’re asking of me?
  • If the answer to any of these is yes, it probably is hazing. Your safety and dignity are not negotiable for “tradition.”

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story:

  • You cannot “consent” to illegal behavior, and the law recognizes that “consent” given under peer pressure, fear of exclusion, or intoxication is often not true, voluntary consent. Your worth as a person is not dependent on enduring abuse.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • You have the right to leave at any time. Do not feel obligated to stay in a dangerous situation.
  • If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
  • Report privately or anonymously through campus channels (Dean of Students), anonymous tip lines (like the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE), or confide in a trusted adult.

• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty:

  • In Texas and at many universities, there are “good Samaritan” or “medical amnesty” policies. This means that if you or someone else is in an emergency (like alcohol poisoning) and you call for help, you typically won’t be punished for related minor offenses (like underage drinking). Your safety is the priority.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

You may carry a heavy burden of guilt, fear, or a desire for redemption.

• Your Role in Accountability: Your testimony and evidence can be critical in preventing future harm and saving lives. You have the power to stop the cycle.
• Seek Legal Advice: If you’re a former member or witness with knowledge of hazing, obtaining your own legal advice can help you understand your rights, potential exposure, and how you can cooperate safely and effectively without self-incrimination. Our criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can advise on both criminal exposure and civil liability.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Kendall County families, navigating a hazing incident is emotionally taxing. Unfortunately, well-intentioned actions can inadvertently harm a potential legal case. Avoid these critical mistakes:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: What parents often think is protecting their child can look like a cover-up. It can destroy critical evidence needed for a case and even lead to obstruction of justice.

   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, no matter how embarrassing it seems. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for this.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: While understandable, this often backfires. Organizations immediately lawyer up, instruct members to destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses.

   • What to do instead: Document everything, then consult a lawyer before any confrontation.

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or internal resolution agreements.

   • What to do instead: Never sign anything from the university or organization without an attorney reviewing it first. You could inadvertently waive your right to sue.

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: While you may want to share what happened, anything posted publicly can be used against you. Defense attorneys track social media and use inconsistencies against a plaintiff’s credibility.

   • What to do instead: Document privately and let your lawyer guide any public messaging strategy.

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: These are often traps designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used to undermine a case.

   • What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities are institutions focused on reputation and liability. They may offer to “handle it internally,” but evidence goes missing, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run.

   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence now and consult a lawyer immediately. The university process is separate from legal accountability and does not always prioritize justice for victims.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you give can be recorded and used against you.

   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your attorney. Attorney911’s video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) provides more essential warnings.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity defenses. Every case is unique and depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who fail to report hazing can also face misdemeanor charges. This means hazing can carry serious criminal consequences, including prison time.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” coerced by peer pressure, fear of exclusion, or intoxication is often not true voluntary consent. Your child’s “agreement” does not legalize the hazing.

• “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 forget, and organizations destroy records. Our video, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) details these crucial deadlines. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

• “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 can still be liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability of the risks. Many major hazing cases (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat death or the Sigma Pi unofficial house death) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments for victims and their families.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before going to trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy and can often request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. Our primary goal is to achieve accountability and justice while protecting your child’s future.

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 fight back—and how to overcome them. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, brings a unique blend of empathy, authoritative legal expertise, and aggressive pursuit of justice to hazing victims and their families in Kendall County and across Texas.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Kendall County and surrounding areas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Kendall County and across the region, regardless of how far the campus may be.

Our firm’s unique qualifications provide a distinct advantage in the complex world of hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña): Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows their tactics inside-out. This insider perspective on how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims allows us to anticipate their delay tactics, counter their coverage exclusion arguments, and effectively navigate their settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Lupe Peña’s complete credentials are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello): Our Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello, possesses extensive experience taking on formidable defendants. He led one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a monumental case against a massive corporation. With significant federal court experience in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, he is not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants and secure the accountability our clients deserve. Ralph Manginello’s extensive credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record of securing multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We collaborate with economists to accurately value loss of life and future earning capacity, and we understand how to account for lifetime care needs in severe brain injury or permanent disability cases. We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability and provide for our clients’ long-term needs.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a unique advantage. He understands intimately how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, which is crucial for hazing cases that often involve dual legal tracks. This enables us to advise students and former members who may face criminal exposure while also pursuing a civil claim for their injuries or a family’s loss.

• Investigative Depth: We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. Our network of experts includes medical specialists, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. We have experience obtaining hidden evidence, such as deleted group chats, internal chapter records, and university files uncovered through aggressive discovery and public records requests.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually operate behind closed doors. We know what makes hazing cases different: powerful institutional defendants, complex insurance coverage fights, and the delicate balance of victim privacy with public accountability. We also understand the intricate cultural dynamics of Greek life, tradition, and how to unequivocally prove coercion.

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We focus on thorough investigation and real accountability, not just quick settlements. We want to ensure that your child and your family receive not only compensation for their suffering but also a measure of justice that can lead to meaningful change.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Kendall County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story empathetically and without judgment.
• We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options, including criminal reporting, civil lawsuits, both, or neither.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect during the legal process.
• We will answer your questions about costs, including our contingency fee structure—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) provides a clear explanation.
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; take the time you need to decide.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

Call Us Today.

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

Hablamos Español
For consultation in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Whether you’re in Kendall 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