Texas Hazing: A Comprehensive Guide for Kent County Families and University Students

The phone rings at 3 AM. A hushed, frantic voice on the other end: your child. They’ve been at an “initiation night” for their new fraternity or sorority, or maybe a club they desperately wanted to join. They sound scared, confused, and hurt. Others are laughing, chanting, recording on their phones. They tell you someone got hurt, but no one wants to call 911 because “the chapter will get shut down.” Your child feels trapped, caught between loyalty to a group and their own safety.

This terrifying scenario could unfold for any family, anywhere in Texas. For families in Kent County, it might involve a student attending Texas Tech University in nearby Lubbock, or any of the major universities across the state where their children seek higher education and community. The allure of Greek life, collegiate clubs, or athletic teams can be powerful, promising brotherhood, sisterhood, and lifelong connections. But beneath the surface of camaraderie, a darker reality—hazing—often endangers the very students these organizations claim to uplift.

This is a comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas, written for families in Kent County and across Texas who need to understand:

• What hazing looks like in 2025, far beyond traditional stereotypes.
• How Texas and federal law treat hazing, and who can be held accountable.
• What we can learn from major national hazing cases, and how their precedents apply to cases in Texas.
• What has been happening at the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University, as well as other Texas schools.
• What legal options victims and families in Kent County and throughout Texas may have for seeking justice and accountability.

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) stands ready to evaluate individual cases based on their unique facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including Kent County and the broader region.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies related to hazing injuries, alcohol poisoning, or any immediate threat to life.
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

In the first 48 hours, time is critical. Evidence disappears fast, and universities often move quickly to control the narrative:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles, ideally with a ruler or coin for scale.
  • Save any physical items like damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in hazing activities.
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: who, what, when, where, and any relevant details.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, club, or individuals involved directly.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal review.
  • Post details on public social media, as this can compromise a legal case.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours for immediate guidance. We can help preserve critical evidence, understand your rights, and protect your child from pressure or retaliation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Kent County families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or collegiate organizations, hazing often conjures images from movies or old headlines: forced calisthenics, silly costumes, or lighthearted pranks. In 2025, the reality is far more insidious, dangerous, and technologically advanced. Hazing is not just about silly traditions; it is about power, control, secrecy, and often, severe physical and psychological abuse.

Hazing is 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 for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students. A student saying “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal, as significant peer pressure and power imbalances often negate true consent.

Main Categories of Hazing: Far Beyond “Harmless Pranks”

Modern hazing takes many forms, often escalating through subtle, harassment-based, and then violent tiers.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often in rapid succession during “lineups,” drinking games, or “big/little” events. Students may also be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, leading to severe health complications, alcohol poisoning, or even death.
• Physical Hazing: Beyond the outdated image of paddling, physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” that push pledges beyond safe physical limits, leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis or organ damage. It also encompasses sleep deprivation through mandatory late-night activities, food or water deprivation, exposure to extreme cold or heat, and direct physical assaults.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply degrading form of hazing includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig” positions), wearing humiliating costumes, or participating in acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones, including forced slurs or role-play.
• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but profoundly damaging, psychological hazing involves verbal abuse, threats, forced isolation from friends or family outside the organization, manipulation, and forced confessions or public shaming within meetings or on social media. This constant mental torment can lead to severe anxiety, depression, and long-term trauma.
• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones, hazing has moved into the digital realm. This includes demands delivered via GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, or Instagram DMs around the clock, often disrupting sleep and academics. Pledges can be subjected to online “challenges,” public humiliation via TikTok or other platforms, or pressured to create or share compromising images or videos. Geo-tracking through apps like “Find My Friends” can also be used to monitor and control new members.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to one type of organization or a single campus. While fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural Greek organizations) often make headlines, other groups are frequently involved:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These organizations, particularly strong at universities like Texas A&M, often have deeply ingrained “traditions” that can cross the line into hazing, emphasizing strict discipline and physical endurance that becomes abusive.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Groups like university cheerleading teams, dance teams, and tradition-rich organizations (such as the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin) can fall prey to hazing disguised as “team building” or “proving commitment.”
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, swimming, and cheer, hazing can occur in any athletic program, often involving forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, or sexualized rituals.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups are not immune. Hazing can manifest as demeaning tasks, social isolation, or targeted abuse disguised as “earning your spot.”
• Other Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with a hierarchical structure and an “initiation” process can develop hazing practices, fueled by social status, perceived tradition, and a culture of secrecy to avoid detection.

The common threads that allow these practices to persist across diverse organizations are often the intense desire for belonging, loyalty to the group above all else, and a pervasive code of silence that protects perpetrators and institutions while endangering students.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For Kent County families whose children attend universities across Texas, understanding the legal landscape of hazing is crucial. Texas has specific laws designed to combat hazing, and these are often complemented by federal regulations aimed at increasing transparency and accountability.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

The State of Texas defines hazing within the Texas Education Code, making its parameters clear and far-reaching. Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, and occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

This definition is critical for several reasons:

• On or Off Campus: The law applies regardless of where the hazing occurs. A family in Kent County should know that hazing at an off-campus party house, a private retreat, or online is just as illegal as hazing on campus.
• Mental or Physical Health: Hazing is not just about physical injuries. Severe psychological torment, extreme humiliation, and intimidation that endanger mental well-being also fall under the statute.
• Intent: The law doesn’t require malicious intent. An act is considered hazing if it’s done intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly. Recklessness means being aware of a substantial risk and disregarding it, which is often the case with dangerous drinking games or physical rituals.
• “Consent” is not a defense: Critically, Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. The law acknowledges that true consent cannot exist in situations of unequal power or duress, especially when a student desperately wants to belong.

Criminal Penalties:
Hazing is a crime in Texas, with penalties that escalate with the severity of the harm:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Hazing that does not result in serious injury (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000).
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This can result in a prison sentence of 180 days to two years and a fine up to $10,000.

Additionally, both individuals and organizations can face criminal repercussions:

• Failing to report hazing: In Texas, if an officer or member of an organization who is aware of hazing fails to report it, they can face misdemeanor charges.
• Retaliating against a reporter: Any retaliation against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor offense.
• Organizational Liability: Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if an officer acting in an official capacity knew about it and failed to report it. Universities can also revoke recognition and ban organizations from campus.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Texas law offers a degree of protection for those who step forward. A person who acts in good faith to report a hazing incident to university or law enforcement authorities is generally immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from that report. Furthermore, many university policies and state laws offer medical amnesty, meaning students who call 911 in a medical emergency (like alcohol poisoning) will not face disciplinary action for underage drinking or other minor infractions related to the incident.

Criminal vs. Civil Hazing Cases

It’s important for Kent County families to differentiate between two distinct legal avenues that can arise from hazing:

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the State of Texas (or federal authorities) through a prosecutor. The aim is to punish illegal behavior, such as assault, providing alcohol to minors, or the hazing crime itself. Outcomes include jail time, fines, and probation. Criminal hazing charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies, particularly when serious bodily injury or death occurs.
• Civil Cases: These are initiated by victims or their surviving families. The goal is monetary compensation for damages suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil claims often involve negligence (failure to act responsibly to prevent harm), gross negligence (extreme disregard for safety), wrongful death for fatal incidents, negligent supervision or hiring, and premises liability (for unsafe property or venues).

Importantly, these two types of cases can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil lawsuit. The standards of proof differ, and success in one does not preclude success in the other.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also impact how hazing is addressed on college campuses, especially for institutions receiving federal funding:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal law, to be fully phased in by around 2026, requires colleges and universities to more transparently report hazing incidents, strengthen prevention efforts, and maintain and make public comprehensive hazing data. This will provide unprecedented transparency and a clearer picture of hazing patterns nationwide, information that attorneys can use to build civil cases.
• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, it can trigger a university’s obligations under Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. This can provide additional legal avenues for victims.
• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges to disclose campus crime statistics and security policies. Hazing incidents involving crimes like assault, alcohol violations, or other offenses must be reported, contributing to the public record and potentially revealing patterns of misconduct.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Civil lawsuits can cast a wide net to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable. In a hazing case in Texas, the potential defendants can include:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, carried out, supplied alcohol, or participated in the hazing, or who helped cover it up, can be held personally liable.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be sued, especially if it operates as a distinct legal entity. Key individuals acting as officers, pledge educators, or faculty advisors within the local chapter can also be named.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which sets policies, collects dues, and is supposed to supervise its local chapters, can be held liable. This often hinges on whether the national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (even at other chapters) and failed to take adequate preventative or corrective action.
• University or Governing Board: The university itself (public or private) can be sued under various theories, including negligence, gross negligence, premises liability, Title IX violations, or civil rights violations. Liability often depends on the school’s knowledge of prior hazing, its enforcement of policies, and whether it acted with “deliberate indifference” to student safety. Public universities, like UH, Texas A&M, and UT, benefit from some sovereign immunity protections, but there are important exceptions. Private universities, such as SMU and Baylor, typically have fewer governmental immunity protections.
• Third Parties: This can include landlords or property owners of off-campus houses or event venues where hazing occurred, especially if they knew or should have known about illegal activities on their property. Alcohol providers (bars, liquor stores) might also be held liable under “dram shop” laws if they illegally served alcohol to minors who were subsequently involved in hazing-related incidents.

Every case is unique and highly fact-specific. An experienced hazing attorney can identify all potentially liable parties and pursue justice on behalf of the victim.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When Kent County families grapple with the aftermath of hazing at a Texas university, it can feel like an isolated tragedy. However, national hazing cases reveal disturbing patterns that are crucial for understanding liability and preventing future harm. These cases establish legal precedents and highlight the specific tactics victims can expect from powerful institutions.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death: A Repeating Tragedy

Forced alcohol consumption continues to be the deadliest form of hazing. Repeatedly, national fraternities and universities have faced devastating consequences for failing to curb dangerous drinking rituals:

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most publicized hazing cases in U.S. history, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” night involving extreme alcohol consumption. Recorded security camera footage showed Piazza falling multiple times, suffering traumatic brain injuries, while fraternity brothers delayed calling for help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation with confidential settlements for the Piazza family, and the creation of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, a felony hazing statute. This case demonstrated the critical issues of extreme intoxication, the tragic delay in seeking medical aid, and a pervasive culture of silence and cover-up.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Just months after Piazza’s death, 20-year-old Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them quickly. This tragedy instigated a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU and a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida. Multiple members were prosecuted for misdemeanor hazing, and Coffey’s family filed a wrongful death suit, whose terms remain confidential. It highlights how common, formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a recurring script for disaster.
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died after a “Bible study” drinking game where he was forced to consume copious amounts of high-proof alcohol for answering questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was 0.495%. While some members were criminally charged, one was convicted of negligent homicide. The civil case resulted in a $6.1 million verdict for the family against individuals and their insurers. This tragedy directly led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making felony hazing a reality in the state and demonstrating how public outrage can fuel legislative change.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): At a pledge event for Pi Kappa Alpha, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to drink a near-entire bottle of whiskey in minutes during a “Big/Little” night. He died three days later from alcohol poisoning. The case led to multiple criminal convictions for hazing-related charges against fraternity members. The Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement, with approximately $7 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This case underscores that universities, even public ones, can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities when they fail to protect students.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Undercover and Dangerous

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualistic hazing continues to cause severe injuries and fatalities, often occurring in secluded, off-campus locations:

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng died from a traumatic brain injury suffered during a violent “glass ceiling” hazing ritual at a remote fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. Pledges were blindfolded, weighted with heavy backpacks, and repeatedly tackled. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours as they attempted a cover-up. Multiple members were convicted, and strikingly, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, fined over $110,000, and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This landmark case proves that off-campus “retreats” are often chosen to hide the most dangerous hazing, and national organizations can be held directly criminally liable.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse: Beyond Greek Life

Hazing is not exclusive to fraternities and sororities. High-stakes athletic programs, often with immense institutional support and perceived status, can harbor brutal hazing cultures:

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): A major scandal erupted when former football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. Hazing rituals reportedly included forced naked “dry-humping” by older players. This led to the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who subsequently filed a wrongful-termination lawsuit against the university. Multiple players have sued Northwestern and coaching staff, highlighting that hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs, often with significant institutional oversight failures.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies send a clear message to Kent County families:

• Predictable Patterns: The common threads across these cases are devastatingly similar: forced drinking, humiliation, physical abuse, a code of silence, and often, delayed or denied medical care. These are not isolated incidents but patterns of behavior.
• High Stakes: Reforms, multi-million-dollar settlements, and even criminal convictions often occur only after a tragedy unfolds and victims or their families pursue aggressive legal action.
• Legal Precedents: These national cases establish legal precedents that can be leveraged in Texas courts. They demonstrate the foreseeability of harm, the liability of national organizations, and the potential for substantial damages.

Texas families facing potential hazing incidents involving students at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor need to understand they are not alone. They are operating in a legal and cultural landscape profoundly shaped by these national lessons, and experienced legal counsel knows how to connect the dots between national patterns and local incidents.

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

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) represents families across Texas, including those from Kent County, whose children attend universities statewide. While Kent County is located in West Texas, many families send their children to the major university hubs. Understanding the specific context of each major Texas campus is crucial, as policies, culture, and reporting mechanisms can vary. Even if your child attends school far from Kent County, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can provide the necessary legal guidance.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a large, dynamic urban campus in the heart of Texas’s largest city. It serves a diverse student body, with a significant mix of commuter and residential students. UH boasts an active Greek life with dozens of fraternities and sororities from various councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural), alongside a wide array of student organizations, cultural groups, and sports clubs. The urban setting means many student activities, including Greek events, often take place both on and off-campus, particularly in the sprawling Greater Houston area. For Kent County families, Houston is a major metropolitan center and a common destination for higher education.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, emphasizing that hazing is prohibited whether on-campus or off-campus. The policy explicitly forbids forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, mental distress, and any activity that could endanger a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Students can report hazing via the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, or the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). UH also provides an online hazing report form and an anonymous hotline, reinforcing its commitment to a hazing-free environment, at least on paper.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Despite policies, UH has faced its share of hazing incidents:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: In a widely reported incident, pledges of Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) at UH were allegedly subjected to multi-day hazing activities that included sleep, food, and water deprivation. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The incident resulted in misdemeanor hazing charges against individuals and the university’s suspension of the chapter.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: While UH does not publish a readily accessible, detailed public log of all past hazing violations like some other universities, various fraternities and sororities have faced university sanctions. These have included suspensions or probations for violations related to “acts likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” alcohol misuse, and other policy breaches related to new member activities.

These incidents highlight UH’s willingness to suspend chapters, but also the challenges in maintaining full transparency about ongoing disciplinary actions, which can make it harder for Kent County families to research potential risks.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing case originating at UH, several agencies might be involved. Depending on the location of the incident, UHPD would have jurisdiction on campus, while the Houston Police Department and/or the Harris County Sheriff’s Office would handle off-campus incidents. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in state or federal courts within Harris County, where significant legal resources and experienced judges handle complex litigation.

Potential defendants could include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the University of Houston and property owners of off-campus venues. Public universities like UH benefit from a degree of sovereign immunity in Texas, meaning claims against the university itself can be more complex, often requiring proof of gross negligence or specific statutory exceptions. However, the university can still be held accountable through various legal arguments, including its responsibilities under Title IX and its duty to ensure a safe educational environment.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

Kent County families whose children attend or plan to attend UH should:

• Familiarize themselves with UH’s hazing policies and reporting channels on the university’s official website.
• Discuss the warning signs of hazing with their children and emphasize the importance of reporting and seeking help, reassuring them of support.
• If hazing is suspected, immediately consult with a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases. An attorney from Attorney911 can help uncover prior disciplinary actions against specific fraternities or organizations, advise on navigating UH’s internal processes, and ensure crucial evidence is preserved before it disappears.
• Document every interaction with university officials and keep detailed records of any incidents.

5.2 Texas A&M University

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, boasts a deeply rooted culture of tradition, strong sense of community, and the formidable presence of its Corps of Cadets. For Kent County families, Texas A&M is a prominent institution that draws students from across the state and beyond, known for its spirited traditions and large Greek life presence. The university’s unique blend of military-style leadership in the Corps and a vibrant Greek community creates distinct contexts where hazing can occur.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M prohibits hazing both on and off campus, explicitly defining prohibited acts related to new member education. The university mandates education on hazing awareness and prevention. Students or concerned individuals can report hazing through the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of the Dean of Student Life, or the University Police Department (UPD). Texas A&M strives to promote a “Spirit of Aggieland” that upholds respect and safety, stating that hazing is fundamentally contrary to its values.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M’s commitment to tradition sometimes intersects with hazing allegations:

• 2021 Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit: Two pledges of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) at Texas A&M alleged they were subjected to a severe hazing ritual where substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, were poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued the fraternity for over $1 million. The chapter was suspended for two years by the university, and the case highlighted how seemingly harmless substances can become dangerous tools in hazing.
• 2023 Corps of Cadets Lawsuit: A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing within the Corps of Cadets. The allegations included forced consumption of unusual substances, physical abuse, and simulated sexual acts, including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The cadet sought over $1 million in damages. Texas A&M responded by stating it had handled the matter in accordance with its policies, underscoring the challenges of deeply ingrained traditions within such a prestigious institution.
• 2023 Kappa Sigma (rhabdomyolysis): Allegations of hazing within Kappa Sigma at Texas A&M led to a civil lawsuit involving rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical hazing. This ongoing litigation highlights the potentially catastrophic physical toll that overly intense physical hazing rituals can exact.

These incidents demonstrate that hazing at Texas A&M can manifest in both Greek life and within the Corps, often involving severe physical and psychological trauma.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases arising from Texas A&M would involve reporting to UPD and potentially the College Station Police Department for off-campus incidents in College Station, or the Bryan Police Department for incidents in Bryan. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in state or federal courts within Brazos County. As a public university, Texas A&M, like UH and UT, benefits from sovereign immunity under Texas law, meaning victims pursuing claims against the university directly must navigate statutory exceptions or prove significant institutional failures, such as gross negligence. However, individual members, the local chapter, and the national organization often remain viable defendants without sovereign immunity protections.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Kent County families connected to Texas A&M should:

• Review Texas A&M’s hazing policies and the Student Life website for precise reporting procedures and resources.
• Be especially aware of hazing risks within organizations that emphasize intense physical challenges or long-standing, secret traditions, like some fraternities or specific Corps units.
• In the event of suspected hazing, immediately document all evidence (texts, photos, medical records) and contact an experienced hazing attorney from Attorney911. Our firm has specific experience with hazing cases against large institutions and within environments like the Corps of Cadets, and we know how to investigate incidents that may be deeply hidden by tradition.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the UT System, known for its vibrant campus life, prestigious academics, and dynamic Greek organizations. Austin’s unique culture fosters a blend of innovation and tradition, attracting students from across Texas, including many from Kent County and surrounding West Texas communities. UT’s large and influential Greek system, alongside numerous student clubs and a passionate athletic following, creates a diverse environment where students seek community, but also where hazing can unfortunately take root.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy, explicitly outlining prohibited behaviors that include physical abuse, mental distress, forced alcohol consumption, and any actions that endanger health or safety for group affiliation. Crucially, UT is notable for its commitment to transparency. The university publishes a detailed Hazing Violations log on its website (hazing.utexas.edu), listing organizations, dates, specific conduct, and sanctions. This public log serves as a critical resource for families. Students can report hazing through the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, the Dean of Students, or the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public hazing log reveals a recurring pattern of violations across various types of organizations:

• 2023 Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Incident: UT’s log documented an incident where new members of Pi Kappa Alpha were required to consume large quantities of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, which was determined to be hazing. The chapter faced probation and was mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers and Other Spirit/Tradition Organizations: UT’s log frequently includes actions taken against spirit groups and tradition organizations that, similar to some Greek chapters, engage in forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, sleep deprivation, and other punitive new member activities. For instance, the university has sanctioned groups for blindfolding, kidnapping, and degrading new members.
• 2024 Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit: An Australian exchange student attending UT Austin filed a civil lawsuit against the SAE chapter for over $1 million, alleging he was assaulted by fraternity members at a party, sustaining severe injuries including a dislocated leg, torn ligaments, and a fractured tibia. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations, demonstrating a pattern of misconduct even after some sanctions.

UT’s public log showcases not only the university’s efforts at transparency but also the persistence of hazing despite disciplinary measures.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing incidents at UT Austin, reports might go to UTPD for on-campus occurrences or the Austin Police Department for off-campus events in the city. Civil lawsuits would be litigated in state or federal courts within Travis County. As a public university, UT Austin, like Texas A&M and UH, is protected by sovereign immunity, which can make direct claims against the university complex. However, this immunity has exceptions, particularly for gross negligence or when individual university employees are sued in their personal capacity. Furthermore, the public nature of UT’s hazing violations log can significantly strengthen civil cases against offending organizations and even the university by demonstrating a clear pattern of ignored warnings and foreseeable harm.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

Kent County families whose children attend UT Austin should:

• Regularly review UT’s public Hazing Violations log (hazing.utexas.edu) to understand the track record of specific organizations. This is an invaluable resource for assessing risk.
• Be proactive in discussing hazing, emphasizing that participation in illegal activities, even if pressured, carries severe risks and legal consequences.
• If hazing is suspected or occurs, immediately collect all available evidence, including screenshots of group chats, photos of injuries, and medical records. Then, contact Attorney911 for a confidential consultation. Our firm has extensive experience leveraging public records and building cases against major Texas universities and national fraternities.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University (SMU), situated in the affluent University Park area of Dallas, is a distinguished private university known for its rigorous academics and a vibrant, often prominent, Greek life. SMU draws a significant number of students from Texas, including many from Kent County and other parts of the state, who seek its prestigious education and social opportunities. The campus atmosphere is often characterized by strong social ties, a competitive academic environment, and a Greek system that plays a central role in student life.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains strong anti-hazing policies, defining hazing broadly to include any act that endangers physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. The university prohibits forced consumption of alcohol, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, and any activity that humiliates or degrades students. SMU encourages students to report hazing through the Office of the Dean of Students, the SMU Police Department, or anonymously through its “Real Response” tool and an online reporting form. As a private institution, SMU’s internal reporting and disciplinary processes are typically less public than those of state universities.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Despite its policies, SMU has also faced hazing incidents within its Greek organizations:

• 2017 Kappa Alpha Order Misconduct: The Kappa Alpha Order fraternity at SMU faced significant disciplinary action following allegations of hazing that included documented instances of new members being paddled, forced to consume alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter was suspended for an extended period and faced severe restrictions on its activities, including recruiting, until approximately 2021.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: While SMU does not publish a detailed public log of all Greek life sanctions, occasional reports indicate other fraternities and sororities have faced various forms of probation, suspension, or restrictions due to hazing-related violations, often involving alcohol misuse, inappropriate new member activities, or violations of university policy during social events.

These incidents underscore that hazing risks exist even at private institutions with affluent student bodies and supposedly tight internal controls.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing incidents at SMU, reports would primarily go to the SMU Police Department for campus incidents or the Highland Park Police Department or Dallas Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in state or federal courts within Dallas County. As a private university, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, meaning claims against the university can proceed more directly than against public institutions. This provides greater legal avenues for victims to hold the university directly accountable for negligence or institutional failures. Potential defendants also include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and any third parties involved.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Kent County families whose children attend SMU should:

• Review SMU’s Student Code of Conduct and hazing policies, paying close attention to specific prohibitions and reporting mechanisms.
• Understand that while private universities have more discretion in their internal processes, they are still subject to civil lawsuits for negligence and other torts.
• If hazing is suspected or occurs, contact an experienced hazing attorney from Attorney911 immediately. Our firm has significant experience navigating complex cases against private institutions and knows how to compel discovery to uncover internal reports and communications that may not be publicly accessible.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas and the largest Baptist university in the world. It boasts a distinct religious identity and a strong sense of community, attracting students from across the state, including many from Kent County and surrounding areas, who seek its unique blend of faith-based education and vibrant campus life. While fostering a close-knit environment, Baylor also has an active Greek life and a significant athletic presence, both of which can unfortunately become contexts for hazing.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University maintains comprehensive anti-hazing policies within its Student Handbook, explicitly prohibiting acts that endanger a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of initiating or affiliating with any organization. The policy bans forced consumption of alcohol, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, and any activity that is humiliating, demeaning, or potentially harmful. Baylor emphasizes a “zero tolerance” approach to hazing and encourages reporting through the Office of Student Conduct, the Baylor Police Department, or an anonymous “Baylor Line” reporting system.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Despite its faith-based mission and a history of scrutiny over student safety, Baylor has confronted various hazing incidents:

• 2020 Baylor Baseball Hazing: A significant incident occurred involving the Baylor baseball team, leading to the suspension of 14 players. The investigation revealed hazing violations, though specific details of the activities were not fully publicized. The suspensions were staggered to reduce the immediate impact on the team, but the incident highlighted that hazing extends beyond Greek life into official athletic programs, even at institutions with strong moral codes.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: Baylor’s Office of Student Conduct has periodically disciplined Greek chapters and other student organizations for hazing-related offenses. These typically involve violations of student conduct policies during new member activities, often including alcohol misuse or actions deemed embarrassing or degrading.

These incidents indicate Baylor’s ongoing challenges in reconciling its stated values and policies with the realities of student conduct, particularly in organizations like athletic teams and Greek life.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing incidents at Baylor, reports would typically be made to the Baylor Police Department for on-campus events or the Waco Police Department for off-campus incidents. Civil lawsuits would generally be litigated in state or federal courts within McLennan County. As a private university, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it more straightforward to pursue direct legal claims against the institution compared to public universities. This context is important for Kent County families, as it means civil cases can more directly challenge institutional negligence and failures in oversight. Potential defendants include individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and the university itself.

5.5.5 What Baylor University Students & Parents Should Do

Kent County families connected to Baylor should:

• Thoroughly review all Baylor University student conduct policies and hazing prohibitions available in the Student Handbook and on the university’s website.
• Be vigilant for warning signs of hazing within any organization, recognizing that even groups with a faith-based mission can succumb to dangerous practices.
• If hazing is suspected or occurs, secure all evidence immediately and contact an experienced hazing attorney from Attorney911. Our firm understands the complexities of pursuing claims against private institutions like Baylor and can help navigate the specific cultural and legal nuances involved to seek accountability.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Many of the fraternities and sororities at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are part of established national organizations with chapters across the country. This national affiliation is a critical factor for Kent County families to understand, because a national organization’s history—its patterns of hazing, its previous lawsuits, and its responses to past tragedies—can have a profound impact on a hazing case in Texas.

Why National Histories Matter

National headquarters, or “nationals,” for most fraternities and sororities maintain thick anti-hazing manuals and extensive risk management policies. These exist precisely because these organizations have faced numerous incidents involving severe injuries, alcohol poisoning, and even deaths at campuses nationwide. Nationals are often aware of the common scripts for hazing at individual chapters: the “Big/Little” drinking nights, the forced calisthenics, the humiliating rituals, and the pervasive code of silence.

When a chapter in Texas—whether at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor—repeats the same dangerous patterns that have caused injury or death at another chapter in another state, this creates a strong legal argument for foreseeability. It suggests that the national organization knew, or should have known, the risks associated with such conduct but failed to take adequate action to prevent it. This knowledge can significantly strengthen claims of negligence or support arguments for punitive damages against national entities.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

While we cannot list every single chapter and their complete history, understanding the national patterns of certain organizations present on Texas campuses is crucial. Here, we outline some prominent fraternities and sororities by their national tendencies, referencing specific incidents from other campuses that illustrate common hazing risks.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Pike has a national history tragically marked by alcohol-related hazing. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), resulting in a $10 million settlement (including $7M from national Pike), involved forced excessive alcohol consumption during a “Big/Little” night, a recurring Pike hazing ritual. The David Bogenberger case at Northern Illinois University (2012) also ended in a $14 million settlement after a pledge died from alcohol poisoning during a Pike event. These incidents demonstrate a pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing that national Pike has been repeatedly warned about, making similar incidents in Texas highly foreseeable.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU. SAE has a notorious national history of hazing incidents, including multiple alcohol-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide between 2005 and 2015, which once prompted the national organization to ban its traditional pledge process (though this was later modified). Recent lawsuits include allegations of a traumatic brain injury during hazing at the University of Alabama (2023). Nearer to Kent County families, SAE chapters at Texas A&M (2021) faced allegations of chemical burns from industrial cleaner, resulting in a $1 million lawsuit, and at UT Austin (2024), a student sued for over $1 million after an alleged assault at a fraternity party while the chapter was already suspended for prior violations. These cases underscore SAE’s ongoing national and local struggles with severe hazing.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. This fraternity gained national infamy with the Max Gruver case at LSU (2017), where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” drinking game, leading to a $6.1 million verdict and felony hazing legislation. This pattern of dangerous drinking games is crucial for understanding the potential risks if similar activities occur at Texas chapters.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Pi Kappa Phi was involved in the Andrew Coffey case at Florida State University (2017), where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” involving excessive hard liquor consumption. This incident, like many others, highlighted a dangerous pattern of forced alcohol consumption integrated into traditional events.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. Beta Theta Pi was central to the Timothy Piazza case at Penn State (2017), a watershed moment in hazing litigation involving extreme alcohol hazing, traumatic injury, and a fatal delay in medical care, leading to extensive criminal and civil action. While not every Beta Theta Pi chapter engages in hazing, the national organization carries the weight of this highly publicized tragedy.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. Kappa Sigma has also faced its share of high-profile incidents, including the Chad Meredith case at the University of Miami (2001), where a pledge drowned after being coerced into swimming while intoxicated, resulting in a $12.6 million jury verdict. More recently, the Kappa Sigma chapter at Texas A&M University (2023) is facing ongoing litigation for hazing allegations that led to severe injuries consistent with rhabdomyolysis. The College of Charleston chapter faced a lawsuit (2024) that resulted in over $10 million in damages for physical beatings and psychological torment. These cases show severe physical hazing alongside alcohol.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Present at Texas A&M. This fraternity was involved in the horrific Danny Santulli case at the University of Missouri (2021), where a pledge suffered severe, permanent brain damage and requires 24/7 care after being forced to consume excessive alcohol. The Santulli family settled with 22 defendants, including the national fraternity, for reportedly multi-million-dollar confidential amounts. This case highlighted the catastrophic non-fatal injuries that hazing can inflict.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

These national histories are not just cautionary tales; they are foundational to legal strategy in civil hazing lawsuits in Texas. Knowing that certain organizations have a pattern of hazing:

• Establishes Foreseeability: It becomes much harder for national organizations to claim they “didn’t know” or that an incident was “a rogue chapter” when similar incidents have occurred repeatedly across their chapters. This foresight strongly supports claims of negligence or gross negligence.
• Influences Insurance Coverage Disputes: Knowing a national’s history helps experienced hazing attorneys anticipate and navigate complex insurance coverage disputes. Insurers often try to deny coverage for “intentional acts” like hazing, but an attorney can argue that the national organization’s negligent supervision and failure to prevent foreseeable harm should be covered.
• Supports Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, especially where an organization ignored repeated warnings, national patterns can bolster arguments for punitive damages, which are designed to punish reckless behavior and deter future misconduct.

For Kent County families, understanding these national patterns illuminates why a thorough investigation and experienced legal counsel are essential. The Manginello Law Firm (Attorney911) uses this deep knowledge of national and local hazing histories to build compelling cases for accountability and justice.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Pursuing a hazing lawsuit requires far more than just reporting an incident. It demands a meticulous investigation, expert analysis, and a sophisticated legal strategy capable of countering the well-resourced defense teams of universities and national organizations. The Manginello Law Firm (Attorney911) understands the intricacies of building a winning hazing case.

Evidence: The Foundation of a Hazing Claim

Every piece of evidence tells a part of the story, and in hazing cases, that evidence often disappears quickly. Our firm prioritizes immediate evidence collection and preservation.

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical category of evidence in modern hazing cases. Group chats on platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and Slack, along with direct messages on Instagram, Snapchat, and other social media, reveal the planning, intent, instruction, and aftermath of hazing. Even if messages are deleted, our firm works with digital forensics experts to recover them. Screenshots taken immediately by victims or witnesses are invaluable.
• Photos & Videos: Content filmed by members during hazing events—whether posted to social media, shared in private chats, or saved locally—can be direct evidence of misconduct. Security camera footage from houses, event venues, or even Ring/doorbell cameras can also capture crucial moments. Photos of injuries, humiliating acts, or forced drinking are vital.
• Internal Organization Documents: These can include pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, calendars of “new member education” activities, and emails or texts from officers giving instructions. National organization policies and training materials are also crucial for showing what the organization said it would do versus what actually happened.
• University Records: Through discovery in a lawsuit, we can obtain a university’s internal records, including prior conduct files, records of probation or suspension for the organization, incident reports from campus police or student conduct offices, and communications between administrators about the organization. Public universities, like UT Austin, often maintain publicly accessible logs of hazing violations (hazing.utexas.edu), which are invaluable.
• Medical and Psychological Records: Comprehensive medical records (emergency room reports, hospitalization records, surgery notes, lab results including toxicology and rhabdomyolysis markers) are non-negotiable. Furthermore, records from psychologists or psychiatrists diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other trauma-related conditions are critical for documenting non-economic damages.
• Witness Testimony: Key witnesses include other pledges, current members, former members who quit or were expelled, roommates, Residential Assistants (RAs), coaches, trainers, and any bystanders. Even if witnesses are initially hesitant due to fear of retaliation, their testimony can be vital in painting a full picture of the hazing.

Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

Hazing creates profound harm—physical, emotional, academic, and financial. Civil lawsuits aim to provide fair compensation for these losses.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This includes all past medical expenses (ER visits, ambulance, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medications) and, critically, projected future medical care. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure (e.g., rhabdomyolysis), this can involve complex life care plans outlining decades of ongoing medical and personal care needs.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This covers income lost if the victim or a parent had to miss work due to the hazing. It also includes the significant impact on education: missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation, and a diminished future earning capacity if the injuries (physical or psychological) are permanent.
• Non-Economic Damages: These subjective but legally compensable damages address the human cost of hazing:
  • Physical Pain and Suffering: From immediate physical injuries and chronic pain.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: Including diagnosed conditions like PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, fear, and intrusive thoughts.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in previously cherished activities, social withdrawal, and a diminished quality of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the tragic event of a hazing-related death, surviving family members (parents, children, spouse) can recover for:
  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and society, including the profound grief and emotional suffering of the family.
  • Loss of guidance and counsel.

While we describe these types of damages, Attorney911 always emphasizes that every case is unique, and we cannot promise specific dollar amounts. Our role is to diligently pursue the maximum possible recovery based on the facts and the law.

The Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

A significant challenge in hazing litigation is navigating the complex web of defendants and their insurance policies.

• Insurance Policies: National fraternities, local chapters, and universities typically carry substantial liability insurance policies. However, their insurers often employ tactics to avoid paying, arguing that hazing, as an “intentional act” or “criminal act,” is excluded from coverage.
• Attorney911’s Advantage: This is where Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney becomes invaluable. She understands the “inside baseball” of how insurance companies value claims, identify loopholes, and strategize denials. Our team knows how to:
  • Identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, from national policies to local chapter policies, and even homeowners’ policies of individual members.
  • Challenge wrongful denials of coverage, arguing that while the specific acts may have been intentional, the organization’s negligent supervision and failure to prevent foreseeable harm are covered events.
  • Force reluctant insurers to fulfill their duty to defend and indemnify.

Ultimately, building a successful hazing case—especially for a Kent County family against a large university or national organization—demands a firm with deep investigative expertise, a thorough understanding of Texas law, and the strategic knowledge to overcome the resistance of powerful defendants and their insurers. Attorney911 operates with the precision and aggression necessary to pursue justice.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For Kent County families and university students across Texas, knowing what to do immediately after a hazing incident can make all the difference. Early action can preserve crucial evidence, protect legal rights, and ensure safety.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

As a parent, your intuition is powerful. Trust it. Be aware of these warning signs:

• Warning Signs of Hazing:
  • Physical: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, extreme fatigue, weight loss, sleep deprivation, or injuries that don’t match the explanation. Any signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use that are out of character.
  • Behavioral/Emotional: Sudden secrecy about organizational activities, withdrawal from family or old friends, personality changes (anxiety, depression, irritability), increased defensiveness when asked about the group, fear of “getting in trouble,” or constant talk of “just having to get through this” to be accepted.
  • Academic/Financial: Sudden drop in grades, missing classes for “mandatory” events, unexpected large expenses or requests for money without clear explanation.
  • Digital: Excessive phone use for group chats at all hours, anxiety around their phone, or newly installed geo-location tracking apps demanded by the organization.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach conversation with empathy. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going in the group? Are you enjoying it?” Emphasize their safety and well-being above allegiance to any group. Reassure them that you will support them no matter what.
• If Your Child Is Hurt: Seek immediate medical attention. Document everything: photograph injuries, screenshot texts or group chats they show you, and write down a detailed account of what they tell you (dates, times, names).
• Dealing with the University: Document every communication with university administrators. Ask specific questions about the university’s knowledge of prior incidents involving the organization. Be aware that the university’s priority may be to manage its reputation and avoid liability.
• 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 obfuscating the facts, it’s time to call an experienced hazing attorney. Delay only benefits those responsible.

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

If you are a student in Kent County or anywhere in Texas contemplating or experiencing new member activities, ask yourself:

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? If you feel unsafe, humiliated, coerced, or forced to drink/endure pain, or if the activity is hidden from the public or administrators – it is likely hazing. If older members are making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves, or asking you to keep secrets, it’s hazing.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: In Texas, consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that consent given under duress, peer pressure, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Your desire to belong does not make dangerous or humiliating acts acceptable or legal.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have a legal right to leave any organization at any time. Inform a trusted adult (parent, RA, trusted professor) and then communicate your resignation clearly, ideally in writing (email/text) to the chapter president. Avoid “one last meeting” where you may be pressured or intimidated.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Texas law and most university policies offer limited immunity for students who report hazing or call 911 for a medical emergency, even if they were under the influence or involved. Your health and safety come first.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were once a part of hazing, whether as a participant or a witness, and now regret it, you have a crucial role to play in preventing future harm.

• Your Impact: Your testimony and evidence can make a profound difference, prevent future injuries, and potentially save lives. While you may feel guilt or fear potential repercussions, your cooperation is a vital step towards accountability.
• Legal Guidance: You may benefit from consulting your own legal counsel to understand your rights, potential exposure, and how to cooperate with investigators or civil lawsuits. Lawyers can help navigate your role as a witness, potentially providing limited immunity or protection.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

Hazing cases are challenging, and common pitfalls can severely undermine a family’s ability to seek justice. Avoid these critical mistakes:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence: What parents often think is protecting their child by removing incriminating evidence can be seen as obstruction of justice and can be devastating to a civil case. Preserve everything immediately, even if it feels embarrassing. Attorney911’s video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains proper preservation.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: Directly confronting the organization or its members will almost always lead to them immediately lawyering up, destroying evidence, coaching witnesses, and preparing defenses against you. Instead, document everything privately and contact Attorney911 for legal guidance.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. These documents can waive your right to pursue legal action and often result in settlements far below the true value of your case. Never sign anything from the university without legal review.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer: While difficult, resist the urge to share details of the hazing on public social media. Defense attorneys consistently monitor social media, and any perceived inconsistencies or private information shared there can be used against you. Gather evidence privately and let your lawyer control public statements.
5. Letting Your Child Go Back for “One Last Meeting”: If an organization learns you are considering legal action, they may try to call your child to a “meeting” to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that could harm their case. Once you are considering legal action, all communication should go through your attorney.
6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”: Universities prioritize their reputation and may attempt to manage hazing incidents internally with disciplinary actions that fall short of true accountability. This delay allows crucial evidence to disappear, witnesses to graduate, and the statute of limitations to run. Preserve evidence immediately and consult with a lawyer without delay.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: Insurance adjusters, even those representing the university or national organization, are not on your side. They are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you give can be used against you. Politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your attorney.

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, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, specific statutory violations, or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific; contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony under Texas law if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who fail to report hazing can also face misdemeanor charges.
• “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. The law recognizes that “agreement” under duress, peer pressure, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, certain legal principles, like the “discovery rule” or tolling for minors, may extend this period. Time is critical for preserving evidence and initiating a thorough investigation. We address this in our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c). Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.
• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of hazing does not eliminate liability. Many major hazing cases (e.g., Pi Delta Psi’s retreat hazing, Sigma Pi’s unofficial house hazing) occurred off-campus yet resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on their sponsorship, knowledge of off-campus activities, and duties of oversight.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While some high-profile cases do attract media attention, many hazing cases, particularly those involving severe physical or psychological injury but not death, are resolved through confidential settlements outside of public trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy interests while aggressively pursuing accountability. We can discuss options for requesting sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family in Kent County, or anywhere in Texas, faces the devastating impact of hazing, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need tenacious attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911), we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ dedicated to holding perpetrators and negligent institutions accountable for hazing.

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve families across Texas, including those in Kent County and surrounding areas. We understand that hazing at major Texas universities, from institutions in nearby Lubbock to those in Houston, Austin, Dallas, and Waco, tragically affects families across the region.

Our firm brings a unique blend of skills that sets us apart in hazing litigation:

• The Insurance Insider Advantage: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, leverages her invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows the playbook of fraternity and university insurance companies—how they value hazing claims, their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their settlement strategies. “We know their playbook, because we used to run it,” she affirms. This insider knowledge gives our clients a distinct edge in navigating complex insurance coverage disputes, which are often central to hazing cases. Lupe Peña’s complete credentials are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our Managing Partner, Ralph P. Manginello, has a robust background in complex litigation, including being one of the few Texas firms involved in the massive BP Texas City explosion litigation. This experience means we are not intimidated by taking on billion-dollar corporations, national fraternities with powerful legal teams, or major universities. Our federal court experience in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, further equips us for high-stakes, multi-party litigation. Ralph Manginello’s complete 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 substantial settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We don’t settle cheap. We meticulously build cases, collaborating with economists, medical experts, and life care planners to fully value the long-term impact of injuries like brain damage, rhabdomyolysis, or lifelong psychological trauma.
• Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a distinct advantage. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, allowing us to advise not just victims, but also witnesses or former members who may face dual exposure. Our criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) ensures comprehensive legal guidance.
• Unparalleled Investigative Depth: We investigate hazing cases like your child’s future depends on it—because it does. This includes working with digital forensics experts to recover deleted group chats and social media evidence, subpoenaing national fraternity records to uncover patterns of prior incidents, challenging universities through discovery requests, and collaborating with medical and psychological experts to fully document all damages.

We understand that hazing is one of the hardest things a family can face. The Manginello Law Firm (Attorney911) is committed to getting you answers, holding the right people accountable, and helping prevent future tragedies. We are empathetic to your pain, but aggressive in our pursuit of justice.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, from Texas Tech in Lubbock to the major universities in Houston, Austin, Dallas, or Waco, we want to hear from you. Families in Kent County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, accountability, and fair compensation.

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.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story with compassion and without judgment.
• We’ll review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options, including a criminal report, civil lawsuit, or both.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect during the legal process.
• We will answer your questions about costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Learn more in our video “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).
• There’s no pressure to hire us on the spot—take the time you need to decide.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

Call Attorney911 today for immediate support:

• 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

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

Reading this article does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every hazing 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 Kent 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