Kerr County Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Lawyers: University Hazing Injury & Wrongful Death Attorneys at Attorney911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ offer unparalleled expertise. Our former insurance defense attorney understands fraternity insurance tactics. We leverage federal court experience taking on national fraternities and universities, proven by BP explosion litigation. With HCCLA criminal defense and civil wrongful death expertise, we’ve secured multi-million dollar results. We handle hazing cases at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and more. Our Kerr County team includes evidence preservation specialists with 25+ years of experience. Hablamos Español. Free consultation. Contingency fee: No Win, No Fee. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

When Tradition Turns Toxic: A Kerr County Family’s Guide to Hazing in Texas Universities

The air is crisp, the campus lights glow warmly, and a new generation of students, including many from Kerr County and the surrounding Texas Hill Country, embarks on the excitement of college life. Perhaps your child, full of hope, has joined a fraternity, sorority, athletic team, or spirit group at a Texas institution like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor. They speak of “tradition,” “bonding,” and “earning their letters.” But then, the phone calls become less frequent, their voice more subdued. They start looking tired, anxious, or evasive. You hear whispers of late-night “meetings,” unusual “challenges,” or forced drinking. This idyllic scene can quickly darken, transforming into a nightmare where loyalty is exploited, and safety is sacrificed for a twisted sense of belonging.

Imagine a night at an off-campus house where new members are pressured to consume alcohol far beyond safe limits during a “Big/Little” reveal or a “Bible study” drinking game. The room echoes with chants, phones are out, capturing the forced spectacle, but as one student collapses, fear grips the room. No one wants to call 911, terrified of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” The student, perhaps your own, feels utterly alone, trapped between the group’s demands and their own desperate need for safety. Sadly, this isn’t a fictional scenario; it’s a harsh reality that unfolds too often across Texas campuses, affecting families from Kerrville, Bandera, Comfort, and across the entire Kerr County region.

This comprehensive guide is designed for families in Kerr County and across Texas who find themselves grappling with the confusing, painful, and often secretive world of hazing. We at The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, understand that what you don’t know can hurt you, and that silence only perpetuates this dangerous cycle. We aim to equip you with critical knowledge about:

• What modern hazing truly looks like in 2025, far beyond mere pranks.
• The specific legal framework in Texas—criminal and civil—that addresses hazing.
• The lessons learned from major national hazing cases and their direct relevance to Texas students and institutions.
• Documented incidents and responses at key Texas universities: the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University.
• Your legal options if hazing has impacted your child, emphasizing that you have rights and avenues for accountability.

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for specific legal advice. While we are a Houston-based firm, we serve families throughout Texas, including Kerr County and its surrounding communities like Center Point and Ingram. We are prepared to bring our expertise to bear for any Texas family in need.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours, every moment counts:

• Get medical attention for your child immediately, even if they insist they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) on all platforms (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, Discord, iMessage) immediately.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles, dating the photos.
  • Save any physical items that may serve as evidence (clothing worn, receipts for forced purchases, objects used).
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when it occurred, and where.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel.
  • Post details about the incident on public social media.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Critical evidence disappears quickly—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses.
• Universities often move swiftly to control the narrative and conduct their own investigations, which may not prioritize your child’s rights.
• We can help you preserve evidence, protect your child’s legal interests, and ensure their story is heard.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate and confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Beyond the Stereotypes

For many families in Kerr County and across Texas, the word “hazing” might call to mind old movies or exaggerated stories—perhaps a harmless prank or a bit of forced camaraderie. However, The Manginello Law Firm knows that modern hazing is far more insidious, dangerous, and technologically sophisticated than ever before. It’s a complex, often secret system where power dynamics are exploited, and individuals are pressured into acts that endanger their mental and physical well-being.

At its core, hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action connected to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group. This behavior endangers physical or mental health, causes humiliation, or exploits another individual. It is crucial to understand that even if a student superficially “agrees” to participate, this “consent” is often legally invalid due to overwhelming peer pressure, the desire for belonging, and a significant power imbalance between senior members and new recruits.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing:

Hazing is not a monolithic activity; it evolves constantly as organizations try to avoid detection. We often see it manifest in these primary categories:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is arguably the most common and deadliest form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often during “lineups,” “chugging challenges,” or structured “games” designed to induce rapid intoxication. Pledges may be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, leading to alcohol poisoning, injury, or death.

• Physical Hazing: This category includes acts intended to inflict physical pain or exhaustion. Examples range from traditional paddling and beatings to extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning. Physical hazing also encompasses severe sleep deprivation, forced food or water deprivation, and exposure to extreme environmental conditions like cold or heat, or even dangerous physical “tests.”

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are designed to degrade and strip individuals of their dignity. They can include forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (sometimes referred to as “roasted pig” positions or “elephant walks”), or being forced to wear degrading costumes. Hazing can also feature acts with racist, homophobic, or sexist overtones, including the use of slurs or forced role-play of stereotypes.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but deeply damaging, psychological hazing uses emotional manipulation to control and break down new members. This can involve verbal abuse, threats, forced isolation from friends and family, and constant criticism or intimidation. The goal is often to instill complete obedience and loyalty through fear and emotional distress.

• Digital/Online Hazing: This is the newest frontier of hazing, leveraging technology to extend control and humiliation beyond physical gatherings. It includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public shaming via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. There is also immense pressure to create or share compromising images or videos and constant digital surveillance through mandated location sharing or instant response requirements.

Where Hazing Actually Happens: Beyond the “Frat House” Stereotype

It’s a misconception that hazing is confined solely to fraternities. While Greek life remains a significant arena for hazing, the unfortunate truth is that it permeates a wide array of student organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes traditional Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic organizations, as well as National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and multicultural Greek groups.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations with a hierarchical structure often perpetuate hazing under the guise of discipline or tradition.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Groups: From cheerleading squads to groups like the Texas Cowboys or other university-specific spirit organizations, hazing can occur within any group where new members are expected to “earn” their place.
• Athletic Teams: This covers all levels, from football, basketball, and baseball to swimming, track, and cheerleading. Hazing in sports often manifests as brutal “workouts,” forced drinking, or sexualized rituals.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign organizations like marching bands have been the site of severe hazing incidents.
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with an “initiation” period and a power dynamic between new and existing members can be vulnerable to hazing.

The prevalence of hazing, even with anti-hazing policies in place, underscores how deeply ingrained social status, tradition, and secrecy are in these student cultures. These factors create an environment where dangerous practices are perpetuated, often with tragic consequences for students and their families in Kerr County and beyond.

Law & Liability Framework: Navigating Texas and Federal Hazing Laws

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing is crucial for Kerr County families seeking justice and accountability. Texas has robust anti-hazing laws, and a complex web of state and federal regulations govern how these incidents are addressed. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, brings deep expertise to deciphering these legal intricacies.

Texas Hazing Law Basics: Education Code Provisions

Texas stands out with specific anti-hazing provisions embedded within its Education Code. These laws aim to deter hazing and provide avenues for prosecution.

• Definition of Hazing (§ 37.151): Under Texas law, hazing is defined broadly 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.

  For Kerr County families, this means that if someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they acted intentionally or recklessly, that constitutes hazing under Texas law. The location (on or off campus) does not matter, and the harm can be to either mental or physical health. Crucially, intent is not required to be malicious; merely being reckless about the risk is enough.

• Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152): Texas law prescribes criminal penalties for hazing:

  • A student who commits hazing is typically charged with a Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail, fine up to $2,000).
  • If hazing causes an injury requiring medical treatment, it can be elevated to a Class A Misdemeanor.
  • If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a State Jail Felony, carrying severe penalties.
  • Additionally, any student, faculty member, or university employee who knows about hazing and fails to report it can face misdemeanor charges. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

• Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations themselves (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be held criminally responsible if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if an officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it. Penalties for organizations include fines up to $10,000 per violation and potential loss of university recognition. This is a critical provision that allows accountability against the group’s leadership.

• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§ 37.154): To encourage reporting, Texas law grants immunity from civil or criminal liability to individuals who in good faith report a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement. This provision, along with “medical amnesty” policies at many universities, aims to protect students who call for help in an emergency, even if they were underage drinking.

• Consent Not a Defense (§ 37.155): This is one of the most powerful provisions in Texas hazing law. It explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the activity. This directly counters one of the most common defenses: “they agreed to it.” Courts recognize that true consent is impossible when there’s coercion, peer pressure, and a power imbalance.

• Reporting by Educational Institutions (§ 37.156): Texas colleges and universities are mandated to provide hazing prevention education, publish clear anti-hazing policies, and maintain public records of all hazing violations and disciplinary actions. This transparency, for example, by the University of Texas at Austin, helps families in Kerr County and across the state identify patterns of misconduct within specific organizations.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

It’s common for families to confuse criminal and civil legal actions, but understanding the distinction is key to pursuing comprehensive accountability.

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (the district attorney’s office in your local county, such as Kerr County, or the county where the hazing occurred). The goal is to punish the individual wrongdoer(s) with penalties like jail time, fines, or probation. In hazing contexts, criminal charges can include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, or even more severe charges like manslaughter or negligent homicide in cases of death.

• Civil Cases: These are initiated by the victims or their surviving families. The primary goal is monetary compensation for the harm suffered and holding individuals and institutions accountable through various legal theories, including:

  • Negligence and Gross Negligence: For failing to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm.
  • Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a fatality.
  • Negligent Hiring/Supervision: If institutions failed to properly vet or oversee responsible parties.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property that was unsafe or improperly managed.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For severe psychological harm.

It is critical to note that a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a successful civil case. We can pursue justice through both avenues simultaneously or independently, depending on the specifics of the situation.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also play a role in addressing campus hazing, especially for institutions receiving federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation, phased in by around 2026, mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funds improve transparency regarding hazing incidents. This means new requirements for more detailed reporting, strengthened hazing education, and greater public access to hazing data. This will provide unprecedented insight for Kerr County families into campus safety records.

• Title IX / Clery Act: When hazing involves elements of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based discrimination, Title IX—a federal civil rights law—can trigger significant obligations for universities. The Clery Act requires colleges to disclose campus crime statistics and security policies. Hazing incidents often intersect with Clery reporting, particularly if they involve assaults, alcohol-related misconduct, or other reportable crimes.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Civil hazing lawsuits can involve multiple parties, reflecting the layers of responsibility in these incidents. Identifying all potentially liable parties is crucial for seeking full compensation and fostering comprehensive change.

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, carried out, supplied resources, or helped cover up the hazing are often primary defendants.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or student group involved can be sued as an entity, especially if its leadership or culture facilitated the hazing.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which sets policies, collects dues, and supervises chapters, can be held liable. Such liability often hinges on what the national organization knew or should have known from prior hazing incidents at its other chapters.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself may be sued under various theories, particularly regarding their duty to protect students, enforce policies, or respond to known dangers. Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT, while having some sovereign immunity protections, can still be liable for gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities like SMU and Baylor often have fewer immunity defenses.
• Third Parties: This can include landlords or owners of properties where hazing occurred, bars or liquor stores that illegally supplied alcohol (under “dram shop” laws), or even event organizers and security companies who failed in their duties.

Every case is unique, and the specific parties who can be held liable will depend on the detailed facts and circumstances.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Tragically, hazing is a nationwide problem, and the patterns that emerge from high-profile cases across the country offer vital lessons for students and families in Kerr County and all of Texas. These cases establish legal precedents and highlight the responsibilities various institutions hold. We leverage the insights from these cases to strengthen our advocacy for victims here in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: A Repeating Script

The most frequent and devastating pattern in hazing cases involves forced alcohol consumption, often resulting in severe injury or death.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most publicized hazing deaths, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” event where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Fraternity security cameras captured his severe falls and the agonizing hours during which fraternity brothers delayed calling for help. This horrific incident resulted in dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and inspired Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. The takeaway for Texas families is clear: extreme intoxication, coupled with a delayed emergency response and a culture of silence, can prove legally devastating for all involved parties.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to drink them. This incident led to criminal hazing charges against multiple members, and FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life, overhauling its policies. This tragic example underscores how seemingly traditional “drinking nights” are a recurring script for disaster, regardless of the campus.

• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU pledge, died after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where he was forced to drink if he answered questions incorrectly. His death from alcohol toxicity (BAC 0.495%) propelled Louisiana to enact the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute. This case demonstrates that swift legislative change can often follow public outrage and clear proof of systemic hazing.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died after being forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal convictions for hazing-related offenses. In civil litigation, BGSU, a public university, agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the family, with additional settlements reached with the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and individual members. This case illustrates that universities, even public ones, can face significant financial and reputational consequences for hazing, alongside the fraternities themselves.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern: Beyond Alcohol

Hazing isn’t just about alcohol. Violent physical rituals leading to death or severe injury are also a tragic pattern.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a pledge at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, died from head injuries after being blindfolded, weighted with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a brutal “glass ceiling” ritual. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours. Multiple members were criminally convicted, and the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and effectively banned from Pennsylvania for a decade. This case highlights that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous, if not more so, than campus events and that national organizations are not immune from severe legal sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse: Not Just Greek Life

Hazing is unfortunately not exclusive to Greek letter organizations. High-profile athletic programs have also faced severe accountability for systemic abuse.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a scandal that rocked collegiate athletics, former football players alleged widespread sexualized, racist, and physically demeaning hazing within the program over multiple years. This led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and coaching staff, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later reached a confidential wrongful-termination settlement), and a significant re-evaluation of institutional oversight. The critical takeaway for Kerr County families is that hazing can extend beyond Greek life, permeating big-money athletic programs and showcasing the institutional failures that allow such abuse to persist.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies share common, chilling threads: forced drinking, humiliation, physical violence, delayed or denied medical care, and a pervasive culture of secrecy and cover-ups. They demonstrate that multi-million-dollar settlements, criminal convictions, and significant institutional reforms often only follow after tragedy strikes and determined victims and their families pursue vigorous legal action. For Kerr County families, these national lessons underscore that hazing at institutions like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor is not an isolated phenomenon, but part of a larger, predictable pattern that requires comprehensive legal challenge.

Texas Focus: Hazing at Our State’s Major Universities

For Kerr County families, understanding the specific hazing landscape at major Texas universities—where many of our students attend—is paramount. While we have represented clients and victims across the state, here we delve into the unique contexts of the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, outlining their cultures, policies, and documented incidents.

Kerr County is nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, a region known for its natural beauty and close-knit communities. While we don’t have a major university within Kerr County itself, our students pursue higher education at institutions across the state. This means Kerr County families are connected to the challenges faced by students at campuses far and wide, from Houston to College Station, Austin to Waco and Dallas. We work to provide the same level of dedicated representation to families in Kerrville, Bandera, Comfort, and all the communities in Kerr County as we do for those in our Houston backyard.

The University of Houston (UH)

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with Kerr County Connection)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus in the heart of Houston, draws students from across Texas, including many from Kerr County seeking a dynamic big-city university experience. UH boasts a diverse and active Greek life, comprising Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural chapters, alongside numerous other student organizations, sports clubs, and traditions. This rich campus environment, while offering immense opportunities, also presents challenges related to student safety and accountability.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that prohibits hazing whether it occurs on-campus or off-campus. Its regulations explicitly forbid any acts of forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, or activities causing mental distress as part of any initiation or membership process. UH provides clear reporting channels through its Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). While UH provides a hazing statement and some disciplinary information on its website, the level of specific incident detail publicly available may be less comprehensive than some other major Texas institutions.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has faced its share of hazing allegations and disciplinary actions over the years. One notable case involved the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity in 2016. Pledges allegedly suffered severe sleep, food, and water deprivation during a multi-day “retreat.” The situation escalated when one student sustained a lacerated spleen after reportedly being slammed onto a table or similar surface. While details of the specific criminal and civil outcomes are not fully public, the chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and university suspension, highlighting the severe consequences of physical hazing.

More recently, UH has issued disciplinary actions against other fraternities for behavior described as “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including instances of alcohol misuse and clear policy violations, resulting in suspensions or probationary periods. These incidents underscore the persistent challenge of hazing within the UH Greek system and the university’s efforts to impose sanctions, though often after significant harm has occurred.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed (Relevant for Kerr County Families)

For Kerr County families whose child experiences hazing at UH, legal proceedings could involve multiple agencies. Depending on where the incident occurred, the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) and/or the Houston Police Department would likely be involved in any criminal investigations. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. Potential defendants would include the individual students directly involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the University of Houston and property owners if applicable. Our firm’s strong roots in Houston mean we are intimately familiar with navigating the local legal landscape.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Report Hazing: Students or parents concerned about hazing at UH should immediately report incidents to the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, or UHPD. Anonymous reporting options are usually available online.
• Document and Preserve: Maintain meticulous records of all communications, injuries, dates, times, and witnessed events. Screenshot group chats and social media posts, and photograph any physical evidence.
• Seek Legal Counsel: Early consultation with a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases, such as Attorney911, can be crucial. We can help you understand the university’s disciplinary process, uncover prior complaints against organizations, and strategically prepare for civil action to secure accountability.

Texas A&M University

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with Kerr County Connection)

Texas A&M University, a storied institution in College Station, embodies deeply rooted traditions, a strong sense of community, and a proud military ethos through its Corps of Cadets. Many Kerr County families have a legacy connection to A&M, or send their children there for its engineering, agriculture, and business programs. The campus has an active Greek life and numerous highly traditional student organizations. This environment, while fostering immense loyalty, also faces unique hazing challenges, particularly within the Corps of Cadets and certain Greek chapters, where “tradition” can sometimes cross the line into abuse.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, defining it broadly to include any act that endangers mental or physical health for initiation or affiliation purposes. The university’s Division of Student Affairs, particularly Student Conduct and Greek Life offices, oversees anti-hazing policies and investigations. Students are encouraged to use the “Stop Hazing” anonymous reporting portal, directly contact the University Police Department (UPD), or report to the Student Conduct Office. A&M, like all Texas public universities, must publicly report hazing violations, though the level of detail can vary.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has had several high-profile hazing incidents, drawing scrutiny to both its Greek system and the Corps of Cadets:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): Two pledges alleged severe hazing, including being covered in various substances, notably an industrial-strength cleaner, leading to severe chemical burns that required emergency skin graft surgeries. The SAE chapter was suspended by the university, and the pledges subsequently filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity, highlighting the serious physical harm that hazing can inflict.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and abusive hazing within the Corps of Cadets. This included simulated sexual acts and 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 stated it addressed the matter through its internal processes, underscoring the complexities of accountability within highly traditional, hierarchical student groups.

These cases demonstrate that hazing at Texas A&M can occur in both Greek life and deeply embedded institutional traditions, raising questions about oversight and enforcement.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed (Relevant for Kerr County Families)

For Kerr County families pursuing hazing claims at Texas A&M, legal actions would primarily involve the Brazos County courts, as College Station is located there. Criminal investigations could be conducted by the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) or the College Station Police Department. Cases against the university itself, as a public institution, would need to navigate sovereign immunity protections, requiring claims of gross negligence or Title IX violations. However, our firm excels at identifying avenues for accountability, even with such defenses in play.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Familiarize with Policies: Review Texas A&M’s anti-hazing policies and reporting methods through the Student Conduct office.
• Utilize Reporting Channels: Use the anonymous “Stop Hazing” portal if direct reporting is intimidating, or contact UPD or Student Conduct.
• Document and Photograph: Crucially, preserve any text messages, emails, photos, or videos that document hazing activities or injuries. Given the specific nature of some hazing incidents, photo documentation of chemical burns or specific poses is vital.
• Consult Legal Experts: Given the unique cultural context of A&M and the potential for sovereign immunity defenses against the university, early consultation with The Manginello Law Firm is essential to understand viable legal avenues.

The University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with Kerr County Connection)

The University of Texas at Austin, the flagship institution of the UT System, attracts a vast and diverse student body, including numerous bright minds from Kerr County. Its vibrant Greek life, alongside a multitude of highly visible spirit groups and traditions, forms a significant part of the campus experience. Austin’s liberal and energetic culture creates a unique backdrop against which both community and problematic hazing behaviours can emerge. UT’s prominence means that incidents on its campus often garner significant public and media attention.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin maintains one of the most transparent anti-hazing platforms among Texas universities. Its hazing policy strictly prohibits any act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for initiation, affiliation, or membership in any organization. UT publishes a comprehensive and regularly updated Hazing Violations database (hazing.utexas.edu) online, detailing organizations, dates, conduct, and sanctions. Reporting is facilitated through the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s public Hazing Violations page paints a clear picture of ongoing hazing challenges across its student organizations, providing a powerful resource for families.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): This chapter was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume milk to induce vomiting and perform strenuous calisthenics, which was determined to be hazing. The chapter received probation and was required to implement new hazing-prevention education.
• Other Organizations: UT’s database lists numerous other groups, including spirit organizations like the Texas Wranglers, that have faced sanctions for practices involving forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, degrading acts, and punishment-based activities. These entries serve as valuable public record.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (January 2024): This chapter faced a lawsuit from an Australian exchange student who alleged assault by members at a party, resulting in severe injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and a broken nose. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations, underpinning a pattern of problematic behavior.

UT’s commendable transparency, while exposing ongoing issues, also provides critical public evidence of pattern and prior knowledge, which can be invaluable in civil litigation.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed (Relevant for Kerr County Families)

For Kerr County families whose child has been affected by hazing at UT Austin, legal proceedings would typically involve the Travis County courts, where Austin is located. Criminal investigations could be led by the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) or the Austin Police Department. As a public institution, UT Austin shares similar sovereign immunity protections to A&M and UH, meaning claims against the university often require arguments of gross negligence or Title IX violations. However, the readily available public record of prior hazing violations can be a significant asset in building a civil case.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

• Utilize UT’s Resources: Consult UT’s explicit Hazing Violations database (hazing.utexas.edu) to check any organization’s history. This is a unique and powerful tool.
• Report Systematically: Report incidents to the Dean of Students or UTPD; leverage the reporting mechanisms outlined on the UT website.
• Diligent Documentation: Given UT’s detailed record-keeping, any evidence you collect (screenshots, photos, witness statements) can be cross-referenced and integrated into a strong legal claim.
• Engage Legal Counsel: An experienced hazing attorney can effectively use UT’s public records to demonstrate a pattern of neglect or insufficient enforcement against fraternities or other student groups, strengthening a civil claim.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with Kerr County Connection)

Southern Methodist University, a prestigious private institution in Dallas, is known for its rigorous academics and a vibrant, often affluent, campus culture with a deeply entrenched Greek system. Many Kerr County families choose SMU for its strong academic reputation and social environment. The university’s strong social scene is often intertwined with its fraternities and sororities, making the issue of hazing particularly sensitive within this competitive environment.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies that apply to all student organizations, explicitly prohibiting physical abuse, mental distress, forced consumption, and sleep deprivation. Unlike public universities, SMU’s records are not subject to public information requests, which means specific incident details are harder to access externally. However, SMU encourages reporting through its Office of Student Conduct, Dean of Students, and its anonymous reporting systems, including “Real Response.” They also provide resources for hazing prevention education.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has had several documented hazing incidents that resulted in disciplinary actions, though the specific details are not as publicly available as those from state universities.

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity chapter was suspended after reports emerged of new members being subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation during their pledge period. The chapter faced recruiting restrictions and other sanctions for several years, highlighting the university’s response to physical and alcohol-related hazing.
• SMU has also addressed hazing within other Greek organizations, often resulting in probationary periods or temporary suspensions, indicating ongoing vigilance against these prohibited practices.

These incidents, while often less detailed in public records due to SMU’s private status, demonstrate that serious hazing persists even in well-resourced private institutions. The university’s internal investigations are critical to uncovering these instances.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed (Relevant for Kerr County Families)

For Kerr County families with a child at SMU, hazing lawsuits would fall under the jurisdiction of the Dallas County courts. Criminal investigations would be handled by the SMU Police Department or the Dallas Police Department. As a private university, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially easier to directly pursue claims against the institution itself for negligence or other failures. However, the lack of public incident reports means that extensive discovery (the legal process of obtaining evidence) would be critical to uncover patterns of past hazing and the university’s knowledge and response.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand SMU’s Reporting: Familiarize yourself with SMU’s reporting procedures, including anonymous options like “Real Response,” if direct reporting feels risky.
• Meticulous Documentation: Given less public transparency, diligently document all hazing activities, communications, and injuries. This internal evidence becomes exceptionally powerful.
• Engage Experienced Counsel: For SMU cases, it is especially important to engage attorneys familiar with private university litigation and who understand how to use discovery effectively to expose institutional knowledge and culpability. Attorney911 has extensive experience navigating complex litigation in diverse institutional settings.

Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with Kerr County Connection)

Baylor University, situated in Waco, is the largest Baptist university in the world, known for its strong academic programs, Christian values, and passionate athletic culture. Many Kerr County families are drawn to Baylor for its values-based education. However, Baylor has faced significant scrutiny in recent years regarding misconduct remediation, particularly concerning its handling of the sexual assault scandal within its football program. This history creates a complex environment where any allegations of student misconduct, including hazing, are viewed through a lens of enhanced public awareness and demand for accountability.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University has a “zero tolerance” policy for hazing, defining it in alignment with Texas law. Its policies explicitly prohibit any act that causes physical or mental harm or humiliation for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or retention of membership in any organization. Baylor encourages reporting through its Department of Student Activities, Title IX Office, Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and an anonymous online reporting tool. Due to previous institutional challenges, Baylor has publicly committed to greater transparency and accountability in its administrative processes.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s recent history has placed institutional accountability at the forefront, and this extends to hazing incidents:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An internal investigation led to the suspension of 14 baseball players due to hazing violations. The suspensions were staggered over the early season, demonstrating the university’s response to team-related hazing even within its prominent athletic programs.
• Historically, Baylor, like other universities, has seen various student organizations, including Greek chapters, placed on probation or suspended for violating anti-hazing policies, often involving alcohol misconduct and other prohibited activities.

These incidents, especially in the context of Baylor’s previous institutional challenges, highlight the ongoing need for robust enforcement of anti-hazing policies and a culture that truly prioritizes student safety over tradition.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed (Relevant for Kerr County Families)

For Kerr County families pursuing hazing claims at Baylor, legal actions would take place in the McLennan County courts, as Waco is the county seat. Criminal investigations would be handled by the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) or the Waco Police Department. As a private university, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it directly vulnerable to negligence claims. However, given its history of intense public scrutiny, internal documents and past disciplinary actions (obtained through discovery) would be key to establishing a pattern of knowledge or inadequate response.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Report Through Baylor’s Channels: Utilize Baylor’s anonymous reporting tools or contact the Department of Student Activities or BUPD directly.
• Document Thoroughly: Given the importance of internal accountability at Baylor, meticulous documentation of incidents, communications, and injuries is paramount.
• Leverage Legal Expertise: Families should seek legal counsel from firms like Attorney911 that are adept at navigating complex institutional histories and can ensure that Baylor’s stated commitment to accountability is rigorously tested in pursuit of justice.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Kerr County families navigating allegations of hazing, understanding the dual nature of Greek organizations—their local chapters and their powerful national headquarters—is essential. The Manginello Law Firm recognizes that hazing is rarely an isolated incident confined to a single chapter; it’s often part of a broader pattern rooted in national organizational cultures and historical practices.

Why National Histories Matter

Most fraternities and sororities at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are part of larger national or international organizations. These national entities:

• Develop the majority of policies, risk management guidelines, and anti-hazing manuals for their chapters. These manuals exist precisely because national organizations have witnessed devastating deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits across their chapters.
• Maintain detailed records of past incidents, disciplinary actions against chapters, and allegations of misconduct from campuses across the country. They understand the recurring patterns: forced drinking rituals, violent paddling “traditions,” and humiliating initiation “games.”

When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous behavior that led to another chapter being shut down, or an individual being criminally charged, or a multi-million-dollar settlement in another state, this creates a powerful argument for foreseeability. It demonstrates that the national organization had prior notice of the risks associated with those specific hazing practices and failed to adequately prevent their recurrence. This pattern of knowledge can significantly strengthen a negligence or gross negligence claim against the national entity, directly impacting its legal and financial liability.

Organization Mapping: Local Chapters, National Patterns

While we cannot list every chapter, many of the fraternities and sororities present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor belong to national organizations with well-documented hazing histories. Here’s how some of these national patterns intersect with the Texas university landscape:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, among many other campuses.

  • National History: Pi Kappa Alpha has a widely documented history of severe hazing, particularly involving excessive alcohol consumption. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University (2021) after being forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey is a stark example. Another is the $14 million settlement in the death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (2012) in a similar alcohol-related incident. These repeating patterns of “Big/Little” or “pledge night” alcohol hazing provide critical evidence of a national culture and a failure to adequately intervene, despite prior warnings.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE / ΣΑΕ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU.

  • National History: SAE has faced multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. Beyond the traumatic brain injury lawsuit filed in 2023 at the University of Alabama, SAE chapters in Texas have also drawn scrutiny. This includes the Texas A&M chapter (2021), where two pledges alleged chemical burns from industrial cleaner during hazing, leading to a lawsuit, and the UT Austin chapter (January 2024), which faced a lawsuit from an exchange student alleging assault and serious injury, while already under suspension for prior violations. These incidents highlight a pattern of physical abuse, chemical hazing, and violence within the organization, often leading to significant financial and legal consequences.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU, and Baylor.

  • National History: Phi Delta Theta is tragically linked to the death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University (2017), where he died from alcohol toxicity during a “Bible study” drinking game. This incident directly led to Louisiana’s felony Max Gruver Act. The national organization’s pattern of alcohol-related hazing, particularly involving coercive “games,” underscores a recurring risk that should have informed prevention efforts across all its chapters.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin.

  • National History: Pi Kappa Phi is associated with the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017), who died from alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” The national organization and FSU faced intense scrutiny and legal action. This incident, like others, highlights a pattern of dangerous “tradition” disguised as bonding, which national organizations were clearly on notice about.

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA): Active at Texas A&M and SMU.

  • National History: Kappa Alpha Order has a history of hazing allegations and disciplinary actions across college campuses, including the 2017 incident at SMU where pledges were allegedly paddled, forced to drink, and deprived of sleep, leading to chapter suspension. These incidents demonstrate that physical and alcohol-related hazing can be a recurring issue within the organization.

• Other Organizations with Documented National Patterms:

  • Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Despite the tragic Timothy Piazza death at Penn State (2017), Beta Theta Pi maintains chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. This incident underscored a national failure to prevent extreme alcohol hazing and delayed medical care.
  • Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI / ΦΓΔ): Present at Texas A&M. The organization faced massive liability in the case of Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri (2021), a pledge who suffered severe, permanent brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol.
  • Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): An NPHC fraternity with chapters at UH and Texas A&M. This organization has faced hazing allegations, including a recent federal lawsuit at the University of Southern Mississippi (2023) where a former student alleged severe beatings with a wooden paddle during “Hell Night,” causing extensive injuries.
  • Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor. This fraternity has also faced significant legal judgments for hazing. A family recently received over $10 million in damages for a pledge who alleged physical beatings, forced consumption of drugs/alcohol, and psychological torment at the College of Charleston (2024), demonstrating substantial jury awards against the organization.
  • Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and Baylor. This organization was found liable in the Chad Meredith drowning death (2001) at the University of Miami, with a $12.6 million verdict against the fraternity for a hazing-related death. More recently, allegations of severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical hazing), have been raised against the Texas A&M chapter (2023).

Tying National Patterns to Texas Legal Strategy

These patterns across states and campuses are critical for building a strong legal case in Texas. They demonstrate:

• Foreseeability: National organizations cannot credibly claim ignorance when similar hazing methods lead to injuries or deaths across their various chapters year after year. The Manginello Law Firm argues that these patterns put national organizations on constructive notice of dangerous practices.
• Failure to Enforce: Despite thick anti-hazing manuals and “zero tolerance” rhetoric, a repeated history of incidents demonstrates a systemic failure to meaningfully enforce these policies, respond aggressively to prior violations, or adequately monitor chapter activities.
• Leverage in Negotiations: Documented national histories provide significant leverage in settlement discussions, compelling powerful national organizations and their insurance carriers to confront their responsibilities.
• Potential for Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, especially where an organization displayed a pattern of ignoring warnings or took insufficient action to prevent known dangers, the potential for punitive damages (which aim to punish and deter) becomes a powerful tool, depending on the jurisdiction and specific claims.

For Kerr County families, understanding this national context is key. It transforms an isolated, painful incident into part of a larger narrative of institutional failure, strengthening the demand for justice and accountability.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, and Strategy in Hazing Litigation

When your child from Kerr County has been harmed by hazing, pursuing justice requires a focused and sophisticated legal strategy. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, we understand that building a strong hazing case against powerful institutions – from local chapters and national fraternities to universities – depends on meticulous evidence collection, a thorough understanding of applicable damages, and a precise legal approach.

The Power of Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

In today’s digital age, evidence in hazing cases is rapidly evolving. We meticulously gather and analyze all available evidence to paint a clear picture of what happened, who was involved, and what could have been done to prevent it.

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical category of evidence in modern hazing cases.

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and fraternity/sorority-specific apps are often treasure troves. These platforms contain direct instructions, discussions about hazing, plans for events, admissions of coercion, and conversations about cover-ups.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, and TikTok comments can reveal directives, humiliation tactics, and evidence of events.
  • We understand that evidence can be deleted quickly. Our team works to preserve it, often involving digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages and data that show intent, knowledge, and patterns of behavior.

• Photos & Videos:

  • Content filmed by members during hazing events, often for their own enjoyment or as proof of “loyalty,” can be damning.
  • Footage shared in group chats or posted (even briefly) on social media provides direct visual proof.
  • Security camera footage from houses or venues, including Ring/doorbell cameras, can show arrivals, departures, and problematic activities.
  • Critically, photos of injuries immediately after an incident, and progressively over time, provide objective medical evidence. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.

• Internal Organization Documents: These provide insight into the mindset and culture of the organization.

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, and ritual documents.
  • Emails or text messages from chapter officers or “pledge educators” instructing members on what to do.
  • National policies, training materials, and risk management guidelines – often juxtaposed against actual harmful practices.

• University Records:

  • Prior conduct files, records of probation, suspensions, or letters of warning against the specific chapter or individuals.
  • Incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Publicly available reports from the university (like UT Austin’s Hazing Violations database) showing past violations.
  • Clery Act reports and other disclosures related to campus safety.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the full extent of the harm.

  • Emergency room and hospitalization records, ambulance reports.
  • Surgery and rehabilitation notes, toxicology reports (e.g., blood alcohol content).
  • Psychological evaluations and therapy records documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidality resulting from the hazing.

• Witness Testimony:

  • Statements from other pledges, current members (especially those who left or were expelled), former members, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, or any bystanders. These individuals can provide firsthand accounts and corroborate evidence.

Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

When hazing causes harm, the law seeks to compensate victims and their families for their wide-ranging losses. While every case is unique, common categories of damages in hazing litigation include:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs related to physical and psychological recovery. It includes immediate emergency room care, hospitalization, surgeries, ongoing pain management, physical therapy, medications, and mental health counseling. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ damage, it can include the costs of long-term care plans (known as “life care plans”) that can span a lifetime.

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can disrupt a student’s education and future career. Damages can include tuition and fees for missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed entry into the workforce, and, in cases of permanent disability, a significant reduction in lifetime earning capacity.

• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for subjective but profound losses:

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: For the immediate and ongoing physical pain from injuries.
  • Emotional Distress, Trauma, and Humiliation: Compensating for the psychological scars, PTSD, anxiety, depression, loss of dignity, and public shaming.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life that the victim once cherished, or their withdrawal from a normal college experience.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the most tragic cases, when hazing results in death, surviving family members (spouse, children, parents) can claim:

  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society.
  • Grief and emotional suffering of family members.
    These damages, while impossible to fully repay, seek to recognize the profound and irreparable loss.

• Punitive Damages: In specific situations, if a defendant acted with extreme recklessness, malice, or gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not to compensate the victim, but to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar conduct. For example, if an organization had clear warnings of dangerous hazing and repeatedly ignored them, punitive damages may be sought. However, Texas law does cap punitive damages in most personal injury cases.

The Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation often involves multiple powerful defendants, each with their own legal counsel and, crucially, insurance policies.

• Insurance Policies: National fraternities, universities, and individual members often carry various types of insurance that may apply to hazing incidents. However, insurance companies are notoriously reluctant to pay, often arguing that hazing or “intentional acts” are excluded from coverage.
• Experienced Hazing Lawyers: This is where firms like The Manginello Law Firm excel. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) gives our firm an invaluable insider’s perspective on how these large insurance companies evaluate, delay, and attempt to deny claims. We know how to identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, navigate complex policy exclusions, and force insurers to meet their obligations. Our goal is to ensure your family’s claims are not unjustly denied or undervalued.

Building a hazing case is a complex, often emotionally draining process. But with clear evidence, a deep understanding of the law, and strategic legal guidance, it is possible to hold responsible parties accountable and achieve justice for victims and their families in Kerr County and across Texas.

Practical Guides & FAQs: Taking Action Against Hazing

Facing hazing can feel overwhelming and isolating for students and their families in Kerr County. Knowing what steps to take, what questions to ask, and what pitfalls to avoid is critical. Here, we offer practical guidance and address common questions.

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

As a parent, you are often your child’s first line of defense. Trust your instincts.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be attuned to changes in your child’s behavior or physical appearance. Look for:

  • Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, cuts) or repeated “accidents” with inconsistent stories.
  • Extreme fatigue, exhaustion, or constant sleep deprivation.
  • Drastic changes in mood, increased anxiety, irritability, depression, or withdrawal from old friends/family.
  • Mysterious demands for money or unexplained financial strain.
  • Sudden secrecy about fraternity/sorority activities coupled with an intense focus on “loyalty” to the group.
  • Constant, anxious checking of their phone for group chat messages, and fear of missing “mandatory” events.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy and openness, not judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority? Is anything making you uncomfortable?” Emphasize their safety and well-being above any group status, and reassure them that you will support them no matter what.

• If Your Child Is Hurt: Get them immediate medical care. Your child’s health and safety are paramount. Document everything rigorously: take time-stamped photos of injuries from multiple angles, save any texts or messages they show you (screenshot immediately!), and write down everything they tell you, including names, dates, and locations.

• Dealing with the University: If you contact university administrators or staff, document every communication. Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization and what measures the school took in response. Understand that the university’s internal process may not fully align with your child’s best legal interests.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, it is crucial to consult with an experienced hazing attorney. We can help you navigate the system and protect your family’s rights.

For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

If you are a student from Kerr County experiencing hazing, remember that you are not alone, and help is available.

• “Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?”: This is a critical question. Ask yourself: If you feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced; if you’re forced to drink or endure pain; if the activity is something you have to hide from professors, coaches, or your parents—it probably is hazing. If the activity is hidden from the public or administrators – it definitely is hazing. Your safety and self-respect are more important than “earning” a place in any group.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Despite what older members might tell you, Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that true consent is impossible when you’re under immense peer pressure, fear of exclusion, or a significant power imbalance.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation immediately and contact a trusted family member or university official. Strategies for leaving vary, but it’s often wise to inform someone outside the organization of your intentions, and then send a clear, written resignation to the chapter president. Many schools and Texas law offer good-faith reporting and amnesty protections for those who call for help in an emergency, even if substance use was involved.

For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were once part of a hazing incident, either as a participant or an observer, and now carry guilt or fear, know that your testimony and evidence can be vital.

• Your Role in Accountability: Your willingness to come forward can help prevent future harm and save lives. While you may have legal concerns, experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights and potential protections as a witness. Your cooperation can be a crucial step toward collective accountability.
• Seek Legal Advice: It is advisable to seek your own legal counsel to understand your situation, potential legal exposures, and how best to navigate providing information without jeopardizing your own rights.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

The moments immediately following a hazing incident are critical. Missteps can severely damage a potential claim. The Manginello Law Firm advises Kerr County families and students to avoid these common errors:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence: What parents might think is protecting their child by removing incriminating evidence can actually severely harm a legal case, appearing as an obstruction of justice. Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: Directly confronting the organization typically causes them to immediately “lawyer up,” destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses. Instead, document everything discreetly, then consult with a lawyer before any direct confrontation.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms: Universities might pressure families to sign waivers or agree to “internal resolution” that could strip you of your right to sue or result in a settlement far below the actual value of your case. Never sign anything without an attorney’s review.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer: While a natural urge to share, any inconsistencies in public statements can be used by defense attorneys to attack credibility. Also, posting could unintentionally waive certain legal privileges. Document privately, and let your lawyer control public messaging.
5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”: Once you are considering legal action, any communication with the organization should go through your lawyer. Returning for “one last meeting” can lead to pressure, intimidation, or statements that damage your case.
6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”: Universities conduct their own investigations, but these are often designed to protect the institution. While they investigate, critical evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run. Preserve evidence now and consult an attorney immediately. University internal processes are rarely a substitute for rigorous legal accountability.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you make can be used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always low-ball. Politely decline to speak with them and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

Short FAQ: Your Questions Answered

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin) have some sovereign immunity protection, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU and Baylor) generally have fewer immunity defenses. 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. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals in leadership positions within an organization can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts and juries understand that “consent” given under severe peer pressure, the desire for belonging, and a significant power imbalance is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  In Texas, there is generally a two-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups or deliberate concealment, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records. 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 or sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge of hazing risks, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases that resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat case or the Sigma Pi “unofficial” house case, occurred off-campus.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While some high-profile cases do gain media attention, many hazing lawsuits settle confidentially before trial. It is often possible to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms to protect your family’s privacy interests while still pursuing accountability. We always discuss public relations strategy carefully with our clients.

About The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC: Your Advocates Against Hazing

When your family in Kerr County faces the devastating impact of hazing, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need tenacious and experienced advocates who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring a unique blend of insider knowledge, complex litigation experience, and unwavering dedication to every hazing case.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Kerr County and its surrounding communities like Kerrville, Bandera, Comfort, Center Point, and Ingram. We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families across the state, and we are committed to extending our expertise to wherever justice is needed.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: Our Unique Advantage

We are uniquely positioned to represent victims of hazing due to the specialized backgrounds of our lead attorneys:

• Insurance Insider Advantage with Lupe Peña: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight from her previous career as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies evaluate (and undervalue) hazing claims, their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. This means we know their playbook because we used to run it. Lupe Peña’s complete professional background can be found at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions with Ralph Manginello: Our Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello, possesses extensive experience in complex litigation, having been one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. His federal court experience and history of taking on billion-dollar corporations mean he is not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We’ve taken on massive defendants and won; we know how to fight powerful institutions. More information on Ralph Manginello’s credentials is available at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in securing multi-million dollar settlements for families in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. Our expertise includes collaborating with economists to accurately value loss of life and working with medical experts to assess the lifetime care needs for brain injury or permanent disability cases. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force genuine accountability.

• Dual Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a crucial understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This unique perspective allows us to advise witnesses and former members who may face dual criminal and civil exposure, navigating these complex legal overlaps effectively.

• Unmatched Investigative Depth: Our firm brings comprehensive investigative resources to every hazing case. This includes a network of medical experts, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. We have extensive experience obtaining hidden evidence, from deleted group chats and social media content to subpoenaing national fraternity records and uncovering university files through discovery and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

At The Manginello Law Firm, we understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually work behind closed doors. We know what makes hazing cases different: the powerful institutional defendants, the insurance coverage battles, and the delicate balance between victim privacy and public accountability. Our approach is rooted in profound empathy for what your family is enduring, coupled with a relentless pursuit of justice. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We prioritize a thorough investigation and real accountability over quick settlements.

Call to Action: Confidential Consultation for Kerr County Families

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

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to what happened without judgment, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

During your free consultation, you can expect us to:

• Listen carefully to your story and the details of the incident.
• Review any evidence you may have—photos, texts, medical records.
• Explain your legal options, which may include reporting to the authorities, pursuing a civil lawsuit, or both.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• Answer your questions about legal fees; we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Watch our video discussing how contingency fees work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide what is right for your family.
• Everything you discuss with us is strictly confidential.

Do not face the aftermath of hazing alone. You have legal rights, and we are here to help you exercise them.

Contact Attorney911 today:

• Call Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Cell Phone: (713) 443-4781
• Visit Our Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com

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

Whether you’re in Kerr County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to navigate this complex journey 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