Potter County residents facing fraternity or sorority hazing injuries or wrongful death can rely on Attorney911. Our Legal Emergency Lawyers™, including a former insurance defense attorney, understand fraternity insurance tactics. We leverage federal court experience against national fraternities and universities, proven by BP explosion litigation. With HCCLA criminal defense and civil wrongful death expertise, we secure multi-million dollar results. Specializing in cases involving UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, we are evidence preservation specialists with 25+ years experience. Hablamos Español. Free consultation. Contingency Fee: No Win, No Fee. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Definitive Guide to Hazing in Texas: What Potter County Families Need to Know

The call comes late, often in the dead of night. Your child, home from college in Potter County for the holiday break, is withdrawn, quiet. Or perhaps they’re still at school, and a friend or another concerned parent has reached out. They whisper about “initiation,” about “traditions.” They talk about endless sleepless nights, humiliating tasks, or worse – a bad night where too much alcohol was consumed, and someone ended up in the emergency room.

This chilling scenario is not confined to movies or distant campuses. It’s a harsh reality that can unfold at any university across Texas, impacting families right here in Potter County, and others in surrounding areas like Randall County and Armstrong County, where students from cities like Amarillo, Canyon, and Claude often pursue higher education. Whether your son or daughter attends a major institution like Texas A&M, UT Austin, the University of Houston, SMU, Baylor, or one of the many community colleges or smaller universities, the fear of hazing is real, and the consequences can be devastating.

You might feel a whirlwind of emotions: confusion, fear, anger, and a desperate need for answers. What really constitutes hazing in today’s college environment? What does Texas law say about it? And most importantly, what can you, as a parent in Potter County, do to protect your child and seek justice if they’ve been harmed?

This comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas is specifically written for families like yours. As The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we understand the unique challenges facing victims and their families. We serve families throughout Texas, including those in Potter County and the wider Panhandle region, bringing clarity to complex legal situations.

Here, we will help you understand:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The intricacies of Texas and federal law concerning hazing offenses.
• Vital lessons from major national hazing cases and how they apply to the Texas landscape.
• The specific hazing patterns and incidents that have occurred at prominent Texas institutions such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University.
• The legal options available to victims and families in Potter County and across Texas, and how our firm can help you navigate this difficult path.

Please understand that this article provides general information and is not a substitute for specific legal advice tailored to your situation. Every hazing incident is unique, and we urge you to contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential evaluation of your case.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages immediately.
  • Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles and over several days to show progression.
  • Save any physical items that could be evidence, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in the hazing.
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when it occurred, and where.
• Do NOT:
  • Directly confront the fraternity, sorority, or any involved individuals. This can lead to evidence destruction or retaliation.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice.
  • Post details on public social media, as this can compromise your case.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

HAZING IN 2025: WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE

The image of hazing as harmless pranks or innocent rites of passage is dangerously outdated. Modern hazing is often insidious, psychologically damaging, and can escalate rapidly into life-threatening situations. For Potter County families sending their children to college, understanding these contemporary hazing tactics is crucial for protecting them.

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in any group whose members include students. This includes behavior that endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. It’s critical to remember that if a student feels compelled to participate, their “agreement” does not make the activity safe or legal, especially when peer pressure and power imbalances are at play.

Clear, modern definition of hazing

At its core, hazing refers to any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in, any organization. This definition is broad by design, recognizing that hazing adapts and evolves. Simply stating, “I agreed to it,” does not automatically validate or legalize hazardous behavior when there is an inherent power imbalance, intense peer pressure, or the underlying threat of exclusion.

Main categories of hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms. Recognizing these different categories is the first step toward understanding the true scope of the problem.

• Alcohol and substance hazing: This is one of the most dangerous and unfortunately common forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often in “chugging challenges,” “lineups,” or drinking games designed to induce rapid and dangerous intoxication. This can also extend to being pressured to consume unknown substances or illegal drugs. These activities frequently lead to alcohol poisoning, severe injury, or death.

• Physical hazing: Beyond the stereotypical paddling, physical hazing includes any act that causes physical discomfort or injury. This can range from extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond typical conditioning, to sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, or exposure to harsh environmental conditions like extreme cold or heat. Victims might suffer unexplained bruises, burns, fractures, or internal injuries.

• Sexualized and humiliating hazing: This deeply degrading form of hazing involves forced nudity, partial nudity, or simulated sexual acts (sometimes referred to as “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” positions). It can also feature actions with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, including the use of slurs or forcing individuals to perform demeaning acts that play on stereotypes. These actions inflict profound emotional trauma and shame.

• Psychological hazing: While less visible, psychological hazing can be equally destructive. It encompasses verbal abuse, threats, forced social isolation, manipulation, or forced confessions. This type of hazing aims to break down an individual’s self-esteem and independence, creating an environment of fear and anxiety. Victims may experience long-term mental health issues, including PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety.

• Digital/online hazing: In the age of constant connectivity, hazing has moved into the digital realm. This includes group chat dares, online “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. Students may be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or to engage in cyberstalking or harassment. Digital hazing often involves 24/7 monitoring and demands for immediate responses, contributing to severe sleep deprivation and psychological distress.

Where hazing actually happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is limited to “frat boys” in Greek life. The reality is far broader. Hazing is a pervasive issue across many student organizations in Texas, and indeed, nationwide. We see it in:

• Fraternities and sororities: This includes chapters under the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and various multicultural Greek organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups: Groups with a strong emphasis on tradition and hierarchy can sometimes blur the lines between legitimate training and harmful hazing.
• Spirit squads, tradition clubs, and university organizations: Prestigious clubs like the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin, or various spirit organizations, have been sanctioned for hazing.
• Athletic teams: Hazing can occur in football, basketball, baseball, track and field, cheerleading, and other sports teams, often under the guise of “team bonding” or “toughening up” new members.
• Marching bands and performance groups: Even organizations dedicated to the arts have seen hazing incidents, highlighting that the problem transcends typical stereotypes.
• Some service, cultural, and academic organizations: Any group with an initiation or membership hierarchy can be susceptible.

The unfortunate truth is that powerful forces like social status, the allure of tradition, and an ingrained code of secrecy often combine to keep these dangerous practices alive, even when participants know hazing is illegal and harmful.

LAW & LIABILITY FRAMEWORK (TEXAS + FEDERAL)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is the first step toward seeking justice. While the specifics can be complex, our firm is committed to clarifying the framework for families in Potter County and across the state.

Texas hazing law basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. In plain terms for Potter County residents, this law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person or a group, on or off campus, directed against a student, that is for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization, and that:

• Endangers the physical health or safety of a student (e.g., forced consumption of alcohol/drugs, physical beatings, extreme exercise, sleep deprivation).
• Substantially affects the mental health or safety of a student (e.g., extreme humiliation, intimidation, psychological abuse).

Crucially, consent is not a defense under Texas law. Even if a student technically “agreed” to participate, the presence of peer pressure, power imbalance, and the fear of exclusion often negate true voluntary consent in the eyes of the law.

• Criminal penalties: Hazing can lead to criminal charges with fines and even jail time. The severity of the penalty increases significantly if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. For instance, hazing leading to serious bodily injury or death can be prosecuted as a state jail felony. Individuals aware of hazing who fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges.
• Reporter protections: Texas law includes provisions designed to encourage reporting. A person who reports a hazing incident in good faith to university authorities or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might result from the report. Additionally, many universities and Texas law offer amnesty for students who call 911 in a medical emergency related to hazing, even if underage drinking or other minor offenses were involved. This emphasizes prioritizing safety over fear of punishment.

Criminal vs. civil cases

It’s important to differentiate between criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits related to hazing:

• Criminal cases: These are brought by the State of Texas (or federal authorities) against individuals or organizations. The goal is to punish criminal conduct. In hazing incidents, common criminal charges can include: the hazing offense itself, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or, in the most tragic cases, manslaughter. These cases are handled by district attorneys and seek penalties like jail time, fines, or probation.
• Civil cases: These are initiated by victims or their surviving family members. The primary goal is to seek monetary compensation for damages suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil claims often involve theories of:
  • Negligence and gross negligence (failure to exercise reasonable care).
  • Wrongful death (in fatal hazing incidents).
  • Negligent hiring, retention, or supervision (against institutions or organizations).
  • Premises liability (against property owners where hazing occurred).
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress.
  • Assault and battery.

A critical point for Potter County families is that criminal charges or convictions are not required to pursue a civil hazing lawsuit. The burden of proof is lower in civil cases, and the legal theories can differ.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also play a role in college hazing cases:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal aid must:
  • Publicly report hazing incidents in a transparent manner.
  • Enhance hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Maintain readily accessible public data on hazing incidents (with full implementation by 2026). This act aims to create greater accountability and information for families across the nation, including those sending students from Potter County to college.
• Title IX / Clery Act:
  • Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based humiliation, or a hostile environment based on sex, Title IX obligations can be triggered, potentially leading to university liability and requiring specific reporting and response protocols.
  • The Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose campus crime statistics and security policies. Hazing incidents involving assault, sexual assault, hate crimes, or drug/alcohol violations often fall under Clery reporting requirements, increasing transparency about campus safety.

Who can be liable in a civil hazing lawsuit

A hazing incident usually involves multiple parties who may share legal responsibility. Our firm thoroughly investigates all potential defendants to ensure full accountability for Potter County families. Potential liable parties include:

• Individual students: Those who directly planned, organized, encouraged, or participated in the hazing acts, supplied prohibited items (like alcohol), or assisted in a cover-up.
• Local chapter / organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself, particularly if it operates as a recognized legal entity. Officers and leaders within the organization who permitted or directed the hazing can be held personally liable.
• National fraternity / sorority: The national headquarters that governs local chapters. Liability often hinges on what the national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing within its chapters, its failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, or its negligent supervision.
• University or college: The educational institution may be liable under theories of negligence for its failure to adequately supervise, enforce policies, investigate complaints, or warn students about known dangers. While public universities like UT Austin, Texas A&M, and UH may have some sovereign immunity protection under Texas law, exceptions exist, especially for gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private institutions like SMU and Baylor generally have fewer immunity protections.
• Third parties:
  • Property owners: Landlords or owners of off-campus houses or venues where hazing occurred may be liable for premises liability.
  • Alcohol providers: Bars, stores, or individuals who illegally provided alcohol to minors or already intoxicated individuals (under Texas dram shop laws) could face liability.
  • Security companies or event organizers: Those responsible for safety at events where hazing occurred may also bear responsibility.

Every case is fact-specific, and not every party will be liable in every situation. A comprehensive investigation is essential to identify all potential defendants and avenues for recovery for families in Potter County.

NATIONAL HAZING CASE PATTERNS (ANCHOR STORIES)

While a hazing incident may feel isolated to the families in Potter County, these tragedies are sadly part of a repeating national pattern. The Manginello Law Firm leverages lessons from these cases to build strong arguments for accountability in Texas. These anchor stories demonstrate the common threads, the devastating consequences, and the legal pathways that have been successfully pursued by victims and their families across the nation.

Alcohol poisoning & death pattern

The most common and lethal form of hazing involves forced or excessive alcohol consumption. Time and again, “initiation” or “pledge” nights turn deadly due to dangerous drinking rituals and a culture of silence that delays critical medical help.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died from traumatic brain injuries after a “bid acceptance” night. He was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, fell repeatedly, and lay suffering for hours before anyone called for help. Security cameras inside the fraternity house captured the horrific events and the shocking delay in seeking medical attention. The incident led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, comprehensive civil litigation, and the creation of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. For Texas families, this case underscores the severe legal repercussions and the critical importance of timely medical care in alcohol-related hazing.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017): Andrew Coffey, a freshman pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to drink heavily. The incident resulted in criminal hazing charges against multiple fraternity members and prompted FSU to temporarily suspend all Greek life. This case highlights how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster, showing foreseeability for similar events at Texas institutions like UT Austin or Texas A&M.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (September 2017): Maxwell Gruver, just 18, died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a coercive “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly. After his tragic death, Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing law, demonstrating that legislative change frequently follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing’s dangers.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (March 2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night. Multiple fraternity members were criminally convicted for their roles in his death. In 2023, his family reached a $10 million settlement, with a portion paid by the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and approximately $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This case starkly demonstrates that universities, even public ones, can face significant financial and reputational consequences for their role in hazing deaths, a crucial lesson for institutions like UT Austin or Texas A&M and local governments in Potter County.

Physical & ritualized hazing pattern

Hazing is not always about alcohol; it can involve violent rituals and physical abuse, often disguised as “tradition.”

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (December 2013): Michael Deng was a pledge at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. During a violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual, he was repeatedly tackled and struck. He suffered fatal head injuries, and fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours, fearing consequences. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and subsequent banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case tragically illustrates that off-campus “retreats” are often chosen precisely to evade detection and can be as dangerous or even more so than on-campus events.

Athletic program hazing & abuse

Hazing is a problem that extends far beyond Greek life, infiltrating other powerful and respected campus groups.

• Northwestern University Football Program (2023–2025): In 2023, former football players bravely came forward alleging widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the highly visible Northwestern football program, occurring over multiple years. These allegations included forced “dry-humping” of teammates by naked players. The scandal led to the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later confidentially settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit. Multiple former players filed civil lawsuits against Northwestern and its coaching staff, and the university faced intense scrutiny. This pattern highlights that hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities; major athletic programs, especially those steeped in power and tradition, can harbor deep-seated systemic abuse, which could affect athletic programs locally, like those in high schools in Potter County that send students to college.

What these cases mean for Texas families

The common threads running through these national tragedies are clear: forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical abuse, delayed or denied medical care, and concerted attempts at cover-ups. These cases serve as powerful precedents. They demonstrate that legal reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often only follow profound devastation and persistent litigation.

For Potter County families whose children attend or plan to attend a Texas university, these national lessons are incredibly relevant. The Manginello Law Firm understands that such incidents are not isolated “accidents” but often the predictable consequence of institutional failures and neglected warnings. These cases set a national expectation for accountability that we bring to hazing litigation right here in Texas.

TEXAS FOCUS: UH, TEXAS A&M, UT, SMU, BAYLOR

For families in Potter County, sending a child off to college in Texas brings both pride and concern. Our state is home to some of the nation’s largest and most respected universities, each with its own culture, traditions, and unfortunately, a history of hazing challenges. While these schools are often far from Amarillo and the heart of Potter County, their policies, incidents, and legal landscape are directly relevant to any Texas student or parent.

University of Houston (UH)

5.1.1 Campus & culture snapshot

The University of Houston, a vibrant Tier One research university, is a major urban campus situated in the heart of our state’s largest city. It boasts a diverse student body, an active Greek life with a multitude of fraternities and sororities, and a wide array of student organizations, ranging from cultural groups to sports clubs. Many students from across Texas, including from the Panhandle region and Potter County, choose UH for its academic programs and metropolitan opportunities. With a mix of commuter and residential students, UH fosters a dynamic environment where many students engage deeply in campus organizations.

5.1.2 Hazing policy & reporting

UH’s official hazing policy, accessible via the Dean of Students office, strictly prohibits hazing both on and off campus. The policy clearly forbids forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and any acts causing mental distress as part of initiation or affiliation. Students and parents can report hazing through multiple channels, including the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, or the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). Specific online reporting forms and a general university hazing statement are often available on the UH website. While UH provides these channels, the effectiveness of enforcement and the transparency of reporting can impact families’ trust.

5.1.3 Example incident & response

In 2016, the UH chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) faced serious accusations of hazing. Pledges were allegedly subjected to a multi-day event involving severe sleep, food, and water deprivation. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being violently slammed onto a table or similar hard surface during one of these events. The chapter was subsequently suspended by the university, and criminal misdemeanor hazing charges were filed against some members. This incident underscored UH’s willingness to take action, including suspending chapters, but also highlighted the potential for severe physical harm in hazing. Over the years, other UH fraternities have faced disciplinary action for behaviors described as “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and policy violations, often resulting in probation or temporary suspension. These cases demonstrate the university’s ongoing struggle with hazing despite its explicit policies.

5.1.4 How a UH hazing case might proceed

In a hazing case involving UH, several agencies may become involved. Depending on the location of the incident, the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) or the Houston Police Department (HPD) could initiate criminal investigations. Civil lawsuits against individuals, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, or even potentially the university, would typically be filed in courts within Harris County, where Houston is located. Our firm, based in Houston, has deep familiarity with these local judicial systems and the legal landscape of Harris County.

5.1.5 What UH students & parents should do

For UH students and their parents, proactive steps are critical:

• Familiarize yourselves with UH’s reporting channels: Know how to contact the Dean of Students, UHPD, or utilize online reporting forms if you suspect hazing.
• Document everything: If your child shares concerns or experiences, meticulously record dates, times, specific events, and the names of individuals involved.
• Preserve digital evidence: Screenshots of group chats, texts, and social media posts are invaluable. Remember our firm’s advice on critical mistakes: do not allow evidence to be deleted.
• Investigate prior complaints: Be aware that our firm, experienced in Houston-based hazing cases, can often uncover prior disciplinary actions and internal files that may not be publicly obvious, which can be crucial for building a strong case.
• Seek legal counsel early: If you suspect hazing, especially involving injury or significant emotional distress, contact an experienced hazing attorney immediately. Our Houston location means we are readily available to assist families in and around the UH community.

Texas A&M University

5.2.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, is deeply rooted in tradition, fostering a distinct and passionate Aggie culture. Students from across Texas, including many from Potter County and the Amarillo region, choose A&M for its strong academic reputation, rich traditions, and expansive Corps of Cadets program. The university boasts one of the largest Greek life communities in the state, alongside its unique, military-style Corps of Cadets, athletic programs, and numerous student organizations. The culture places a significant emphasis on loyalty, camaraderie, and established customs.

5.2.2 Hazing policy & reporting

Texas A&M maintains a stringent anti-hazing policy, clearly defining prohibited acts and emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance. Its policy, which applies to all student organizations including Greek life and the Corps of Cadets, aims to prevent any physical, psychological, emotional, or educational harm. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, Student Conduct Office, Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and specific reporting avenues for the Corps of Cadets. The university encourages anonymous reporting through various platforms.

5.2.3 Example incident & response

Hazing incidents at A&M have drawn significant attention, illustrating the dangers inherent in some traditions. In 2021, two pledges of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity initiated a lawsuit against the fraternity’s national and local chapters. They alleged a brutal hazing ritual where they were forced to endure strenuous physical activity and then had substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries. The local chapter was suspended by the university for two years, and the lawsuit sought $1 million in damages.

Another significant case involved the Corps of Cadets in 2023. A former cadet alleged degrading and physically abusive hazing that included sexualized acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, highlighting that hazing can occur even within highly structured and respected organizations. Though A&M stated it handled the matter under its internal rules, such cases underscore the ongoing challenges.

These incidents demonstrate:

• Diverse forms of hazing: From chemical burns in Greek life to physical and humiliating rituals within the Corps.
• Institutional responses and limitations: While A&M does suspend organizations, litigation often reveals broader systemic issues.
• The power of a legal claim: Even with university investigations, lawsuits can uncover additional details and enforce accountability.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M hazing case might proceed

In a hazing case originating from Texas A&M, incidents occurring on campus or involving university organizations would typically fall under the jurisdiction of the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), or the Bryan or College Station Police Departments if off-campus. Civil suits would generally be filed in Brazos County, where College Station is located. For families from Potter County, navigating legal proceedings in a distant county requires experienced legal counsel. Potential defendants would include the individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and potentially Texas A&M University itself, depending on proven negligence or institutional failures. Our firm understands these jurisdictional complexities and is equipped to represent families from Potter County seeking justice in Brazos County courts.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M students & parents should do

For Texas A&M students and parents, especially those from Potter County, specific actions can provide critical protection:

• Understand the severity: Due to A&M’s size and diverse organizations, it’s vital to recognize that hazing is not just a “Greek life” issue but can occur in the Corps or other groups.
• Report concerns immediately: Utilize A&M’s reporting channels, including those specific to the Corps of Cadets, the Dean of Students, or UPD.
• Preserve all evidence: Given the strict focus on tradition at A&M, any evidence of forced activities or rituals is crucial. Screenshot group chats, note historical patterns, and document any injuries.
• Be aware of the culture of silence: In tightly-knit communities like A&M, a code of silence can be strong. Encourage your child to prioritize their safety and well-being over loyalty to a group.
• Contact a Texas hazing attorney: If hazing has occurred, especially involving the Corps of Cadets or a prominent Greek organization, contact The Manginello Law Firm. Our experience with complex litigation against large institutions, including universities, is essential for challenging powerful defendants in Texas courts.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & culture snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin, the flagship institution of the UT System, is a sprawling campus in the state capital, popular with students from across Texas, including many from Potter County seeking a world-class education. UT Austin is renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and immensely popular Greek system, which hosts approximately 60 fraternity and sorority chapters, alongside countless other student organizations, spirit groups, and athletic teams. The campus culture is dynamic, blending tradition with progressive ideals.

5.3.2 Hazing policy & reporting

UT Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy that is clearly articulated and enforced through the Dean of Students office. The policy prohibits any act that causes or is likely to cause mental or physical discomfort, intimidation, humiliation, or endangerment. What sets UT apart is its commitment to transparency. The university publishes a publicly accessible Hazing Incidents and Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu) that details specific organizations, the nature of their hazing violations, and the disciplinary actions taken. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, UT Police Department (UTPD), and an anonymous hotline.

5.3.3 Example incident & response

UT’s public database of hazing violations offers a transparent, albeit concerning, view into the persistence of hazing on campus. For instance:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The UT Austin chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume excessive amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. This behavior was officially found to be hazing, resulting in the chapter being placed on probation and mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education. This incident, congruent with national patterns involving Pike, underscores the continuous challenge of alcohol and physical hazing.
• Texas Wranglers (2020): This long-standing men’s spirit organization, known for its iconic horses, was suspended for multiple hazing violations, including forced calisthenics, physical harassment, and psychological abuse as part of its “rodeo” initiation activities.
• Other Greek and non-Greek organizations: Many other fraternities, sororities, and spirit groups have faced sanctions for various hazing activities, including forced drinking, sleep deprivation, public humiliation, and other forms of physical and psychological abuse. The recurring nature of these violations, despite disciplinary actions, highlights the entrenched nature of hazing.

The transparency of UT’s hazing report is highly beneficial for families in Potter County seeking information. It allows for an assessment of prior history and provides concrete evidence of patterns that can be crucial in civil litigation or criminal proceedings.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin hazing case might proceed

In a hazing case at UT Austin, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) and the Austin Police Department (APD) might be involved in criminal investigations, depending on the specifics and location of the incident. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County, where Austin is located. Given the university’s large number of student organizations and clear disciplinary records, these cases often involve extensive discovery of university documents and prior incident reports. For families from Potter County, our firm’s Austin office provides invaluable local knowledge and expertise in navigating Travis County courts, leveraging our established presence in the state capital.

5.3.5 What UT Austin students & parents should do

For UT Austin students and parents, taking advantage of the university’s transparency and formal reporting structures is key:

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations webpage: Before joining any organization, check its disciplinary history at hazing.utexas.edu. This proactive step can provide critical warnings.
• Report all concerns: Utilize UTPD, the Dean of Students, or the anonymous reporting options. The more incidents are reported, the stronger the institutional record becomes.
• Prioritize safety over loyalty to any organization. Understand that UT’s protections for good-faith reporters are robust, and they should be used.
• Understand the legal implications of recorded history: UT’s publicly reported hazing record can be powerful evidence in a civil case, demonstrating a pattern of negligence or failure to address known issues by the university or national organizations.
• Contact a legal expert with local knowledge: If hazing has impacted your child, especially given the density of student organizations, a lawyer with experience in Austin and Travis County, like our firm, is best positioned to advise on leveraging UT’s records and pursuing accountability.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Southern Methodist University, a prestigious private institution nestled in Dallas, is well-known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and affluent student body. Students from Potter County and across Texas are drawn to SMU for its distinguished programs and vibrant social scene, which is heavily influenced by a prominent Greek life system. SMU’s culture often emphasizes tradition, community, and social stature, making its Greek organizations particularly visible and influential.

5.4.2 Hazing policy & reporting

SMU strictly prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law and its own campus policies. The university’s policy outlines clear definitions of prohibited conduct, including any act that endangers physical or mental health, demeans, or harasses, whether on or off campus. SMU offers various reporting channels, including the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the SMU Police Department (SMUPD), and an anonymous Real Response app, which allows real-time reporting of concerns. As a private institution, SMU’s internal disciplinary records are generally not as publicly accessible as those of state universities, but its commitment to anti-hazing efforts is articulated.

5.4.3 Example incident & response

Hazing incidents at private universities like SMU often receive less public scrutiny due to differing transparency requirements, but they are no less serious. In 2017, the Kappa Alpha Order chapter at SMU was suspended following allegations of severe hazing. Reports indicated that new members were subjected to physical abuse, including paddling, forced excessive alcohol consumption, and significant sleep deprivation. The university’s investigation led to the immediate suspension of the chapter, with strict limitations placed on its activities and recruiting for several years. This incident, while publicly resolved by SMU’s internal disciplinary mechanisms, highlighted the persistent issue of physical and alcohol-related hazing even within a private, well-resourced Greek system.

These types of incidents at SMU demonstrate:

• The persistence of hazing: Even in institutions with strict policies, hazing remains a challenge.
• Private university dynamics: Disciplinary actions may not always be as widely publicized as at public universities, but they still represent a serious breach of student safety.

5.4.4 How an SMU hazing case might proceed

In a hazing case at SMU, criminal investigations would typically involve the SMU Police Department (SMUPD) or the Dallas Police Department (DPD), depending on the location of the incident. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in Dallas County, where SMU is located. As a private institution, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity as public universities do, which can impact the legal strategies available. The Manginello Law Firm, with its Austin office serving as a hub for cases across Texas, including the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, is well-versed in navigating civil litigation against private universities and their affiliated organizations in Dallas County courts for families from Potter County and other regions.

5.4.5 What SMU students & parents should do

For SMU students and parents, especially those from Potter County, vigilance and proactive measures are essential:

• Understand private university policies: Familiarize yourselves with SMU’s specific anti-hazing policies and reporting procedures, recognizing that information may be less publicly transparent than state schools.
• Utilize anonymous reporting tools: Encourage the use of resources like the Real Response app if your child is hesitant to report directly due to fear of retaliation.
• Document relentlessly: Since public records may be limited, every screenshot, text message, photo, or detailed personal log of an incident becomes even more critical for building a case.
• Seek swift legal counsel: If hazing is suspected or confirmed at SMU, contact an experienced Texas hazing attorney immediately. Our firm can advise on the best course of action for initiating investigations and pursuing civil claims, including against private institutions.

Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. It is a private Christian institution with a strong sense of community, deeply rooted traditions, and a significant Greek life presence. Students from Potter County and throughout the state are drawn to Baylor for its unique academic and faith-based environment, and its athletic programs, particularly football, command a passionate following. The campus culture emphasizes high moral standards, community, and service.

5.5.2 Hazing policy & reporting

Baylor University explicitly prohibits hazing in accordance with Texas law and its own institutional values. Its anti-hazing policy applies to all student organizations, athletic teams, and university-sponsored groups, both on and off campus. The policy strictly forbids any activity that could cause physical, mental, or emotional harm, humiliation, or degradation. Reporting channels include Baylor’s Department of Student Activities, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and the university’s confidential reporting hotline. Baylor’s commitment to “zero tolerance” for hazing is often articulated in its public statements.

5.5.3 Example incident & response

Baylor University has, in recent years, faced significant scrutiny over its handling of student safety and institutional accountability, particularly concerning sexual assault allegations within its football program. This broader context influences how hazing incidents are perceived and addressed.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): Following an internal investigation, 14 players from the Baylor baseball team were suspended for hazing violations. The suspensions were staggered, impacting the team’s early season. While the specifics of the hazing were not fully disclosed, the incident clearly demonstrated that hazing is not confined to Greek organizations and can occur within highly visible athletic programs, even at institutions espousing strict moral codes.
• Other Greek life incidents: While not always publicly detailed, Baylor’s Greek life, like those at other large universities, has seen its share of internal investigations and disciplinary actions related to hazing allegations, often involving alcohol misconduct and other prohibited initiation activities.

These incidents, particularly the baseball team hazing, highlight the ongoing challenge for Baylor in enforcing its “zero tolerance” policies across diverse student groups and underscore that serious misconduct can occur even within respected campus environments.

5.5.4 How a Baylor hazing case might proceed

In a hazing case at Baylor University, criminal investigations could involve the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) or the Waco Police Department (WPD). Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County, where Waco is situated. As a private institution, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more amenable to civil claims rooted in negligence, especially in light of its past institutional challenges regarding student safety. Our firm, with its capacity to operate across Texas, including in McLennan County, has the expertise to navigate the unique aspects of Baylor’s policies and culture, bringing a focused approach to civil litigation on behalf of families from Potter County and other regions.

5.5.5 What Baylor students & parents should do

For Baylor students and parents from Potter County, a proactive and informed approach is crucial:

• Understand Baylor’s specific policies: Familiarize yourselves thoroughly with the university’s anti-hazing policies and the confidential reporting mechanisms available.
• Document faithfully: Due to the private nature of the university, detailed personal records of incidents, including text messages, photos, and eyewitness accounts, are essential for establishing facts.
• Be aware of the broader context: Baylor’s history of institutional challenges means that any hazing incident might be viewed within a larger framework of accountability, which a legal expert can help you understand.
• Seek experienced legal counsel promptly: If hazing is suspected or confirmed, contacting a Texas hazing attorney with experience in private university litigation can ensure that all avenues for accountability and compensation are explored effectively. Our firm is prepared to assist families navigate these sensitive situations.

FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES: CAMPUS-SPECIFIC + NATIONAL HISTORIES

For families in Potter County, it’s vital to recognize that when a student joins a fraternity or sorority at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, they are not just joining a local chapter. They are becoming part of a national organization with its own history, policies, and, too often, a track record of hazing incidents across campuses nationwide. This national context is incredibly important for establishing legal liability.

Why national histories matter

Every major national fraternity and sorority has a national headquarters that sets policies, provides resources, collects dues, and is, to varying degrees, responsible for overseeing its local chapters. These national organizations are almost always equipped with comprehensive anti-hazing manuals and robust risk management policies. Why? Because they have repeatedly faced devastating legal consequences, including multi-million-dollar lawsuits and criminal charges, stemming from hazing-related deaths and catastrophic injuries at their chapters.

When a local chapter in Texas – whether it’s Pi Kappa Alpha at UT Austin, Sigma Alpha Epsilon at Texas A&M, or Phi Delta Theta at LSU (which impacts policies across all chapters) – repeats the same dangerous drinking games, physical rituals, or humiliating acts that have harmed or killed pledges at other chapters in other states, it creates a powerful legal argument: foreseeability.

This means a national organization cannot credibly claim ignorance when one of its chapters engages in a hazing practice that has already caused harm within the organization elsewhere. They knew, or should have known, that such activities were dangerous and a pattern of misconduct existed within their own ranks. This pattern evidence is often central to convincing a court or jury that a national organization was negligent in its oversight and should be held accountable.

Organization mapping

While it’s impossible to list every single chapter and incident, certain organizations have particularly troubling national histories that directly impact how we approach cases involving their chapters at Texas universities. Here’s a synthetic overview reflecting these patterns:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity has a national reputation marred by numerous severe hazing incidents. At the University of Texas at Austin, their chapter has faced sanctions for physical and alcohol-related hazing. Nationally, Pike is notoriously linked to the tragic Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after a forced drinking ritual. Another deadly incident was David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (2012), also due to forced alcohol consumption. These cases, involving identical hazing scripts, demonstrate that Pike’s national office has been on notice for years about the dangers of its “Big/Little” rituals.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): SAE has arguably one of the most extensive and tragic hazing histories among national fraternities, famously announcing in 2014 the elimination of its pledge process due to a pattern of deaths. Despite this, incidents persist. At Texas A&M, a chapter faced allegations of pledges suffering severe chemical burns from industrial cleaner and other substances. At the University of Texas at Austin, an Australian exchange student sued the SAE chapter in 2024 for an alleged assault. Nationally, SAE was involved in the death of Carson Starkey at California Polytechnic State University (2008) from alcohol poisoning. A lawsuit was also filed in 2023 against an SAE chapter at the University of Alabama for a traumatic brain injury sustained during hazing. This pattern shows a national organization that has repeatedly failed to control its chapters, increasing its liability in any hazing claim involving its Texas chapters.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): This fraternity is strongly associated with the death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University (2017) due to lethal alcohol poisoning during a forced “Bible study” drinking game. While this was not a Texas incident, the legislative response (Max Gruver Act making hazing a felony) and the multi-million-dollar wrongful death settlement sends a clear message to all Phi Delta Theta chapters, including those at UT Austin and Baylor, that this type of hazing is illegal and deadly.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): This organization was implicated in the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017), also from alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” ritual. The statewide anti-hazing movement that followed in Florida highlights the severe consequences faced by universities and national organizations in the wake of such tragedies. Pi Kappa Phi chapters at Texas A&M and UH operate under the shadow of this national history.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Kappa Sigma chapters have faced numerous hazing allegations and incidents. Nationally, the tragic drowning death of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami (2001) resulted in a $12.6 million jury verdict against the fraternity and led to Florida’s anti-hazing criminalization law. Recently, in 2023 at Texas A&M, allegations of hazing led to rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) in pledges, indicating extreme physical hazing. Such events, whether in other states or within Texas, contribute to a pattern of known risk for the national organization, impacting its chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Baylor.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): This fraternity is infamously tied to the death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State (2017), a case that led to one of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history and widespread anti-hazing legislation. While it solidified the “delay in aid” as a key factor in liability, it also showcased extreme alcohol hazing. Beta Theta Pi has chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, and Baylor.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): More recently, in 2024, a family received more than $10 million in damages for extensive injuries, including physical beatings and psychological torment, from a Sigma Chi chapter at the College of Charleston. This substantial award signals that juries are increasingly willing to hold fraternities heavily accountable for serious hazing, a warning to its chapters at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, and Baylor.

Tie back to legal strategy

This national historical context is not merely anecdotal; it forms a critical component of hazing litigation strategy. When we represent Potter County families, we investigate whether:

• The national fraternity or sorority had prior warnings about the nature of hazing activity (e.g., specific drinking games, physical rituals).
• They meaningfully enforced their own anti-hazing policies or if those policies were mere “paper policies” without genuine implementation.
• They responded aggressively enough to prior incidents, or if their disciplinary actions were weak, thus failing to deter future misconduct.

Evidence of such patterns and failures can profoundly impact:

• Settlement leverage: Forcing national organizations to settle for higher amounts to avoid public trial.
• Insurance coverage disputes: Demonstrating that hazing was a foreseeable risk, making it harder for insurers to deny coverage based on “intentional acts” clauses.
• Punitive damages: Building a stronger case for punitive damages by showing a conscious disregard for the safety of pledges despite known risks.

By connecting local incidents at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor to these broader national patterns, we can effectively demonstrate that hazing is not an isolated act by a few “bad apples” but often a systemic issue for which national organizations, and often universities, bear a heavy responsibility. This approach ensures maximum accountability for Texas families affected by hazing.

BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY

For families in Potter County impacted by hazing, understanding how a legal case is built can feel overwhelming. At The Manginello Law Firm, we specialize in meticulously collecting and analyzing evidence, working with experts, and crafting strategies designed to secure justice and substantial compensation.

Evidence

Modern hazing cases rely heavily on digital evidence, but a comprehensive approach means leaving no stone unturned. We meticulously gather and preserve every piece of the puzzle:

• Digital Communications:

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, Fraternity-specific Apps: These are often the most fertile ground for evidence. Messages show explicit instructions to pledges, coercive language, planning of hazing events, discussions about covering up activities, and even direct admissions of hazing. We work to recover both existing and deleted messages, leveraging digital forensics. Remember, Attorney911’s video, “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), offers invaluable guidance on preserving this critical evidence.
  • Social Media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok videos, and comments often contain incriminating content. Pledges might be forced to post humiliating content, or members might share videos of hazing events, thinking they are private.
  • Email: Official chapter communications, emails between local and national leadership, or communications with university advisors can provide key insights.

• Photos & Videos:

  • Content from Members: Videos and photos taken by members or pledges during hazing events are highly powerful. They show the actual acts, who was present, and the level of coercion.
  • Security Footage: Surveillance from houses, venues, or university campuses (if available) can corroborate timelines and events.
  • Injury Documentation: Crucially, photos and videos of physical injuries taken immediately after the incident and over time are vital. This includes bruises, burns, fractures, or any other visible harm.

• Internal Organization Documents:

  • Pledge Manuals/Initiation Scripts: These can sometimes reveal implied or explicit hazing traditions.
  • Meeting Minutes/Emails/Texts: Any communication from officers about “pledge activities” or what “new members” will endure.
  • National Policies/Training Materials: These documents, often obtained through discovery, help establish that the national organization knew hazing was dangerous and had policies, but failed to enforce them.

• University Records:

  • Prior Conduct Files: Records of past hazing violations, probations, or suspensions involving the same organization. For UT Austin, the public hazing.utexas.edu site is a starting point, but our firm seeks deeper internal records.
  • Incident Reports: Records from campus police, student conduct offices, or Title IX investigations.
  • Clery Reports: Annual safety statistics that may show patterns of alcohol-related incidents or assaults that overlap with hazing.

• Medical and Psychological Records:

  • Emergency Room/Hospital Records: Documentation of injuries, treatments, and toxicology reports (blood alcohol levels, drug tests).
  • Long-Term Care Notes: Records from physical therapy, rehabilitation, or specialist consultations.
  • Psychological Evaluations: Documentation of PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental health impacts resulting from the hazing, which can be critical for non-economic damages.

• Witness Testimony:

  • Other Pledges/Members: Their accounts are invaluable, often confirming patterns of coercion and specific events.
  • Bystanders/Third Parties: Roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, or even off-campus bar staff may have seen relevant activity.
  • Former Members: Individuals who left the organization due to hazing can be powerful witnesses.

Damages

The goal of a civil hazing lawsuit is to secure full and fair compensation for all harm suffered. This encompasses both the calculable financial losses and the profound, often invisible, emotional and physical suffering. For families in Potter County, our firm works diligently to ensure every aspect of their loss is accounted for.

• Medical Bills & Future Care:

  • Past Medical Expenses: This includes ambulance fees, emergency room visits, hospitalization (ICU, surgery), medications, lab work, and medical equipment.
  • Future Medical Needs: For catastrophic injuries, this can involve ongoing therapy (physical, occupational, speech), psychiatric care, future surgeries, and a “life care plan” illustrating the significant costs of lifelong care, as seen in cases like Danny Santulli’s.

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact:

  • Loss of Income: If the victim (or a parent who must care for them) missed work due to injuries.
  • Educational Setbacks: Costs of missed semesters, lost scholarships, and delays in graduation, which in turn delay entry into the workforce.
  • Diminished Earning Capacity: For permanent injuries (e.g., brain damage, severe PTSD affecting ability to work), economists calculate the long-term impact on the victim’s lifetime earning potential.

• Non-Economic Damages: These address the subjective but legally recognized suffering:

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: From the initial injury, through treatment, and any ongoing chronic pain.
  • Emotional Distress and Trauma: This includes deep psychological impacts like PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, humiliation, shame, and loss of dignity. Psychiatric treatment records help quantify this.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in hobbies, social activities, or aspects of college life that were once cherished, impacting the overall quality of life.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the most tragic cases, when hazing leads to a student’s death, surviving family members – typically parents, spouses, and children – can recover:

  • Funeral and Burial Costs.
  • Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased would have contributed to the family’s financial well-being.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: Compensation for the profound emotional void left by the loss of a loved one.
  • Grief and Mental Anguish: For the emotional suffering experienced by family members.

Role of different defendants and insurance coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple layers of potential liability and complex insurance issues. The Manginello Law Firm, with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance defense, excels at navigating these challenges.

• Insurance Policies: National fraternities, universities, and even individual members often hold various insurance policies (liability, general commercial, homeowner’s) that may cover hazing-related claims.
• “Intentional Acts” Exclusions: Insurers frequently try to deny coverage by arguing that hazing, especially violent acts, falls under “intentional acts” exclusions. Our strategy counters this by arguing that even if individuals acted intentionally, the national organization or university acted negligently in its supervision, enforcement, or failure to prevent foreseeable harm, which is a covered claim.
• Identifying All Coverage: We work to identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, from the national organizations down to local chapter policies, and sometimes even individual homeowners’ policies of members involved.
• Negotiation & Litigation: We engage with insurers, challenging denials, and aggressively negotiating to ensure that all available coverage is brought to bear for our clients. If necessary, we are prepared to litigate bad faith claims against insurers who wrongfully deny coverage.

For Potter County families, the expertise of a firm like Attorney911 is crucial. We understand the tactics used by powerful institutions and their insurers, and we possess the experience to pursue justice on every available legal front.

PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS

Navigating a hazing crisis is a confusing and emotionally draining experience. For families in Potter County, having clear, actionable steps can make all the difference. This section offers practical advice for parents, students, and potential witnesses.

For parents

As a parent in Potter County, you are your child’s first line of defense. Knowing the warning signs and how to respond can be critical.

• Warning signs of hazing: Look for a combination of these red flags in your child:

  • Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents” with inconsistent stories.
  • Extreme exhaustion and sleep deprivation, often due to late-night “mandatory” events.
  • Drastic changes in mood, such as increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or withdrawal from old friends and family.
  • Sudden secrecy about organization activities, often accompanied by phrases like “I can’t talk about it” or “it’s a secret.”
  • Constant phone use for group chats and an obvious fear of missing a message or call from older members.
  • Significant academic decline or missing classes for “mandatory” events.
  • Changes in appearance, such as unkempt clothing or altered hygiene.
  • An obsession with “getting through” the new member process.

• How to talk to your child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not accusation.

  • Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with your new group?” or “Is there anything about the initiation process that makes you uncomfortable?”
  • Emphasize their safety over status or loyalty to the group. Reassure them that you will support them no matter what.
  • Listen without judgment. If they open up, prioritize hearing their story over immediately solving the problem.

• If your child is hurt:

  • Get them immediate medical care, even if they insist they are “fine.” Their health is the absolute priority.
  • Document everything: Take clear photos of any injuries from multiple angles and continue to document their healing over several days. Write down everything your child tells you, including names, dates, specific acts, and locations. Preserve any texts or digital messages they show you by screenshotting them immediately.
  • Save Names and Dates: Keep a precise log of everyone involved, every interaction, and every relevant date.

• Dealing with the university:

  • Document every communication you have with university administrators, including dates, names, and what was discussed.
  • Ask direct questions about prior incidents involving the same organization and what specific actions the school took in response.
  • Be prepared for universities to protect their own interests; their internal processes may not align with your child’s need for justice and full compensation.

• When to talk to a lawyer: Contact an experienced hazing attorney like Attorney911 if:

  • Your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm.
  • You feel the university or organization is minimizing, covering up, or stonewalling what happened.
  • You want to understand your full legal options beyond internal university discipline.

For students / pledges

If you’re a student in Potter County going through a new member process at college, these insights can empower you to recognize hazing and protect yourself.

• Is this hazing or just tradition?: Ask yourself:

  • Are you being forced, pressured, or coerced to do anything you don’t want to do?
  • Does the activity make you feel unsafe, embarrassed, humiliated, or mentally distressed?
  • Are you being forced to drink alcohol or consume other substances?
  • Is the activity hidden from advisors, parents, or university officials? If the answer is yes to any of these, it is hazing. Texas law and university policies define hazing broadly; it’s not just “pranks.”

• Why “consent” isn’t the end of the story: Organizations might claim you “agreed” or “consented,” but under Texas law, consent is explicitly not a defense against hazing charges. The law recognizes that due to powerful peer pressure, fear of exclusion, and the desire to belong, true voluntary consent is often impossible in a hazing context. You cannot consent to be hazed.

• Exiting and reporting safely:

  • Your right to leave: You have the absolute right to leave any organization or situation at any time.
  • Prioritize safety: If you are in immediate danger or fear retaliation, remove yourself from the situation and seek assistance from a trusted friend, RA, parent, or campus security. If injured or severely intoxicated, call 911 immediately; many schools and Texas law offer amnesty for those who call for help in such emergencies.
  • Reporting options: You can report hazing directly to your university’s Dean of Students, Student Conduct Office, or campus police. You can also make an anonymous report through your school’s hotline or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293).

• Good-faith reporting and amnesty: Many universities, including UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, have “Good Samaritan” or “Amnesty” policies. These protect individuals who seek help for themselves or others in an emergency, ensuring they will not be penalized for minor policy violations (like underage drinking). Texas law also offers immunity for good-faith reporters of hazing. Use these protections; your safety and the safety of your peers is paramount.

For former members / witnesses

If you were once part of a hazing incident, either as a participant, contributor, or a witness, and now feel a sense of guilt or a burden of knowledge, know that your choice to come forward can be a critical step towards justice and prevention.

• Your testimony matters: Your insights and firsthand accounts can be invaluable for victims and their families. While you may have fears about personal consequences, your testimony can prevent future harm, potentially save lives, and hold responsible parties accountable.
• Legal protections: You may want your own legal counsel to understand your rights and potential exposure. An attorney can help you navigate the process of cooperating with investigations, ensuring your statements are protected, and guiding you through ethical considerations. Cooperating with authorities and legal teams can offer a path toward making amends and bringing about meaningful change.

Critical mistakes that can destroy your case

For any family in Potter County considering legal action after a hazing incident, avoiding common missteps is paramount. These critical mistakes can severely damage or even destroy a potentially strong case.

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence.

   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This looks like a cover-up, can constitute obstruction of justice, and makes proving your case almost impossible. Valuable digital evidence, once deleted, is extremely difficult to recover fully.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, no matter how embarrassing or incriminating it might seem. This includes group chats, texts, social media posts, photos, and videos.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly.

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Direct confrontation immediately puts the organization on high alert. They will likely lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and begin building their defense.
   • What to do instead: Document everything privately first, then contact a lawyer before any direct engagement.

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms.

   • What universities do: They may pressure families to sign waivers, non-disclosure agreements, or internal “resolution” agreements, often in exchange for a quick, minimal outcome.
   • Why it’s wrong: You might inadvertently waive your right to sue or compromise future legal options. The “settlement” offered in these situations is often far below the true value of your case.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or any organization without having an experienced attorney review it first.

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer.

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened and get justice.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys and insurance adjusters monitor social media. Any inconsistencies, even minor ones, can be used to discredit your child’s testimony. Public posts can also inadvertently waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document everything privately. Your lawyer will advise on appropriate public statements if any, and will control all external communications.

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” or conversation.

   • What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic; let’s resolve this internally.”
   • Why it’s wrong: These meetings are often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against your child in court or in disciplinary proceedings.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communications with the organization or university about the incident should go through your lawyer.

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it.”

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears rapidly (digital data is ephemeral), witnesses graduate and scatter, the statute of limitations can run out, and the university primarily controls its own narrative and process, which may not align with your child’s best interests or full accountability.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Consult an attorney immediately. The university’s internal process is separate from a civil legal claim and may not achieve true justice or compensation.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer.

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim quickly and for your child to receive compensation.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any recorded statement can be used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball attempts to resolve the case cheaply.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and tell them that your attorney will contact them.

Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin have some sovereign immunity protections under Texas law, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor typically have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts, and we urge you to contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While hazing is generally a Class B misdemeanor under Texas law, it becomes a state jail felony 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 prosecution. Courts recognize that “consent” given under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Do not delay; 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/sororities can still be liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge of a pattern, and foreseeability of the off-campus misconduct. Many significant hazing cases, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat death and the Sigma Pi “unofficial house” death, occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial, and our firm prioritizes our clients’ privacy while pursuing full accountability. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. While we cannot guarantee absolute anonymity, we work to protect your child’s privacy throughout the legal process.

ABOUT THE MANGINELLO LAW FIRM + CALL TO ACTION

When your family in Potter County faces the devastating impact of hazing, you need more than just a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions — whether national fraternities, universities, or even athletic programs — fight back, and how to win anyway. This is where The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, stands apart as Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We approach every case with empathy for the victims and a tough, relentless pursuit of accountability for the wrongdoers, never settling cheap. We are committed to thorough investigation and real accountability, not just quick settlements.

Our firm brings unique, battle-tested qualifications to hazing cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims, understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. Simply put, we know their playbook because we used to run it. You can learn more about Lupe Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, possesses extensive experience in complex litigation, including being one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. This means we are no stranger to taking on billion-dollar corporations and massive defendants. Our federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) ensures we are not intimidated by national fraternities, powerful universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We know how to fight powerful defendants. Discover more about Ralph Manginello’s distinguished career at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with leading economists and life care planners to accurately value losses, including lifetime care needs for severe brain injuries or permanent disabilities. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force genuine accountability. Learn more about our firm’s wrongful death practice at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

• Dual Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides critical insight into how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual perspective allows us to expertly advise clients who may face both civil and criminal aspects within a hazing incident, ensuring a comprehensive legal strategy. Our criminal defense experience is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.

• Investigative Depth: We utilize a robust network of experts, including medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. Our experience allows us to obtain hidden evidence like deleted group chats, internal chapter records, and university files through sophisticated subpoena and discovery processes. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it – because it does.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually operate behind closed doors, often with deeply ingrained traditions and codes of silence. We know how to investigate modern hazing, balance victim privacy with the need for public accountability, and address the unique legal and cultural aspects that make these cases so complex.

Whether you are in Amarillo, Canyon, Claude, or anywhere else within Potter County or the wider Panhandle, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. From our Houston office, supplemented by offices in Austin and Beaumont, we proudly serve families throughout all of Texas, including Potter County and surrounding areas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities deeply affects families across our great state.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a Confidential Consultation

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Potter County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, accountability, and justice.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will attentively 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 respectfully and without judgment.
• We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options, whether that involves a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or an alternative approach.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• We will answer your questions about costs. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis – meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Learn more about how contingency fees work in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There is absolutely no pressure to hire us on the spot. We want you to feel confident and informed in your decision.
• Everything you discuss with us is completely confidential.

Call Attorney911 today:

• Toll-Free: 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? If you prefer to consult in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Whether you’re in Potter 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