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In Runnels County, our fraternity and sorority hazing lawyers at Attorney911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ offer unparalleled expertise. With over 25 years of experience, including federal court appearances against national fraternities and universities, we understand the local dynamics. Our former insurance defense attorney knows fraternity insurance tactics, and our multi-million dollar proven results, including BP Explosion litigation, demonstrate our commitment to fighting massive institutions. We handle cases at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, providing HCCLA criminal defense and civil wrongful death expertise. We are evidence preservation specialists. Hablamos Español. Free consultation. Contingency fee: No Win, No Fee. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

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The Silent Epidemic: A Comprehensive Guide to Hazing in Texas for Runnels County Families

The phone rings late, shaking a quiet evening in Runnels County. It’s your son or daughter, their voice shaken, whispering about something that happened while pledging. They mention fear, humiliation, drinking, and a fall. They’re afraid to tell you everything, afraid of “getting the chapter shut down,” or worse, of retaliation. This chilling scenario isn’t a rare occurrence but a recurring nightmare for families across Texas, including those here in Runnels County. It’s a moment that rips through the peace of places like Ballinger, Winters, and Miles, leaving parents desperate for answers and action.

This guide is designed to empower families in Runnels County and throughout Texas with critical knowledge about the hidden world of hazing. We delve into what hazing truly looks like in 2025 – far beyond typical college pranks. We uncover the legal landscape in Texas, explaining criminal and civil liabilities. We examine major national cases that have shaped legal precedents and financial realities, and specifically focus on what has been happening at the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University. Most importantly, we explore the legal options available to victims and families in Runnels County and across our great state.

While this article offers comprehensive, general information, it is not a substitute for specific legal advice. Every hazing incident is unique, and we strongly encourage you to contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential evaluation of your specific circumstances. We serve families throughout Texas, including those in Runnels County, and are here to help.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

  • If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

  • In the first 48 hours:

    • Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.”
    • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
      • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately.
      • Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
      • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects).
    • Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where).
    • Do NOT:
      • Confront the fraternity/sorority.
      • Sign anything from the university or insurance company.
      • Post details on public social media.
      • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence.

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

    • Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses).
    • Universities move quickly to control the narrative.
    • We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights.
    • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Runnels County families unfamiliar with the evolving landscape of college life, modern hazing can be far more insidious than the stereotypical “Animal House” antics. It’s often hidden, psychologically manipulative, and designed to foster secrecy and prevent reporting. It exploits a new member’s intense desire to belong, using that vulnerability to coerce participation in dangerous or degrading acts.

We define hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that endangers their mental or physical health or safety and occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students. It’s crucial to understand that claiming “I agreed to it” does not automatically make an activity safe or legal when there’s an inherent power imbalance and intense peer pressure.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing exists on a spectrum, from subtle psychological manipulation to life-threatening physical abuse.

  • Subtle Hazing: These behaviors create a power imbalance, often dismissed as “harmless” or “tradition,” but they psychological harm and set the stage for later escalation. Examples include:

    • Deception/Secrecy Oaths: Requiring pledges to lie to parents, university, or outsiders about activities.
    • Servitude: Requiring new members to clean rooms, do laundry, or run errands for older members.
    • Social Isolation: Cutting off contact with non-members or close friends.
    • Sleep Deprivation: Mandatory late-night meetings, constant text demands, or early morning gatherings that interfere with academic and personal rest.
    • Digital Control: Group chat monitoring, demanding instant responses, or requiring location sharing through apps like Snapchat Maps or Find My Friends.
    • Public Humiliation: Forcing embarrassing social media posts or TikTok videos that mock or degrade new members.

  • Harassment Hazing: These acts cause emotional or physical discomfort and create a hostile, abusive environment.

    • Verbal Abuse: Yelling, screaming, insults, or degrading language.
    • Forced Physical Activity: “Smokings” or extreme calisthenics (hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse) far beyond safe limits, framed as “conditioning” but used punitively.
    • Public Shaming: Forcing pledges to wear degrading costumes, perform embarrassing acts in public, or be subjected to “roasting” sessions where they are verbally torn down.
    • Exposure to Uncomfortable Conditions: Forcing pledges into filthy spaces, or covering them in unpleasant but harmless substances like food, condiments, or eggs.

  • Violent Hazing: This tier involves activities with a high potential for physical injury, sexual assault, or death. These are often the hazing incidents that make national headlines.

    • Forced Alcohol & Substance Consumption: “Lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” reveal nights involving handles of liquor, “Bible study” games where wrong answers mean forced drinking, or coercion to consume drugs. This is the single most common cause of hazing fatalities.
    • Physical Beatings & Paddling: Punches, kicks, slaps, or the use of wooden paddles, often resulting in bruising, internal injuries, or rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown).
    • Dangerous Physical Tests: Blindfolded tackle rituals (“glass ceiling”), forced fights (“gladiator” matches), jumping from heights, or swimming while intoxicated.
    • Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (“elephant walk,” “roasted pig”), sexual assault, or forcing pledges to engage in sexually degrading acts.
    • Assault with Substances: The San Diego State Phi Kappa Psi case where a pledge was set on fire resulting in third-degree burns, or the Texas A&M SAE case where pledges were doused in industrial-strength cleaner, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts.
    • Kidnapping/Restraint: “Kidnapping” pledges, tying them up, or physically restricting movement.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to fraternities and sororities, though they are often the most publicized. It is a dangerous phenomenon that can permeate various organizations across college campuses where social status, tradition, and secrecy are highly valued.

  • Fraternities and Sororities: This includes those under Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council (HPC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek councils.
  • Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: The hierarchical structure can, unfortunately, be exploited for hazing, as seen in incidents at Texas A&M.
  • Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to cheerleading and swim teams, hazing can occur when older members assert dominance over new recruits. The Northwestern University scandal highlighted this vividly.
  • Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can foster hazing traditions, as tragically seen with the Florida A&M Marching Band death.
  • Spirit Squads, Tradition, & Academic Clubs: Groups like the Texas Cowboys at UT or certain honor societies have faced hazing allegations.

The common thread is often a desire to “belong” and the fear of exclusion, which organizations exploit to maintain dangerous “traditions” despite strict anti-hazing policies and laws.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Runnels County whose children attend colleges throughout Texas, understanding the legal framework governing hazing is crucial. Texas has specific laws designed to combat hazing, and federal regulations add further layers of accountability for universities.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Under Texas law—which governs cases in Runnels County and across the state—hazing is explicitly prohibited. The Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F, defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in any student organization.

Key points of Texas hazing law:

  • Mental or Physical Harm: Hazing is defined as endangering either health category. This means extreme emotional abuse and psychological torment can be considered hazing, not just physical injury.
  • “Reckless Act”: The law doesn’t require malicious intent. If someone knew their actions carried a substantial risk of danger and proceeded anyway, it can meet the legal definition of hazing.
  • Location Doesn’t Matter: The law explicitly applies whether the hazing occurs on or off campus. A private home, an Airbnb, or a remote ranch in Runnels County used for a “pledge retreat” would still fall under Texas hazing statutes.
  • “Consent” is Not a Defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the activity. This is critical for Runnels County families to understand, as coercion through peer pressure often leads students to “agree” to harmful acts.

Criminal Penalties:

  • Hazing that does not result in serious injury is typically a Class B Misdemeanor.
  • If hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment, it can be elevated to a Class A Misdemeanor.
  • Causing serious bodily injury or death due to hazing can result in a State Jail Felony charge.
  • Individuals who are aware of hazing and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges.

Organizational Liability:
Organizations themselves can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 if they authorize or encourage hazing, or if an officer acting in an official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it. Universities also have the power to revoke recognition and ban organizations.

Reporter Protections:
Texas law offers immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who report hazing incidents in good faith. Additionally, many universities and state laws grant legal amnesty for students who call for emergency medical help, even if they were drinking underage or involved in the hazing themselves.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

These two types of legal action serve different purposes but can both play a role in seeking justice for hazing victims.

  • Criminal Cases: Brought by the State of Texas (through district attorneys or prosecutors) against individuals or organizations. The goal is to punish those who broke the law through fines, jail time, or probation. Common hazing-related criminal charges include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, or negligent homicide/manslaughter in fatal cases.

  • Civil Cases: Initiated by the victims or their surviving families against individuals and institutions such as fraternities, universities, and sometimes even their insurance providers. The primary goal is monetary compensation for damages and holding responsible parties accountable. Civil claims often involve allegations of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

It is important for Runnels County families to realize that a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The standards of proof and focus are different, allowing families to seek justice for their child even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in conviction.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations place additional responsibilities on colleges and universities, impacting how hazing incidents are handled.

  • Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding must:

    • Transparently report hazing incidents and associated disciplinary actions.
    • Strengthen hazing prevention education for students and staff.
    • Maintain publicly accessible hazing data, similar to how crime statistics are reported under the Clery Act. These requirements are being phased in, with full compliance expected by approximately 2026. This act aims to provide families with a clearer picture of hazing activity on campuses across the nation, including those attended by students from Runnels County.

  • Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. This requires universities to investigate promptly and effectively, take steps to end the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects.

  • Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. While hazing itself isn’t a specific Clery Act crime, hazing incidents often involve actions that are reportable crimes, such as assault, sexual assault, underage alcohol consumption, or drug offenses. This means that hazing activities can contribute to a university’s overall crime statistics and, if mishandled, can lead to federal scrutiny and penalties.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

When hazing causes harm, multiple parties can be held legally accountable in a civil lawsuit. Identifying all potentially liable parties is a crucial step in building a strong case, and it requires experienced legal investigation.

  • Individual Students: Those who actively planned, encouraged, orchestrated, or participated in the hazing. This includes “pledge masters,” “new member educators,” and even general members who stood by and allowed it to happen.
  • Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself. If it operates as a legal entity, it can be sued directly.
  • National Fraternity / Sorority: The national headquarters, which sets policies, receives dues from local chapters, and often advises or oversees its chapters. Liability often hinges on whether the national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing at the local chapter or across its broader network.
  • University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, whether public (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) or private (like SMU, Baylor). Universities can be sued for:
    • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately supervise recognized organizations.
    • Failure to Enforce Policies: Having anti-hazing policies but consistently failing to enforce them.
    • Deliberate Indifference: Knowing about a serious hazing risk (e.g., from prior incidents) and failing to act.
    • Title IX Violations: If the hazing involved sex-based discrimination or harassment.
    • Public universities in Texas have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions often apply in hazing cases involving gross negligence or constitutional violations.
  • Third Parties:
    • Property Owners/Landlords: If the hazing occurred in a privately owned off-campus house where the owner knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
    • Alcohol Providers: Bars, stores, or individuals who illegally provided alcohol to minors participating in hazing, under Texas’s dram shop laws.
    • Security Companies or Event Organizers: If their negligence contributed to the incident.

Every case is fact-specific, and the liable parties can vary widely based on the circumstances. An experienced hazing attorney carefully investigates all potential avenues of liability to ensure comprehensive accountability and compensation for victims and their families from Runnels County.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When a hazing incident rocks a Texas campus and impacts a Runnels County family, it’s easy to feel isolated. However, tragic hazing cases have occurred nationwide, creating legal precedents and driving legislative changes that inform how we approach these issues here in Texas. These anchor stories reveal recurring patterns, institutional failures, and the significant financial and criminal consequences that can arise from hazing.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and deadly form of hazing involves forced or excessive alcohol consumption. These cases often share agonizing similarities: young pledges pushed beyond their limits, a delay in seeking medical help due to fear of repercussions, and a tragic, preventable death.

  • Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most high-profile hazing deaths, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” night where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Surveillance footage showed him falling repeatedly and sustaining severe head injuries, with fraternity brothers delaying calling for medical help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath led to over a thousand criminal charges against fraternity members, substantial civil litigation with confidential settlements, and the enactment of Pennsylvania’s stringent Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This case powerfully demonstrated how extreme intoxication, deliberate delay in calling 911, and a pervasive culture of silence can be legally devastating for both individuals and the organizations involved.

  • 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 liquor and pressured to drink until they passed out. This tragedy resulted in multiple criminal prosecutions, with the majority of members pleading guilty to misdemeanor hazing, and led to Florida State temporarily suspending all Greek life. The case spurred a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida, underscoring how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster.

  • Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died after a “Bible study” drinking game where he was forced to drink if he answered questions incorrectly. He died with an astonishing blood alcohol content of 0.495%. His death led to Louisiana enacting the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute, and saw one fraternity member convicted of negligent homicide. This case exemplifies how legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing’s lethal consequences.

  • Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a pledge night, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to consume nearly an entire bottle of whiskey, dying from alcohol poisoning. Both the national fraternity and Bowling Green State University were held accountable, with Stone’s family reaching a $10 million settlement in 2023, including $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and nearly $3 million fromBGSU. Several fraternity members were criminally convicted of hazing-related charges. This case powerfully illustrates that universities, especially public ones, can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities when hazing leads to death.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, hazing frequently involves brutal physical acts or degrading rituals that leave lasting scars or, in some cases, kill.

  • Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College / Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a pledge at a Pi Delta Psi fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, was blindfolded, weighted down with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a violent “glass ceiling” ritual. He sustained a fatal traumatic brain injury, and fraternity members delayed calling 911. The aftermath saw multiple members convicted, and the national fraternity was found criminally liable for aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, leading to its unprecedented ban from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case demonstrates that off-campus “retreats” where hazing is intentionally hidden can be as dangerous or worse than on-campus incidents, and national organizations can be held to serious criminal account.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not limited to Greek life; it can also infest high-visibility athletic programs, where a culture of discipline, loyalty, and secrecy can disguise destructive initiation practices.

  • Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a scandal that rocked college athletics, former Northwestern football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. The allegations included forced nude practices and other degrading acts. This led to multiple lawsuits against the university and coaching staff, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later filed a wrongful-termination suit that confidentially settled). This major case illustrated that hazing can extend well beyond Greek life into major athletic programs, raising profound questions about institutional oversight and the responsibility to protect student-athletes.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

The preceding national cases reveal common, heartbreaking threads: forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, deliberate delays in providing medical care, and concerted efforts to cover up wrongdoing. These patterns indicate foreseeability – that organizations knew or should have known the dangers but failed to act.

Unfortunately, meaningful reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often only follow after tragedy and intense litigation. For Runnels County families whose children attend or plan to attend Texas universities, these national lessons underscore the urgent need for vigilance and legal accountability. Your family is not alone in seeking justice, and the legal landscape has been shaped by these hard-won battles for accountability.

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

For Runnels County families, identifying the closest or most relevant university is often the first step in understanding their child’s environment. While Runnels County is part of the broader Central West Texas region, many local students travel several hours to attend major state universities. This section details hazing contexts at five of Texas’s largest institutions, offering specific insights for parents whose children may be studying in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, or Waco, or other parts of Texas that connect to these major schools.

We want every family from Ballinger to Miles, and across Runnels County, to be informed about the specific challenges and reporting structures at these vital Texas universities.

University of Houston (UH)

For Runnels County families with students attending the University of Houston, roughly a 4-hour drive east, understanding the campus culture and its approach to hazing is essential. UH is a large, urban campus with a vibrant and diverse Greek life, encompassing IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural fraternities and sororities, along with numerous other student organizations. It’s a key institution for many students from across Texas, making its hazing policies particularly important.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston, located in the heart of one of the nation’s largest cities, caters to both commuter and residential students. Its Greek life is robust and active, often engaged in campus events, philanthropy, and social activities. Beyond Greek organizations, UH hosts a wide array of cultural, academic, and athletic clubs, all of which are subject to the university’s anti-hazing policies.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH maintains a comprehensive anti-hazing policy, clearly stating that hazing is prohibited both on-campus and off-campus. This policy covers all forms of hazing, including forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and acts causing mental distress for initiation or membership. UH provides multiple reporting channels through its Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university generally posts a public “Hazing Prevention” statement and outlines disciplinary processes on its website, providing some transparency regarding prohibited behaviors.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While not always as public as some other universities, UH has disciplined chapters for hazing. A notable incident from 2016 involved Pi Kappa Alpha where pledges allegedly suffered varying degrees of physical harm, including one student who sustained a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface during an event involving deprivation of food, water, and sleep over several days. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and university suspension following the investigation. Other disciplinary actions have been referenced over the years, involving fraternities found in violation of policies regarding alcohol misuse, forced activities, and behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” leading to suspensions or significant probationary periods. These incidents highlight UH’s willingness to enforce its policies, even if public details are sometimes limited to general disciplinary outcomes.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Runnels County family with a child attending UH, any hazing incident would likely involve investigations by the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) for on-campus incidents, or the Houston Police Department (HPD) if the incident occurred off-campus within city limits. Civil suits stemming from hazing at UH would be filed in courts within Harris County, which encompasses Houston. Potential defendants could include the individual students involved, the local chapter itself, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the University of Houston, especially if there were allegations of negligent supervision or failure to enforce policies. Property owners, if the hazing occurred in an off-campus house, could also be implicated.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

  • Report immediately: Students or parents concerned about hazing at UH should contact the Dean of Students office (typically through online forms or direct phone), UHPD for immediate threats, or the Houston Police Department for off-campus criminal acts.
  • Document Everything: As soon as you suspect hazing, begin documenting all evidence. This includes screenshots of group chats, photos or videos of any incidents or injuries, and a detailed log of events.
  • Review UH’s Public Records: Check the University of Houston’s hazing prevention pages for any public lists of violations or disciplinary actions against specific organizations, which can indicate a pattern of behavior.
  • Seek Legal Counsel: Families connected to UH should contact a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases. An attorney can help navigate UH’s sometimes complex reporting structures, ensure evidence is preserved (especially important when dealing with large universities and national organizations), and advise on uncovering prior complaints or internal files that might not be publicly available.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station, approximately three hours east of Runnels County, holds a unique place in the hearts of many Texans. Its deep-rooted traditions and the presence of the revered Corps of Cadets add layers of complexity to any discussion of hazing. Families from Runnels County often send their children to A&M, making its hazing policies and history particularly relevant.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its staunch traditions, loyal alumni base, and the prominent Corps of Cadets, which operates as a disciplined, military-style institution within the university. Greek life is also significant, with a strong presence of IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural organizations. The culture at A&M, steeped in loyalty and honor, can sometimes unintentionally create an environment where certain “traditions” blur the line into hazing, especially within highly structured or tradition-bound groups.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing under both state law and university rule. Their policies outline a broad definition of hazing, covering any act that causes mental or physical harm, inflicted for the purpose of initiation or membership. Reporting channels are managed through the Division of Student Affairs, Student Conduct Office, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). The university is transparent about its commitment to investigating hazing allegations and imposing disciplinary actions. It provides educational resources and anonymous reporting options for students and parents.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced significant hazing allegations over the years, often highlighting abuses within both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets.

  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): Perhaps one of the most disturbing incidents involved Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Two pledges alleged they were forced to endure strenuous physical activity while corrosive substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, were poured on them. This inflicted severe chemical burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries. The pledges filed a lawsuit seeking over $1 million, leading to the chapter’s suspension by the university for two years. This case, involving chemical hazing, stands out for its extreme nature and the resulting physical disfigurement.
  • Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and dehumanizing hazing practices within the Corps. The allegations included simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, while A&M responded that the matter was handled internally according to university regulations. These types of allegations challenge the integrity of A&M’s revered traditions and highlight the risks within its structured environment.
  • Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): Recent allegations against the Kappa Sigma chapter at Texas A&M have pointed to hazing activities resulting in severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis – a dangerous condition of severe muscle breakdown caused by extreme physical exertion, often associated with forced workouts during strenuous hazing. This ongoing litigation underscores the persistent danger of physical hazing.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For families from Runnels County or anywhere in Texas, a hazing case at Texas A&M would involve investigations by the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) or, for off-campus incidents, the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office or local municipal police. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in Brazos County, where College Station is located. Such cases often target individual perpetrators, the local chapter, the national organization (e.g., Sigma Alpha Epsilon national, Kappa Sigma national), and potentially the university itself for alleged negligent supervision or policy failures. Given the Corps’ unique structure, cases can also involve specific Corps leadership or university officials responsible for oversight.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

  • Report Through Official Channels: Students and parents should utilize Texas A&M’s official reporting mechanisms through the Student Conduct Office or UPD. For concerns within the Corps, direct contact with Corps leadership or the Commandant’s office is also an option, though legal counsel should be advised beforehand.
  • Document “Traditions”: If your child is in the Corps or Greek life, ask them to document any “traditions” that seem abnormal, unsafe, or emotionally distressing. Photos of events, messages about mandatory gatherings, or shared stories can turn into crucial evidence.
  • Understand Dual Systems: Be aware that the Corps and Greek life often have their own internal disciplinary processes that run parallel to university investigations. Legal counsel can help navigate these overlapping systems.
  • Consult Houston-Based Hazing Specialists: Given the complex nature of hazing allegations at A&M, often involving deeply ingrained traditions, contacting a law firm experienced in Texas hazing litigation is crucial. Our firm works with families from Runnels County and across Texas to hold institutions like Texas A&M and its affiliated organizations accountable.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a beacon of higher education and culture just a few hours’ drive from Runnels County, attracts students from across Texas. UT’s large and diverse student body, coupled with its vibrant Greek life and numerous student organizations, means it is not immune to hazing. For Runnels County families whose children attend or plan to attend UT, understanding their policies and history of incidents is paramount.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest public universities in the U.S., known for its academic rigor, spirited traditions, and dynamic Greek system. Its campus culture fosters a wide range of social, academic, and athletic organizations, including a substantial presence of IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural fraternities and sororities. The competitive nature of admissions and social life can sometimes fuel an intense desire to belong, which can be exploited by hazing.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a robust and clear anti-hazing policy that strictly prohibits any form of hazing, whether on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of membership or initiation. UT distinguishes itself by its commitment to transparency regarding hazing violations. The university’s Dean of Students office oversees hazing prevention, education, and reporting, with channels available through the Office of Student Conduct and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD). Crucially, UT makes public a detailed “Hazing Violations” website, listing organizations, dates, specific conduct, and sanctions.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page is a valuable resource, showcasing a consistent effort towards transparency, even as it reveals ongoing issues with hazing.

  • Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The Pi Kappa Alpha chapter was found responsible for hazing violations in which new members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. This led to the chapter being placed on disciplinary probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.
  • Other Organizations: Various other organizations, including spirit groups like the Texas Wranglers and other fraternities and sororities, have been sanctioned for violations ranging from forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, public humiliation, and other practices designed to punish or degrade new members. These incidents reinforce that “tradition” often serves as a guise for prohibited conduct.
  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (January 2024): A lawsuit was filed against the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at UT Austin by an Australian exchange student who alleged he was assaulted at a party, suffering a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, and a fractured tibia. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations, highlighting a pattern of misconduct that escalated to severe injury.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Runnels County family, a hazing incident at UT Austin would likely involve investigations by the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) for incidents on or adjacent to campus, or the Austin Police Department (APD) for off-campus events within the city. Civil lawsuits would typically be pursued in Travis County, where Austin is located. Potential defendants would include the individual students, the local chapter, the national organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Alpha national, Sigma Alpha Epsilon national), and potentially the University of Texas itself, especially given UT’s public record of prior violations which can strongly support arguments of foreseeable harm and negligent oversight.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

  • Utilize UT’s Resources: Students and parents should familiarize themselves with UT’s official Dean of Students website and the public Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu). This public log can provide crucial pattern evidence for legal cases.
  • Report to UT System: Use the University of Texas System’s reporting channels which are often robust and designed to ensure proper protocol is followed.
  • Immediate and Thorough Documentation: Given the legal weight of prior incidents at UT, detailed documentation of any new hazing claims is paramount. Screenshots, photos, witness contact information – all are vital.
  • Consult a Houston-Based Hazing Attorney with UT Experience: A law firm with deep knowledge of Texas hazing law and experience navigating cases against large state institutions is indispensable. Our firm understands how to leverage UT’s commitment to transparency (and its past violations) to build strong cases.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University in Dallas, approximately 3-4 hours northeast of Runnels County, is a private university with a distinct culture and a strong Greek presence. Families from Runnels County who send their children to SMU should be aware of the university’s approach to hazing, which, while subject to Texas law, operates within a private institutional framework.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and a vibrant social scene heavily influenced by its extensive Greek life. Many students participate in fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural organizations), which play a significant role in campus social dynamics. The private university setting can create a unique context for investigating and addressing hazing allegations, often involving a balance between institutional reputation and student safety.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU strictly prohibits hazing, adhering to Texas law and its own institutional policies. Their rules define hazing broadly to include any physical or mental punishment, harassment, or intimidation associated with admission or membership in an organization. SMU provides reporting mechanisms through its Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the SMU Police Department (SMU PD). The university also emphasizes hazing prevention education and anonymous reporting tools like “Real Response” to encourage students to come forward.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While private universities sometimes have less public disclosure than state institutions, SMU has taken disciplinary action against organizations for hazing violations.

  • Kappa Alpha Order (2017): The Kappa Alpha Order chapter at SMU faced allegations of widespread hazing, including severe alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, physical beatings, and humiliating acts. The university suspended the chapter and imposed significant restrictions on its activities, including a multi-year ban on recruiting new members. This incident highlighted the dangers within SMU’s Greek system and the university’s response to serious allegations.
  • Other Instances: SMU has investigated and disciplined other fraternities and sororities for incidents involving forced servitude, degrading activities, and alcohol misuse, leading to suspensions, loss of campus recognition, and probationary periods. These cases often reveal a tension between a desire for “tradition” and the legal and ethical responsibilities of student organizations.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Runnels County family, a hazing incident at SMU would involve investigations by the SMU Police Department (SMU PD) for campus incidents, or the Dallas Police Department (DPD) for off-campus events within Dallas. Civil lawsuits would be filed in Dallas County. Unlike public universities, private institutions like SMU generally do not enjoy sovereign immunity, potentially simplifying certain aspects of litigation against the university itself. Potential defendants would include the individual students, the local chapter, the national organization (e.g., Kappa Alpha Order national), and SMU itself, with claims focusing on negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or breach of duty of care.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

  • Understand Private University Dynamics: Be aware that while SMU is subject to Texas hazing law, its internal investigative processes may differ from public universities. Transparency of findings can sometimes be less public.
  • Utilize SMU’s Reporting Tools: Students and parents should use SMU’s anonymous reporting options, like “Real Response,” and direct channels to the Dean of Students or SMU PD, ensuring that the university is officially put on notice.
  • Document Evidence Discreetly: In a private university setting, members of organizations might be particularly coached on secrecy. Discreetly collecting screenshots, photos, and detailed notes is crucial while prioritizing safety.
  • Seek Experienced Dallas-Area or Texas Hazing Legal Counsel: Engaging a law firm deeply knowledgeable in Texas hazing law, and experienced with both public and private university accountability, is critical. Our firm works with families from Runnels County and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex to navigate complex hazing cases at institutions like SMU.

Baylor University

Baylor University in Waco, just over an hour’s drive from Runnels County, is another significant private university within Texas. Its unique religious affiliation and recent history of institutional scrutiny add specific challenges to addressing hazing. Runnels County families whose children attend Baylor need to be particularly informed about its policies and any past incidents.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University presents a distinct blend of Christian faith, rigorous academics, and a passionate athletic culture. Its Greek life, while present, operates under a different set of rules and emphasis than many secular universities, often highlighting moral and ethical guidelines. However, even in this environment, student organizations can develop internal “traditions” that cross into hazing territory. The university’s prior history of handling serious student misconduct, particularly concerning sexual assault, means it operates under intense scrutiny regarding student safety and institutional accountability.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, in accordance with Texas law and its own deeply held values. Their policies define hazing broadly to include any physical, emotional, or mental abuse that occurs in connection with initiation or membership. Baylor emphasizes a “zero tolerance” approach, offering multiple reporting channels through its Office of Student Conduct, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and an ethics and compliance hotline. The university regularly updates its hazing policy statements and prevention resources on its website.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s commitment to tackling misconduct has led to public disciplinary actions for hazing, especially in its athletic programs.

  • Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): A significant incident involved the Baylor baseball team, where an investigation into hazing allegations led to the suspension of 14 players. The suspensions were strategically staggered across the early season to minimize team disruption but underscore the serious nature of the misconduct found within the athletic program. This incident highlighted the ongoing challenge of enforcing anti-hazing policies, even in environments with stated “zero tolerance” directives.
  • Other Greek and Student Organization Discipline: Baylor has also investigated and disciplined Greek fraternities and other student groups for less severe hazing violations, including alcohol misuse, forced servitude, and activities deemed demeaning or physically taxing. These cases often demonstrate the gap between official policies and member behavior.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Runnels County family, a hazing incident at Baylor would involve investigations by the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) for campus-related events, or the Waco Police Department (WPD) for off-campus incidents in the city. Civil lawsuits would be initiated in McLennan County, where Waco is located. As a private university, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity, meaning it can be sued directly without the governmental hurdles faced when litigating against public institutions. Claims could target individual perpetrators, the local chapter, the national organization, and Baylor University itself, often with a focus on negligent supervision, failure to protect students, or, given its history, potentially Title IX implications if the hazing involved sex-based misconduct.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

  • Be Aware of Baylor’s Context: Runnels County families and students should understand Baylor’s unique institutional context, including its emphasis on rules and its recent history of dealing with institutional misconduct. This can influence both the reporting process and potential legal strategies.
  • Utilize Baylor’s Anonymous Reporting: Baylor offers anonymous reporting channels, which can be critical for students who fear retaliation within their organizations or athletic teams.
  • Understand Oversight: Given the athletic hazing incident, parents with student-athletes should engage directly with coaches and athletic department staff about hazing prevention and reporting mechanisms.
  • Consult a Texas Hazing Attorney with Baylor Experience: A law firm experienced in navigating hazing cases against private universities, and specifically familiar with Baylor’s policies and legal history, is highly recommended. Our firm helps families from Runnels County and throughout Central Texas to hold institutions like Baylor and its affiliated organizations accountable, leveraging our understanding of their unique institutional landscape.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Runnels County families whose children are part of, or considering joining, Greek life at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, it’s vital to recognize that local chapters are not isolated entities. They are part of larger national organizations, many of which have extensive, and often troubling, histories of hazing. Understanding these national patterns is crucial because it often forms the basis for legal arguments against both the local chapter and its national parent organization.

Why National Histories Matter

Most fraternities and sororities proudly display their national affiliations. These national headquarters (HQs) typically oversee hundreds of chapters across the country, setting policies, providing training, collecting dues, and maintaining a national brand. Tragically, many of these national organizations have also experienced repeated hazing incidents, including deaths and catastrophic injuries, across multiple campuses over decades.

When a local chapter in Texas, say at UT Austin, engages in hazing that mirrors incidents from another chapter in, for example, Ohio or Florida, it strongly points to foreseeability. The national organization cannot plausibly claim ignorance or that the incident was an unforeseen “rogue” act; they’ve seen the script before. This pattern evidence is critical in civil lawsuits to demonstrate:

  • Knowledge: The national HQ knew, or should have known, that certain hazing rituals were prevalent within their organization.
  • Failure to Act: Despite this knowledge, they failed to implement effective prevention, intervention, or disciplinary measures.
  • Negligent Supervision: They inadequately supervised their local chapters or failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies.

This helps link the local chapter’s actions to the broader institutional responsibility of the national organization, significantly strengthening legal claims for families in Runnels County and elsewhere.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Many of the fraternities and sororities active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor have national counterparts with concerning hazing histories. Below, we synthesize some key national organizations and notable incidents that demonstrate recurring patterns.

  • Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor. The national organization has a history of severe alcohol-related hazing.

    • Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, 2021): A pledge died after being forced to consume a bottle of whiskey, leading to a $10 million settlement and multiple criminal convictions. This case, like the earlier David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois University, 2012) fatality, underscores a pattern of “Big/Little” alcohol hazing within Pike chapters nationwide. Such history of incidents suggests the national organization had ample warning about dangerous practices that could easily recur in Texas chapters.

  • Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU. SAE has been involved in numerous hazing-related deaths and severe injuries across the country, leading the national organization to take drastic measures (such as eliminating pledgeship at one point) to try and address its reputation.

    • University of Alabama Traumatic Brain Injury (2023): A pledge allegedly suffered a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual, resulting in a lawsuit against the national fraternity.
    • Texas A&M University Chemical Burns (2021): Pledges suffered severe chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner, leading to a million-dollar lawsuit and chapter suspension.
    • University of Texas at Austin Assault (2024): An exchange student was severely injured in an alleged assault at a chapter party while the chapter was already suspended for prior hazing violations. These incidents highlight a deeply troubling pattern of behavior often involving physical and chemical hazing, which the national organization has a clear historical record of being aware of.

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

    • Maxwell “Max” Gruver (Louisiana State University, 2017): Died from alcohol poisoning during a forced drinking game (“Bible study”), leading to the Max Gruver Act (felony hazing law) in Louisiana and a $6.1 million verdict with prior settlements. The national organization had a clear precedent for the dangers of such “traditions.”

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

    • Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, 2017): A pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were given liquor and pressured to drink excessively. This tragedy spurred significant anti-hazing movements and prosecutions.

  • Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU.

    • Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, 2017): Died from traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding after a hazing incident involving forced drinking and falls, where medical help was delayed. This case is a landmark for prosecution and civil litigation against fraternity members and the national organization.

  • Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor.

    • Chad Meredith (University of Miami, 2001): An 18-year-old freshman drowned after being persuaded by fraternity members to swim across a lake while intoxicated, leading to a $12.6 million jury verdict for his parents based on hazing. This case led to the “Chad Meredith Law” criminalizing hazing in Florida.
    • Texas A&M University (2023, ongoing): Allegations of hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical exertion, an ongoing case with specialized legal focus.

  • Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Active at Texas A&M.

    • Danny Santulli (University of Missouri, 2021): An 18-year-old pledge suffered severe, permanent brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol. His family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants, demonstrating collective liability for catastrophic injuries.

  • Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor.

    • College of Charleston (2024): A pledge alleged physical beatings, forced consumption of drugs and alcohol, and psychological torment. The family received more than $10 million in damages, one of the largest known hazing settlements, underscoring the severe financial consequences for organizations when hazing causes lasting harm.

This list is not exhaustive but represents organizations whose national histories have set precedents for extreme hazing resulting in injury or death. Such patterns across states and campuses demonstrate that these organizations have received repeated warnings. Courts will consider whether national organizations have meaningfully enforced their anti-hazing policies, adequately responded to prior incidents, and punished violations aggressively enough. This directly affects settlement leverage and the ability to pursue punitive damages in civil cases.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For Runnels County families considering legal action after a hazing incident at one of these Texas universities, the national history of the involved organization is a critical component of our legal strategy. We investigate how patterns of misconduct across state lines demonstrate that certain organizations had repeated warnings about specific hazing rituals.

  • Establishing Foreseeability: If a forced drinking game at a UT Austin fraternity chapter is identical to one that led to a death at a branch of the same national fraternity in another state years prior, the national organization can argue little defense that it was “unforeseeable.”
  • Challenging “Rogue Chapter” Defenses: National organizations often claim that local chapters are “rogue” and that hazing occurred despite national policies. However, a history of similar incidents across many chapters exposes this as a “paper policy” defense. Our firm can demonstrate that the national organization’s anti-hazing policies were either not meaningfully enforced or were designed more to avoid liability than to prevent harm.
  • Impact on Damages: Evidence of a national organization’s repeated failures to prevent hazing can increase the potential for significant damages, including, in some cases, punitive damages (depending on jurisdiction and claims), which are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future harm. It also places greater pressure on national organizations and their insurers to settle cases rather than risk massive jury verdicts.

Understanding these national patterns, and how they connect to local incidents, is a cornerstone of The Manginello Law Firm’s approach to holding accountable all parties responsible for hazing and protecting Texas families.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For families in Runnels County seeking accountability after a hazing incident, building a strong legal case involves meticulous evidence collection, a thorough understanding of recoverable damages, and a strategic approach to litigation. The Manginello Law Firm excels in all these areas, leveraging our experience to navigate the complexities unique to hazing lawsuits.

Evidence

Modern hazing cases often turn on digital evidence, which can be quickly destroyed or manipulated. Our firm focuses on a multi-faceted approach to evidence gathering:

  • Digital Communications:
    • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, TikTok, Slack, and fraternity/sorority-specific apps. These platforms are often treasure troves, revealing planning, intent, real-time events, and cover-up attempts. We prioritize securing screenshots with clear timestamps and participant names. Even deleted messages can often be recovered through digital forensics, which is why immediate action is crucial.
    • Social Media Posts and Stories: Public or private social media content showing hazing events (even if captioned humorously), photos/videos of injuries, humiliating acts, or forced drinking. Location tags and relevant hashtags are also vital.
  • Photos & Videos:
    • Content filmed by members: Often found in group chats, showing specific hazing acts.
    • Security camera footage: From private residences, campus buildings, or event venues (e.g., Ring doorbell footage, commercial surveillance).
    • Victim photos: Detailed images of injuries taken immediately after the incident and throughout recovery, often with a size reference.
  • Internal Organization Documents:
    • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, and risk management guidelines. These can reveal sanctioned practices that might be problematic or patterns of prohibited behaviors.
    • Emails or text messages from officers or members discussing plans for “new member education” that cross into hazing.
    • National organization policies and training materials.
  • University Records:
    • Prior conduct files: Any history of probation, suspension, or warnings against the specific chapter or organization.
    • Incident reports: Filed with campus police or student conduct offices.
    • Clery Act reports: Annual crime statistics that may include prior alcohol, assault, or other hazing-related offenses.
    • Disciplinary records and internal communications: Obtained through discovery, these can reveal what the university knew and when, regarding hazing.
  • Medical and Psychological Records:
    • Emergency room and hospitalization records: Detailing injuries, their cause, and initial treatment.
    • Lab and toxicology reports: Crucial for alcohol or substance-related hazing.
    • Surgery and rehabilitation notes: Documenting the extent of physical recovery.
    • Psychological evaluations: Diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental health impacts, providing crucial evidence for emotional damages.
  • Witness Testimony:
    • Statements from other pledges, current or former members, roommates, coaches, RAs, or even bystanders. Their accounts can corroborate the victim’s story and provide critical context.

Damages

For families from Runnels County and across Texas, understanding what can be recovered in a hazing lawsuit is vital. Damages aim to compensate the victim and family for all losses suffered.

  • Medical Bills & Future Care:
    • Past medical expenses: Ambulance, ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
    • Future medical expenses: Ongoing treatment, long-term rehabilitation for severe injuries (like traumatic brain injury), psychiatric care for PTSD, and life-care plans for permanent disabilities.
  • Lost Earnings / Educational Impact:
    • Lost wages: If the victim’s injuries prevented them from working a part-time job or securing future employment.
    • Lost educational opportunities: Tuition for missed semesters, loss of scholarships, and the delayed entry into their chosen career field.
    • Diminished future earning capacity: If permanent injuries impair their ability to work and earn a living over their lifetime, an expert economist can calculate these losses.
  • Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for subjective losses, which are often the most impactful.
    • Physical Pain and Suffering: For the immediate and ongoing pain caused by injuries.
    • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: Including humiliation, shame, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and loss of dignity.
    • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social engagements they once enjoyed.
  • Wrongful Death Damages: In the tragic event of a fatality, surviving family members (parents, spouses, children) can recover:
    • Funeral and burial costs.
    • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
    • Loss of companionship, love, and society from the deceased.
    • Emotional grief and suffering experienced by the family.
  • Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly egregious, reckless, or malicious conduct, courts may award punitive damages. These are not to compensate the victim but to punish the defendants and deter similar acts in the future. In Texas, punitive damages are available but often capped, except in situations involving intentional torts.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases involve multiple defendants, each with their own legal counsel and, importantly, their own insurance policies. Successfully navigating these claims requires an in-depth understanding of insurance law.

  • Insurance Policies: National fraternities/sororities, local chapters, and universities typically carry substantial liability insurance policies. These policies are designed to cover claims arising from accidents, negligence, and sometimes even intentional acts.
  • Exclusions: Insurers frequently argue that hazing, as an “intentional act” or “criminal act,” is excluded from coverage. They may also claim that the policy does not cover certain events (e.g., those occurring off-campus) or specific individuals.
  • Navigating Disputes: Our firm is adept at identifying all potential policy coverages, challenging wrongful denials, and strategically negotiating with insurance companies. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) is invaluable here; she knows how insurers operate, value claims, and the tactics they employ to avoid paying out. We understand how to frame a claim for covered negligence (e.g., negligent supervision) even if the underlying hazing activity was intentional.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For families in Runnels County and students throughout Texas, knowing what to do immediately after a hazing incident, how to assess the situation, and what legal rights are available is paramount. This section offers practical advice tailored to parents, students, and potential witnesses.

For Parents

As a parent, your instinct is to protect your child. Hazing can be particularly insidious because students are often terrified of consequences for themselves or their organization, making them reluctant to confide in you.

  • Warning Signs of Hazing:
    • Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” with inconsistent explanations.
    • Extreme fatigue: Your child is constantly exhausted, appearing sleep-deprived.
    • Drastic mood changes: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or withdrawal from family and old friends.
    • Secrecy: An unwillingness to discuss their organization’s activities, especially if they say, “I can’t talk about it,” or “It’s a secret.”
    • Constant phone use/fear of missing events: They seem tied to their phone, constantly checking group chats, and anxious about missing “mandatory” late-night gatherings.
    • Changes in academics or social life: Grades dropping, missing classes, or withdrawing from hobbies they once loved.
  • How to Talk to Your Child: Approach them with empathy, not judgment. Start with open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with [organization]?” or “Is there anything making you uncomfortable?” Reassure them that their safety and well-being are your top priority, not the organization’s reputation or getting them “in trouble.” Emphasize that you will support them no matter what.
  • If Your Child is Hurt:
    • Get immediate medical care: Prioritize their health. Be sure they tell medical staff what truly happened so it’s documented.
    • Document everything: Take photos of injuries, screenshot any texts or social media posts, and write down every detail your child shares (dates, times, names, locations).
    • Save names and contacts: Get names of other students involved or who witnessed the event.
    • Call an attorney immediately: Evidence disappears quickly.
  • Dealing with the University: Document every conversation, email, and meeting with university administrators. Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization and what actions the university took. Do not let university officials talk you out of seeking independent legal counsel.

For Students / Pledges

If you are a student or pledge in Runnels County or at any Texas university questioning what you’re experiencing, remember: your safety and well-being come first.

  • Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Am I being forced to do something I don’t want to do? Would I do this if my parents or the university knew? Does this activity make me feel unsafe, humiliated, or physically/mentally distressed? Is it hidden from outsiders? If you answer yes to any of these, it is likely hazing, regardless of what they call it.
  • Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The law, and basic ethics, recognize that “consent” is not truly voluntary when given under duress, peer pressure, or fear of exclusion. You have a legal right to be safe, and you cannot consent to illegal acts.
  • Exiting and Reporting Safely:
    • If in immediate danger, call 911. You will not get in trouble for seeking help in an emergency.
    • If you want to leave an organization, you have the right to do so. Inform someone outside the organization first (e.g., an RA, trusted professor, or parent).
    • You can report hazing anonymously through university hotlines or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293).
    • In Texas, good-faith reporting often comes with amnesty from minor infractions like underage drinking, prioritizing safety over punishment.
  • Evidence Collection is Key: Use your cellphone. Our firm’s video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains how to screenshot group chats, photograph injuries, and save voicemails. Remember, don’t delete anything, even if it’s embarrassing.

For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were part of an organization that hazed, or witnessed it, and now grapple with guilt or fear:

  • Acknowledge that speaking out can prevent future harm and save lives. Your testimony and evidence can be incredibly powerful.
  • You may have legal questions about your own involvement. An attorney can advise you on your rights and potential liabilities, helping you navigate the process.
  • Cooperating with an investigation can be an important step towards accountability and closure.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Preventing avoidable mistakes can be as important as gathering evidence. The Manginello Law Firm’s video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) offers crucial insights. Here are some of the most critical errors Runnels County families must avoid:

  1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence: This not only destroys crucial proof but can imply a cover-up. Preserve everything – even embarrassing content.
  2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: This alerts them to potential legal action, giving them time to destroy evidence or coach witnesses. Consult a lawyer first.
  3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms: You might unknowingly waive your right to pursue further legal action or accept an inadequate internal resolution. Never sign anything without legal review.
  4. Posting Details on Social Media: This can compromise your case by providing defense attorneys with information to use against you, potentially harming credibility.
  5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”: Organizations often use these meetings to pressure, intimidate, or get statements that undermine your case. All communication should go through your lawyer.
  6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) can pass. University processes are not the same as legal accountability.
  7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: Adjusters represent the insurance company’s interests, not yours. They may try to get an early, lowball settlement or a recorded statement to use against you.

Short FAQ

  • “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
    Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions apply for gross negligence or constitutional violations. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case is unique; contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for specific analysis.

  • “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
    It can be. While basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who fail to report hazing can also face misdemeanor charges.

  • “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
    Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that “consent” under severe peer pressure, power imbalance, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

  • “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
    Generally 2 years 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 apparent. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled. Time is critical – evidence vanishes, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Our firm’s video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) explains this in more detail.

  • “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
    The location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability of off-campus activities related to their organizations. Many major hazing cases (e.g., Pi Delta Psi) 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. While we prioritize full accountability, we also work to protect your family’s privacy and manage public messaging, often seeking sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring a unique and formidable combination of experience and insight to every hazing case. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Runnels County and surrounding areas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Ballinger, Winters, Miles, and across the region, regardless of where the incident occurred.

We are uniquely qualified for hazing cases in Texas, leveraging our experience to ensure accountability. Lupe Peña, one of our accomplished attorneys, brings crucial insurance insider advantage. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, she understands exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She knows their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusions, and their settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. This insight is critical in navigating the complex insurance disputes often involved in hazing litigation.

Building on that foundation, Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, provides unparalleled experience in complex litigation against massive institutions. As one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, Ralph has proven his ability to take on billion-dollar corporations and win. His extensive federal court experience (including the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, powerful universities, or their well-resourced defense teams. We don’t settle cheap; we strategically build cases that demand real accountability.

We have a proven track record in obtaining multi-million dollar results in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/). This experience, coupled with Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), means we also possess dual civil and criminal hazing expertise. We understand how criminal charges interact with civil litigation and can advise individuals, witnesses, or former members facing dual exposure. Our investigative depth is second to none, utilizing a network of experts—including digital forensics, medical professionals, economists, and psychologists—to uncover hidden evidence like deleted group chats, subpoena national fraternity records, and obtain critical university files. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually work behind closed doors, and we know what makes hazing cases different: the powerful institutional defendants, the insurance coverage fights, and the challenge of balancing victim privacy with public accountability. 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 advocate for thorough investigations and real accountability.

Call to Action

If your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus – from College Station to Austin, Houston to Waco, or Dallas – we want to hear from you. Families in Runnels County and throughout our state have the right to answers and accountability.

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

What to expect in your free consultation:

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

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

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

Whether you’re in Runnels 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