San Augustine County Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Lawyers: University Hazing Injury & Wrongful Death Attorneys at Attorney911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ offer unparalleled expertise. Our former insurance defense attorney understands fraternity insurance tactics. With federal court experience taking on national fraternities and universities, and a history including BP Explosion litigation, we fear no massive institution. Our HCCLA criminal defense and civil wrongful death expertise, combined with multi-million dollar proven results, serves clients from San Augustine County and beyond, including UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor hazing cases. We are evidence preservation specialists with 25+ years experience. Hablamos Español. Free Consultation. Contingency Fee: No Win, No Fee. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

When Tradition Turns Toxic: A Comprehensive Guide to Hazing in Texas for San Augustine County Families

A young man from San Augustine County dedicates himself to his studies, envisioning a bright future at a Texas university. He arrives on campus, eager to experience college life, make new friends, and perhaps join a fraternity or a respected campus organization. He finds a group that promises camaraderie, leadership, and a sense of belonging. What starts as a series of seemingly innocent “traditions” soon escalates. Late-night “meetings” become tests of endurance, with sleep deprivation and forced physical exertion. Group chats buzz with instructions to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol or face humiliating consequences. The pressure to conform, to prove his loyalty, overrides his better judgment. Eventually, under the guise of “brotherhood,” he suffers a severe injury or psychological trauma, trapped between the desire to fit in and the instinct for self-preservation. Others witness his distress, some even film it on their phones, but fear of “getting the chapter in trouble” or “social repercussions” keeps them from calling for help.

This heartbreaking scenario is not a fictional one for families throughout Texas. It’s a reality that has shattered lives and exposed a dark underside of campus culture. This could happen at any Texas university where San Augustine County families send their children, from the bustling urban campuses of Houston and Austin to the traditional halls of College Station, Waco, and Dallas.

This comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas is written for families in San Augustine County and across our great state who need to understand:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• How Texas and federal law address hazing, providing avenues for recourse.
• The critical lessons from major national hazing cases and their relevance to Texas families.
• The patterns and incidents that have occurred at University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University, as well as other Texas institutions.
• The legal options and pathways to accountability that victims and their families in San Augustine County and throughout Texas may have.

We understand that you are seeking answers and justice for preventable harm. While this article offers general information and does not provide specific legal advice for individual cases, The Manginello Law Firm is here to evaluate your unique circumstances. We serve families throughout Texas, from our Houston office and beyond, including those in San Augustine County and its surrounding communities within East Texas. You do not have to navigate this crisis alone.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

• In the first 48 hours, every action counts:

  • Facilitate medical attention for the student immediately. Even if they insist they are “fine,” some injuries, like rhabdomyolysis or internal organ damage, may not be immediately apparent.
  • Prioritize the preservation of evidence BEFORE it can be deleted or destroyed:
    • Screenshot all relevant group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately. Digital evidence is often the strongest proof of hazing.
    • Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles, documenting their progression over time.
    • Secure and save any physical items involved, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in hazing rituals.
  • Document everything while the memory is fresh. Write down who was involved, what exactly happened, when it occurred, and the location. These contemporaneous notes are invaluable.
  • Do NOT engage in common mistakes that can jeopardize a future legal claim:
    • Do not confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This can lead to evidence destruction or witness coaching.
    • Do not sign any documents, releases, or resolutions from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel review. You may unknowingly waive critical rights.
    • Do not post explicit details about the incident on public social media platforms before consulting with an attorney.
    • Do not let your child delete messages or “clean up” any evidence. This can be viewed as obstruction and severely weaken their case.

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

  • Evidence disappears fast. Group chats are often deleted, physical objects like paddles are destroyed, and witnesses may be coerced into silence or coached on what to say.
  • Universities move quickly to control the narrative. They often prioritize institutional reputation over individual accountability.
  • Our firm can help preserve crucial evidence, protect your child’s rights, and prevent these common pitfalls.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The image of hazing often conjures up outdated notions of innocent pranks or mild rites of passage. However, for parents and students in San Augustine County and across Texas, it’s vital to understand that modern hazing is far more insidious, dangerous, and often illegal. It’s not “just a little fun” when it endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits.

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person or a group, against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

A key point to grasp is that saying “I agreed to it” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal. When there’s immense peer pressure, a significant power imbalance, or a fear of social exclusion, true consent is often absent.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Modern hazing tactics have evolved, becoming more covert and incorporating new technologies to avoid detection. We often see the following categories:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most dangerous forms, frequently leading to hospitalization or death. It involves forced or coerced drinking of alcohol, often to extreme levels, through activities like “lineups,” chugging challenges, or games that require rapid consumption. Pledges can also be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, risking severe health complications.
• Physical Hazing: Despite crackdowns, physical abuse persists. This includes direct acts like paddling and beatings, as well as extreme calisthenics, prolonged “workouts,” or “smokings” (punitive physical exercises far beyond normal conditioning). Other forms include sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, and intentional exposure to extreme cold or heat, or other dangerous or unsafe environments.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts Strip victims of their dignity and can inflict lasting psychological trauma. This can involve forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (such as “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” positions), wearing degrading costumes, or being subjected to acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones.
• Psychological and Emotional Hazing: Often underestimated, psychological torment can be just as damaging. This includes verbal abuse, threats, forced isolation from friends or family, manipulation, and forced confessions of personal details. Public shaming, whether in person or on social media, also falls into this category, designed to break down self-esteem and enforce conformity.
• Digital/Online Hazing: With the rise of smartphones and social media, hazing has moved into the digital realm. This includes group chat dares and “challenges” that escalate in risk, public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, or Discord servers, and pressure to create or share compromising images or videos. Constant demands via group chat that interfere with sleep or academics are also a common tactic.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to the stereotypes of “frat boys” at large universities. While Greek life often makes headlines, hazing permeates various campus organizations. It can affect:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes chapters under Interfraternity Councils (IFC), Panhellenic Councils, National Pan-Hellenic Councils (NPHC), and multicultural Greek councils.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations with hierarchical structures and intense bonding rituals can be especially vulnerable to hazing.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Groups like cheerleading, dance teams, and student organizations dedicated to campus traditions (e.g., specific spirit groups at UT Austin) have been implicated in hazing incidents.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, swimming, and track, hazing occurs across athletic programs at all collegiate levels.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can sometimes harbor hazing practices under the guise of “team building.”
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group where membership is highly coveted or where there’s a strong emphasis on tradition can potentially develop hazing tactics.

The enduring presence of hazing, despite increased awareness and anti-hazing policies, is often fueled by social status, deeply ingrained traditions, and an intense culture of secrecy. Students, especially new members, feel an overwhelming pressure to “earn” their place and fear retribution or alienation if they speak out. This creates a dangerous environment where harm can occur under the radar.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For San Augustine County parents and students, understanding the legal landscape of hazing in Texas is crucial. The law provides a framework for prosecuting criminal acts and pursuing civil claims for damages, offering avenues for justice and accountability.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has a specific legal framework designed to combat hazing, primarily outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. In plain English, the law broadly defines hazing as:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, performed on or off campus, by an individual or a group, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the physical health or safety of a student (e.g., physical beatings, forced exercise, coerced consumption of alcohol or drugs), OR
• Endangers the mental health or safety of a student (e.g., extreme humiliation, intimidation, psychological manipulation).
  This act must occur for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Key aspects of Texas hazing law:

• On or Off Campus: The law explicitly covers hazing incidents whether they occur on university property or at off-campus locations, such as private residences, Airbnb rentals, or fraternity houses. Location does not negate liability.
• Mental or Physical Harm: Hazing is not limited to physical injury. Acts that inflict severe psychological distress, humiliation, or mental anguish are also covered.
• Intent vs. Recklessness: An individual or organization doesn’t necessarily need to intend to cause harm. If they acted recklessly—meaning they knew or should have known their actions carried a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm—they can still be held liable.
• “Consent” is Not a Defense: This is a critical provision in Texas law. Even if a student appears to “agree” or “consent” to a hazing activity, it is still legally considered hazing if it meets the statutory definition. The law recognizes the inherent power imbalance and peer pressure involved, rendering any “consent” invalid.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law:

• Hazing that does not result in serious injury is typically prosecuted as a Class B Misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• If the hazing causes an injury requiring medical treatment, it can escalate to a Class A Misdemeanor.
• Crucially, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be prosecuted as a State Jail Felony, leading to more severe penalties, including incarceration in a state jail facility.
• Texas law also criminalizes failure to report hazing for members or officers of an organization who knew about the hazing and failed to report it, and retaliation against someone who reports hazing.

Organizational Liability:
Under Texas Education Code § 37.153, organizations themselves (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can face criminal prosecution if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if an officer acting in an official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it. Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation and revocation of university recognition.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
Texas Education Code § 37.154 provides a critical protection: individuals who report hazing incidents in good faith to university authorities or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability that might arise from that report. This provision aims to encourage reporting without fear of reprisal. Additionally, many universities and Texas law offer amnesty for students who call 911 in a medical emergency, even if underage drinking or hazing was involved, prioritizing saving lives over punishment for minor offenses.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important to distinguish between criminal prosecutions and civil lawsuits arising from hazing:

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the State of Texas (or federal prosecutors) against individuals who have committed a crime. The primary aim of a criminal case is to punish offenders through fines, incarceration, or probation. In hazing contexts, criminal charges can vary from misdemeanor hazing to felony hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or even manslaughter in fatal incidents.
• Civil Cases: These are filed by victims or their surviving family members (plaintiffs) against individuals and organizations (defendants) responsible for the harm. The purpose of a civil lawsuit is to obtain monetary compensation for injuries, losses, and suffering. Civil hazing cases can involve claims of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Crucially, a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil hazing lawsuit in Texas. The standards of proof are different, and a civil claim can proceed even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction.

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

While Texas law provides the primary framework, federal regulations also play a significant role in campus safety and hazing accountability:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation, passed as part of the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act, mandates increased transparency and prevention efforts from colleges and universities that receive federal funding. By around 2026, institutions will be required to publicly report hazing incidents and outcomes, strengthen hazing education, and enhance prevention programs. This aims to create a more informed and safer campus environment.
• Title IX: When hazing involves sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is triggered. This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Universities have specific obligations to investigate and address such incidents, regardless of whether they occurred on or off campus, or whether they were reported to law enforcement.
• 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. Certain hazing incidents, especially those involving assault, sexual assault, or alcohol/drug offenses, often overlap with Clery-reportable crimes, contributing to the public record of campus safety.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Obtaining justice and accountability in a hazing case often means identifying and holding responsible multiple parties, not just the students directly involved. Potential defendants in a civil hazing lawsuit in Texas may include:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, encouraged, or participated in the hazing acts, supplied alcohol, or helped cover up the incident.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity, sorority, club, or athletic team itself, especially if it operates as a recognized legal entity. Officers and leaders within the organization who permitted or directed the hazing can also be held individually liable.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which typically sets policies, manages risk for its chapters, and collects dues, can be held liable. This is particularly true if the national organization had prior knowledge of hazing patterns within its chapters or failed to adequately enforce its anti-hazing policies.
• University or Governing Board: While public universities in Texas may assert sovereign immunity, exceptions exist. Universities can face liability claims for negligence, gross negligence, negligent supervision, or for failing to adequately address known hazing problems, especially if prior incidents or warnings were ignored. Private universities generally have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Depending on the specifics of the incident, other entities may also be held responsible. This can include landlords or owners of off-campus houses or event spaces where hazing occurred, bars or alcohol suppliers (under dram shop laws if they served obviously intoxicated individuals or minors), or security companies.

It’s crucial to understand that every hazing case is fact-specific. Not every party listed above will be liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney can thoroughly investigate the incident, identify all potentially responsible parties, and build a comprehensive case to seek maximum accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When a hazing tragedy strikes in Texas, it’s not an isolated event. Many of the heartbreaking stories we hear are part of recurring patterns that illuminate the negligence and systemic failures of organizations that claim to foster “brotherhood” or “sisterhood.” These national anchor stories are not just news headlines; they are critical precedents that demonstrate foreseeability and liability in Texas courts.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and deadly form of hazing involves the forced or coerced consumption of alcohol. These cases often share alarming similarities: excessive drinking, attempts to hide the activity, delayed medical care, and a tragic outcome.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” event where he was forced to consume vast quantities of alcohol. Surveillance cameras within the Beta Theta Pi house captured his repeated falls down a flight of stairs and the agonizing 12 hours that passed before fraternity members called for medical help. This tragic incident led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, significant civil litigation, and the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, making hazing a felony. The takeaway for Texas families is clear: extreme intoxication, deliberate delay in calling 911, and a culture of silence are legally devastating and will be aggressively pursued.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them quickly. This case resulted in criminal hazing charges against multiple fraternity members and prompted Florida State University to temporarily suspend all Greek life, leading to a major overhaul of its policies. This incident underscores that formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster that national organizations and universities should foresee and prevent.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (September 2017): Max Gruver died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a Phi Delta Theta “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink heavily whenever they answered questions incorrectly. His death directly led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing law that criminalizes acts causing serious bodily injury or death. The clear link between forced drinking, preventable death, and legislative change is a powerful indicator of accountability for hazing in Texas.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (March 2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” night. He died from severe alcohol poisoning. This case resulted in multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members, including the chapter president who was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million to the Foltz family. Civically, BGSU, a public university, agreed to a $3 million settlement, and other substantial settlements were reached with the national fraternity and individuals. This case demonstrates that universities, even public ones, can face significant financial and reputational consequences, alongside national fraternities, when fatal hazing occurs.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical abuse and brutal ritualized hazing continue to cause severe injury and death, often under the guise of “tradition.”

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College / Pi Delta Psi (December 2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died during a Pi Delta Psi fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. He was blindfolded, weighted down with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a ritual known as “glass ceiling.” Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours. This tragic case resulted in multiple criminal convictions for individuals, and, significantly, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This landmark case proves that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous, or even more dangerous, than on-campus events, and national organizations can be held directly liable for their chapters’ actions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; major athletic programs at universities can also be breeding grounds for systemic abuse, often shielded by institutional power and a culture of winning.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In 2023, former football players at Northwestern University alleged a widespread culture of sexualized and racist hazing within the program, spanning multiple years. The allegations included forced sexual acts, racist commentary, and other degrading treatment under the guise of “tradition.” This scandal led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern, its coaching staff, and the subsequent firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially with the university. This case is a stark reminder for San Augustine County families that hazing extends beyond Greek life, with major athletic programs sometimes harboring deep-seated abuse that universities are compelled to investigate and address.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies reveal common threads found in hazing incidents across the country and right here in Texas: forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, deliberate delays in calling for medical assistance, and widespread cover-up efforts. Time and again, significant reforms and substantial multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts only follow after a tragedy and the commencement of determined litigation.

For San Augustine County families facing the anguish of hazing at one of Texas’s major universities, it is essential to know that you are not alone. You are operating in a legal and social landscape that has been profoundly shaped by these national lessons. These cases demonstrate that accountability is possible, and that courageous victims and their families can drive meaningful change by standing up to powerful institutions.

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

For San Augustine County residents, understanding the specific environments and historical incidents at Texas’s major universities is crucial. Many families from our East Texas community send their children to these institutions. Each university has its own culture, policies, and history with hazing, but the patterns of organizational negligence and individual wrongdoing often echo national trends. We will examine these five prominent Texas universities, noting how incidents on their campuses remain pertinent to San Augustine County families seeking justice.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

San Augustine County Connection: As a major urban university, UH attracts students from across Texas, including many from East Texas communities like San Augustine County, who seek its diverse academic programs and vibrant student life. Hazing incidents at UH are a direct concern for these families who rely on the university to provide a safe educational environment.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a sprawling, diverse public institution located in the heart of Houston. It serves a large population of both commuter and residential students. UH boasts an active Greek life with a multitude of fraternities and sororities, including IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural Greek organizations. Beyond Greek life, the campus is home to numerous student organizations, cultural groups, and sports clubs, all of which contribute to a dynamic, yet occasionally complex, social fabric where hazing can unfortunately take root.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, clearly prohibiting hazing whether it occurs on-campus or off-campus. The policy, outlined on the university’s website, prohibits acts that endanger mental or physical health, including forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and acts causing mental distress, when performed for affiliation or membership purposes. UH provides multiple reporting channels, including the Dean of Students Office, the Student Conduct Office, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also posts some disciplinary information related to hazing on its website, providing a degree of transparency regarding past violations and sanctions.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has faced its share of hazing allegations and disciplinary actions:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Hazing Incident: One particularly notable case involved the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Pledges were allegedly deprived of adequate food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event that was part of the pledging process. The hazing culminated in a student suffering a lacerated spleen after reportedly being slammed onto a table or a similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges from law enforcement and received a university suspension. This incident highlighted the severe physical dangers of hazing and the criminal penalties that can follow.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: Over the years, UH has continued to issue disciplinary references involving various fraternities and sororities where behavior was deemed “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse, physical exercises, and other policy violations, leading to suspensions and probationary periods. These actions demonstrate UH’s willingness to impose sanctions, but also reveal the persistent challenge of hazing within its Greek system.

These incidents underscore both the university’s efforts to address hazing and the continuous need for vigilance and robust enforcement.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident occurring at UH, the legal process can be complex. Involved law enforcement agencies may include the UHPD for on-campus incidents or the Houston Police Department for off-campus events in the city. Any civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County, such as the District Courts of Harris County.

Potential defendants in a UH hazing case could include the individual students involved, the local chapter itself, the national fraternity or sorority organization, and potentially the University of Houston as an institution, especially if evidence points to negligent supervision or systemic failures. Property owners where off-campus hazing occurred could also be named.

5.1.5 What UH Students and Parents in San Augustine County Should Do

If you are a San Augustine County parent whose child attends UH, or a student there who is experiencing hazing, here are concrete steps to take:

• Report Hazing Promptly: Utilize UH’s official reporting channels, including the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct Office, or UHPD. Anonymous online reporting forms are also typically available. Document your report with dates and whom you spoke with.
• Document Prior Complaints: If you are aware of prior hazing complaints or disciplinary actions against a specific fraternity, sorority, or organization, gather this information. Such a history can be critical evidence in a civil case.
• Legal Consultation for Houston-Based Incidents: Contact a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases like The Manginello Law Firm. Our Houston office is uniquely positioned to help uncover prior disciplinary actions and internal files from UH that may be difficult for families to access independently.
• Preserve All Evidence: Emphasize to your child the critical importance of preserving all digital communications (group chats, texts, social media), photographs of injuries, and any physical evidence.
• Seek Medical and Psychological Care: Prioritize medical treatment for physical injuries and psychological counseling for trauma, stress, anxiety, or depression. Ensure medical providers document that the injuries were hazing-related.

San Augustine County families should understand that even though Houston is a drive away, our firm regularly serves clients from East Texas. We can guide you through the reporting and legal processes, protecting your child’s rights and seeking accountability from all responsible parties.

5.2 Texas A&M University

San Augustine County Connection: Texas A&M is a perennial favorite for students from across Texas, including San Augustine County, drawn to its rich traditions and robust academic programs. Hazing incidents at A&M are of profound concern to our community, particularly given the unique culture of the Corps of Cadets and its prominent Greek life.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M University in College Station is renowned for its deep-rooted traditions, “Aggie Spirit,” and the prominent Corps of Cadets. This military-style organization fosters intense camaraderie but also presents a unique environment for hazing, often camouflaged by terms like “discipline” or “tradition.” Beyond the Corps, A&M has a large and active Greek life, including numerous fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural Greek Council) that are highly influential in student social circles.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M prohibits hazing both on and off campus, clearly defining it as any intentional or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. The university’s policies cover physical abuse, emotional distress, forced alcohol consumption, and any activity that could be perceived as humiliating or degrading. Reporting channels include the Dean of Student Life, the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMU PD), and various online reporting forms. The university is legally required to provide hazing prevention education and publishes some information on reported incidents.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced significant hazing issues within both its Greek system and the Corps of Cadets:

• 2021 Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit: In a disturbing incident, two pledges with the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity alleged they were subjected to severe hazing at an off-campus house near College Station. The hazing involved being covered in various substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, which caused severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries. The pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity, which was suspended by the university for two years. This case tragically illustrates how physical hazing can result in catastrophic, life-altering injuries.
• 2023 Corps of Cadets Lawsuit: A Texas A&M Cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing practices within the Corps. The allegations included simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages, highlighting the alleged systemic nature of hazing despite the university’s stated policies. While A&M stated it handled the matter under its internal rules, the lawsuit brought a public focus to the dark side of certain Corps traditions.
• Ongoing Concerns: Despite enforcement efforts, hazing allegations continue to emerge from various Greek organizations and other student groups, demonstrating the pervasive nature of the problem within the A&M system.

These incidents show that hazing at Texas A&M isn’t confined to a single type of organization, deeply impacting students’ safety and wellbeing.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at Texas A&M often involve the TAMU PD (for incidents on university property) or the College Station Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in courts with jurisdiction over College Station and Brazos County, such as the District Courts of Brazos County.

Considering A&M is a public university, sovereign immunity issues may arise, but viable claims can still be pursued against individuals, the local chapter, the national organization, and potentially the university itself through exceptions for gross negligence or under federal laws like Title IX. The unique culture of the Corps often means different chains of command and responsibility that a seasoned attorney must navigate.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students and Parents in San Augustine County Should Do

For San Augustine County families with children at Texas A&M, or for students experiencing hazing, here’s crucial advice:

• Understand Reporting: Familiarize yourself with how to report hazing to Texas A&M’s Dean of Student Life or TAMU PD. There are also anonymous reporting options.
• Document “Traditions”: If you hear about specific “traditions” common within Greek life or the Corps, document them. Even if framed as harmless, these can sometimes conceal hazing elements.
• Gather Evidence Swiftly: If hazing occurs, immediate preservation of digital evidence is paramount. Photos of injuries, screenshots of group chats, and any communication related to hazing activities (especially from platforms like GroupMe, commonly used in College Station Greek life) should be secured.
• Seek Legal Counsel Immediately: Given the complex nature of hazing within the Corps and Greek system, and the aggressive defense tactics often employed by powerful institutions, contacting Attorney911 for a confidential consultation is vital. We can help College Station and San Augustine County families navigate these waters and prepare for litigation.
• Prioritize Medical Care: Always ensure immediate and thorough medical attention for physical injuries or psychological distress, making sure the medical records clearly state the circumstances of the injury (i.e., hazing-related).

Our firm understands the unique legal and cultural aspects of Texas A&M and is prepared to assist San Augustine County families whose children have been harmed there.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

San Augustine County Connection: The University of Texas at Austin remains a top choice for aspiring students from San Augustine County and across East Texas. Its expansive campus and numerous student organizations, including a large Greek system and spirit groups, mean that the hazing issues faced by UT are directly relevant to the safety and well-being of our community’s students.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the University of Texas System, known for its academic rigor, vibrant campus life, and deep-seated traditions. UT has one of the largest and most dynamic Greek life communities in the state, comprising numerous fraternities and sororities across all councils. Beyond Greek life, spirit groups, athletic teams, and other student organizations are integral to the campus experience. While these groups are sources of pride and camaraderie, they have also historically been sites of hazing.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a robust and publicly accessible anti-hazing policy. The university explicitly prohibits hazing, defining it broadly to include any act that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. A key feature of UT’s commitment to transparency is its publicly published Hazing Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu), which lists organizations, dates of alleged incidents, the conduct involved, and the sanctions imposed. This public record is a crucial tool for parents and for legal efforts to establish patterns of negligence. UT provides reporting channels through the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s Hazing Violations page often provides public details, a rarity among Texas universities:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Records show that Pi Kappa Alpha was disciplined for hazing activities where new members were directed to consume excessive amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. This incident resulted in a finding of hazing, leading to the chapter being placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention educational programs.
• Texas Wranglers (2022): This spirit organization faced sanctions for hazing violations that included forced consumption of alcohol, sleep deprivation, and engaging in degrading acts. Such incidents demonstrate that hazing extends beyond traditional Greek organizations to other highly regarded campus groups.
• Other Greek and Student Organizations: The UT Hazing Violations page frequently lists various fraternities, sororities, and other student organizations that have been sanctioned for alcohol-related hazing, physical abuse disguised as “workouts,” and psychologically damaging initiation rituals. While UT’s transparency is commendable, the recurrent nature of these violations highlights persistent challenges in enforcing anti-hazing policies.

The public record at UT, despite its strengths, also illustrates that while official actions are taken, the underlying issues of hazing can often persist and resurface even after disciplinary measures.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

In a hazing case originating at UT Austin, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) would typically be the primary responding agency for on-campus incidents, while the Austin Police Department would handle off-campus events. Civil lawsuits involving hazing at UT, or a fraternity/sorority chapter there, would generally be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Austin and Travis County, such as the District Courts of Travis County.

As a public university, UT Austin may invoke sovereign immunity, but our experienced attorneys would explore avenues for recovery through applicable exceptions for gross negligence, Title IX claims, or claims against individual actors and the national organizations. The wealth of public information on UT’s hazing violations page can be a powerful tool for establishing a pattern of known misconduct and institutional liability.

5.3.5 What UT Students and Parents in San Augustine County Should Do

For San Augustine County families and students at UT Austin, navigating a hazing situation requires specific steps:

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations Page: Educate yourself on the history of disciplinary actions against specific organizations your child might be interested in. This publicly available information can be invaluable for showing patterns and prior knowledge by the university.
• Report Through Official Channels: Utilize UT’s established mechanisms for reporting hazing to the Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, or UTPD. Document all communications carefully.
• Preserve Digital and Physical Evidence: Given how common digital communication is, ensure all relevant group chats, messages, and social media posts are screenshot and saved immediately. Photograph any injuries or physical signs of hazing.
• Seek Legal Advice with Local Expertise: Contact a lawyer experienced in Austin-based hazing cases like The Manginello Law Firm. Our Austin office means we are familiar with UT’s specific processes, public records, and the local legal landscape. We can help families in San Augustine County build a strong case to hold responsible parties accountable.
• Prioritize Well-being: Ensure immediate medical attention for any physical harm and psychological support for emotional trauma. Clearly communicate the hazing context to medical providers for proper documentation.

Our firm is well-equipped to assist San Augustine County families whose children attend UT Austin, providing skilled legal representation throughout the legal process.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

San Augustine County Connection: SMU attracts students from affluent families across Texas, including from East Texas. Hazing incidents at this prestigious private institution raise concerns for San Augustine County parents whose children might aspire to attend SMU, highlighting the need for accountability even in exclusive campus environments.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University (SMU), located in Dallas, is a leading private research university known for its beautiful campus and strong Greek life. The Greek system plays a significant role in SMU’s social landscape, with a panoply of fraternities and sororities under the Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC). SMU’s culture often emphasizes tradition and exclusivity, which can sometimes create environments ripe for hazing activities disguised as time-honored rituals.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that applies to all student organizations, on or off campus. The policy aligns with Texas law, prohibiting any act that could endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership. SMU emphasizes prevention and provides reporting channels through the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Conduct & Community Standards, and campus police. Like many private universities, SMU’s internal disciplinary records are typically not as publicly accessible as those of state-funded institutions, making robust legal discovery even more crucial in civil cases.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Despite its private status, hazing incidents at SMU have periodically become public:

• 2017 Kappa Alpha Order Incident: The Kappa Alpha Order fraternity was suspended by SMU after allegations of severe hazing. Reports indicated that new members were subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and significant sleep deprivation. The chapter faced restrictions on its recruiting activities for several years following the incident. This case underscored the university’s willingness to act when clear hazing violations come to light.
• Ongoing Monitoring and Prevention Efforts: SMU has implemented various prevention tools, including anonymous reporting systems like “Real Response,” aiming to encourage students to report hazing without fear of retaliation—a critical step in attempting to combat hazing in environments where secrecy is prevalent.

These instances highlight that even in a private university setting, hazing persists, and the university takes disciplinary action, though the full extent of incidents may not always be publicly disclosed.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

In the event of a hazing incident at SMU, the SMU Police Department (SMU PD) would typically handle on-campus investigations, while the Dallas Police Department or other local law enforcement would respond to off-campus incidents. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Dallas and Dallas County, such as the District Courts of Dallas County.

As a private university, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more directly liable in civil suits for negligence, negligent supervision, or for failing to maintain a safe campus environment. Claims could also target individual students, the local chapter, and the national fraternity or sorority organization. Our firm’s experience with complex litigation means we are well-prepared to gather internal records through discovery, which is often essential given the less public nature of private university disciplinary actions.

5.4.5 What SMU Students and Parents in San Augustine County Should Do

For San Augustine County families whose children attend SMU, or for students facing hazing there:

• Understand Reporting: Familiarize yourself with SMU’s reporting mechanisms, including the Dean of Students Office and anonymous reporting options. Document any reports you make.
• Preserve Digital Evidence: Immediately secure all digital communications from group chats (e.g., GroupMe, WhatsApp), social media messages, and any photos or videos related to hazing. These are crucial, especially as private universities may not publicize all disciplinary actions.
• Seek Legal Consultation: Contact a lawyer experienced in Dallas-based hazing cases like The Manginello Law Firm. Our firm’s expertise in navigating private university litigation means we understand how to pursue justice when information is less publicly available, and we can advocate for families in San Augustine County.
• Prioritize Health and Safety: Ensure that any physical injuries receive immediate medical attention and that psychological counseling is sought for emotional trauma. Ensure clear documentation connecting injuries to hazing.

Our firm is equipped to assist San Augustine County families in addressing hazing incidents at SMU, providing dedicated legal representation to seek accountability from all responsible parties.

5.5 Baylor University

San Augustine County Connection: Baylor University in Waco is another highly regarded Texas institution that attracts students from across the state, including San Augustine County, known for its emphasis on faith and tradition. Hazing incidents at Baylor are therefore of direct concern to our community, particularly given the university’s recent history of institutional scrutiny.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, a private Baptist university located in Waco, is known for its strong academic programs, Christian mission, and deeply ingrained campus traditions. Baylor hosts an active Greek life, comprising fraternities and sororities under the Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC). Beyond Greek life, competitive athletic programs and various student organizations contribute to the university’s social environment. Baylor has faced intense scrutiny in recent years regarding its handling of Title IX issues and sexual assault, shaping its approach to student welfare and institutional oversight.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, in accordance with Texas law, covering acts that endanger mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation, whether on or off campus. Baylor emphasizes a “zero tolerance” policy for hazing. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct Office, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and an ethics point hotline. Given its recent history, Baylor has made efforts to enhance its policies and transparency regarding student misconduct, although comprehensive public inventories of hazing violations may not be as detailed as some public institutions.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s commitment to student safety has been tested by various incidents, including hazing allegations:

• 2020 Baylor Baseball Hazing: A significant incident involved the Baylor baseball team. An investigation led to the suspension of 14 players for hazing violations. The suspensions were staggered over the early part of the baseball season, impacting team performance and sending a strong message about accountability, even at the cost of athletic success. This incident highlighted that hazing permeates athletic programs, regardless of institutional values.
• Broader Context of Institutional Scrutiny: Baylor’s handling of the football sexual assault scandal and its subsequent Title IX reforms have placed it under intense national scrutiny regarding its commitment to student safety and institutional accountability. While distinct from traditional hazing, this history means that any hazing allegations at Baylor are viewed through a lens of heightened expectation for a robust and transparent response.

These cases illustrate that despite its values and public commitments, Baylor, like other institutions, must continuously battle hazing, and prior institutional issues can influence public and legal perceptions of its response.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at Baylor University, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) would primarily investigate on-campus incidents, while the Waco Police Department or McLennan County Sheriff’s Office would handle off-campus cases. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Waco and McLennan County, such as the District Courts of McLennan County.

As a private university, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity, making it a direct potential defendant in civil suits. Claims could target negligence, negligent supervision, or corporate negligence, especially if there’s evidence of systemic failures or a disregard for student safety. Baylor’s recent history means that any claims related to student welfare are likely to be met with intense scrutiny. Lawsuits could also name individual students, local chapters, and national organizations.

5.2.5 What Baylor Students and Parents in San Augustine County Should Do

For San Augustine County families whose children attend Baylor, or for students experiencing hazing there:

• Understand Baylor’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with Baylor’s anti-hazing policy and the reporting mechanisms available through the Dean of Students Office or BUPD.
• Documentation is Key: Given that private university disciplinary actions may not be fully public, securing all personal evidence is even more critical. Screenshot group chats, gather any photos or videos, and document all communications.
• Seek Legal Consultation with Expert Counsel: Contact a lawyer experienced in Waco-based hazing cases like The Manginello Law Firm. Our firm has the expertise to navigate the complexities of private university litigation, including compelling discovery and litigating against powerful institutions, to advocate for families in San Augustine County.
• Prioritize Health: Ensure immediate medical attention for physical injuries and psychological support for emotional trauma. Ensure medical records explicitly link injuries to hazing for proper documentation.

Our firm is committed to assisting San Augustine County families in addressing hazing incidents at Baylor, providing diligent legal representation to secure accountability and justice.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

When hazing tears a family apart in Texas, it’s rarely an isolated event by a handful of “bad apples.” Instead, it is frequently part of a disturbing pattern, often rooted in the national history and organizational culture of the fraternity or sorority involved. Understanding these connections is vital for San Augustine County families seeking to hold all responsible parties accountable.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

The reality is that many fraternities and sororities present at Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor are chapters of large, national organizations. These national headquarters often:

• Possess extensive anti-hazing policies and risk management manuals. They have these policies precisely because they have seen deaths, catastrophic injuries, and significant lawsuits within their chapters in the past.
• Are aware of the recurring patterns: the “Big/Little” drinking rituals, the forced alcohol consumption, “pledge nights” of physical abuse, the humiliating traditions that inevitably lead to harm.

When a local Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous script—a script that has caused injury or death at another chapter in another state—it demonstrates a critical legal concept: foreseeability. The national organization, by virtue of its history and policies, had prior notice of the inherent risks. This knowledge can significantly strengthen arguments for negligence against national entities. It shows that the national organization failed to adequately prevent or address known dangers, not just that a local chapter “went rogue.”

6.2 Organization Mapping: Patterns of Concern

While dozens of fraternities and sororities operate across Texas campuses, specific national organizations have a documented history of severe hazing incidents that parents should be aware of. The repetition of these patterns across different chapters and universities highlights systemic issues.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity, with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT, has a deeply troubling national hazing history, particularly involving alcohol. The $10 million settlement in the Stone Foltz case (Bowling Green State University, 2021) stemmed from a “Big/Little” alcohol hazing tradition. Similarly, the $14 million settlement in the David Bogenberger case (Northern Illinois University, 2012) also involved alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event. These cases underscore a foreseeable risk pattern in Pike’s “Big/Little” activities.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): SAE, with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU, has faced national scrutiny for multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries. Beyond the chemical burns lawsuit at Texas A&M (2021), the fraternity has been sued in cases like one at the University of Alabama (filed 2023) alleging a traumatic brain injury from hazing, and another at the University of Texas at Austin (2024) alleging an assault by members. SAE has a history of high-risk behavior that often triggers university suspensions and legal action.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, SMU, and Baylor, Phi Delta Theta was at the center of the Max Gruver (LSU, 2017) tragedy, where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” drinking game. The subsequent Max Gruver Act in Louisiana (felony hazing) directly ties this national organization to severe hazing consequences.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT, Pi Kappa Phi is linked to the Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, 2017) hazing death, where a “Big Brother Night” event involved forced consumption of hard liquor. This reinforces the pattern of high-risk alcohol hazing.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, SMU, and Baylor make this organization pertinent. The Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, 2017) case, with its horrifying details of delayed aid after extreme alcohol hazing, became a national catalyst for anti-hazing legislation and prosecutions.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and Baylor, Kappa Sigma has a significant national hazing record. The Chad Meredith (University of Miami, 2001) case resulted in a $12.6 million jury verdict for negligence in a hazing-related drowning. More recently, the College of Charleston Sigma Chi chapter (2024) (a similar major IFC fraternity) faced a $10 million+ damages award for physical and psychological torment. These cases, especially when considering the recent allegations of severe injuries (including rhabdomyolysis) at Texas A&M’s Kappa Sigma chapter (2023, ongoing), demonstrate deeply embedded patterns.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): While not as widely present at these specific Texas campuses in our data, FIJI has a chapter at Texas A&M. The Danny Santulli (University of Missouri, 2021) case—where a pledge suffered permanent brain damage from forced alcohol consumption—demonstrates how quickly hazing can cause catastrophic injury leading to multi-million-dollar settlements with multiple defendants.
• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): An NPHC fraternity with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, Omega Psi Phi has faced allegations of physical hazing. The Rafeal Joseph (University of Southern Mississippi, 2023) case, alleging severe beatings and chemical burns during “Hell Night,” highlights that hazing, including traditional “paddling,” can occur across various Greek councils, and can lead to federal lawsuits against both the university and the fraternity.

These examples are not exhaustive but illustrate a critical point: when a Texas student from San Augustine County joins one of these organizations, they are joining chapters connected to a national history. When similar incidents recur, it becomes much harder for the national body to claim ignorance or disclaim responsibility.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The documented national and campus-specific histories of hazing are not merely anecdotal. They provide crucial ammunition for a legal strategy aimed at accountability:

• Foreseeability and Prior Warnings: Repeated incidents across states and campuses clearly demonstrate that these organizations, and often the universities that oversee them, had prior warnings about the dangers of their “traditions.” This makes it difficult for them to claim an incident was “unforeseeable.”
• Policy Enforcement Gaps: When hazing occurs despite strict anti-hazing policies, experienced attorneys can investigate whether these policies were merely “paper policies” – designed to look good but not meaningfully enforced. This can show negligence in supervision and a failure to protect students.
• Increased Leverage: The existence of a national pattern of similar hazing can significantly increase settlement leverage in civil cases. Defendants know that juries may be swayed by evidence of repeated failures to protect students.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, evidence of a long-standing pattern of neglect, ignoring warnings, or deliberate indifference may support claims for punitive damages, which are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future wrongdoing. These damages can be substantial and send a powerful message about accountability.

For San Augustine County families, understanding how these national patterns connect to local incidents provides a clearer path to justice. Our firm meticulously investigates these connections, using each organization’s history to build the strongest possible case for our clients.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

When a hazing incident causes injury, psychological trauma, or wrongful death, building a strong legal case requires meticulous investigation, expert analysis, and strategic litigation. For San Augustine County families, understanding what goes into a hazing lawsuit is paramount.

7.1 Evidence: The Foundation of Your Case

In an age of digital communication and ubiquitous cameras, evidence for hazing cases has become increasingly sophisticated. Our firm rigorously collects and analyzes:

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical category of evidence. We meticulously pursue:
  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and fraternity/sorority-specific apps: These platforms are goldmines, revealing planning, instructions, coercion, cover-up attempts, and discussions among members. We seek full threads, timestamps, and participant names.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments: Social media often provides real-time insights into events, sometimes even capturing hazing in progress or revealing member attitudes.
  • Recovered/Deleted Messages: Even if messages are deleted, digital forensics experts can often recover them from cloud backups, phone contents, or even through subpoenas to service providers.
• Photos & Videos:
  • Content filmed by members: Many hazing incidents are filmed for entertainment or internal documentation. Discovering such footage is crucial.
  • Social Media Posts: Public or private social media posts often capture elements of hazing, whether directly or through context clues.
  • Security Camera Footage: We investigate whether security cameras (at a house, venue, or on campus) captured activity related to the hazing incident.
• Internal Organization Documents: Subpoenas can compel the production of:
  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists: These documents can reveal formalized hazing practices.
  • Emails/Texts from Officers: Communications from leaders planning or directing new member activities are critical.
  • National Policies and Training Materials: These show what the national organization knew and what it instructed its chapters to do (or not do).
• University Records: Through discovery in a lawsuit or public records requests (for public universities), we aim to obtain:
  • Prior Conduct Files: History of probation, suspensions, warnings related to the involved organization.
  • Incident Reports: Records from campus police, student conduct offices, or residence life.
  • Clery Reports: Annual crime statistics can reveal patterns of alcohol, assault, or other incidents relevant to hazing.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These provide objective proof of harm:
  • Emergency Room & Hospitalization Records: Documenting immediate injuries, treatments, and toxicology results (e.g., blood alcohol content, drug screens).
  • Neurological Scans: For head injuries or other significant trauma.
  • Psychological Evaluations: Essential for proving lasting emotional distress, PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
• Witness Testimony: Including, but not limited to:
  • Other pledges, current members, former members who quit or were expelled.
  • Roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, or other bystanders.
  • Medical responders, campus police, or university officials.

7.2 Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

A civil lawsuit in Texas aims to compensate victims and their families for the full scope of damages incurred due to hazing. These can include:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs associated with physical and psychological recovery. It includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgical procedures, ongoing medications, physical therapy, and psychological counseling. For catastrophic injuries like permanent brain damage (as in the Danny Santulli case), it includes a life care plan to cover decades of specialized care.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This category accounts for financial losses due to the hazing. It includes lost wages if the victim or a parent had to take time off work, and the severe impact on a student’s education. This can involve missed semesters, lost scholarships, a delayed graduation date (which delays entry into the workforce), and even a diminished future earning capacity if injuries lead to permanent disabilities or a change in career path.
• Non-Economic Damages: These subjective but legally compensable damages address the immeasurable suffering caused by hazing:
  • Physical Pain and Suffering: For enduring the physical pain of injuries.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Trauma: Covering the humiliation, shame, fear, nightmares, PTSD, depression, and anxiety that often follow hazing.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensating for the inability to participate in beloved activities, the loss of social life, and the general diminishment of quality of life or the college experience itself.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the most tragic cases, when hazing leads to death, surviving family members (parents, children, and sometimes siblings) can seek compensation for:
  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and society, including the profound grief and emotional suffering of those left behind.
  • Loss of guidance and counsel, especially for younger family members.

While we highlight the types of damages, it’s important to reaffirm that The Manginello Law Firm never promises or predicts specific dollar amounts for any case. Each case’s value is unique and determined by its specific facts, the severity of injuries, and applicable laws.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation often involves powerful defendants—national fraternities, universities, and their insurers—who employ aggressive defense tactics.

• Insurance Policies: National fraternities, sororities, and universities typically carry substantial insurance policies designed to cover such liabilities. However, insurers are notorious for trying to deny coverage. They frequently argue that hazing or intentional acts are excluded from their policies or that their policy doesn’t cover certain defendants.
• Experienced Hazing Lawyers: Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, deeply understands these tactics. We know how to:
  • Identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, including chapter policies, national policies, and university umbrella policies.
  • Navigate complex disputes regarding exclusions, policy limits, and the insurer’s duty to defend.
  • Force insurers to come to the negotiating table or face bad-faith claims.

For San Augustine County families, knowing that your legal team understands these intricate insurance battles is crucial. Our expertise allows us to challenge the powerful institutions and their insurers effectively, ensuring all avenues for recovery are explored.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family in San Augustine County, the immediate aftermath is often overwhelming. You may feel confused, scared, and unsure of what steps to take. This section provides direct, actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses, empowering you to navigate this difficult situation effectively.

8.1 For Parents: Navigating the Crisis

The moment you suspect hazing, your priority is your child’s safety and well-being. Here’s what parents in San Augustine County should know:

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be alert for a combination of clues, not just isolated events. Look for:
  • Unexplained injuries or “accidents,” especially if your child’s explanations don’t add up or they become defensive. This can include bruises, burns, cuts, or indications of rhabdomyolysis from extreme exertion.
  • Sudden, extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation, with constant late-night “meetings” or phone calls demanding immediate response.
  • Drastic changes in mood or behavior, such as increased anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal from family or old friends, or a sudden fear of consequences.
  • Excessive and secret phone use for group chats, coupled with an inability or unwillingness to discuss activities in the organization. Your child may appear constantly on edge, waiting for a ping.
  • Academic decline, manifesting as missed classes, falling grades, or prioritizing “mandatory” events over studies.
  • Sudden financial strain from paying fines, buying gifts, or providing alcohol for older members.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not accusation. Emphasize that your priority is their safety and well-being. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority?” or “Is there anything happening that makes you uncomfortable?” Reassure them that you will support them regardless, and that their safety is paramount over any “loyalty” to a group.
• If Your Child is Hurt:
  • Seek immediate medical attention, even if they resist. Some injuries (e.g., internal damage from alcohol poisoning or rhabdomyolysis) may not be outwardly visible but can be life-threatening. Ensure medical staff document that the injuries are “hazing-related” for legal purposes.
  • Document Everything Thoroughly: Take clear, well-lit photos of any injuries from multiple angles and track their progression over days. Make detailed notes of what your child tells you, including dates, times, names, and locations. Secure any digital evidence, such as text messages or group chats.
• Dealing with the University: Engage thoughtfully, but cautiously. Document every communication with deans, student life staff, or campus police. Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization and the university’s response. Understand that university internal processes sometimes prioritize reputation over full accountability for your child.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or concealing what happened, contact The Manginello Law Firm immediately. Early legal intervention is critical for preserving evidence and protecting your child’s rights.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety

If you’re a student from San Augustine County attending a Texas university and are concerned about hazing, remember that your safety comes first.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: If it makes you feel unsafe, humiliated, exploited, or coerced; if you’re forced to drink or endure pain; if the activity is hidden from the public or administrators; if older members make new members do things they wouldn’t do themselves—it probably is hazing. Any activity that makes you question your physical or mental safety is a red flag.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Despite pressure to “volunteer” or “agree,” the law recognizes that under immense peer pressure, fear of exclusion, and the psychological desire to belong, your “consent” to hazing is often not truly voluntary. You are not at fault for being hazed. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the absolute right to leave a dangerous situation or withdraw from an organization at any time. If you fear for your safety, call 911 or find a trusted adult (RA, professor, parent) outside the organization. If you decide to de-pledge, you can send an email to the new member educator or chapter president clearly stating your resignation. Do not put yourself in a position where you might be pressured or intimidated into staying. Anonymous reporting options are available through your university or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many universities, and Texas law, offer protections for students who call for help in good faith during an emergency, even if underage drinking or other minor policy violations were involved. This “amnesty” is designed to encourage students to prioritize saving a life over fear of punishment.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were a part of a hazing organization, witnessed hazing, or even participated in it and now feel guilt or remorse, you have a crucial role to play in preventing future tragedies.

• Your Testimony Matters: Your unique perspective and direct knowledge can be invaluable evidence. Your testimony may be the key to preventing future harm, saving lives, and holding responsible parties accountable.
• Seek Legal Advice: While cooperating can be an important step toward accountability, you may also have legal exposure. It’s wise to obtain confidential legal advice for yourself. Our firm can help navigate your role, understand potential protections, and advocate for your best interests.
• Prevent Future Harm: Your courage in coming forward can lead to institutional reforms, program suspensions, and criminal prosecutions, sending a powerful message that hazing will not be tolerated.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For San Augustine County families seeking justice after hazing, avoiding certain critical mistakes is paramount. Defense attorneys and insurance companies are highly skilled at exploiting these errors to weaken or defeat a claim.

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 action looks like a cover-up, can be construed as obstruction of justice, and makes proving your case significantly harder.
   • What to do instead: Immediately preserve all evidence—every text, group chat, photo, and video—even if it’s embarrassing. Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages, but it’s costlier and more complex.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:
   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This typically prompts the organization to immediately engage legal counsel, destroy evidence, coach witnesses on what to say (or not say), and prepare their defense. You lose the element of surprise and give them time to cover their tracks.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in detail, then contact an experienced attorney before any direct confrontation.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms:
   • What universities do: They may pressure families to sign waivers, non-disclosure agreements, or “internal resolution” agreements in exchange for a quick resolution or to protect the institution’s image.
   • Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your legal rights to pursue a civil lawsuit, and these “settlements” are often far below the true value of your case.
   • What to do instead: Never sign anything from the university or an insurance company without an attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer:
   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened to my child.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Every post, comment, and photo can be screenshot by defense attorneys and used against your child. Inconsistencies between public statements and legal testimony can severely damage credibility. It can also waive your right to privacy for litigation purposes.
   • What to do instead: Document privately and confidentially. Let your lawyer control any public messaging if and when it becomes strategically necessary.
5. Letting Your Child Go Back for “One Last Meeting”:
   • What fraternities say: “Just come talk to us before you do anything drastic.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This is an opportunity for them to intimidate, pressure, or extract statements that can be used against your child in a future lawsuit or disciplinary hearing.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication with the organization should typically go through your attorney.
6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”:
   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.”
   • Why it’s wrong: While university investigations serve their purpose, they often prioritize institutional interests. Crucial evidence can disappear, witnesses graduate or move away, the statute of limitations to file a lawsuit may run out, and the university controls the narrative.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW and consult with a lawyer immediately. The university’s internal process is not a substitute for real accountability through the legal system.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:
   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim and get this resolved quickly.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters represent the interests of their policyholder (the fraternity, individual, or university), not yours. Recorded statements can be used against you, and initial settlement offers are almost always lowball.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and state, “My attorney will contact you.” Do not provide any details about the incident or your child’s injuries.

These pitfalls are common, but by being informed and seeking immediate legal counsel, families in San Augustine County can protect their rights and build a stronger case for justice. Our firm’s video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY, offers further critical insights.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) benefit from some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts; contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default. However, it escalates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals, especially officers of an organization, can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing.
• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts and juries recognize that “agreement” given under peer pressure, a power imbalance, or fear of social exclusion is not true voluntary consent and does not absolve the perpetrators or negligent organizations from liability.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, in Texas, you have two years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. 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’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights. You can learn more about the Texas statute of limitations in our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and the foreseeability of hazing, regardless of whether it occurred on official campus grounds or at an off-campus property. Many major hazing cases that resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat case or the Sigma Pi unofficial house death, occurred off-campus.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Many hazing cases, particularly civil lawsuits, are resolved through confidential settlements before going to trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. We can often negotiate for sealed court records and confidential settlement terms, minimizing public exposure for your child while still achieving justice.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing incident, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, wealthy universities, well-funded athletic programs—fight back, and possess the grit and expertise to win anyway. For San Augustine County residents grappling with the pain and injustice of hazing, The Manginello Law Firm, also known as Attorney911, stands ready to fight for you.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including San Augustine County and the broader East Texas region. We understand that hazing at Texas universities can deeply affect families in San Augustine County, whether their child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor, or any other institution in the state. Our firm brings a unique blend of qualifications to hazing litigation:

Our firm is uniquely positioned to handle these complex cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She understands precisely how university and national fraternity insurance companies analyze, value, and defend against hazing claims. She knows their tactics—their delay strategies, their arguments for coverage exclusions, and their settlement playbooks—because she used to run them. This insider knowledge is a critical asset in unraveling their defenses and maximizing your recovery. You can learn more about Lupe Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has extensive experience taking on formidable opponents. He was one of the few Texas plaintiffs’ attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, demonstrating our capability to handle complex federal court cases against corporations with virtually limitless resources. Our federal court experience means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, multi-billion-dollar universities, or their aggressive defense teams. We’ve taken on massive corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants and secure significant outcomes. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We don’t settle cheap; we meticulously build cases that force accountability. Our experience includes collaborating with economists to value loss of life and working with medical experts to document the lifetime care needs for victims of brain injuries or permanent disabilities.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello holds membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), giving our firm a nuanced understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with parallel civil litigation. This dual perspective is invaluable when advising witnesses, current members, or former members who may face dual exposure. Our criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can strategically navigate both legal tracks.
• Unmatched Investigative Depth: Modern hazing cases demand cutting-edge investigative techniques. We deploy a network of experts, including digital forensics specialists to recover deleted group chats and social media evidence, medical and psychological experts to document harm, and economists to project future losses. We know how to compel the production of critical internal documents—pledge manuals, officer communications, national fraternity records, and university disciplinary files—that often remain hidden. We investigate every case like your child’s life depends on it—because for many families, it truly did.

Our firm is built on a foundation of empathy, relentless advocacy, and thorough investigation. We understand this is one of the hardest things a family can ever face. Our job is to get you answers, hold all responsible parties accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We balance compassion for your suffering with aggressive legal action, driven by a commitment to justice, not just quick settlements.

Confidential Consultation for San Augustine County Families

If your child has experienced the devastating impact of hazing at any Texas campus – affecting families in San Augustine County, Houston, Austin, or anywhere across the state – we want to hear from you. Families in San Augustine County and throughout the surrounding East Texas region have the right to answers, accountability, and justice.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to what happened without judgment, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; our goal is to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision during this critical time.

What you can expect during your free consultation:

• We will listen to your complete story with empathy and understanding.
• We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, videos, texts, group chats, or medical records.
• We will clearly explain your legal options, including pursuing a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither, and discuss realistic timelines.
• We will answer your questions about costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. You can learn more about how contingency fees work in our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

You don’t have to face this crisis alone. Hazing tragedies are preventable, and accountability is essential for healing and for preventing future harm.

Call Attorney911 today:

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

Hablamos Español: If you prefer, please contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for a confidential consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español están disponibles para las familias de San Augustine County y en todo Texas.

Whether you’re in San Augustine County, the Houston metropolitan area, 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