In **Shelby County**, if you’re facing university hazing injury or wrongful death, Attorney911™ provides legal emergency services. Our former insurance defense attorney understands fraternity insurance tactics. With federal court experience against national fraternities and universities, and BP Explosion litigation proving our fight against massive institutions, we offer HCCLA criminal defense + civil wrongful death expertise. We’ve secured multi-million dollar results in hazing cases at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. We are evidence preservation specialists with 25+ years experience. Hablamos Español. Free consultation. Contingency fee: No win, no fee. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

The crisp East Texas air settled over campus as the chants began, echoing from an off-campus house where a group of young men, eager to prove their loyalty, gathered. One by one, they were called forward, each knowing what awaited them: a rapid-fire sequence of forced chugs from a handle of potent liquor, followed by humiliating calisthenics on command. The pressure to conform was immense, the desire to “belong” overriding any sense of self-preservation. Older members stood by, phones out, recording for group chats, their laughter a chilling backdrop. Suddenly, one pledge stumbled, then collapsed, vomiting violently. His friends looked around in a panic. No one wanted to call 911, fearing the repercussions—the chapter would be shut down, their own futures jeopardized. The student felt trapped, between a brotherhood that promised lifelong bonds and a body that was failing him.

This isn’t just a fictional scenario. This kind of event, or variations of it, happens far too often across Texas, in universities both large and small. For families in Shelby County, who send their children to colleges and universities across our state, the fear that their son or daughter could be targeted by dangerous hazing rituals is a very real, and valid, concern.

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

• What hazing looks like in 2025—it’s far more insidious and widespread than many realize.
• How Texas and federal law treat hazing, and what legal paths are available.
• What we can learn from major national cases and how those insights apply directly to Texas families.
• What has been happening at major Texas institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University, as well as other schools across our state.
• What legal options victims and their families in Shelby County and throughout Texas may have in pursuing justice and accountability.

While this article offers general information, please remember it is not a substitute for specific legal advice. Every case is unique, and we at The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) can evaluate individual situations based on their specific facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including our neighbors in Shelby County, ensuring that no one has to face the daunting legal landscape of hazing alone.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

• In the first 48 hours, every minute counts:

  • Get medical attention for your child immediately, even if they insist they are “fine” or “don’t want to get anyone in trouble.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
    • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately. Digital evidence disappears quickly.
    • Photograph injuries from multiple angles and at different stages of healing.
    • Secure any physical items like damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in the hazing.
  • Write down everything while your memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when and where it occurred, and any specific details your child shared.
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This can prompt them to destroy evidence or coach witnesses.
    • Sign anything from the university, an organization, or an insurance company without legal counsel.
    • Post details about the incident on public social media platforms. Information shared publicly can compromise a future legal case.
    • Allow your child to delete messages, clean up evidence, or agree to any “settlement” that hasn’t been reviewed by an attorney.

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

  • Evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate or move away, and organizations work quickly to control the narrative.
  • We can help you preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s legal rights and privacy.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for immediate, confidential consultation.

HAZING IN 2025: WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE

For families in Shelby County unfamiliar with modern Greek life or collegiate organizations, the image of hazing might be outdated. It’s not just about “some silly pranks” or harmless rituals. Today’s hazing is sophisticated, often conducted in secret, and designed to exert maximum control and psychological pressure, frequently with severe and deadly consequences.

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. This means that even if a student superficially says, “I agreed to it,” that “consent” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal when there is underlying peer pressure, power imbalance, or fear of exclusion.

MAIN CATEGORIES OF HAZING WE SEE TODAY

Hazing has evolved. While some traditional methods persist, new digital and psychological tactics are increasingly common, making it harder to detect but no less damaging.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the most prevalent and dangerous form of hazing, often leading to severe injury or death.

  • Forced or coerced drinking: Pledges are pressured to consume excessive amounts of alcohol in short periods. This can involve “lineups” where multiple new members are forced to chug drinks, “drinking games” designed to induce rapid intoxication, or challenges focused on finishing entire handles of liquor.
  • Unknown or mixed substances: Students may be pressured to consume unfamiliar concoctions or illicit substances.
  • Big/Little reveal nights: These widely accepted events are frequently weaponized, with older members coercing their younger counterparts into dangerous levels of alcohol consumption.

• Physical Hazing: Still a stark reality, physical hazing involves direct bodily harm or extreme physical duress.

  • Paddling and beatings: Deliberate physical attacks, often with objects, causing bruises, lacerations, or internal injuries.
  • Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings”: Forced strenuous exercise sessions lasting for hours, often without adequate rest or hydration, leading to exhaustion, injury, or even rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown).
  • Sleep and food/water deprivation: New members are intentionally deprived of essential rest, sustenance, or hydration, often during multi-day “initiation” periods.
  • Exposure to extreme elements or dangerous environments: Forcing students into harsh weather conditions, freezing rooms, or unsafe locations without proper gear or supervision.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This category is profoundly damaging to a victim’s dignity and psychological well-being, often crossing into criminal sexual assault.

  • Forced nudity or partial nudity: New members are made to undress or wear degrading costumes.
  • Simulated sexual acts: Requiring students to perform or mimic sexual acts, often in front of others (e.g., “elephant walk,” “roasted pig” formations).
  • Degrading acts: Forcing individuals to eat bizarre foods, participate in embarrassing public stunts, or endure racist, misogynistic, or homophobic rituals.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but deeply harmful, psychological hazing erodes a student’s self-esteem and creates intense fear.

  • Verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation: Constant yelling, insults, name-calling, threats of physical harm, or social ostracization.
  • Social isolation: New members are intentionally isolated from friends, family, or other social groups, making them wholly dependent on the organization.
  • Manipulation and coercion: Playing mind games, forcing “confessions,” or exploiting vulnerabilities to gain control.
  • Public shaming: Humiliating individuals in group settings, on social media, or through other public displays.

• Digital/Online Hazing: A relatively newer but rapidly growing form of hazing, leveraging technology for control and humiliation.

  • Group chat dares and “challenges”: Mandating participation in online activities that are dangerous, humiliating, or illegal.
  • Forced creation/sharing of compromising content: Pressuring students to take or distribute explicit photos, videos, or embarrassing social media posts.
  • 24/7 digital surveillance: Requiring instant responses to messages, location sharing, or constant online presence, disrupting sleep and academics.
  • Digital humiliation: Sharing embarrassing content about pledges in private group chats or even on public platforms, creating a permanent digital footprint of their humiliation.

WHERE HAZING ACTUALLY HAPPENS

It’s a common misconception that hazing is limited to fraternities. The reality is far broader, affecting a wide range of collegiate groups. For Shelby County families, it’s crucial to understand that their child could encounter hazing in almost any campus organization:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes social Greek letter organizations across all councils (Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council (NPC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)).
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Highly structured, tradition-rich programs, particularly at institutions like Texas A&M, can sometimes foster environments where hazing takes root under the guise of “discipline” or “team building.”
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Campus Spirit Groups: Organizations like cheerleading squads, student spirit groups (such as the Texas Cowboys at UT), or other exclusive campus organizations.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to swimming, soccer, baseball, and even club sports, hazing can occur within the dynamics of team bonding, particularly with freshmen or new recruits.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign groups like marching bands, a cappella groups, or theatrical ensembles can sometimes engage in hazing practices.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any club with a hierarchical structure or a competitive initiation process can be susceptible to hazing.

These practices persist due to a complex interplay of pressure, tradition, and secrecy. Students often feel immense pressure to “belong,” to honor the “tradition” of the group, and to remain silent to avoid “getting the organization in trouble.” This culture of silence protects perpetrators and perpetuates a cycle of abuse.

LAW & LIABILITY FRAMEWORK (TEXAS + FEDERAL)

Navigating the legal landscape of hazing can be overwhelming for Shelby County families. We aim to provide a clear, practical explanation of the legal environment in Texas, empowering you with knowledge.

TEXAS HAZING LAW BASICS (EDUCATION CODE)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code. In plain terms, hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person or a group, on or off campus, directed against a student, that:

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

This definition is critical. It means that if someone makes you—or your child—do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. The location doesn’t matter (on-campus or off-campus), and the harm can be either physical or mental.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing:
Under Texas Education Code § 37.152, hazing carries significant criminal penalties:

• By default, hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor.
• If the hazing causes injury requiring medical attention, it becomes a Class A Misdemeanor.
• Crucially, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it is classified as a State Jail Felony.

Furthermore, Texas law also criminalizes:

• Failing to report hazing: If you are a member or officer of an organization and knew about hazing but failed to report it, that can be a misdemeanor.
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing: Any act of retaliation against a person who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

These provisions demonstrate that Texas takes hazing seriously and aims to hold both perpetrators and those who conceal it accountable.

Reporter Protections:
Texas Education Code § 37.154 provides a measure of protection for those who speak up. A person who, in good faith, reports a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement is generally immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. Moreover, in medical emergencies, Texas law often provides amnesty for students who call 911 (e.g., when underage drinking is involved), prioritizing life-saving action. While students and families still fear retaliation or social consequences, the law does offer some safeguards.

It is important to remember that this is a summary of the law; the actual code contains more technical details.

CRIMINAL VS. CIVIL CASES IN HAZING

When hazing occurs, there are typically two distinct, though sometimes overlapping, legal avenues: criminal and civil cases.

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (through a prosecutor’s office) against individuals accused of breaking hazing laws or other criminal statutes.

  • Aim: To punish the perpetrator(s) through jail time, fines, parole, or probation.
  • Typical charges: Hazing offenses, assault, sexual assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, and, in tragic cases, manslaughter or negligent homicide.
  • A criminal conviction requires proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

• Civil Cases: These are brought by the victims or their surviving family members against the individuals and entities responsible for the hazing incident.

  • Aim: To obtain monetary compensation for the victim’s injuries and losses, and to hold responsible parties (individuals, organizations, universities) accountable.
  • Focus: Negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
  • A civil case requires a lower burden of proof (“preponderance of the evidence”) compared to a criminal case.

It’s crucial to understand that these two processes can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to bring a successful civil lawsuit, and victims can pursue civil justice even if criminal charges are never filed or do not result in a conviction.

FEDERAL OVERLAY: STOP CAMPUS HAZING ACT, TITLE IX, CLERY

While Texas law provides the primary legal framework, federal regulations also play a significant role, particularly in shaping how universities respond to hazing.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates greater transparency and accountability from colleges and universities that receive federal funding. By around 2026, these institutions will be required to:

  • Publicly report all findings of hazing violations and disciplinary actions taken.
  • Provide enhanced hazing prevention education to students and staff.
  • Maintain and make public comprehensive data on hazing incidents.
    This act aims to create a more informed and safer campus environment by shedding light on a problem that has historically been shrouded in secrecy.

• Title IX / Clery Act: These federal laws can trigger additional university responsibilities when hazing involves specific elements:

  • Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based discrimination, or hostile environments, a university’s Title IX obligations are immediately activated. This can include investigations, interim measures to ensure student safety, and reporting requirements.
  • Clery Act: This act requires colleges and universities to report campus crime statistics and to have certain policies in place. Hazing incidents, particularly those involving assault, alcohol or drug offenses, or other violent crimes, can fall under Clery reporting requirements, further pushing institutions towards greater transparency.

WHO CAN BE LIABLE IN A CIVIL HAZING LAWSUIT

Identifying all potentially liable parties is a critical step in a civil hazing lawsuit. An experienced hazing attorney understands how to cast a wide net to ensure all responsible individuals and entities are held accountable.

• Individual Students: The students who actively planned, carried out, supplied alcohol, or encouraged the hazing acts, as well as those who participated in cover-ups or failed to call for help, can be held personally liable.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The collegiate organization itself (e.g., the fraternity or sorority chapter) can be sued as a legal entity. Officers and those in leadership roles who authorized, condoned, or failed to prevent hazing within their official capacity are often key defendants.
• National Fraternity / Sorority: The national headquarters, which charters, supports, and oversees its local chapters, can be held liable. This often hinges on whether the national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing at the local chapter or across its system, whether it adequately enforced its own anti-hazing policies, and what level of control it exerted over the chapter.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, or its governing board (like the Board of Regents for public universities), may be sued under various theories of negligence, gross negligence, or, in some cases, civil rights violations if there was deliberate indifference to known dangers. This typically involves demonstrating that the university failed in its duty to protect students, ignored prior warnings, or failed to adequately supervise student organizations.
• Third Parties: Other entities can also bear responsibility:
  • Property Owners: Landlords or owners of off-campus houses, event spaces, or Airbnbs where hazing occurred may be liable if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Alcohol Providers: Bars, stores, or individuals who illegally provided alcohol to minors or to an already intoxicated person (under dram shop laws) may be sued.
  • Security Companies: If hired to provide security for an event, they may bear liability for failures that led to injury.

It’s important to remember that every case is fact-specific, and not every party will be liable in every situation. A comprehensive investigation is necessary to identify all potential defendants and build a strong case for justice.

NATIONAL HAZING CASE PATTERNS (ANCHOR STORIES)

While hazing incidents often feel unique and devastating to the families in Shelby County and across Texas who experience them, a clear pattern emerges when we examine national cases. These landmark events have not only shaped anti-hazing legislation but also provide critical insights into common hazing tactics, institutional failures, and the scope of legal accountability. These cases set precedents that Texas courts and juries consider, shaping how hazing cases at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor might unfold.

ALCOHOL POISONING & DEATH PATTERN

The most tragic and recurring pattern in hazing involves excessive alcohol consumption, often resulting in death.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most publicized hazing cases in U.S. history, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” night. He was forced to drink dangerous amounts of alcohol, fell repeatedly, and lay suffering for hours before anyone called for help. Security cameras inside the Beta Theta Pi house captured precious footage documenting the chapter’s horrific actions and subsequent cover-up attempts. Dozens of fraternity members were criminally charged, and extensive civil litigation followed. His death led to the passing of Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, strengthening penalties and requiring greater transparency. This case starkly highlighted how extreme intoxication, a deliberate delay in calling 911, and a pervasive culture of silence can lead to devastating legal consequences for individuals and the organization.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a pledge at Florida State, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. He was given a handle of liquor and consumed a fatal amount, later found unresponsive. Criminal hazing charges were brought against multiple fraternity members, and FSU responded by temporarily suspending all Greek life affiliations and overhauling its policies. Coffey’s case underscores how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights repeatedly create scenarios for disaster within Greek organizations.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver died after participating in a hazing ritual known as “Bible study,” where pledges were forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol if they answered questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was found to be 0.495%. Max’s tragic death galvanized public outrage and led to the comprehensive felony hazing law in Louisiana, aptly known as the Max Gruver Act. This case is a powerful testament to how persistent public advocacy and clear evidence of hazing can drive significant legislative change.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night event and subsequently died from alcohol poisoning. The incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members involved in the hazing. In a significant civil outcome, Bowling Green State University—a public institution—agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the Foltz family. This, combined with further settlements from the fraternity and individuals (including $6.5 million personally from the chapter president), demonstrated that universities, alongside fraternities, can face substantial financial and reputational consequences for hazing.

PHYSICAL & RITUALIZED HAZING PATTERN

While alcohol hazing often leads to death, physical and ritualized hazing can also cause fatal or life-altering injuries.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng died during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. He was blindfolded, weighted down with a heavy backpack, and forced to endure a violent “glass ceiling” ritual where he was repeatedly tackled. Help was delayed by fraternity members. Multiple members were convicted, and in a landmark decision, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity itself was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, subsequently banned from operating in Pennsylvania. This case highlighted that off-campus “retreats” are often used to conceal hazing and can be as dangerous or even more deadly than on-campus activities, with serious national organizational sanctions.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM HAZING & ABUSE

Hazing is far from exclusive to Greek life; it infiltrates other campus organizations, including high-profile athletic programs.

• Northwestern University Football Hazing Scandal (2023–2025): This incident rocked collegiate athletics. Former Northwestern football players came forward alleging widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. The allegations included forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, and other degrading rituals. The scandal led to multiple lawsuits against the university and its coaching staff, the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later confidentially settled a wrongful-termination suit). This case powerfully demonstrated that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, permeating big-money athletic programs, and raised serious questions about institutional oversight and accountability.

WHAT THESE CASES MEAN FOR TEXAS FAMILIES

For families in Shelby County and throughout Texas, these national cases underscore critical common threads in hazing incidents: forced drinking, extreme physical and psychological humiliation, violence, deliberate delays in calling for medical care, and concerted efforts to cover up the abuse. Sadly, meaningful reforms, organizational changes, and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy strikes and is brought to light through diligent investigation and litigation.

Texas families facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are not alone in their experiences. The legal and cultural landscape is being shaped by these national lessons, providing victims and their advocates with powerful precedents and strategies for seeking justice and accountability right here in our state.

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

For Shelby County families, understanding the specific context of hazing at Texas’s major universities is crucial. While hazing is a statewide issue, each campus has its own culture, policies, and history of incidents. Given its proximity and the number of Shelby County students who attend, we will start with Texas A&M University, then broaden our focus to other key institutions across the state.

5.1 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY: THE AGGIE SPIRIT AND HAZING’S SHADOW

Texas A&M University, a storied institution rooted in tradition and known for its deeply held “Aggie Spirit,” attracts students from all corners of the state, including many families right here in Shelby County. The university’s strong emphasis on tradition, honor, and community, while positive in many respects, can sometimes create environments where hazing, under the guise of “earning your place” or “proving commitment,” becomes a serious problem. The campus in College Station, a short distance from Shelby County, means many of our local students are directly impacted by the culture and incidents that occur here.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M in College Station is one of the largest universities in the nation, famed for its traditions, intense school spirit, and the revered Corps of Cadets. It boasts a massive Greek life presence, a large athletic program, and countless student organizations. The unique culture, often seen as a strength, can also be a breeding ground for hazing, particularly within highly selective groups like the Corps, certain fraternities, and even some athletic teams where proving oneself is paramount.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M maintains a strict, zero-tolerance anti-hazing policy, clearly defining prohibited behaviors in its university rules (Student Rule 24.1). Hazing is explicitly forbidden on or off campus, and includes any act that causes mental or physical harm for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership.
Reporting channels include the Dean of Student Life, the Office of Student Conduct, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMUPD). The university also provides an online hazing report form and anonymous reporting options. A&M, like all Texas public universities, is required to maintain and publish an annual report of hazing violations.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Despite its policies, Texas A&M has faced significant hazing incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns (2021): In a deeply disturbing incident, two pledges with the Texas A&M chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon alleged severe hazing that led to chemical burns. The pledges claimed they were forced to endure strenuous physical activity while industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit were poured on them, resulting in severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued the fraternity for $1 million, and the university suspended the chapter for two years. This case tragically demonstrates the dangerous and dehumanizing extent to which hazing can escalate.
• Corps of Cadets Hazing Lawsuits (Recent Years): The Corps of Cadets, a cornerstone of A&M’s identity, has also faced allegations of hazing. In a 2023 civil lawsuit, a former cadet alleged degrading hazing, including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages. Texas A&M issued a statement noting it had addressed the matter internally under its regulations. These cases highlight the unique vulnerabilities within military-style organizations where concepts of “discipline” and “toughness” can be twisted into abusive practices.
• Other Fraternity Suspensions: Numerous fraternities at Texas A&M have faced suspensions for hazing violations involving excessive alcohol consumption, physical abuse, and forced activities. The IFC (Interfraternity Council) chapters, in particular, frequently appear on public disciplinary records for these issues, demonstrating a recurring pattern despite university efforts.

5.1.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Shelby County families whose children attend Texas A&M, a hazing case would likely involve investigations by TAMUPD and/or the College Station Police Department, depending on the hazing’s specific location and nature. Civil suits involving Texas A&M would be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Brazos County.

Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter organization, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university itself, particularly given Texas A&M’s status as a state-funded institution (implicating sovereign immunity considerations for certain claims). Property owners of off-campus houses where hazing took place might also be included.

5.1.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents from Shelby County Should Do

• Report Internally AND Externally: While Texas A&M provides reporting channels through the Dean of Student Life and TAMUPD, families should also consider reporting to the College Station Police Department if criminal acts occurred.
• Document Aggressively: Given the severity of hazing incidents at A&M, parents and students must secure evidence immediately. Special attention should be paid to group chats, photos of injuries or events, and any communication that alludes to “traditions” or “initiation.”
• Understand the Corps Context: If hazing occurs within the Corps of Cadets, parents should understand that the emphasis on secrecy and loyalty can make reporting particularly challenging. Legal counsel can help navigate these unique cultural dynamics.
• Legal Consultation: Contacting a lawyer experienced in Houston and statewide hazing cases as soon as possible is critical. An attorney can help uncover prior disciplinary records, especially against specific chapters, and ensure all available evidence—including from internal A&M processes—is secured.

5.2 UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON (UH): URBAN DIVERSITY, CAMPUS HAZING

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus that many Shelby County students choose for its diverse programs and city opportunities, faces recurrent challenges with hazing. Its active Greek life, large student body, and blend of commuter and residential students mean that incidents can occur in various settings, both on and off its sprawling campus.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH serves a highly diverse student population in the heart of Houston, with a dynamic Greek life encompassing IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and Multicultural Greek organizations. Beyond Greek life, numerous academic, cultural, and sports clubs operate. This expansive student activity creates many avenues for community, but also potential environments for hazing, especially where group identity is strong.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston strictly prohibits hazing across all student organizations, whether on or off campus, regardless of group affiliation. Their policies specifically ban forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, food, and practices involving sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, or mental distress designed for initiation or membership. UH provides clear reporting channels via the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, UHPD, and an online reporting system. The university generally posts an annual list of disciplinary actions against student organizations.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has a history of hazing incidents that highlight the dangers students face:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Lacerated Spleen Case (2016): This particularly severe incident involved pledges of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity being allegedly deprived of food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. Tragically, one student suffered a lacerated spleen after reportedly being slammed onto a table or similar surface during the hazing. This chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was promptly suspended by the university, demonstrating how physical hazing can lead to life-altering injuries.
• Recurring Disciplinary Actions: Beyond this specific case, UH’s disciplinary records frequently show suspensions and probations issued to fraternities for various hazing violations. These often involve forced consumption practices, activities “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” and clear breaches of university alcohol and conduct policies, indicating a persistent pattern among certain organizations.

5.2.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at UH, investigations could involve the UH Police Department (UHPD) and/or the Houston Police Department, depending on the severity and specific location of the events (on-campus vs. off-campus Houston property). Civil lawsuits would be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. Potential defendants typically include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the university itself, along with any liable property owners or alcohol providers.

5.2.5 What UH Students & Parents from Shelby County Should Do

• Prioritize Medical Care: Many UH hazing incidents involve severe physical injury. Immediate medical attention and thorough documentation of injuries are paramount.
• Report to Multiple Authorities: Contacting both UH’s Dean of Students and the Houston Police Department concurrently can ensure comprehensive investigation and create a strong record.
• Uncover Prior Discipline: Given UH’s documentation of past violations, legal counsel can investigate whether the specific organization involved has a history of hazing, which is crucial for establishing pattern and foreseeability.
• Seek Legal Guidance Immediately: The Manginello Law Firm, with its Houston roots and experience in hazing cases, can provide critical guidance for families from Shelby County navigating the UH system and legal process.

5.3 UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (UT): THE LONGHORN NATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY

The University of Texas at Austin, the flagship institution of the UT System, draws thousands of students, including many from Shelby County, to its vibrant campus and bustling capital city. UT, known for its academic rigor and extensive Greek life, has increasingly championed transparency around hazing violations, offering valuable insights but also revealing the persistent nature of the problem.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a sprawling public university, recognized for its strong academic programs and massive student body. Its Greek life is extensive and deeply embedded in the campus social scene. Beyond fraternities and sororities, UT is home to numerous spirit groups, athletic teams, and prestigious academic organizations, all of which have seen hazing incidents over the years.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a comprehensive anti-hazing policy, strictly prohibiting any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes of initiation or membership in an organization. UT’s policies cover both on-campus and off-campus activities.
The university stands out for its public Hazing Violations page (accessible at hazing.utexas.edu), which lists specific organizations, the nature of their violations, and the disciplinary actions taken. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, UTPD, and a general reporting form.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s public hazing records offer a stark look at the types of incidents occurring:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): The UT Austin chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) was sanctioned for hazing after new members were directed to consume excessive amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. This incident resulted in the chapter being placed on probation and required to implement enhanced hazing-prevention education, illustrating a pattern of physical and forced consumption hazing.
• Spirit Organizations: UT’s public log also includes disciplinary actions against prominent spirit organizations and tradition groups, not just Greek life. Incidents have included forced physical activities, alcohol-related hazing, and other practices deemed punitive rather than instructional.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Assault (January 2024): This incident involved an Australian exchange student who alleged sexual assault by fraternity members at an off-campus party. The student sustained severe injuries, including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, a fractured tibia, and a broken nose. Notably, the SAE chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations, underscoring the severe risks that persist even when organizations are under official scrutiny. The student filed a lawsuit against the chapter seeking over $1 million.

These incidents, publicly documented by UT, serve as powerful evidence of ongoing hazing challenges within the Longhorn community.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For families from Shelby County, a hazing incident at UT Austin would involve potential investigations by the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) and/or the Austin Police Department, particularly if the incident occurred off-campus within the city. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Travis County.

A key aspect of building a case related to UT Austin is leveraging the university’s public Hazing Violations page. Prior documented violations can strongly support civil lawsuits by demonstrating patterns of behavior and showing that the university and national organizations had knowledge (or should have had knowledge) of an organization’s propensity for hazing.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents from Shelby County Should Do

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations Page: Families can proactively check the hazing.utexas.edu website to understand the history of organizations their children may be joining.
• Document and Report: If hazing occurs, it’s essential to collect all possible evidence, including digital communications and photos. Reports should be made to the Dean of Students and, if criminal activity is involved, to UTPD or Austin PD.
• Seek Experienced Legal Counsel: Given UT’s size and the prevalence of hazing, retaining legal counsel experienced in hazing lawsuits can be vital. An attorney can help analyze UT’s public records, compel discovery of internal documents, and navigate the complexities of suing in Travis County.

5.4 SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY (SMU): PRIVATE CAMPUS, HAZING’S PUBLIC IMPACT

Southern Methodist University (SMU), a distinguished private university in Dallas, is known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and a vibrant Greek-life culture. Attracting students from across Texas, including from Shelby County, SMU’s private status sometimes means that disciplinary actions are less transparent than at public universities, yet hazing incidents here carry serious weight.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is home to a selective student body and a prominent Greek system that plays a central role in campus social life. Its reputation for strong traditions and an active alumni network often places significant pressure on new members to conform. Beyond Greek life, competitive academic and social organizations also contribute to the campus environment.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU strictly prohibits hazing in any form, defining it as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or continued membership in an organization. The university’s policies apply to all student groups, whether on or off campus. SMU offers various reporting channels, including the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, and campus police. Like many private institutions, SMU typically relies on internal disciplinary processes, though severe incidents may involve local law enforcement.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has seen its share of hazing allegations and disciplinary actions:

• Kappa Alpha Order Suspension (2017): In a widely reported incident, the Kappa Alpha Order chapter at SMU was suspended and its recognition revoked after allegations that new members were paddled, forced to drink dangerous amounts of alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The fraternity faced severe restrictions on recruiting for several years, highlighting the university’s response to clear hazing violations.
• Ongoing Investigations: While SMU’s disciplinary records may not always be as publicly accessible as those of public institutions like UT Austin, the university routinely investigates allegations. Multiple organizations have faced internal probes, probationary periods, and loss of recognition for hazing-related activities involving alcohol misuse and other prohibited practices.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Shelby County families whose children attend SMU, hazing cases typically involve investigation by the SMU Police Department and/or the Dallas Police Department for incidents occurring off-campus. Civil lawsuits against SMU or its affiliated organizations would be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Dallas County. As a private university, SMU generally does not enjoy the same sovereign immunity protections as public institutions, which can simplify some aspects of civil litigation. However, private institutions often rely heavily on confidentiality agreements and internal processes.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents from Shelby County Should Do

• Understand Private University Dynamics: Be aware that information about hazing incidents at private universities like SMU may be less publicly accessible. It often requires discovery (formal legal requests for documents) in a lawsuit to uncover the full extent of prior hazing.
• Report Strategically: While SMU has internal reporting mechanisms, for serious incidents, families should also consider involving the Dallas Police Department for potential criminal charges and seek immediate legal counsel to navigate both university and civil legal processes.
• Legal Consultation: Contacting a hazing attorney is particularly important with private institutions, as experienced lawyers understand how to penetrate the layers of private university policies and effectively compel information during discovery.

5.5 BAYLOR UNIVERSITY: FAITH, CULTURE, AND CAMPUS ACCOUNTABILITY

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a unique position among Texas institutions. While deeply committed to its faith-based mission, Baylor has faced significant scrutiny over the years, particularly regarding its handling of student welfare and institutional oversight, which has implications for hazing incidents impacting students from Shelby County.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor is recognized for its strong academic programs, Christian mission, and vibrant campus life. Its Greek system is substantial, and there are numerous tradition-rich student organizations. The university operates under unique cultural and ethical guidelines due to its religious affiliation, which sometimes creates a different context for how campus issues, including hazing, are perceived and handled.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, defining it in its Student Conduct Code as any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued membership in any organization. This policy applies to all student groups on or off campus. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, the Department of Student Conduct Administration, and the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD).

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history includes incidents of hazing, even as the university grapples with broader issues of institutional accountability:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An investigation into hazing allegations within the Baylor baseball program resulted in the suspension of 14 players. The suspensions were staggered throughout the early season, highlighting the university’s response to hazing even within its athletics department—a department that had already faced intense scrutiny for its handling of sexual assault allegations related to the football program years prior.
• Private University Transparency: Like SMU, Baylor’s status as a private university means that detailed information on hazing disciplinary actions may not be as publicly available as it would be from a state institution. However, the university’s prior challenges with institutional oversight have increased public and legal scrutiny on how it responds to all forms of student misconduct, including hazing.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Shelby County families whose children attend Baylor, hazing investigations would involve BUPD and/or the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over McLennan County. Baylor’s private status means it does not enjoy sovereign immunity, simplifying some aspects of litigation compared to public universities. However, the shadow of previous institutional scandals at Baylor can influence public perception and legal strategy in any case involving student misconduct by impacting how accountability is sought.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents from Shelby County Should Do

• Be Aware of the Context: Understand Baylor’s unique institutional history regarding student safety and its approach to managing official investigations.
• Document and Seek Counsel: Thorough documentation of any hazing incident and immediate consultation with an experienced hazing attorney are crucial. Such counsel can help families navigate Baylor’s internal processes while also exploring external legal avenues.
• Consider Broader Accountability: Given Baylor’s past, a hazing lawyer may explore not only the direct actions of perpetrators but also potential claims of negligent supervision or institutional failures related to student safety policies.

6. FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES: CAMPUS-SPECIFIC + NATIONAL HISTORIES

A critical aspect of understanding hazing in Texas, particularly for families in Shelby County contemplating legal action, is recognizing the deep connections between local campus chapters and their national organizations. The actions of a local fraternity chapter at UH might be tragically similar to incidents that occurred with the same national organization at a university in Ohio years ago. This pattern is not coincidental; it’s central to establishing foreseeability and accountability in hazing lawsuits.

WHY NATIONAL HISTORIES MATTER

Most fraternities and sororities active at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and other Texas campuses are not independent entities. They are chapters of larger national or international organizations. These national headquarters often:

• Develop anti-hazing manuals and risk management policies: They create these elaborate guidelines not just as proactive measures, but often because they have a history of serious injuries or deaths at their chapters across the country.
• Are aware of common hazing patterns: National organizations know about recurrent hazing “scripts” such as forced drinking nights for “Big/Little” events, physical traditions like paddling, or humiliating rituals, having dealt with them repeatedly.

This knowledge is vital in legal strategy. When a Texas chapter of a national fraternity repeats the same dangerous behaviors that led to another chapter being shut down or sued in another state, that can powerfully demonstrate foreseeability. It argues that the national organization had prior notice of the specific risks associated with certain “traditions” but failed to take adequate preventative measures. This foreseeability is a cornerstone of proving negligence or even gross negligence, strengthening arguments for significant damages against both the local chapter and its national parent.

ORGANIZATION MAPPING: HAZING PATTERNS IN TEXAS AND BEYOND

While we cannot list every single chapter and its history, we can highlight some prominent fraternities and sororities present at these Texas universities that have a documented national history of severe hazing incidents. This mapping helps Shelby County families understand the typical playbooks these organizations employ.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): A common fraternity at many Texas campuses, including UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor, Pike has a devastating national history of alcohol-related hazing. For example, the Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State University resulted from a Pike pledge being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” night, leading to a $10 million settlement. The David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois University in 2012 similarly involved alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event, resulting in a $14 million settlement.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU, SAE has a particularly troubling track record across the U.S. It has faced numerous hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. At the University of Alabama, a lawsuit was filed in 2023 alleging a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual. Closer to home, lawsuits have been filed against SAE chapters in Texas, including for chemical burns at Texas A&M (2021) and an assault at UT Austin (2024), where the chapter was already suspended for prior violations. In 2014, in response to pattern of deaths and injuries, SAE announced the elimination of its traditional pledge process, demonstrating national recognition of a pervasive problem.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, Phi Delta Theta was tragically linked to the death of Max Gruver at LSU (2017) after he was forced to consume excessive alcohol during a “Bible study” ritual. This incident resulted in a $6.1 million verdict for the family and led to Louisiana’s tough Max Gruver Act.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Found at UH, Texas A&M, and UT, Pi Kappa Phi was involved in the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017) due to alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night,” highlighting another recurring hazing scenario.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, Beta Theta Pi was at the center of the Timothy Piazza tragedy at Penn State (2017), where systematic alcohol hazing led to his death and a landmark criminal prosecution, prompting Pennsylvania’s strict Anti-Hazing Law.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Chapters are found at UH, Texas A&M, and Baylor. Kappa Sigma has a national history that includes the tragic death of Chad Meredith at University of Miami (2001), who drowned during a hazing ritual involving alcohol, leading to a $12.6 million verdict for his parents and a state law named in his honor. More recently, allegations of severe injuries including rhabdomyolysis due to extreme physical hazing at Texas A&M (2023) highlight ongoing issues.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, SMU, and Baylor. Sigma Chi has been implicated in hazing incidents, including a significant (more than $10 million) settlement in 2024 for a pledge who suffered physical beatings and psychological torment at the College of Charleston.
• Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI / ΦΓΔ): Present at Texas A&M, Phi Gamma Delta was involved in the catastrophic injury of Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri (2021). Santulli suffered severe, permanent brain damage after being forced to consume a dangerous amount of alcohol, leading to multi-million-dollar settlements with 22 defendants.

These examples illustrate recurring themes: forced consumption of alcohol, physical abuse disguised as “tradition,” and a tragic willingness to put new members in life-threatening situations for the sake of “belonging.”

TIE BACK TO LEGAL STRATEGY

For families from Shelby County, these patterns are not merely historical footnotes; they are potent legal tools.

• Foreseeability: When a national organization has been sued multiple times for the same type of hazing (e.g., forced alcohol during a “Big/Little” event), it becomes extremely difficult for them to claim they “couldn’t have foreseen” a similar incident at one of their Texas chapters.
• Policy Enforcement: Courts will examine whether the national organizations not only had anti-hazing policies but also meaningfully enforced them. If prior violations resulted in minor penalties or were ignored completely, it weakens their defense.
• Insurance Coverage: The repeated nature of hazing often leads to complex battles over insurance coverage. Our experience, especially Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney, helps us anticipate and counter arguments that hazing was an “intentional act” excluded from coverage, by focusing on the organization’s negligent supervision or pattern of conduct.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious conduct and a clear pattern of ignored warnings, there can be stronger arguments for punitive damages, which are designed to punish defendants and deter future wrongdoing.

Understanding this intricate web of national history and local application is what sets experienced hazing attorneys apart.

7. BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY

For families in Shelby County facing the aftermath of a hazing incident, understanding how a legal case is built can provide a roadmap through a confusing and often painful process. Our approach at The Manginello Law Firm is meticulous, recognizing that hazing cases against powerful institutions require an unwavering commitment to evidence collection, legal strategy, and victim advocacy.

EVIDENCE: THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR CASE

Evidence in modern hazing cases looks very different from just a few years ago. Digital communications are now often the most critical category. Our firm, particularly with Attorney911’s video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), emphasizes how vital it is to secure this information immediately.

• Digital Communications: The explosion of group messaging apps means that planning, coordination, execution, and often the cover-up of hazing incidents are documented digitally.

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, Fraternity-Specific Apps: These platforms contain invaluable primary evidence. They show who said what, when, and can reveal coercive language, instructions, photos/videos of hazing, and communications about avoiding detection.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat Messages, TikTok Comments: Social media often hosts evidence of hazing, humiliation, or illicit activities. Even disappearing messages on platforms like Snapchat can sometimes be recovered forensically.
  • Recovery of Deleted Data: If messages are deleted, our strategy includes working with digital forensics experts to recover content through subpoenas to tech companies, or by analyzing backups on phones and cloud storage.

• Photos & Videos: Visual evidence is incredibly powerful.

  • Participant-Filmed Content: Many hazing incidents are filmed by members themselves for internal sharing or amusement. This explicit footage, often shared in group chats or on private social media, provides irrefutable proof.
  • Security Footage: Cameras at houses, off-campus venues, or even Ring/doorbell cameras can capture crucial moments leading up to, during, or after hazing.

• Internal Organization Documents: These documents reveal institutional knowledge and a pattern of behavior.

  • Pledge Manuals, Initiation Scripts, Ritual Documents: These materials can expose “traditions” that are inherently abusive.
  • Emails/Texts from Officers: Communications planning events, discussing “new member education,” or outlining coercive activities.
  • National Policies and Training Materials: These documents, when compared to the actual conduct, can highlight the “paper policy versus reality” defense used by organizations.

• University Records: Public records requests and subpoenas can reveal a history of misconduct.

  • Prior Conduct Files: Documented probation, suspensions, and letters of warning against the same organization or individuals can establish a pattern and demonstrate the university’s prior knowledge of risks.
  • Incident Reports: Filings with campus police or student conduct offices related to the organization.
  • Clery Reports and Other Disclosures: Annual safety statistics and other public disclosures by the university can sometimes show patterns of alcohol-related incidents or assaults that overlap with hazing.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These demonstrate the extent of injury and suffering.

  • Emergency Room & Hospital Records: Crucial for documenting immediate injuries, intoxication levels (blood alcohol, toxicology reports), and treatment.
  • Surgery & Rehabilitation Notes: Detailed records of ongoing physical and occupational therapy, specialist visits, and medications.
  • Psychological Evaluations: Critical for documenting non-physical harm such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, humiliation, and other emotional distress caused by the hazing.

• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are essential.

  • Pledges, Members, Roommates, RAs, Coaches, Trainers, Bystanders: Individuals who saw what happened or noticed changes in the victim.
  • Former Members: Those who quit the organization or were expelled can often provide invaluable insights into a culture of hazing, feeling less constrained by loyalty.

DAMAGES: MAKING VICTIMS WHOLE

In civil hazing cases, damages aim to compensate victims for the full spectrum of their losses. While money cannot fully heal emotional wounds, it is the legal system’s mechanism for achieving justice and providing for future needs. Attorney911’s video “What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG07vbB4cdU) details how we evaluate these damages.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This category covers all costs associated with physical and mental health treatment.

  • Immediate Care: Ambulance, emergency room visits, ICU stays, surgeries.
  • Ongoing Treatment: Physical therapy, rehabilitation, specialist visits, medications.
  • Long-Term Care: For catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure, this includes lifetime medical care, assistive devices, and home modifications.

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can derail a student’s academic and professional future.

  • Missed Semesters: Tuition and fees for educational time lost due to injury or trauma.
  • Delayed Graduation & Workforce Entry: Impact on a student’s ability to complete their degree on time and enter their chosen profession.
  • Reduced Earning Capacity: If injuries are permanent, an economist may calculate the projected lifetime loss of income.

• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for pain, suffering, and emotional harm that are difficult to quantify but profoundly impact the victim’s life.

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: From immediate injuries and ongoing chronic pain.
  • Emotional Distress & Trauma: Including PTSD, depression, anxiety, severe humiliation, and lasting psychological scars.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in activities once enjoyed, withdrawal from social life, or impact on general quality of life.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In tragic cases of hazing fatalities, the victim’s family can seek compensation for their profound loss. Our firm has extensive experience in this area, as detailed on our Wrongful Death Claim Lawyer page (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/).

  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Direct expenses related to the victim’s death.
  • Loss of Companionship and Support: Compensation for the emotional void, guidance, society, and financial contributions the deceased would have provided.
  • Emotional Harm to Parents and Siblings: Counseling and treatment for the severe grief and trauma experienced by surviving family members.

ROLE OF DIFFERENT DEFENDANTS AND INSURANCE COVERAGE

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants and complex insurance battles.

• Insurance Policies: National fraternities, universities, and sometimes even local chapters and individual members carry insurance policies that may provide coverage for hazing-related incidents.
• Coverage Disputes: Insurers frequently try to deny coverage by arguing that hazing, especially acts like assault or forced drinking, falls under “intentional act” or “criminal act” exclusions within their policies. They may also argue that the policy doesn’t cover certain defendants (e.g., the national organization for a local chapter’s conduct), or try to shift blame.
• Experienced Hazing Counsel’s Role: Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), understands these tactics intimately. We:
  • Identify all potential insurance carriers and policies.
  • Force insurers to uphold their duty to defend or indemnify.
  • Strategically frame arguments to overcome policy exclusions by emphasizing negligent supervision, failure to warn, or other non-excluded claims.
  • Negotiate fiercely for fair settlements or prepare for trial when insurers refuse to offer adequate compensation.

This strategic approach to evidence, damages, and insurance ensures that all responsible parties are held accountable, and victims receive the compensation they deserve.

8. PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS

For families in Shelby County and across Texas, knowing what to do in the chaotic aftermath of a hazing incident is critical. This section offers immediate, actionable guidance for parents, students, and witnesses, as well as crucial warnings about common mistakes.

8.1 FOR PARENTS: RECOGNIZING & RESPONDING TO HAZING

As a parent, your intuition is powerful. Trust it if you suspect something is wrong.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be vigilant for these indicators:

  • Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or other physical marks, especially if your child is vague or evasive about their origin.
  • Sudden Exhaustion: Extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, or falling asleep at odd times, often due to forced late-night events.
  • Drastic Mood Changes: Increased anxiety, irritability, depression, withdrawal from usual activities, or sudden secrecy around their organization.
  • Constant Phone Vigilance: Obsessive checking of group chats, anxiety over missed messages, or calls/texts at all hours demanding immediate responses.
  • Changes in Appearance/Behavior: Unexplained weight loss or gain, poor hygiene, or wearing specific items of clothing at all times.
  • Fear of Consequences: Expressing fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down” if they don’t comply.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation calmly and empathetically:

  • Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with your new group?” or “Is there anything about joining that makes you uncomfortable?”
  • Emphasize their safety and well-being are paramount, far above fitting in or organizational loyalty. Let them know you will support them no matter what.
  • Avoid judgmental language, which can cause them to shut down.

• If Your Child is Hurt:

  • Prioritize Medical Care: Get them immediate medical attention, even if they minimize their injuries. Document everything the medical staff observes.
  • Document Everything: Take clear photos of injuries from multiple angles and over several days to show healing progression. Screenshot all relevant texts, group chats, or social media posts immediately. Write down precise dates, times, locations, and names of individuals your child identifies.
  • Save Physical Evidence: Any clothing torn or stained during the incident, or objects used in hazing (if safe to obtain), should be preserved.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document every interaction with university officials (who you spoke to, when, what was said).
  • Ask directed questions: “Has this organization had hazing violations before?” “What exactly is the university doing to investigate?”
  • Be cautious about engaging too deeply without legal counsel, as universities may attempt to control the narrative or minimize their liability.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer:

  • If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm.
  • If you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident, stonewalling your inquiries, or attempting a cover-up.
  • If you are unsure of your rights or need guidance on evidence preservation. Early legal intervention is critical.

8.2 FOR STUDENTS / PLEDGES: SELF-ASSESSMENT & SAFETY PLANNING

If you’re a student in Shelby County or at any Texas university and feel you might be experiencing hazing, remember that you have rights and options.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself:

  • Am I being forced or pressured to do something I genuinely don’t want to do?
  • Would I do this activity if I could genuinely choose without fear of social exclusion or other negative consequences?
  • Does this activity feel unsafe, humiliating, or potentially illegal?
  • Would my university or parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
  • Are older members making new members do things that they themselves don’t have to do?
  • Am I being told to keep this activity a secret, to lie about it, or hide it from outsiders?
  • If you answered YES to any of these, it’s very likely hazing. Your gut feeling is often right.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The law often recognizes that “consent” given under duress, peer pressure, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. You cannot truly consent to a criminal act, especially when there’s an inherent power imbalance.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • Immediate Danger: If you are in physical danger, call 911 immediately. You will not get in trouble for seeking medical help in an emergency, even if underage drinking was involved.
  • To Quit/De-Pledge: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. If you fear confrontation, communicate your resignation via email or text to the chapter president and a trusted contact outside the organization first. Avoid “one last meeting” if you suspect you will be pressured or intimidated.
  • Reporting: You can report privately or anonymously to your university’s Dean of Students, campus police, or through anonymous tip lines. The National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) offers anonymous reporting around-the-clock.

• Good-Faith Reporting & Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law (and emergency medical amnesty provisions) encourage calling for help in dangerous situations by offering protections to individuals who report in good faith, reducing the fear of personal punishment.

8.3 FOR FORMER MEMBERS / WITNESSES

If you are a former member, a witness, or someone who participated in hazing and now regrets it, your decision to come forward can be incredibly powerful. We understand the guilt, fear of reprisal, and moral conflict you might be feeling.

• Your Testimony Matters: Your firsthand account and any evidence you have can be crucial in preventing future harm, bringing justice to victims, and holding perpetrators accountable.
• Potential Protections: While fear of legal exposure is natural, laws exist to protect good-faith reporters. Speaking with an attorney can clarify your rights and potential liabilities.
• Navigating Your Role: An experienced hazing attorney can help you navigate the process of cooperating safely, ensuring your rights are protected, and guiding you through what can be a complex legal and emotional journey. You may want to seek individual legal advice.

8.4 CRITICAL MISTAKES THAT CAN DESTROY YOUR CASE

For Shelby County families, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do immediately following a hazing incident. These common mistakes can severely undermine a potential legal case. Attorney911’s video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) provides additional detailed warnings.

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence:
   • What Parents Think: “We don’t want to get them in more trouble, or see embarrassing things.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Deleting evidence looks like a cover-up, can be considered obstruction of justice, and makes proving your case exponentially harder. Precious digital evidence (group chats, photos, videos) disappears rapidly.
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve everything immediately, without judgment, even if it’s embarrassing. Screenshot liberally, and back up content to multiple sources.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:
   • What Parents Think: “I’m furious, I’m going to demand answers.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: The organization will immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses on what to say (or not say), and prepare their defenses. You lose the element of surprise and critical evidence.
   • What to Do Instead: Document every detail of the incident, then contact a legal emergency lawyer like Attorney911 before any direct confrontation.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms:
   • What Universities Do: After an incident, universities often pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements, sometimes offering minor concessions.
   • Why It’s Wrong: Such forms often contain provisions that waive your right to pursue further legal action or can severely limit the compensation you might be entitled to. Internal settlements are almost always far below the actual value of a case.
   • What to Do Instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or any organization without an experienced attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer:
   • What Families Think: “I want to warn others and expose what happened.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Anything posted publicly can be used by defense attorneys, creating inconsistencies that hurt credibility and potentially waiving legal privileges. It’s impossible to control the narrative once it’s out there.
   • What to Do Instead: Document all details privately. Allow your lawyer to control public communication strategy when appropriate.
5. Letting Your Child Go Back for “One Last Meeting” with the Organization:
   • What Fraternities/Sororities Say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic” or “Let’s resolve this internally.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: These meetings are often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against your child in a legal proceeding.
   • What to Do Instead: If you are considering legal action, all communications with the organization should be directed through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”:
   • What Universities Promise: “We’re investigating; please let us handle this internally.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Evidence vanishes, witnesses graduate or move, and the university’s internal process, while potentially leading to campus discipline, rarely provides full transparency or adequate legal compensation. University processes are distinct from legal accountability.
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve evidence now and consult a legal emergency lawyer immediately. The university’s internal investigation cannot replace real legal action.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:
   • What Adjusters Say: “We just need your statement to process the claim quickly.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you give can be used to undervalue or deny your claim. Early settlement offers are almost always lowball.
   • What to Do Instead: Politely decline to speak with any insurance adjuster directly and inform them that your attorney will contact them.

8.5 SHORT FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT have some sovereign immunity protections, making claims against them more complex, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, and Title IX violations. Private universities like SMU and 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. While hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor in Texas, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers of organizations, or those in leadership 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” given under immense peer pressure, fear of exclusion, or a significant power imbalance is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file most hazing lawsuits in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this period if the victim or family could not have reasonably known about the injury or its cause immediately. In cases involving cover-ups or deliberate concealment, the statute of limitations might be “tolled” (paused). Time is absolutely critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities or sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge of the activities, and the foreseeability of the harm. Many major national hazing cases, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat death (Chun Michael Deng) or the Sigma Pi death at an “unofficial” house (Collin Wiant), occurred off-campus yet resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments against the organizations.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While criminal cases are public, the vast majority of civil hazing cases settle confidentially before ever going to trial. Our firm can work to request sealed court records and negotiate confidential settlement terms whenever possible, prioritizing your family’s privacy while still pursuing full accountability.

9. ABOUT THE MANGINELLO LAW FIRM + CALL TO ACTION

When your family faces a hazing case in Texas, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, wealthy universities, and their insurers—fight back, and possess the depth of experience and resources to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911 (“Legal Emergency Lawyers™”), we bring a unique blend of insight, tenacity, and proven capability to hazing litigation.

Our firm is uniquely qualified to handle complex hazing cases across Texas, because we know their playbook. Our Managing Partner, Ralph P. Manginello (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), has over 25 years of experience in complex litigation, including being one of the few Texas attorneys involved in litigation surrounding the massive BP Texas City explosion. This federal court experience proves we are not intimidated by taking on billion-dollar corporations or their deep-pocketed defense teams. We know how to fight powerful defendants and secure justice.

Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), brings what many firms lack: insider knowledge of the insurance industry. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Lupe knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments (trying to claim “intentional acts” aren’t covered), and settlement strategies because she used to run them. We know their weaknesses, and we leverage that knowledge for our clients.

We also possess multi-million dollar wrongful death (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/) and catastrophic injury experience. Hazing often results in devastating injuries or fatalities, and we are adept at working with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to fully value these cases—from projected lifetime medical expenses to lost earning capacity and profound emotional suffering. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force accountability and truly compensate victims. Furthermore, Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides critical insight into how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, allowing us to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including those in Shelby County and surrounding East Texas communities. We understand that hazing at any Texas university—whether near Shelby County or further afield—can impact our local families profoundly. We know what makes these cases different: the nuanced culture of Greek life and other student organizations, the intricate web of liability involving individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities, and the challenges of balancing victim privacy with public accountability. We leverage a robust network of experts, including digital forensics specialists to unearth deleted group chats, and psychologists to document the profound mental and emotional trauma. We know how to investigate like your child’s future depends on it—because it does.

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 stand for thorough investigation and real accountability, not just quick settlements.

If you or your child experienced hazing at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Shelby County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

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

• Listen to your story with empathy and without judgment.
• Review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• Explain your legal options, including the possibility of a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, or both.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• Answer your questions about costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless we win your case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).
• There is absolutely no pressure to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time you need to decide. Everything you tell us is completely confidential.

Call us today to schedule your consultation:

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

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

Whether you’re in Shelby 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