Understanding Hazing: A Guide for Mission Bend Families

It’s a scene many of us in Mission Bend and across Texas hope our children never experience. Imagine an initiation night at a university fraternity or sorority event, or perhaps a tradition-laden gathering involving an athletic team or even a spirit organization. Your son or daughter, perhaps from Mission Bend, is suddenly caught in the middle, pressured to drink far beyond safe limits, endure painful physical abuse, or perform degrading acts. Others might be filming on their phones, chanting, laughing, pushing them further. Then, someone gets hurt — a fall, a collapse, severe vomiting — but nobody wants to call 911. They’re afraid of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” Your child feels trapped, caught between a desire to belong and their own safety.

This isn’t a hypothetical situation from a distant campus; it’s a terrifying reality for countless students across our state. This guide is for families in Mission Bend and throughout Texas who are seeking to understand the often-hidden world of hazing. Our goal is to provide comprehensive information about what hazing truly looks like in 2025, how Texas and federal law address it, and what we can learn from major national cases alongside those impacting students at the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University. We also explain the legal options available to victims and their families in Mission Bend and all corners of Texas.

While this article offers general information and not specific legal advice, The Manginello Law Firm is here to evaluate individual cases based on their unique facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including our neighbors in Mission Bend and its surrounding communities.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

• In the first 48 hours:

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

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

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For many in Mission Bend, the image of hazing might be something out of a movie from decades past – a prank, some light humiliation, or just “boys will be boys.” However, modern hazing is far more insidious, dangerous, and often hidden in plain sight. It 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 can happen whether your child “agrees” to it or not; true consent is impossible when there’s an imbalance of power and intense peer pressure.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing tactics are constantly evolving, adapting to avoid detection while maintaining coercive control. Here are some of the main categories we see today:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking, often through chugging challenges, “lineups,” or games designed to ensure rapid, dangerous consumption. We also see pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances, pushing students into situations where they could face alcohol poisoning, drug overdose, or other severe health crises.

• Physical Hazing: Beyond the traditional paddling and beatings, physical hazing now includes extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” that push students far beyond normal conditioning into exhaustion and injury. Students endure sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, and exposure to extreme cold or heat, or other dangerous environments, all under the guise of “earning their spot.”

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply damaging form of hazing involves forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts like “roasted pig” positions, or wearing degrading costumes. It often includes acts with racial or sexist overtones, the use of slurs, or forced role-playing that can leave lasting psychological scars.

• Psychological Hazing: This category encompasses verbal abuse, threats, and intentional isolation. Students may be subjected to manipulation, forced confessions, or public shaming on social media or in meetings. The goal is often to break down a new member’s sense of self-worth and independence, fostering unquestioning loyalty.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones and social media, hazing has moved online. This includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation orchestrated via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. Students can be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, amplifying the reach and permanence of the humiliation.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is unfortunately not confined to the stereotypes of “frat boys.” While fraternities and sororities (including Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and multicultural organizations) are prominent settings for hazing, it also occurs in:

• Corps of Cadets, ROTC, or military-style groups: These tradition-rich environments can sometimes foster dangerous practices under the guise of discipline.
• Spirit squads, tradition clubs, or university-recognized organizations: Even groups focused on school spirit or community service can sometimes fall into hazing patterns.
• Athletic teams: Football, basketball, baseball, cheer, and other sports teams have all been implicated in hazing incidents involving physical abuse, forced substance consumption, or sexualized rituals.
• Marching bands and performing arts groups: The demand for loyalty and tradition can sometimes lead to hazing in these creative organizations.
• Some service, cultural, and academic organizations also experience hazing.

The common thread in all these environments, whether your child is attending a university near Mission Bend or further away, is that social status, tradition, and intense pressure for secrecy allow these dangerous practices to persist, even when participants and leaders know hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For Mission Bend families who find themselves dealing with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal framework is crucial. Texas law, alongside federal regulations, provides avenues for accountability and justice.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

In Texas, hazing is not just against school rules; it’s against the law. The Texas Education Code has specific provisions (§ 37.151 to 37.156) that define and prohibit hazing.

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

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

This means that if someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they either meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. This applies whether the activities happen on or off campus, and includes both mental and physical harm. Crucially, the law explicitly states that a person’s “consent” to hazing is not a defense. Even if your child “agreed” to participate, the law recognizes that true consent is absent in coercive environments with imbalanced power dynamics.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For hazing that does not cause serious bodily injury (up to 180 days in jail, fine up to $2,000).
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury that requires medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death.
• Failing to report hazing (if you’re a member or officer and knew about it) is also a misdemeanor.
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Beyond individual perpetrators, organizations themselves can be subjected to criminal prosecution and fines if they authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer knew about it and failed to report.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It is important to understand the two main types of legal actions related to hazing in Texas:

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (a prosecutor) against individuals or organizations. The goal is to punish those responsible through jail time, fines, or probation. Hazing-related criminal charges can include the hazing offenses themselves, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in fatal hazing incidents.

• Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving families. The aim is to seek monetary compensation for the harm suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil cases often focus on legal theories such as negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

It is crucial for Mission Bend families to know that criminal and civil cases can proceed independently. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case, and often, civil lawsuits offer a broader path to recovering damages and enacting systemic change.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also play a role in addressing hazing on college campuses:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal law aims to increase transparency and accountability in hazing incidents. It requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to:

  • Report hazing incidents and their disciplinary actions more publicly.
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention efforts.
  • Maintain public data on hazing incidents, which is being phased in by 2026.
    This legislation gives families in Mission Bend and across the nation access to crucial information about which organizations and institutions have a history of hazing violations.

• Title IX / Clery Act: Federal laws originally designed to protect students from sex-based discrimination and to ensure campus safety statistics are reported can also apply to hazing cases.

  • Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based hostility, or discrimination, Title IX obligations are triggered. This can compel universities to investigate and respond, regardless of where the incident occurred.
  • Clery Act: This law requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents involving assaults, alcohol- or drug-related offenses often fall under Clery reporting requirements.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Holding those responsible for hazing accountable often involves identifying multiple parties who failed in their duty of care. For Mission Bend families, understanding who can be held liable is key to assessing legal options:

• Individual Students: Those who planned, encouraged, supplied alcohol or drugs, carried out the hazing acts, or participated in the cover-up can be held personally liable.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or athletic team itself can be sued if it operated as a legal entity and authorized or encouraged the hazing. Individuals acting as officers or “pledge educators” are often central figures.
• National Fraternity / Sorority: The national headquarters, which sets policies, collects dues, and is responsible for overseeing its local chapters, can be held liable. Their liability often stems from what they knew or should have known about a chapter’s hazing history, prior similar incidents across their organization, or their failure to adequately enforce anti-hazing policies.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, or its governing board, may be sued under various negligence or civil rights theories. Key considerations include the university’s knowledge of prior hazing, its enforcement of policies, and whether it showed “deliberate indifference” to known risks. While public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) may have some sovereign immunity protection under Texas law, exceptions exist for gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Depending on the specifics of the hazing incident, other entities can also be held responsible. This might include:
  • Landlords or owners of houses or event spaces where hazing occurred.
  • Bars, restaurants, or alcohol providers who illegally served alcohol, particularly to minors (under dram shop laws).
  • Security companies or event organizers who failed in their duty to ensure safety.

Every hazing case is unique, and the specific parties who can be held liable will depend on the facts and evidence gathered.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

While our focus for Mission Bend families is squarely on Texas universities, understanding major national hazing cases is essential. These cases highlight dangerous patterns, have driven legislative change, and set legal precedents that underpin hazing lawsuits today. They demonstrate the severe consequences of institutional negligence and the multi-million-dollar stakes involved in achieving justice.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and tragically fatal form of hazing involves forced or excessive alcohol consumption.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died from traumatic brain injuries after a “bid acceptance” night involving extreme alcohol consumption. Horrifying fraternity security camera footage showed him falling repeatedly and remaining gravely injured for hours before anyone called for help. The incident led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, comprehensive civil litigation, and the creation of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. For Mission Bend families, this case underscores the devastating consequences of delayed medical care and the culture of silence that often enables hazing.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (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 rapidly. This tragedy led to criminal hazing charges against multiple members and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU, followed by a campus-wide overhaul of policies. It serves as a stark reminder that formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU pledge, died after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers to trivia questions resulted in forced drinking. He passed away with a blood alcohol content of 0.495%. His death prompted the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony offense. This case illustrates how legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof that existing laws are insufficient. It shows Mission Bend parents that systemic issues can lead to proactive legal reform.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge at Bowling Green State University, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night. The incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members. The university, a public institution, agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the family, and additional settlements were reached with the national fraternity and individual members. This case demonstrates that universities, even public ones, can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities, proving that accountability extends beyond just the students directly involved.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Hazing is not always about alcohol; physical and degrading rituals also pose immense dangers.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died from traumatic brain injuries suffered during a violent “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and weighted down with a backpack, he was repeatedly tackled. Fraternity members delayed calling for medical help for a harrowing two hours. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity was ultimately banned from Pennsylvania for ten years. This case highlights how off-campus “retreats,” often chosen precisely to avoid university oversight, can be just as, if not more, dangerous than on-campus events, and that national organizations face serious sanctions in such scenarios.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing extends beyond Greek life, significantly impacting athletic programs.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): This scandal involved multiple former football players alleging widespread sexualized, racist, and physically abusive hazing within the highly visible football program over several years. The allegations led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and its coaching staff. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially with the university. This case is crucial for Mission Bend families to understand because it demonstrates that hazing is not limited to Greek life; major university athletic programs, often seen as pillars of campus life, can harbor systemic and deeply damaging abuse. It also raises critical questions about institutional oversight and the responsibility of university leadership.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies, with their common threads of forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and extensive cover-ups, paint a clear picture. While reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and subsequent litigation, they establish precedents. Texas families facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor are operating within a legal landscape profoundly shaped by these national lessons. These cases serve as powerful reminders of the foreseability of harm in hazing, forming a critical part of our legal strategy to hold institutions accountable for what they knew or should have known.

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

For families in Mission Bend and across Texas, understanding the hazing landscape at our state’s major universities is critical. While our firm is based in Houston, we serve clients from Mission Bend and all over the state, recognizing that your child could attend any of these institutions. When hazing occurs, the distance from Mission Bend doesn’t change the critical need for experienced legal counsel.

University of Houston (UH): Navigating an Urban Campus

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus a short drive from Mission Bend, serves a diverse student body, many of whom come from our local Fort Bend County communities. With a mix of commuter and residential students, UH features an active Greek life with numerous fraternities and sororities, alongside a wide array of student organizations, cultural groups, and sports clubs. Many Mission Bend parents send their children to UH, making it an important focus.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH’s dynamic environment fosters a strong sense of community, but like any large university, it faces challenges with student conduct, including hazing. Families from Mission Bend often connect deeply with UH, whether as alumni or as parents of current students.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, prohibiting any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. This policy applies whether the hazing occurs on or off campus, explicitly banning forced consumption of alcohol/food/drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and mental distress. UH provides clear reporting channels through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the UH Police Department (UHPD). UH also posts a hazing statement and some disciplinary outcomes on its website.

Example Incident & Response

In 2016, Pi Kappa Alpha at UH faced serious allegations. Pledges were reportedly deprived of adequate food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. One student allegedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. This incident led to misdemeanor hazing charges against individuals and a university suspension of the chapter. Past disciplinary actions at UH also encompass various fraternities for “conduct likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse and policy violations, resulting in suspensions or probation. This demonstrates UH’s willingness to discipline chapters, though the public details may sometimes be limited compared to other institutions.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Mission Bend family dealing with hazing at UH, any investigation could involve the UH Police Department and/or the Houston Police Department, depending on the incident’s location and severity. Civil lawsuits involving UH students would generally be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. Potential defendants could include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university itself, along with any property owners involved.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Report to UH Authorities: Use the official channels: Dean of Students, UHPD, or online reporting forms.
• Document Everything: Meticulously record all details, collect screenshots, photos, and any physical evidence.
• Uncover History: If there are prior complaints or past incidents involving the organization, research and document them. This can be crucial in a civil lawsuit to demonstrate a pattern of behavior and the university’s knowledge.
• Seek Legal Counsel: Talking to a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases, like Attorney911, can help uncover prior discipline and internal university files, and navigate the complexities of suing a public university while protecting your child’s rights.

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Discipline

Texas A&M University, a storied institution known for its deep traditions, particularly the Corps of Cadets, draws students from all over Texas, including many from Mission Bend and the surrounding Fort Bend County area. Families in Mission Bend often find a strong connection to A&M, making hazing incidents here particularly concerning.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M’s culture is steeped in tradition, loyalty, and a strong sense of community, particularly within the Corps of Cadets, which operates with a military-style disciplinary environment. This unique culture, while fostering camaraderie, can also create an environment where hazing might, unfortunately, be disguised as “tradition” or “discipline.”

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M explicitly prohibits hazing, articulating comprehensive policies that align with state law. These policies apply to all student organizations, including Greek life and the Corps of Cadets, and cover both on- and off-campus activities. Reporting channels are available through the Division of Student Affairs, Student Conduct Office, Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and through anonymous hotlines.

Example Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced its share of hazing allegations. In 2021, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter was sued after pledges allegedly suffered severe chemical burns. They claimed industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit were poured on them, leading to injuries requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended, and the pledges took legal action. More recently, in 2023, a lawsuit was filed by a cadet against the Corps of Cadets alleging degrading hazing, including simulated sexual acts and being tied up in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. These cases highlight the spectrum of hazing that can occur in both Greek life and traditional campus organizations.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Mission Bend families, legal proceedings involving Texas A&M would generally fall under Brazos County or state jurisdiction. Investigations could involve Texas A&M UPD or local law enforcement. Suing a state university like Texas A&M involves navigating specific legal challenges, including sovereign immunity, which requires a deep understanding of exceptions for gross negligence or constitutional violations. Civil suits would target individual perpetrators, local chapters, national organizations, and potentially the university itself.

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand A&M’s Specifics: Be aware that the university’s traditions, particularly the Corps of Cadets, may sometimes be misused to justify hazing, but A&M’s anti-hazing policies still apply.
• Documentation is Key: Preserve any evidence – physical injuries, screenshots of communications, witness accounts – as quickly as possible.
• Immediately Report Suspected Hazing: Use the university’s official reporting channels, including the Student Conduct Office or UPD.
• Consult an Attorney: An attorney experienced in hazing lawsuits against large institutions can guide Mission Bend families through the complex legal landscape at A&M, particularly when dealing with the Corps or Greek life.

University of Texas at Austin (UT): Transparency and Persistence

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, is a popular destination for many students from Mission Bend and throughout Texas. Austin’s vibrant city life and UT’s extensive Greek system and student organizations mean that hazing here, unfortunately, is a recurring concern.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is one of the largest and most dynamic universities in Texas. Its Greek life is extensive, numbering around 60 fraternity and sorority chapters, and it has a wide array of student organizations, including spirit groups and athletic clubs. The strong sense of community and pride unique to UT can, in some instances, be twisted into dangerous “traditions.”

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin aggressively enforces its anti-hazing policy, which unequivocally prohibits hazing for any reason, whether on or off campus, and condemns any acts that endanger physical or mental health. Crucially, UT is known for its transparency: it maintains a public Hazing Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu) that lists organizations, incident dates, the type of conduct, and disciplinary sanctions. This public record is invaluable for families in Mission Bend seeking to understand an organization’s history.

Example Incidents & Responses

UT’s public hazing violations page reveals numerous incidents. For example, Pi Kappa Alpha faces repeated allegations. In 2023, new members were reportedly forced to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, a clear hazing violation that resulted in the chapter being placed on probation and required to implement new anti-hazing education. Other groups, including popular spirit organizations like the Texas Wranglers, have been sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices. While UT’s transparency is commendable, the continued appearance of such violations indicates an ongoing challenge to curb these dangerous activities.

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Mission Bend families taking legal action after hazing at UT, investigations might involve the UT Police Department (UTPD) and/or the Austin Police Department. Civil lawsuits would typically fall under Travis County jurisdiction. UT’s public hazing log can be a powerful tool in civil litigation, providing strong evidence of an organization’s history and the university’s knowledge of prior misconduct, which can be critical for establishing patterns and foreseeability.

What UT Students & Parents Should Do

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations Page: Mission Bend parents sending their children to UT should actively check hazing.utexas.edu to be aware of any past violations involving organizations their child might join.
• Preserve Digital Evidence: Given the frequency of social media and text use among UT students, immediately screenshot all relevant digital communications.
• Report to UTPD or Dean of Students: Utilize UT’s established reporting channels, emphasizing confidentiality where necessary.
• Contact an Attorney: An attorney can leverage UT’s detailed public records and the firm’s experience in Austin to build a strong case, even against a large public university.

Southern Methodist University (SMU): Private Institution, Public Concerns

Southern Methodist University (SMU), a distinguished private university in Dallas, is another institution that attracts students from Mission Bend, Houston, and across Texas. Known for its strong Greek presence and affluent student body, SMU has also dealt with hazing allegations.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU’s campus culture is often characterized by its vibrant Greek life, which plays a significant role in student social circles. The university’s private status, while offering some insulation from public records laws, does not exempt it from the legal and moral responsibilities to protect its students from hazing.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies that prohibit any activity that threatens the physical or mental well-being of students for the purpose of membership or affiliation. The university provides various reporting mechanisms, including through the Office of Student Affairs, Student Conduct & Community Standards, and campus police. SMU also promotes anonymous reporting systems (e.g., Real Response) to empower students to come forward.

Example Incident & Response

In 2017, the Kappa Alpha Order chapter at SMU faced serious allegations of hazing. Reports indicated that new members were paddled, forced to consume alcohol, and deprived of sleep. This ultimately led to the chapter’s suspension, with severe restrictions on recruiting until around 2021. While SMU, as a private institution, may not publicize its disciplinary actions with the same detail as a public university like UT, this incident underscores ongoing hazing concerns within its Greek system.

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Mission Bend families pursuing a hazing lawsuit stemming from SMU, legal proceedings would fall under Dallas County jurisdiction. Investigations would involve SMU Police and/or Dallas Police. Although private universities are not subject to the same public records requests as state-funded institutions, civil lawsuits can compel discovery of internal university records and communications, which can expose institutional knowledge and past failures in addressing hazing.

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Utilize SMU’s Reporting Systems: Use the university’s anonymous reporting options if fear of retaliation is a concern, but also consider formal reporting to the Dean of Students.
• Document All Details: Even for private institutions, meticulous documentation of incidents, communications, and injuries is crucial for any potential legal action.
• Seek Legal Expertise: Given that SMU is a private university, experienced legal counsel, familiar with navigating private institutional defenses and maximizing discovery, is vital for Mission Bend families.

Baylor University: Faith, Tradition, and Oversight

Baylor University, a prominent private Christian institution in Waco, Texas, is another school where Mission Bend families send their children. Baylor has faced intense scrutiny regarding student safety and misconduct in the past, making hazing a particularly sensitive issue for the university.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor’s identity is deeply intertwined with its Christian mission and rich traditions. It maintains a robust Greek system and numerous other student organizations. The university’s history of managing high-profile misconduct, particularly concerning sexual assault allegations within its football program, has placed a spotlight on institutional oversight and accountability, issues directly relevant to hazing incidents.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University has a strongly worded anti-hazing policy that prohibits any practice or act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of students for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation. Baylor provides reporting channels through the Office of Student Conduct, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and various online and anonymous reporting forms, including LiveSafe.

Example Incident & Response

In 2020, Baylor’s baseball team faced a hazing investigation that resulted in the suspension of 14 players. The suspensions were staggered to prevent a complete disruption to the season. This incident, while not in Greek life, is significant for Mission Bend families because it highlights that hazing pervades different facets of student life, and that Baylor, due to its history, operates under intensified scrutiny regarding student welfare and policy enforcement. It showcases the university’s ongoing challenge to reconcile its “zero tolerance” directives with recurring misconduct.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Mission Bend families navigating a hazing case at Baylor, legal proceedings would generally fall under McLennan County jurisdiction. Investigations could involve BUPD or Waco Police. Claims against Baylor would scrutinize the university’s internal policies, its enforcement practices, and its track record of addressing misconduct. The firm’s experience with wrongful death cases and complex litigation against large institutions is particularly relevant when dealing with Baylor’s unique institutional context.

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand Baylor’s History: Be aware of Baylor’s past challenges with institutional oversight, as this context can inform how hazing allegations are handled.
• Utilize All Reporting Options: Clearly document any reports made to Baylor’s Office of Student Conduct, BUPD, or via anonymous channels.
• Seek External Legal Counsel: Given Baylor’s private status and its history with allegations of mishandling student misconduct, securing an attorney experienced in Title IX issues and institutional liability is crucial for Mission Bend families.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

When we talk about hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, it’s not just about local students making bad choices. Many of these organizations are part of vast national organizations, whose histories of hazing often echo down to the local chapters, including those where Mission Bend students might be involved.

Why National Histories Matter

National fraternities and sororities, such as Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Phi Delta Theta, and Pi Kappa Phi, are not merely names or Greek letters; they are large, often wealthy entities with headquarters, policies, and extensive risk management protocols. These layers of bureaucracy and policy exist precisely because these organizations have faced tragic hazing incidents—deaths, catastrophic injuries, and devastating lawsuits—in the past. They know the patterns: forced drinking, brutal paddling, humiliating rituals masquerading as “tradition.”

When a Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous script that led to another chapter being shut down or sued in another state, that history is not irrelevant. It demonstrates foreseeability and provides strong evidence for arguments of negligence or gross negligence against not only the local chapter but also the national entity. This pattern evidence is critical to holding national organizations accountable for knowing the risks and failing to prevent them.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local to National Past

Many of the fraternities and sororities at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor have national counterparts with documented hazing histories. While we cannot list every single chapter, understanding the national patterns of specific organizations can be crucial for Mission Bend families:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity has a history of severe hazing incidents, often involving dangerous alcohol consumption. Nationally, the fatal hazing of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University (2021) involved a “Big/Little” night where pledges were forced to consume a bottle of alcohol. Earlier, David Bogenberger died at Northern Illinois University (2012) in a similar incident. Pike chapters have been present at UT, Texas A&M, and Baylor, as well as UH. These national patterns demonstrate that Pike leadership was on notice about the dangers of their chapters’ pledging activities.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): SAE has faced numerous hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide, leading to significant lawsuits. Nationally, the tragic death of Carson Starkey at California Polytechnic State University (2008) from alcohol poisoning during a hazing ritual led to a substantial confidential settlement and SAE’s elimination of the traditional pledging process nationwide in 2014. More recently, in Texas, SAE chapters at Texas A&M (2021) were embroiled in a $1 million lawsuit after pledges alleged chemical burns from industrial cleaner, and a UT Austin (2024) chapter faced a lawsuit after an international student suffered severe physical injuries allegedly during an assault at a party. SAE has established chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU, making its national history particularly relevant to Mission Bend families.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): This fraternity was at the center of the fatal hazing of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University (2017), where he died from alcohol toxicity during a “Bible study” drinking game. Phi Delta Theta has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. The Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a direct result of this tragedy, serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for legislative change after such incidents and highlights the need for Mission Bend families to understand the pattern.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): The death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017) from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event brought Pi Kappa Phi’s hazing history into national focus. Chapters of Pi Kappa Phi have been known at UH, Texas A&M, and UT.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): The infamous death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University (2017), where he died from traumatic brain injuries after extreme alcohol consumption and delayed medical attention, is one of the most high-profile hazing cases in U.S. history. Beta Theta Pi has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU.

• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): This fraternity has faced suspensions for hazing, including at SMU (2017) where members were reportedly paddled, forced to drink, and deprived of sleep. Kappa Alpha Order also has a presence at Texas A&M.

• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): In a recent significant development, a family reportedly received more than $10 million in damages from a Sigma Chi chapter at the College of Charleston (2024) for severe alleged hazing including beatings and psychological torment. Sigma Chi chapters are active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor.

The details of these incidents, whether at a Texas university or across the country, provide critical context. They show a pattern of repeated behaviors within certain organizations that leadership often attempts to dismiss as isolated incidents. For Mission Bend families, these histories highlight the severe, foreseeable risks that affiliated students face.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

This history of repeated misconduct within national organizations is a powerful legal tool. It allows us to argue that these entities had prior warnings about dangerous hazing practices within their chapters across the country. They cannot claim ignorance when students are subjected to the same “hazing script” that has caused harm or death elsewhere.

In legal terms, this pattern evidence can:

• Establish Foreseeability: It proves that the national organization knew, or should have known, that their chapters, including those attended by Mission Bend students, were engaging in dangerous hazing.
• Support Negligence Claims: It demonstrates a failure by the national organization to adequately enforce their own anti-hazing policies, train members effectively, or monitor chapters.
• Impact Insurance Coverage: It can be crucial in disputes with fraternity/university insurance companies who might try to deny coverage by claiming a lack of knowledge or that hazing is an “intentional” act outside policy terms.
• Increase Punitive Damages Potential: In cases involving particularly egregious and repeated misconduct, this history can strengthen arguments for punitive damages, designed not just to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant and deter future similar acts.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For families in Mission Bend, Texas, navigating a hazing lawsuit requires a meticulous and strategic approach. It’s not just about what happened, but about proving it with compelling evidence and understanding the full scope of damages available.

Evidence

Modern hazing cases are often won or lost based on the quality and volume of evidence, much of which is digital. Our firm focuses on uncovering and preserving every piece of evidence, which may include:

• Digital Communications: These are often the most critical aspect of modern hazing cases. This includes messages from GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and any fraternity-specific apps. We also examine Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, and TikTok comments. These communications reveal planning, intent, knowledge of hazing, who was involved, and what was said before, during, and after the incidents. Crucially, digital forensics can often recover deleted messages, but original screenshots are invaluable.

• Photos & Videos: Any content filmed by members during hazing events, footage shared in group chats, or posted on social media provides powerful visual evidence. We also look for security camera footage or doorbell camera recordings at houses and venues where hazing occurred.

• Internal Organization Documents: These can include pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions” lists, and emails or texts from officers discussing activities planned for pledges. National policies and training materials are also vital for showing what organizations claim they do versus what they actually do.

• University Records: Through subpoenas and public records requests, we can often obtain records of prior conduct files, probation/suspensions, letters of warning for the specific organization or individuals, and incident reports from campus police or student conduct offices. Universities’ Clery reports and similar disclosures can also reveal patterns of misconduct.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the full extent of the harm. They include emergency room and hospitalization records, surgery and rehab notes, toxicology reports, and psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation resulting from the hazing.

• Witness Testimony: Accounts from pledges, current members, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, and other bystanders are crucial. Former members who quit or were expelled can often provide invaluable insight and testimony.

Damages

When a child from Mission Bend is harmed by hazing, the law allows for recovery for a broad range of damages, aiming to compensate for all losses suffered. These include:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs from immediate emergency room visits and hospitalizations (including ICU and surgery) to ongoing treatments, physical therapy, medications, and mental health counseling. In cases of severe brain injuries or organ damage, it can include the costs of long-term care for the rest of a victim’s life.

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can disrupt a student’s education, leading to missed semesters, delayed graduation, and reduced earning capacity if injuries lead to permanent disability or psychological conditions that affect their ability to work.

• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for subjective but very real suffering. They include physical pain and suffering (from injuries, chronic pain), emotional distress (trauma, humiliation, anxiety, PTSD), and the loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities, social withdrawal, damage to relationships).

• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): If hazing leads to a student’s death, surviving family members, including parents and siblings in Mission Bend, can seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, loss of companionship, love, and emotional support, and their own grief and mental anguish.

It’s important for Mission Bend families to understand that while we describe the types of damages, we never promise or predict specific dollar amounts. Every case is unique, and the value depends on numerous factors.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

National fraternities, universities, and other organizations often carry substantial insurance policies designed to protect them from liability. However, these insurers frequently try to avoid paying claims by arguing:

• Hazing or intentional acts are excluded from coverage.
• The policy doesn’t cover certain defendants or types of incidents.

This is where Attorney911’s unique experience becomes invaluable. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, is a former insurance defense lawyer who understands the tactics used by large insurance companies. We know how to:

• Identify all potential coverage sources: This includes not only the national fraternity/sorority policy and university policies but sometimes individual homeowner policies or umbrella policies.
• Navigate disputes about exclusions: We challenge arguments that hazing was an “intentional act” not covered by negligence-based policies, often by focusing on the organization’s negligent supervision or failure to prevent rather than the specific actions of individuals.
• Force insurers to defend and settle: Our goal is to leverage our knowledge to ensure all responsible parties are brought to the table.

This complex interplay between evidence, damages, and insurance coverage battles underscores why Mission Bend families need deeply experienced hazing litigation attorneys who are not intimidated by powerful institutions and their dedicated defense teams.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For Mission Bend families and students grappling with hazing, immediate, actionable guidance can make all the difference. Knowing what to watch for, how to react, and who to trust is paramount.

For Parents in Mission Bend

We know protecting your child is your first priority. Here’s what parents in Mission Bend need to know:

• Warning Signs of Hazing:

  • Physical: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” with weak explanations. Extreme fatigue, exhaustion, weight changes, or signs of sleep deprivation. Chemical burns, rashes, or suspicious injuries to certain body parts.
  • Behavioral/Emotional: Sudden secrecy about group activities (“I can’t talk about it”). Withdrawal from family or old friends. Drastic changes in mood, increased anxiety, depression, or irritability. Being unusually defensive when asked about the organization. Obsessive fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down.” Using phrases like “just have to get through this” or “everyone did it before me.”
  • Academic: Suddenly dropping grades, missing classes, or falling asleep in class due to mandatory late-night activities.
  • Financial: Unexpected large expenses, forced purchases, “fines,” or inexplicable requests for money.
  • Digital: Constant phone use and anxiety if their phone buzzes. Deleting messages obsessively. Being required to share their location or respond instantly to group messages at all hours.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach any conversation with open questions and avoid judgmental language. Emphasize that their safety and well-being are far more important than any group status. Reassure them you will support them no matter what.

• If Your Child is Hurt: Get them medical attention immediately. Document everything meticulously: take photos of injuries from multiple angles, save all text messages, group chats, social media posts, and physical items like clothing or receipts. Write down dates, times, and what they tell you while their memory is fresh.

• Dealing with the University: Document every communication with administrators. Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization and what the school did to address them. This information can be vital later on.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, it’s time to contact an experienced attorney.

For Students / Pledges in Mission Bend

If you’re a student from Mission Bend considering joining an organization or currently experiencing hazing, your safety comes first.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Do I feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Am I being forced to drink or endure pain? Is this activity hidden from the public or administrators? If the answer is yes, it’s probably hazing, regardless of what they call it.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The pressure to fit in, fear of exclusion, and desire for acceptance create a power imbalance. The law, especially in Texas, recognizes that “consent” given under such duress is not true voluntary consent. You have rights, even if you felt you “agreed” to participate.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you wish to de-pledge or report, you can do so privately or anonymously through campus channels or national hotlines (e.g., 1-888-NOT-HAZE). Do not attend “one last meeting” where you might be pressured or intimidated.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Texas law and many school policies encourage calling for help in an emergency by offering protections. You will likely not get in trouble for seeking help for yourself or a friend, even if alcohol or drugs were involved.

For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were once involved in hazing, or witnessed it, and now regret your participation or feel a moral obligation to speak out, we understand the guilt and fear you might be experiencing. Your testimony and evidence, however, may be crucial in preventing future harm and saving lives. While you may want private legal advice, cooperating can be an important step towards accountability and healing. Experienced attorneys can help you navigate your role as a witness or advise you on potential legal implications.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

Mission Bend families, please be aware of these common errors that can severely damage a hazing lawsuit:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: While you might want to protect your child from further trouble, destroying evidence can look like a cover-up, makes proving your case almost impossible, and can even lead to legal consequences. Preserve everything immediately, even content that seems embarrassing. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: Emotional confrontations typically lead the organization to immediately seek legal counsel, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defense. Instead, document everything privately, then call a lawyer before any direct confrontation.

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or internal resolution agreements. Doing so could mean you waive your legal right to sue in civil court, and these settlements are often far below what a case is truly worth. Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first.

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: While natural to want to share your story, anything posted publicly can be used by defense attorneys, potentially hurting your credibility or waiving legal protections. Document privately, and let your lawyer control any public messaging strategy.

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” or “talk it out”: Once you’re considering legal action, any communication with the organization should go through your lawyer. Returning can expose your child to pressure, intimidation, or lead to statements that damage your legal position.

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities often promise internal investigations, but this process moves slowly while crucial evidence disappears. Witnesses graduate, the statute of limitations continues to run, and the university often prioritizes its own reputation. Preserve evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately; the university process is often separate from achieving real accountability and compensation.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters, even if polite, represent the insurance company’s interests, not yours. They may try to record your statement or offer a lowball settlement. Politely decline to speak with them and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin have some sovereign immunity protectors. However, exceptions for gross negligence, willful misconduct, and Title IX violations exist. Private universities like SMU and Baylor generally have fewer immunity shields. 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, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals, including officers, can also face charges for failing to report known 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. The law recognizes that “consent” under pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, in Texas, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, this period may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Learn more about the Texas statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability of hazing. Many major hazing cases, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat death or the Sigma Pi “unofficial house” death, occurred off-campus but still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Many hazing cases are settled confidentially before trial, and we can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while aggressively pursuing accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your Mission Bend family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, universities, and their deep-pocketed insurance companies—fight back, and how to win anyway. This is where The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, comes in.

From our main office in Houston, we extend our services across all of Texas, including Mission Bend and the surrounding Fort Bend County area. We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families throughout our state, even those whose children attend schools far from our city.

Our firm is uniquely qualified to handle complex hazing cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/). She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusions, and their settlement strategies. In essence, we know their playbook because we used to run it.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a quarter-century of experience taking on powerful defendants (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/). He was involved in the landmark BP Texas City explosion litigation—one of the few Texas firms to be part of that effort. Our federal court experience in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, athletic programs, or their highly resourced defense teams. We’ve gone head-to-head with billion-dollar corporations and won; we know how to fight powerful defendants.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), working with economists to value the true loss of life. We are also expert in cases involving catastrophic injuries, such as brain damage or permanent disability, where we meticulously build life care plans to ensure victims receive the compensation needed for lifelong care. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force real accountability.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a distinct advantage. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, which is crucial for advising witnesses and former members who may face dual exposure.

• Investigative Depth: We pride ourselves on thorough investigation, leveraging a network of experts—medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. We are particularly adept at obtaining hidden evidence, including deleted group chats and social media content, subpoenaing national fraternity records that reveal prior incidents, and uncovering vital university files through discovery and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We understand that you are in a legal emergency. We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help enact changes that prevent this from happening to another family. We approach every case with empathy, thoroughly investigate every detail, and pursue accountability relentlessly.

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

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story without judgment.
• We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options, discussing whether a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, or both, are the right path for your family.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what you can expect from the legal process.
• 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. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot—take the time you need to decide.
• Everything you tell us is confidential.

Call us today! You don’t have to face this alone.

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

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

Whether you’re in Mission Bend 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