Hazing in Texas: A Definitive Guide for Pearland Families on Campus Abuse, Law, and Accountability

When initiation night turns into a medical emergency, families in Pearland and across Texas face an unimaginable crisis. Imagine a student, full of hope for their college experience, pressured into chugging dangerous amounts of alcohol or enduring physical torment, all in the name of “tradition” or “earning their letters.” Others might be filming the ordeal, cheering, laughing, and then, as someone collapses or vomits, a chilling silence descends. No one wants to call 911 because they fear “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” Trapped between loyalty to the group and their own safety, a student might feel utterly alone.

This scenario, tragically common, doesn’t discriminate. It could unfold at any Texas university—whether it’s the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or another institution where Pearland families send their children. What began as an aspirational journey twists into a nightmare of injury, humiliation, or even death.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of hazing and the law in Texas, written specifically for families in Pearland, Houston, and surrounding communities who need to understand:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, far beyond outdated stereotypes.
• How Texas and federal law address hazing, providing pathways for justice.
• Lessons from major national cases and how those precedents apply to students at Texas universities.
• Specific insights into incidents and patterns at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University.
• Legal options available to victims and their families in Pearland and throughout Texas to pursue accountability and compensation.

Please note, this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute specific legal advice. While we aim to provide comprehensive and current information, hazing laws and university policies are complex and constantly evolving. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC can evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts, and we proudly serve families throughout the state, including our neighbors in Pearland, Houston, and across the Greater Houston area.

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, every second counts:

  • Prioritize getting medical attention immediately, even if your child insists they are “fine.” Their health and safety are paramount.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: Immediately screenshot all group chats, texts, and direct messages. Photograph any injuries from multiple angles and save any physical items involved, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in the hazing.
  • Write down everything while your memory is fresh: record who was involved, what happened, when and where it took place, and any specific details your child recounts.
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. Doing so can lead to evidence destruction or retaliation.
    • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel. You could inadvertently waive important rights.
    • Post details on public social media. This can compromise your child’s emotional well-being and potentially harm a future legal case.
    • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence, no matter how embarrassing it may seem.

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

  • Evidence disappears incredibly quickly – deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses.
  • Universities often move swiftly to control the narrative.
  • We can help preserve crucial evidence and protect your child’s rights from the very beginning.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation and guidance.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The image of hazing often conjures up outdated scenes from movies or news reports from decades past. However, hazing in 2025 is far more insidious, sophisticated, and pervasive than many realize. It’s not just a rite of passage or a “little bit of fun gone wrong”; it’s a dangerous, often illegal, pattern of abuse that can have lifelong consequences. The definition is clear: hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in any group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits an individual. It’s crucial to understand that claiming “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal, especially when there is a significant power imbalance and immense peer pressure involved.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms, often escalating in severity. For Pearland families, recognizing these modern tactics is the first step toward prevention and protection.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most common and deadliest forms. It involves forced or coerced drinking, such as chugging challenges, “lineups” where pledges are forced to rapidly consume alcohol, or games designed to promote extreme intoxication. It also includes being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, which can have unpredictable and life-threatening effects. Many fatalities in hazing cases are directly linked to alcohol poisoning.

• Physical Hazing: Beyond the stereotypical paddling, physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond safe or normal conditioning limits. This can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a severe medical condition where muscle breakdown leads to kidney damage. Other forms include sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, and exposure to extreme cold, heat, or dangerous environments, often leaving students disoriented and vulnerable.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This particularly egregious form of abuse involves forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (such as “roasted pig” positions), or being made to wear degrading costumes. It can also include acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, slurs, or role-playing that deeply humiliates and traumatizes students.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but deeply damaging, psychological hazing involves verbal abuse, threats, and isolation. It can include manipulation or forced confessions, public shaming (even on social media), and constant intimidation. This type of hazing erodes a student’s self-esteem and can lead to severe anxiety, depression, and long-term psychological issues.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the rise of smartphones and social media, hazing has evolved into the digital realm. This includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, and others. It often involves pressure to create or share compromising images or videos, or to engage in online behaviors that are degrading or dangerous. Digital hazing can also include 24/7 monitoring and demands for immediate responses, contributing to sleep deprivation and intense psychological pressure.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to “frat boy” stereotypes. It is a systemic issue found across a wide array of student organizations. Many Pearland families may believe their child is safe because they are not involved in a traditional fraternity, but the reality is much broader:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes chapters under the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and various multicultural Greek organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These organizations, often built on tradition and discipline, can sometimes cross the line into abusive hazing practices.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Organizations: Groups like the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin, various spirit organizations, and even some service, cultural, and academic clubs have been implicated in hazing incidents.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, cheerleading, and even club sports, hazing can be a dark side of team bonding that involves physical abuse, humiliation, or forced initiation rituals.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even organizations dedicated to the arts and performance have faced hazing allegations, often involving psychological manipulation or demeaning tasks.

Hazing persists across these diverse groups due to a complex interplay of social status, ingrained traditions, and a pervasive culture of secrecy. Members often feel immense pressure to conform, to “earn their spot,” or to uphold what they perceive as sacred institutional practices, even when these practices are illegal and harmful.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial for Pearland families seeking justice and accountability. Both state and federal laws provide frameworks to address these harmful practices.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear and specific anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code. In plain terms, Section 37.151 defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed 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 that student (e.g., physical beatings, forced exercise, coerced consumption of alcohol or drugs, extreme humiliation, severe intimidation).
• And occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

For Pearland families, this means that if someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they either intended to do it or were reckless about the risk, that is hazing under Texas law.

Key aspects of Texas hazing law:

• Location is irrelevant: Hazing can happen on or off campus; the law applies regardless of where the act occurs.
• Scope of harm: It covers both mental and physical harm.
• Intent to haze is not required: Individuals and organizations can be held liable if their actions were merely reckless, meaning they knew or should have known the risks involved and proceeded anyway.
• “Consent” is not a defense: As explicitly stated in Texas Education Code § 37.155, even if the victim “agreed” or “consented” to the activity, it is still hazing if it meets the statutory definition. This recognizes the inherent power imbalances and coercive nature of hazing.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing (§ 37.152):

The severity of criminal penalties for hazing in Texas directly correlates with the level of harm caused:

• Class B Misdemeanor (default): Most hazing acts that do not cause serious injury fall into this category, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes an injury that requires medical attention, the charge can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor.
• State Jail Felony: Critically, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be charged as a State Jail Felony, carrying much more severe penalties, including incarceration in a state jail.

Beyond the direct acts of hazing, individuals can also face criminal charges for:

• Failing to report hazing: If an officer or member of an organization knows about hazing and fails to report it, they can face misdemeanor charges.
• Retaliation: Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor offense.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):

Texas law extends liability beyond individuals to the organizations themselves. Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and sports teams can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing.
• An officer or member acting in their official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it.

Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and the university can revoke their recognition, effectively banning the organization from campus. This provision underscores that accountability reaches beyond individuals to the institutions that enable or overlook hazing.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§ 37.154):

Texas law encourages reporting by offering protections. A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university officials or law enforcement is generally immune from civil or criminal liability that might result from the report. Furthermore, in medical emergencies, Texas law and most university policies provide amnesty for students who call 911 (or campus resources), even if they were drinking underage or involved in the hazing itself. This is critical for encouraging life-saving intervention.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important to understand that hazing incidents can often lead to two distinct legal processes:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (prosecutors) and aim to punish individuals or organizations for violating criminal statutes. In hazing, common criminal charges include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and, in tragic cases, manslaughter or negligent homicide. The burden of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
• Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving families against individuals and organizations. The primary goal is to obtain monetary compensation for the harm suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil claims often focus on legal theories such as negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The burden of proof is “preponderance of the evidence,” which is lower than in criminal cases.

Importantly, these processes can run concurrently, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a successful civil case. For families in Pearland, pursuing a civil case can provide a pathway to financial recovery for immense losses and can force policy changes to prevent future tragedies.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also play a role in addressing hazing, particularly for colleges and universities that receive federal funding:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal aid enhance their transparency and action regarding hazing. By around 2026, institutions will be required to publicly report hazing incidents, strengthen hazing education and prevention efforts, and maintain accessible data on hazing violations. This will provide Pearland families with greater insight into the hazing records of the institutions their children attend.

• Title IX / Clery Act: When hazing involves elements of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based discrimination, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is triggered. This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education and requires institutions to respond promptly and effectively to such incidents. Additionally, the Clery Act mandates that colleges and universities disclose information about campus crime, including certain hazing incidents that may overlap with categories like assault, alcohol-related offenses, and drug violations.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

In a civil hazing lawsuit, a broad range of individuals and entities can be held responsible, depending on their role and knowledge:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, participated in, carried out, or helped conceal the hazing acts can be named as defendants. This includes ringleaders, “pledge educators,” and even members who stood by and did nothing to intervene.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself, as a legal entity, can be sued. This often includes the officers and members who were in positions of leadership or oversight.
• National Fraternity / Sorority: The national headquarters, which charters, supervises, and collects dues from local chapters, can be held liable. Liability often depends on what the national organization knew or should have known from prior incidents at other chapters, and how effectively they enforced their own anti-hazing policies.
• University or Governing Board: While public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, and UT) in Texas benefit from some degree of sovereign immunity, they are not entirely immune. Exceptions can apply for gross negligence, in cases involving Title IX violations, or when individual employees are sued in their personal capacity. Private universities (such as SMU and Baylor) typically have fewer immunity protections. Universities can be held liable for negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or showing deliberate indifference to known hazing.
• Third Parties: This can include landlords or property owners of off-campus houses or event spaces where hazing occurred, particularly if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities. In some cases, bars or alcohol providers might face liability under “dram shop laws” for furnishing alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors that contributed to a hazing incident. Security companies or event organizers might also be implicated if their negligence contributed to the harm.

Every case is highly fact-specific; not all parties will be liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney can help identify all potentially responsible parties and the strongest legal theories for your family’s situation.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

Hazing deaths and catastrophic injuries often make national headlines, revealing disturbing patterns of abuse. These anchor stories underscore the severe consequences of hazing and provide critical precedents for civil litigation, including cases originating from Pearland or impacting Pearland families whose children attend Texas universities.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most frequent and often fatal form of hazing involves forced or coerced alcohol consumption. These cases demonstrate a recurring script of excessive drinking, often compounded by a delay in seeking medical help due to a culture of secrecy.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): The tragic death of 19-year-old Timothy Piazza at a Beta Theta Pi bid-acceptance event sent shockwaves across the nation. Piazza was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, then fell multiple times, sustaining severe head injuries. Fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours, a horrifying sequence captured by the chapter’s own security cameras. The aftermath involved dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, intense civil litigation with confidential settlements, and the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, a felony hazing statute named in his honor. This case vividly illustrates how extreme intoxication, deliberate delay in seeking medical attention, and a pervasive culture of silence can lead to devastating legal and human consequences.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume them rapidly. This incident led to criminal hazing charges against multiple members, a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU, and a state-wide overhaul of anti-hazing policies in Florida. Coffey’s case highlights how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster in fraternities nationwide.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver died with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.495% after participating in a Phi Delta Theta “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly. This tragedy spurred Louisiana to enact the Max Gruver Act, a landmark felony hazing law that applies to offenses regardless of location. The Gruver case is a powerful example of how public outrage and clear proof of hazing can drive significant legislative change, providing stronger legal recourse for victims and their families.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was coerced into drinking an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night event and died from alcohol poisoning. The incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members, and Bowling Green State University settled with the Foltz family for nearly $3 million. Significant confidential settlements were also reached with the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and other individuals. This case demonstrates that universities, alongside fraternities, can face substantial financial and reputational consequences for their role (or inaction) in hazing fatalities. Furthermore, in 2024, a court ordered the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, to personally pay $6.5 million to the Foltz family, showcasing the massive individual liability that leaders can face.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing can inflict severe injuries and even death, often in attempts to reinforce hierarchy or secrecy.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng died after participating in a brutal, blindfolded “glass ceiling” hazing ritual during a fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. He suffered a traumatic brain injury after being repeatedly tackled while carrying a heavy backpack. Fraternity members delayed seeking medical help for an alarming period. The criminal investigation resulted in multiple members’ convictions, and the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity itself was found guilty of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, leading to a 10-year ban from forming chapters in Pennsylvania. Deng’s case grimly illustrates that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than parties, and national organizations can face severe criminal and civil sanctions for the actions of their chapters.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue within athletic programs, marching bands, and other student groups.

• Northwestern University – Athletic Hazing Scandal (2023–2025): This incident exposed widespread allegations of sexualized and racist hazing within the university’s football program, occurring over multiple years. Former players filed several lawsuits against Northwestern University and its coaching staff. The scandal led to the firing of head football coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially. This high-profile case tragically underscored that hazing extends beyond Greek life into major, money-generating athletic programs, often revealing deep-seated issues of institutional oversight and a culture of silence.

What These Cases Mean for Pearland Families in Texas

These national hazing cases, though occurring outside of Texas, share critical common threads that directly impact Pearland families: forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, deliberate delays in medical care, and systematic cover-ups. The patterns seen in these tragedies emphasize that:

• Hazing is a predictable risk within many student organizations.
• Reforms, including new legislation, stronger university policies, and multi-million-dollar settlements, often materialize only after a tragedy has occurred and civil litigation has pushed for accountability.
• Pearland families whose children attend universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor are operating within a legal landscape shaped by these national lessons. Experienced hazing attorneys can leverage these precedents to build strong cases against individuals and institutions in Texas.

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

For families in Pearland, understanding the specific hazing dynamics at Texas’s major universities is paramount. Each institution has its unique culture, policies, and history of incidents. Pearland is a thriving city within Harris County, part of the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Many Pearland families are deeply connected to the University of Houston, given its proximity, and also send their children to other esteemed Texas universities. For these families, insights into the specific context of these schools are invaluable.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

As one of Texas’s largest and most diverse urban campuses, the University of Houston is a common destination for students from Pearland and the surrounding Houston area. Its vibrant student life includes a significant Greek presence and numerous student organizations.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (UH, relevant to Pearland)

The University of Houston boasts a dynamic, urban environment, attracting a blend of commuter and residential students. Its Greek life is notably active, encompassing fraternities and sororities from various councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural Greek Council, United Greek Council), all seeking to build community among its diverse student body. Pearland, being a part of the greater Houston area, often sees its high school graduates thriving at UH, contributing to its rich academic and social fabric.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels (UH)

UH maintains clear anti-hazing policies, explicitly prohibiting any act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. This includes forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and acts causing mental distress. The university encourages reporting through the Dean of Students office, the Student Conduct office, UH Police Department (UHPD), and offers online reporting forms via its website (uh.edu/dos/hazing). UH also publishes an annual summary of hazing violations and disciplinary actions, in compliance with state and federal regulations, providing a measure of transparency.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses (UH)

The University of Houston has investigated and disciplined various organizations for hazing. One notable incident involved Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) in 2016. Pledges were allegedly subjected to a multi-day event involving food/water and sleep deprivation, culminating in an incident where a student suffered a lacerated spleen after being violently forced onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was promptly suspended by the university, losing official recognition. Subsequent disciplinary reports have referenced other fraternities for violations “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse and policy breaches, leading to further suspensions or probationary periods. These incidents highlight UH’s willingness to enforce its policies by suspending chapters, though the public details sometimes remain limited compared to more exhaustive lists from other institutions.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed (Pearland Jurisdiction)

For Pearland families, a hazing incident at UH would typically involve the UH Police Department and potentially the Houston Police Department, depending on where the incident occurred (on-campus vs. off-campus within city limits). Civil lawsuits related to hazing at UH would fall under the jurisdiction of courts in Harris County, where both Pearland and the University of Houston are situated. Potential defendants in such a case could include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university itself, along with any property owners of off-campus venues. An experienced attorney can navigate the complexities of Harris County’s legal system and the specific policies of UH.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do (Tailored for Pearland)

• Report Internally Immediately: If hazing is suspected, utilize UH’s reporting channels through the Dean of Students, Student Conduct, or UHPD immediately. Pearland families should encourage their students to come forward.
• Document Everything: Screenshot all digital communications, photograph any physical signs of hazing, and keep detailed notes. This evidence is critical for any internal investigation or legal action.
• Understand Prior Incidents: Review UH’s published hazing violation history. This public record can be crucial for understanding patterns of behavior within specific organizations.
• Contact a Houston-based Hazing Attorney: Before making any formal statements or signing documents, Pearland families should consult with an attorney experienced in Houston-based hazing cases. Our firm understands the intricacies of UH’s system and the Harris County courts.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, is deeply rooted in tradition and holds a unique place in the hearts of many Texans. With its renowned Corps of Cadets and vast Greek system, A&M presents its own set of challenges and complexities when it comes to hazing. Many Pearland students matriculate to A&M, drawn by its spirit and academic programs.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (Texas A&M, relevant to Pearland)

Texas A&M’s identity is heavily defined by its strong traditions, the Aggie Spirit, and the prominence of the Corps of Cadets, a military-style organization. Greek life is also a significant part of campus culture, encompassing a wide range of fraternities and sororities (IFC, CPC, MGC, NPHC). The campus’s emphasis on honor, loyalty, and tradition can, in some instances, create an environment where hazing practices are disguised as “earning one’s way.” Pearland families often laud the values instilled at A&M, making hazing incidents particularly disheartening when they occur within this esteemed environment.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels (Texas A&M)

Texas A&M has a clear policy prohibiting hazing, encompassing acts that endanger physical or mental health or safety for group affiliation. This policy applies to all student organizations, including Greek life and the Corps of Cadets, both on and off campus. Reporting can be made through the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct, or the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). The university also maintains a public database of hazing violations at studentactivities.tamu.edu/fsl/hazing.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses (Texas A&M)

Texas A&M has faced several significant hazing allegations:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (2021): Two pledges alleged severe physical hazing, including forced strenuous activity and being covered in various substances, notably an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This resulted in both pledges suffering severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. They subsequently sued the fraternity for $1 million. The SAE chapter was suspended by the university for two years. This case tragically illustrates the extreme and dangerous nature modern hazing can take beyond traditional alcohol abuse.

• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing practices, including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. This public incident sparked significant discussion about the line between “tradition” and abuse within the Corps. While A&M stated it handled the matter under its own regulations, such incidents underscore the challenges in policing deeply embedded traditions.

• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ) Allegations (2023, ongoing): More recent allegations involve Kappa Sigma at Texas A&M, with claims of hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis, a severe muscle breakdown condition requiring specialized medical attention due to extreme physical hazing. This ongoing litigation emphasizes the need for skilled legal representation in such complex medical injury cases stemming from hazing.

These incidents highlight the ongoing struggle A&M faces in balancing its revered traditions with the imperative to prevent hazing, which can occur in both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed (Pearland Jurisdiction)

For Pearland families whose children attend Texas A&M, hazing incidents would typically involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) or the College Station Police Department for criminal investigations. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in Brazos County courts. However, if the impact on a Pearland family’s life is substantial, or if multiple defendants are spread across Texas, careful jurisdictional analysis is crucial. Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are well-versed in Texas civil procedure and can guide Pearland families through courts across the state. Potential defendants include individuals, local chapters, national organizations, the university, and potentially other third parties.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do (Tailored for Pearland)

• Access Official Records: Utilize Texas A&M’s public hazing report (studentactivities.tamu.edu/fsl/hazing) to monitor violations and support any claims.
• Seek Medical Attention: Document all injuries, both physical and psychological. Given incidents like rhabdomyolysis, immediate medical evaluation is critical.
• Preserve Digital Evidence: Secure photos, videos, and group chats, which are often central to documenting hazing at A&M.
• Consult an Experienced Hazing Attorney: Pearland families should proactively contact an attorney well-versed in Texas hazing law to protect their child’s rights and navigate the potentially complex legal process against powerful institutions like Texas A&M and national fraternities.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The flagship institution of the University of Texas System, UT Austin is a powerhouse of academics and a vibrant hub for student life, including an expansive Greek system and numerous traditions. Many Pearland students aspire to and attend UT, making hazing incidents there highly relevant to families in the greater Houston area.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (UT Austin, relevant to Pearland)

The University of Texas at Austin is a large, dynamic campus known for its academic rigor, spirited traditions (such as the Texas Tower and “Hook ’em Horns”), and diverse student body. Greek life is robust at UT, featuring numerous fraternities and sororities across various councils (UPC, IFC, TAPC, MGC, NPHC). Beyond Greek organizations, UT also has numerous spirit groups and athletic clubs, which have at times been associated with hazing. Pearland families proudly send their children to UT Austin, expecting a safe and enriching collegiate experience.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels (UT Austin)

UT Austin maintains a comprehensive anti-hazing policy, clearly defining prohibited acts that endanger mental or physical health for membership in any student organization, on or off campus. The university is notably transparent, publishing a detailed Hazing Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu) that lists organizations, dates of incidents, a summary of the conduct, and disciplinary sanctions imposed. This public record is a critical resource for families. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, Title IX Office, UTPD, and an anonymous online reporting form.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses (UT Austin)

UT Austin’s hazing violations page contains numerous entries, offering valuable insight into recurring patterns:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): The UT chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume excessive amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. This was deemed hazing, and the chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education. This reflects a common theme of forced consumption and physical exertion in hazing.

• Other Student Organizations: UT’s records reveal that hazing is not exclusive to Greek life. Organizations like Texas Wranglers (a spirit group) and various other clubs have been sanctioned for alcohol-related hazing, forced physical activities, and other punishment-based practices disguised as team-building or tradition.

These public records are invaluable, as they show UT’s willingness to investigate and sanction organizations, and provide concrete evidence of prior misconduct that can be used in civil litigation.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed (Pearland Jurisdiction)

For Pearland families, a hazing incident at UT Austin could involve criminal investigations by the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) or the Austin Police Department (APD), depending on the location of the incident. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County courts. However, given the firm’s statewide reach, cases involving Pearland families can be handled across Texas if jurisdiction allows. The fact that UT is a public university means sovereign immunity defenses might be raised, but skilled hazing attorneys know how to navigate these complexities using exceptions for gross negligence or Title IX. Potential defendants would again include individual students, local and national organizations, the university, and third-party property owners.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do (Tailored for Pearland)

• Utilize UT’s Hazing Violations Page: Pearland parents and students should actively review hazing.utexas.edu for information on organizations their child might be joining or interacting with.
• Immediate Reporting: Report suspected hazing through UT’s official channels, especially the Office of Student Conduct.
• Document Evidence Rigorously: Any documentation of hazing at UT, particularly through digital means, should be preserved. UT’s transparency in disciplinary actions means that a strong paper trail of evidence is vital.
• Seek Legal Counsel Promptly: Given UT’s specific reporting mechanisms and the potential for sovereign immunity defenses, Pearland families should engage an experienced hazing attorney immediately to ensure evidence is protected and legal strategies are maximized.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, nestled in Dallas, is a private institution with a strong emphasis on Greek life and a close-knit community. While geographically further from Pearland, SMU attracts many ambitious students from across Texas, including the Houston area.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (SMU, relevant to Pearland)

SMU is a private, academically strong university known for its beautiful campus in Dallas and a robust Greek presence. It attracts students from affluent backgrounds across the state, including many from Pearland and the Greater Houston area. The social culture is often interwoven with fraternity and sorority life (Panhellenic Council, IFC, NPHC, MGC), making these organizations highly influential. The desire to belong within this active social scene can sometimes create environments where hazing is tolerated or disguised.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels (SMU)

SMU explicitly prohibits hazing and outlines consequences for violations in its Student Code of Conduct. The policy covers acts that endanger physical, mental, or emotional health for purposes of initiation or membership, both on and off campus. Reporting can be done via the Office of Student Conduct, Residence Life, SMU Police Department, or through an anonymous reporting system. SMU also emphasizes hazing prevention education for student leaders and new members. While SMU does not maintain a public hazing violations database in the same detailed format as UT Austin, it does make disciplinary actions publicly available on its fraternity/sorority life website.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses (SMU)

SMU has historically faced hazing issues within its Greek system:

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA) Incident (2017): The SMU chapter of Kappa Alpha Order was investigated after new members were reportedly subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. This led to the chapter’s suspension and significant restrictions on recruiting and activities for several years, demonstrating SMU’s willingness to discipline fraternities.

More generally, SMU (like many other private universities) often addresses issues through internal disciplinary processes that might not always be as transparent as public university systems. However, patterns of misconduct can still be established through careful investigation.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed (Pearland Jurisdiction)

For Pearland families involved in an SMU hazing incident, criminal investigations might be handled by the SMU Police Department or the Dallas Police Department. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Dallas County courts. As a private institution, SMU generally does not have the same sovereign immunity defenses as public universities, which can simplify some aspects of civil litigation. Potential defendants would include individuals, the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and any relevant property owners. Navigating Dallas County courts would fall within the firm’s statewide expertise.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do (Tailored for Pearland)

• Consult SMU’s Disciplinary Records: While not as detailed as UT’s, any available public notices on SMU’s Fraternity & Sorority Life website regarding disciplinary actions are important.
• Prioritize Confidentiality: Students at a private university like SMU may fear greater social repercussions for reporting. Reassure them and ensure any initial disclosures are handled with utmost discretion.
• Document and Seek Counsel: Pearland families should encourage their students to meticulously document any hazing and promptly seek legal advice from an experienced attorney to understand their rights and options. Our firm knows how to compel discovery from private institutions to uncover the truth.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, blends a strong religious identity with a robust athletic and student organization presence. Its unique cultural context, alongside its history of handling complex student conduct issues, shapes how hazing is addressed. Many students from Pearland are proud to call themselves Baylor Bears.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (Baylor, relevant to Pearland)

Baylor University offers a distinctive experience, characterized by its Christian mission, strong academic programs, and significant involvement in NCAA Division I athletics. Greek life is active (Panhellenic Council, IFC, NPHC, MGC), and many other student organizations, including athletic teams and spirit groups, are integral to campus life. Pearland families often choose Baylor for its values-based education. However, its strong emphasis on tradition and loyalty can, at times, create environments ripe for hazing, which can be particularly damaging to its institutional values.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels (Baylor)

Baylor maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, defining hazing broadly to include any act that causes or is likely to cause physical or mental harm or degradation for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. The policy applies to all student organizations, on or off campus. Reporting can be made through the Office of Student Conduct, Baylor Police Department (BUPD), or an anonymous ethics point hotline. Baylor’s website provides information on its hazing policies and a list of student organization sanctions, reflecting its commitment to transparency following past controversies.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses (Baylor)

Baylor has faced scrutiny not only for hazing but also for its broader institutional oversight concerning student safety:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An investigation into hazing within the Baylor baseball program led to the suspension of 14 players. These suspensions were staggered across the early season, indicating the university’s disciplinary response to physical and degrading activities.

• Context of Institutional Oversight: Baylor’s history includes widespread media attention surrounding its handling of sexual assault cases within its athletic department, which raised questions about the university’s institutional culture and accountability. This past scrutiny puts hazing incidents at Baylor into a broader context of governance and student support, where official “zero tolerance” statements must be rigorously enforced.

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenge for Baylor in upholding its stated values and policies, especially within powerful athletic programs and student organizations.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed (Pearland Jurisdiction)

For Pearland families whose children experience hazing at Baylor, criminal investigations would typically be handled by the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) or the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in McLennan County courts. As a private university, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making the legal pathway for victims potentially less complicated in that regard compared to public institutions. However, Baylor, like other private entities, will mount a robust defense. Experienced attorneys can fully explore all avenues for holding responsible parties accountable, including individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and the university itself.

5.2.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do (Tailored for Pearland)

• Review Baylor’s Sanction List: Pearland families should check Baylor’s official website for any published sanctions against student organizations for hazing violations.
• Seek Support and Documentation: Students should seek immediate medical attention if injured and document everything carefully. Baylor’s counseling services can offer vital support.
• Consider Legal Counsel: Given Baylor’s unique institutional context and its past handling of sensitive student conduct issues, Pearland families are strongly advised to seek legal counsel from an attorney experienced in hazing litigation to ensure their rights are protected and all avenues for justice are pursued.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Understanding the history of hazing within specific national fraternities and sororities, and how their patterns manifest at Texas campuses like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, is critical for understanding liability and preventing future harm.

Why National Histories Matter

Most fraternities and sororities active at Texas universities are part of larger national organizations. These national headquarters often claim to have robust anti-hazing manuals, stringent risk management policies, and comprehensive training. However, these policies are usually in place because the national organizations have a documented history of hazing incidents, injuries, and even deaths at chapters across the country. They know the patterns: the forced drinking nights, the ritualistic physical abuse, the humiliating tasks.

For Pearland families, this is crucially important: when a chapter at a Texas university replicates a hazing “script” that has led to tragedy or severe injury at another chapter in a different state, it demonstrates foreseeability. This pattern evidence can be instrumental in proving negligence and supporting claims for punitive damages against the national entity, arguing that they knew (or should have known) the risks and failed to intervene effectively. Our firm leverages this national pattern evidence to hold relevant parties accountable.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While an exhaustive list of every fraternity and sorority at each campus is beyond the scope of this guide, several major organizations with well-documented national hazing issues are prevalent at Texas universities:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), featured at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor:

  • One of the most frequently cited fraternities in severe hazing incidents.
  • National Incidents: The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University (2021) from forced alcohol consumption during a “Big/Little” event led to a $10 million settlement from the national fraternity and university. The death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (2012) from alcohol poisoning likewise resulted in a $14 million settlement. These cases underscore a disturbing pattern of alcohol-related hazing leading to fatalities.
  • Texas Presence: Pi Kappa Alpha chapters have faced sanctions or investigations at UT Austin (2023 for forced milk consumption and calisthenics) and UH (2016 for injury due to physical mistreatment).

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), featured at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin:

  • SAE has a national history marred by multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries, leading the national organization to controversially eliminate its pledge process for a period to combat hazing.
  • National Incidents: Lawsuits include a traumatic brain injury case at the University of Alabama (2023) and numerous alcohol-related deaths in prior years.
  • Texas Presence: The Texas A&M chapter (2021) was sued for an incident where pledges suffered severe chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner, forcing skin graft surgeries. The UT Austin chapter (2024) faced a lawsuit after an exchange student suffered serious injuries, including a dislocated leg and fractured tibia, from an alleged assault by chapter members.

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

  • National Incidents: The death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University (2017) from forced alcohol consumption during a “Bible study” game directly led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute, the Max Gruver Act.
  • Texas Presence: Phi Delta Theta chapters across Texas universities have faced various disciplinary actions for alcohol violations and hazing, reflecting the national pattern.

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

  • National Incidents: The death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017) from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” led to multiple criminal prosecutions and statewide anti-hazing reforms.
  • Texas Presence: Pi Kappa Phi chapters in Texas have been subject to university sanctions related to alcohol, new member education, and prohibited activities.

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA), featured at Texas A&M and SMU:

  • National Incidents: Has a history of hazing allegations across campuses, often involving physical hazing and forced consumption.
  • Texas Presence: The SMU chapter (2017) was subjected to suspension and strict restrictions following reports of paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.

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

  • National Incidents: The infamous death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State (2017) after a bid-acceptance event involving extreme alcohol and delayed medical care led to extensive criminal charges, civil litigation, and the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.
  • Texas Presence: Beta Theta Pi chapters at Texas universities have faced disciplinary actions for various policy violations, underscoring the need for consistent oversight.

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

  • National Incidents: A recent case at the College of Charleston (2024) resulted in the victim’s family receiving more than $10 million in damages for severe physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment during hazing. This monumental verdict demonstrates juries’ willingness to award substantial damages.
  • Texas Presence: Chapters at Texas universities have faced sanctions for alcohol policy violations and new member activities.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

These recurring patterns across states and campuses are critical for hazing litigation. They demonstrate that:

• Foreseeability: Organizations, particularly national fraternities/sororities, cannot credibly claim they were unaware of the dangers when similar incidents have occurred repeatedly across their chapters.
• Knowledge: Prior incidents, even from other states, serve as notice to these national entities about the inherent risks of certain “traditions.”
• Failure to Act: When national organizations fail to meaningfully enforce their anti-hazing policies, respond aggressively to prior incidents, or provide adequate oversight, their liability increases significantly.

This knowledge directly influences:

• Settlement Leverage: An experienced attorney can use this history to compel responsible parties to settle for fair compensation, knowing that a jury is likely to view the pattern of behavior critically.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: It helps in navigating arguments made by insurers who try to deny coverage by claiming hazing was an “unforeseeable accident” or “intentional conduct.”
• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, patterns of willful disregard can support claims for punitive damages, which are designed to punish reckless behavior and deter future misconduct.

For Pearland families, this means that even if a local incident at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor feels isolated, it very rarely is. Our firm understands how to connect these local incidents to the national landscape, building a comprehensive case for accountability.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully navigating a hazing lawsuit requires a meticulous approach to evidence collection, a deep understanding of all potential damages, and a sophisticated legal strategy. For Pearland families seeking justice, this process starts immediately after an incident.

Evidence: The Foundation of Your Case

In today’s digital age, evidence in hazing cases is more abundant than ever, but it also disappears quickly. Prompt and thorough collection is paramount.

• Digital Communications: These are often the most crucial pieces of evidence. GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and platform-specific apps are commonly used by student organizations. Our firm prioritizes preserving full chat histories, direct messages, and comments, even if they’ve been deleted. Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages, but immediate screenshots and preservation of devices are vital to show planning, intent, knowledge, and participation.

• Photos & Videos: Student cellphones are ubiquitous at social events. Any private photos or videos shared among members, or even security camera footage from houses or venues, can provide irrefutable proof. This includes content filmed by members during events, footage shared in private group chats, or publicly posted on social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Injured students should also photograph their injuries immediately from multiple angles, and continue to do so over several days to document progression.

• Internal Organization Documents: Subpoenas can uncover pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, emails, or text messages from officers detailing plans for new members. These often reveal explicit instructions for hazing activities and demonstrate institutional knowledge. National policies, anti-hazing training materials, and chapter conduct guidelines are also crucial as they establish what the organization should have been doing versus what actually occurred.

• University Records: Through discovery in a lawsuit, or sometimes through public records requests (especially for public universities like UH, Texas A&M, or UT Austin), we can uncover a wealth of information:

  • Prior conduct files, probation reports, or warning letters issued to the same organization.
  • Reports from campus police or student conduct offices related to any incidents.
  • Clery Act reports and other disclosures that might indicate patterns of misconduct.
  • Internal emails among administrators regarding the organization or specific hazing allegations.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the full extent of the harm suffered.

  • Emergency room visits, ambulance reports, and hospitalization records detail immediate injuries and care.
  • Lab results, including toxicology reports (for alcohol/drugs) or specific blood panels (e.g., for rhabdomyolysis), are critical.
  • Psychological evaluations and therapy notes can document diagnoses of PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other emotional trauma, which are significant for non-economic damages.

• Witness Testimony: The accounts of other pledges, active members, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, or bystanders who observed the hazing are invaluable. Crucially, former members who quit or were expelled for refusing to participate in hazing practices can often provide extremely powerful testimony and insight.

Damages: Recovering All Losses

In civil hazing cases, victims and their families can pursue compensation for a broad spectrum of losses, recognizing that hazing inflicts deep financial, physical, and emotional wounds.

• Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses.

  • Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers immediate emergency and hospital care, surgeries, ongoing treatments, physical therapy, medications, and mental health counseling. In cases of catastrophic injury (such as brain damage or organ failure), it can include the cost of a “life care plan” for continuous medical support and specialized care over a lifetime.
  • Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes lost wages if the victim or a parent had to miss work. It also covers tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, and the financial impact of delayed graduation, which can significantly set back a student’s entry into the workforce or diminish their lifetime earning capacity if permanent injuries prevent them from pursuing their chosen career.
  • Other Economic Losses: This can cover damaged property (like a phone or car if destroyed during hazing) or relocation costs if a student must transfer to a different school to escape trauma or regain a sense of safety.

• Non-Economic Damages: These address the subjective but no less devastating harms that are legally compensable.

  • Physical Pain & Suffering: Compensation for the actual pain from injuries (broken bones, burns, internal injuries) and any chronic pain from permanent conditions.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: This includes diagnosed conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), major depression, severe anxiety, and panic attacks. It also covers the profound humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, fear, nightmares, and loss of trust that often accompany hazing, which can be just as impactful as physical injuries.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This accounts for the victim’s inability to participate in activities they once loved (sports, hobbies, social life), withdrawal from the college experience, and the overall dimishment of their quality of life.

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

  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Direct expenses related to the passing of their loved one.
  • Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the income and financial contributions the deceased would have provided to their family over their lifetime.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: This is a critical component, addressing the deeply personal and emotional suffering of losing a child, spouse, or parent.
  • Grief and Emotional Suffering: Compensation for the profound grief and trauma experienced by the family.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants and complex insurance policies. National fraternities, national sororities, and universities almost invariably carry substantial insurance coverage. However, securing that coverage is rarely straightforward.

• Insurance Company Tactics: Insurers frequently argue that hazing or “intentional acts” are excluded from coverage. They may attempt to deny coverage outright or refuse to defend the organization, individuals, or university. These are sophisticated arguments designed to protect their bottom line.
• Navigating Exclusions: An experienced hazing attorney knows how to identify all potential insurance policies, including general liability, umbrella policies, and even homeowners’ policies of individual members. We carefully analyze policy language, trigger dates, and notice requirements to compel insurers to honor their obligations. Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge as a former insurance defense attorney, has a unique advantage in anticipating and overcoming these defense tactics.
• Negligent Supervision: Even if an act of hazing is deemed “intentional,” the national organization or university’s negligent supervision or failure to enforce its own policies can still be covered under insurance, allowing us a pathway to holding them accountable.

This complexity underscores the absolute necessity of hiring legal counsel with specific experience in hazing litigation. We deal with the insurance companies so Pearland families can focus on healing.

Practical Guides & FAQs

In the face of suspected hazing, accurate and timely information is invaluable for Pearland families. This section provides practical, actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses.

8.1 For Parents: Your Child’s Safety and Your Role

Parents play a critical role in recognizing hazing and supporting their children.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be attuned to changes in your child’s physical and emotional state.

  • Physical: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” with dubious excuses. Extreme fatigue, exhaustion, sudden weight loss or gain, and sleep deprivation (constant late-night calls/meetings).
  • Behavioral/Emotional: A sudden, uncharacteristic secrecy about group activities; withdrawal from family or old friends; drastic mood swings, anxiety, depression, or irritability. Defensiveness when asked specific questions about the organization, or a constant fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down.”
  • Digital: Intense focus on group chats, anxiety when their phone rings, or obsessive deletion of messages. They might have newly installed location-sharing apps on their phone.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not accusation. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with [organization name]? Are you enjoying it, or is anything making you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priorities, far above any group affiliation. Reassure them you will support them without judgment.

• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize immediate medical attention, even if they minimize their injuries. Document everything meticulously: take clear, dated photos of injuries, archive any relevant texts or digital communications, and write down every detail your child shares (who, what, when, where).

• Dealing with the University: Keep a detailed log of all communications with university administrators, including names, dates, and what was discussed. Ask specific questions about the university’s prior knowledge of hazing within the organization and the steps they took (or didn’t take) in response.

• 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 the incident, it is time to consult with an experienced hazing attorney. We can help you navigate these complex situations and advocate for your child’s rights.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety

If you are a student or pledge in Pearland or at any Texas university and are questioning your experience, this guide is for you.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself:

  • Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
  • Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
  • Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide these activities from outsiders?
  • Does this activity make me feel uncomfortable, humiliated, or physically unsafe?
    If you answer yes to any of these, it is very likely hazing, regardless of what it’s called.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t The End of the Story: Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that true voluntary consent is impossible under conditions of peer pressure, power imbalance, fear of exclusion, and the intense desire to belong. You have a right to be safe, regardless of what you may have “agreed” to.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization or situation that is harming you at any time. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself immediately and contact a trusted adult or campus authority. Many schools offer good-faith reporting protections, which ensure you won’t be punished if you call for help in an emergency. You can also report anonymously through campus channels or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).

• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Texas law and many university policies provide protection and often medical amnesty for students who call for help in an emergency, even if they or others were using alcohol or drugs. Do not hesitate to prioritize safety and seek medical attention.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were involved in hazing but now regret it or feel compelled to speak out, your actions can prevent future tragedies.

• Acknowledge Your Role: It’s normal to feel guilt or fear, but your testimony and evidence can be crucial in holding responsible parties accountable and preventing others from being harmed.
• Your Evidence Matters: If you have photos, videos, group chats, or first-hand accounts, this information can be vital in building a case.
• Seek Advice: You may want to seek your own legal advice to understand your rights and potential liabilities. Cooperating with investigators (whether criminal or civil) can be a crucial step towards both personal remediation and justice for victims. Our firm can help you understand your options as a witness.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Protecting a hazing victim’s rights begins with avoiding common, yet detrimental, errors. Pearland families must be aware of these pitfalls:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: In a moment of fear or embarrassment, a child might delete crucial digital evidence like group chats or photos. This makes a case significantly harder to prove. Instead, preserve everything immediately, no matter how seemingly small or embarrassing.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: While understandable, confronting the individuals or the organization directly can be counterproductive. They will immediately become defensive, likely destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their legal defense. Instead, document everything discreetly and contact an attorney before any confrontation.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. These documents can waive your right to pursue legal action or result in a settlement far below the actual value of the case. Never sign anything from the university or an insurance company without having an attorney review it first.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: Sharing details on public platforms can compromise your child’s well-being, create inconsistencies in their story (which defense attorneys will seize upon), and potentially waive legal privileges. Document privately, and let your legal counsel guide any public messaging.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: Fraternities or sororities might invite your child back for a “talk” or “one last meeting.” This is often a tactic to pressure them, intimidate them, or extract statements that could harm a future case. Once you are considering legal action, all communication should go through your attorney.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: While reporting to the university is important, relying solely on their internal process can be a mistake. Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations can run out. Universities often prioritize protecting their reputation over full accountability. Preserve evidence now and consult a lawyer immediately.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters sound friendly and helpful, but their goal is to minimize payouts. Any recorded statement can be used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball. Politely decline to speak with them and inform them your attorney will be in contact.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin benefit from sovereign immunity, but exceptions apply for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individual employees. Private universities such as SMU and Baylor typically have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific; contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, it can be. While basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, it escalates to a state jail felony under Texas Education Code § 37.152 if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals in leadership positions can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

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

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, exceptions exist, such as the “discovery rule” or fraudulent concealment, which can extend this period. Time is of the essence; evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Contact 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for a precise timeline for your specific situation.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of hazing does not necessarily eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be held responsible based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and the foreseeability of the hazing. Many significant hazing cases, including the Pi Delta Psi retreat death and the Sigma Pi case at an unofficial house, occurred off-campus yet resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While some high-profile cases become public, the vast majority of hazing lawsuits settle confidentially before trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and can work to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We balance the need for public accountability with your desire for discretion.

Where the law is complex or depends on factual details, always consult with a qualified attorney to review your specific situation and understand your precise legal options under Texas law.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the profound trauma of a hazing incident, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring a unique blend of empathy, fierce advocacy, and deep legal expertise to the complex world of hazing litigation.

From our primary office right here in Houston, just a short drive from Pearland, we serve families across the Greater Houston area, Harris County, and throughout Texas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities can deeply impact families in our very own communities, including Pearland.

Our firm is uniquely qualified to take on these challenging cases:

• Inside Knowledge of Insurance Defense (Lupe Peña): Our Associate Attorney Lupe Peña previously worked as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She possesses invaluable insider knowledge of exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. Simply put, we know their playbook because we used to help write it, giving us a powerful advantage in negotiating and litigating against well-resourced opponents.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello): Managing Partner Ralph Manginello has a distinguished 25-year career of taking on formidable defendants. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in litigation stemming from the BP Texas City refinery explosion, a complex case against a corporate giant. This federal court experience and history of litigating against large, deep-pocketed defendants means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their sophisticated defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won; we know how to fight powerful institutions, and we bring that same tenacity to fighting for hazing victims.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with expert economists to value the total loss of life. We understand how to recover damages for devastating injuries that require lifetime care, such as traumatic brain injuries or organ damage caused by hazing. We don’t settle cheap; we diligently build cases that demand full accountability and fair compensation.

• Dual Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides us with a unique understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual perspective is crucial for advising witnesses and former members who may face both criminal exposure and civil liability in hazing cases.

• Unrivaled Investigative Depth: We pride ourselves on an exhaustive investigative approach. We leverage a network of medical, digital forensics, economic, and psychological experts specifically for hazing cases. Our team has extensive experience obtaining hidden evidence, including deleted group chats, social media content, internal chapter records, and university files that institutions often try to keep hidden through the discovery process and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, athletic departments, and other student organizations actually function behind closed doors. We know how to expose the truth, even when faced with powerful institutional defendants, complex insurance coverage battles, and a culture of silence. We know that families in Pearland send their children to college expecting safety and opportunity, not injury and trauma.

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 prevent this from happening to another family. We believe in thorough investigation and ultimately, real accountability.

Call to Action for Pearland Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus – whether it’s the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or another institution – we want to hear from you. Families in Pearland and throughout the surrounding Greater Houston region have the absolute right to answers and accountability for such profound injustices. You don’t have to face this alone.

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

What you can expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen carefully to your story and the details of the incident.
• We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options: whether a criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither, is appropriate for your situation.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect from the legal process.
• We will answer all your questions about costs, as we work on a contingency fee basis – meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. For more information on fees, please watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time you need to decide.
• Everything you tell us during the consultation is strictly confidential.

Don’t delay. Evidence disappears quickly, and crucial deadlines exist. For more information, please watch our video about common client mistakes that can ruin your case at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY or our video about the Statute of Limitations at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

Contact Attorney911 today for immediate help and guidance:

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

Hablamos Español – For consultation in Spanish, please contact our Associate Attorney Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Whether you’re in Pearland 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