Hazing and the Law in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Waller Families

The phone rings late, or maybe a text comes in the middle of the night. It’s your child, a student at one of Texas’s vibrant universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor. They sound distressed, injured, or perhaps just distant, hinting at “initiation night” or a “team bonding event” gone terribly wrong. Someone has been hurt – an accident, they say, but the fear in their voice tells you it’s much more than that. Other students are filming on phones, chanting, laughing, pushing them to drink far beyond their limits or endure degrading acts. No one wants to call 911 because they’re afraid of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” Your child feels trapped between loyalty to the group and their own safety.

This scenario is far too common for families in Waller and across Texas. Hazing, in its modern forms, is not just a rite of passage; it’s a dangerous and often illegal practice that can lead to severe injury, lasting trauma, or even death.

This comprehensive guide is written for families in Waller and throughout Texas who are urgently seeking answers about hazing. We will explain:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The intricacies of Texas and federal laws that govern hazing.
• How significant national hazing cases set crucial precedents for what happens in Texas.
• The specific hazing challenges and incidents that have occurred at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.
• The legal paths and options available to victims and their families in Waller and the broader Texas community.

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, is a Houston-based personal injury firm serving families throughout Texas, including Waller and surrounding areas. We are ready to evaluate individual cases based on their unique facts.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours, these steps are crucial:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health above all else.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles and over several days to show progression.
  • Save any physical items that could be evidence, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in hazing.
• Write down everything while your memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when it occurred, and where it took place.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly.
  • Sign anything from the university or the organization’s insurance company without legal counsel.
  • Post details about the incident on public social media platforms.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any potential evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours: Evidence disappears rapidly—group chats are deleted, physical objects are discarded, and witnesses are coached. Universities often move quickly to control the narrative. We can help you preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Waller families and others across Texas, understanding modern hazing means looking past old jokes and cinematic caricatures. Hazing today is broader, often more insidious, and can be camouflaged by terms like “tradition” or “team bonding.” At its core, hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership in, or gaining status within a group, where that behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. It’s important to emphasize that a student’s “agreement” or “consent” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal, especially when peer pressure, power imbalances, and the fear of exclusion are at play.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms. While some are physically obvious, others are invisible scars or digital footprints.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is one of the most dangerous forms. It includes forced or coerced drinking, often through chugging challenges, “lineups,” or games designed for rapid, excessive alcohol consumption. Students might also be pressured to consume unknown substances or illicit drugs, putting their lives at immediate risk.
• Physical Hazing: This involves acts that inflict physical pain or exhaustion. Examples include paddling and beatings, extreme calisthenics or “workouts” pushed far beyond safe limits, sleep deprivation, and forced food or water deprivation. Students may be exposed to extreme cold or heat, or placed in dangerous environments.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This particularly egregious form includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (sometimes referred to as “roasted pig” positions or “elephant walks”), and forcing pledges into degrading costumes or actions. It can also involve acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, including the use of slurs or forced role-play of stereotypes.
• Psychological Hazing: This type targets a student’s mental and emotional well-being. It can involve verbal abuse, relentless threats, and social isolation. Victims may be subjected to manipulation, forced confessions, or public shaming through social media or group meetings, leading to severe anxiety, depression, and long-lasting trauma.
• Digital/Online Hazing: A growing concern, this involves the use of technology to facilitate hazing. It can include group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, or other online platforms. Students are often pressured to create or share compromising images or videos. This modern form of hazing also frequently involves 24/7 digital control, where pledges must respond instantly to group messages at all hours, face sleep deprivation through phone calls, and are tracked using location-sharing apps.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

The misconception that hazing is limited to “frat boys” is dangerously false. Hazing is a pervasive issue across a wide range of organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes traditional Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations like the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M are prone to hazing due to their hierarchical, tradition-heavy structures.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Groups like the Texas Cowboys (though historically infamous for hazing, no longer recognized) or other spirit organizations.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, cheerleading, and swimming, hazing can occur in any sport.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous artistic groups can harbor hazing.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: These groups, while often promoting positive values, are not immune to hazing practices.

The unfortunate reality is that social status, the allure of “tradition,” and a deeply ingrained culture of secrecy all contribute to keeping these dangerous practices alive, even when everyone involved “knows” that hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited by universities. For Waller families, understanding this broad context is crucial, as their children might join any of these diverse organizations on campus.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For Waller families whose children attend universities in Texas, understanding the legal landscape around hazing is essential. Texas has specific laws against hazing, and federal regulations also play a critical role in campus accountability.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas law explicitly defines and prohibits hazing, providing a framework for both criminal charges and civil liability. The Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F, outlines these provisions.

Texas Education Code § 37.151. Definition

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

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

In plain English, if someone makes your child do something dangerous, physically or psychologically harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they acted intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly (meaning they understood the risk but disregarded it), then that constitutes hazing under Texas law. The location—whether on or off campus—does not matter. Critically, consent is not a defense in hazing cases in Texas, meaning that even if a student outwardly “agreed” to participate, it can still be legally classified as hazing due to the inherent power imbalance and coercive nature of these circumstances.

§ 37.152. Criminal Penalties

Texas law imposes criminal penalties on individuals and organizations involved in hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: The default charge for hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury, carrying up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: Applies if the hazing causes an injury requiring medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, the charge escalates significantly.

Furthermore, individuals who are members or officers of organizations and fail to report hazing they know about can also face misdemeanor charges. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

§ 37.153. Organizational Liability

Organizations (such as fraternities, sororities, clubs, or athletic teams) can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

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

Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke their official recognition, effectively banning them from campus. This provision is vital because it establishes that accountability extends beyond individual students to the organizations themselves.

§ 37.154. Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting

To encourage reporting, Texas law provides immunity: a person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from that report. Additionally, many university policies and Texas law provide amnesty for students who call 911 in medical emergencies related to hazing, even if underage drinking or other minor offenses were involved.

§ 37.155. Consent Not a Defense

This is a cornerstone of Texas hazing law. It explicitly states that “it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” This directly confronts the common defense tactic of blaming the victim for “choosing” to participate.

§ 37.156. Reporting by Educational Institutions

Texas colleges and universities are mandated to:

• Provide hazing prevention education.
• Publish clear anti-hazing policies.
• Maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions.

These public reports, like those from UT Austin (hazing.utexas.edu), can be critical evidence in civil cases, showing a pattern of behavior and the university’s prior knowledge of issues within specific organizations.

Criminal vs Civil Cases

It’s important to understand the distinct nature of criminal and civil cases related to hazing.

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (prosecutors) and aim to punish unlawful behavior. In hazing, typical criminal charges can include hazing offenses specifically, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in fatal cases. The outcome is punishment (jail time, fines, probation, community service).
• Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving families, with the goal of securing monetary compensation for damages suffered and holding responsible parties accountable. Civil claims often focus on negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

These two legal tracks can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for filing a successful civil lawsuit, and vice-versa.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also impact how hazing is addressed on college campuses:

• The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation, still being phased in through 2026, requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to be more transparent about hazing incidents. It mandates enhanced hazing education and prevention programs and requires public reporting of hazing data.
• Title IX / Clery Act: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based discrimination, Title IX obligations are triggered, requiring universities to investigate and respond. The Clery Act requires universities to disclose campus crime statistics, and hazing incidents often overlap with categories like assault, alcohol violations, and drug offenses.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining who is legally responsible in a hazing case is complex but crucial for securing justice. Potential defendants can include:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, enforced, supplied alcohol, carried out, or participated in the hazing acts, or helped cover them up.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or athletic team itself, especially if it operates as a recognized legal entity. Key individuals in leadership roles, such as officers or “pledge educators,” may bear significant responsibility.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The larger, national organization that oversees local chapters. Liability can arise if the national body had anti-hazing policies but failed to enforce them, or if it had prior knowledge of similar hazing patterns at other chapters but did not take adequate preventative action.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself may be liable under theories of negligence, gross negligence, or, in some cases, civil rights violations. This typically occurs when the university had prior warnings about hazing, failed to enforce its own policies, or showed deliberate indifference to known dangers.
• Third Parties: This can include landlords or property owners of off-campus houses or event spaces where hazing occurred, or even bars and alcohol providers (under “dram shop” laws) that overserved students or minors.

Every case is unique, and the specific facts determine which parties may be held accountable. For Waller families, understanding these potential layers of liability is a critical step in pursuing comprehensive justice.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

While each hazing incident is a unique tragedy, recurring patterns emerge from national cases. These patterns highlight consistent failures of oversight, the dangerous nature of certain “traditions,” and the legal precedents that inform hazing litigation here in Texas. Understanding these national anchor stories is crucial because they demonstrate foreseeability – the concept that organizations and institutions knew, or should have known, about the dangers of hazing.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced or excessive alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing deaths. These cases often involve similar scenarios: young pledges feeling immense pressure to drink, older members supervising or encouraging dangerous levels of intoxication, and a catastrophic delay in seeking medical help due to a pervasive culture of secrecy and fear of repercussions.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most high-profile hazing deaths, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” event where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Security cameras within the Beta Theta Pi house tragically captured his repeated falls down a flight of stairs and the agonizing delay—nearly 12 hours—before fraternity members finally sought medical attention. The aftermath saw dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, comprehensive civil litigation, and the enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case starkly highlighted how extreme intoxication, delayed emergency medical care, and a dangerous 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 FSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. He was given a handle of liquor and consumed a fatal amount, leading to his death. The incident resulted in criminal hazing charges against multiple fraternity members. In response, Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life and implemented a significant overhaul of its hazing policies. This case underscored how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a recurring script for disaster, proving that these events are not isolated incidents but rather part of a foreseeable pattern.
• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died after a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to drink heavily whenever they answered questions incorrectly. His death directly led to the establishment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, which made hazing a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. His case demonstrates how legislative change often galvanizes in the wake of public outrage and clear proof of lethal hazing practices.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a fraternity pledge night, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was allegedly forced to drink nearly an entire bottle of whiskey. He later died of alcohol poisoning. The tragic death led to multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members involved and a significant settlement. Bowling Green State University, a public institution, agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the family, in addition to further settlements with the national fraternity and other individuals. This highly publicized case illustrated that universities, not just fraternities, can face substantial financial and reputational consequences when hazing occurs. It further showed individual officers can face massive personal liability, with the court ordering Daylen Dunson, former Pi Kappa Alpha president, personally to pay $6.5 million to the Foltz family.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, hazing often involves brutal physical rituals designed to “break down” new members, leading to severe injuries and sometimes death.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died after participating in a brutal, blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. He was repeatedly tackled and struck, suffering a fatal head injury. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for several hours. This horrific incident resulted in the criminal conviction of multiple members, and notably, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for a decade. The case serves as a powerful reminder that off-campus “retreats” can be just as dangerous, if not more so, than on-campus incidents, and such acts can lead to severe sanctions against national organizations.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it is also a pervasive issue in athletic programs, where a similar culture of tradition, hierarchy, and silence can enable abuse.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a widespread scandal, former football players came forward alleging a culture of sexualized and racist hazing within the Northwestern football program over several years. This led to multiple lawsuits against the university and its coaching staff. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially. This series of events demonstrated unequivocally that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, with major athletic programs susceptible to systemic abuse, raising critical questions about institutional oversight.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies reveal common threads in hazing incidents: forced drinking, humiliation, physical violence, deliberate delays in calling for medical help, and pervasive cover-ups. The unfortunate reality is that significant reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often only materialize after a tragedy has occurred and families pursue litigation.

For Waller families and anyone affected by hazing at Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, it’s crucial to understand that these national lessons profoundly shape the legal landscape they navigate. The historical patterns of these powerful national organizations and institutions are critical pieces of evidence in building an effective case for accountability.

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

For Waller and surrounding area families, the proximity and reputation of Texas’s major universities loom large. Children from Waller may attend, or hope to attend, these prestigious institutions. However, no university, regardless of its prestige or location, is immune to the dangers of hazing. Houston, with its direct connection to Waller through major arteries like US-290, and its role as the state’s largest city, often sees its university, the University of Houston, dealing with these issues. The following sections detail hazing contexts at five prominent Texas universities, with particular attention to how a Waller family might navigate these challenges.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

Families in Waller often have close ties to Houston, whether through work, leisure, or education. The University of Houston, located approximately an hour’s drive east of Waller, is a major regional institution where many Waller County students attend. When hazing incidents occur at UH, Waller families must understand the campus culture and legal avenues available.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a diverse, large urban campus with a mix of commuter and residential students. Its vibrant Greek life includes numerous fraternities and sororities from various councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, MGC, UGC), alongside a wide array of student organizations, cultural groups, and sports clubs. This active student life, while enriching, also presents opportunities for hazing to occur across different campus groups.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH has a clear anti-hazing policy, prohibiting such activities whether on or off campus. Policy violations include forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and acts causing mental distress, all when used for initiation or affiliation purposes. UH provides several reporting channels, including the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the UH Police Department (UHPD). The university also posts some disciplinary information and its hazing statement on its website, though the level of detail can vary.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

In 2016, a significant incident involving the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at UH highlighted the dangers of physical hazing. Pledges allegedly suffered from insufficient food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. One student reportedly sustained a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was subjected to university suspension. Over the years, other UH fraternities have faced disciplinary actions for behaviors “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse and policy violations, leading to suspensions or probation. This history demonstrates UH’s willingness to discipline chapters, but also the persistent challenge of addressing hazing.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Waller family pursuing a hazing case at UH, the legal process would likely involve several local authorities. Criminal investigations could be conducted by the UHPD for on-campus incidents or the Houston Police Department for off-campus events within city limits. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston/Harris County, which aligns with Waller County’s proximity to Houston. Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the University of Houston itself, along with any property owners where the hazing occurred.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Report Hazing: Contact the UH Dean of Students Office, UHPD, or utilize online reporting forms provided by the university.
• Document Everything: Gather any communications, photographs, or witness accounts related to the hazing. If known, document prior complaints or incidents involving the same organization.
• Seek Legal Counsel: Given the complexity of cases involving university institutions and national organizations, talking to a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases is crucial. An attorney can help families in Waller navigate the UH disciplinary process, uncover prior disciplinary actions, and build a strong civil claim.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a storied institution roughly a two-hour drive north of Waller, holds a powerful draw for many Texas families, including those from Waller County. Its deep-rooted traditions, particularly the Corps of Cadets, and a prominent Greek life system, mean hazing issues often arise from a unique blend of these cultures.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its traditions, military history (embodied by the Corps of Cadets), and robust Greek life. The university fosters a strong sense of community and loyalty, which, while beneficial, can also create an environment where hazing is mistaken for “discipline” or “tradition.” Students from Waller attending A&M may encounter hazing within these powerful subcultures.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M firmly prohibits hazing, outlining its regulations through the Student Conduct Office, the Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life, and the Corps of Cadets’ specific policies. The university emphasizes reporting through official channels, including the A&M Police Department (UPD) and the Dean of Student Life.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Response

Texas A&M has faced high-profile hazing allegations across diverse student groups:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): This case involved two pledges who alleged severe hazing that included being covered in substances such as an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries. The pledges subsequently filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity, which was suspended by the university. This incident underscored the extreme and dangerous nature of modern hazing.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and abusive hazing. This included claims of simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages, and while A&M stated it handled the matter internally, it drew national attention to hazing risks within military-style organizations. These incidents highlight how civil cases at A&M sometimes focus on both Greek life and the powerful traditions of the Corps of Cadets.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For families in Waller pursuing a hazing case at Texas A&M, local law enforcement agencies such as the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) and the College Station Police Department would be relevant for criminal complaints. Civil lawsuits would likely be heard in courts with jurisdiction over Bryan/College Station in Brazos County. Due to the university’s public status, cases may involve discussions of sovereign immunity, though exceptions exist for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand A&M’s Specific Cultures: Be aware of how hazing might manifest within both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets.
• Utilize Reporting Channels: Report concerns to the Dean of Student Life, UPD, or the Corps’ leadership, if appropriate.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: Given the strong “culture of silence” that can exist, meticulously gather evidence, including digital communications, photos, and medical records.
• Contact a Texas Hazing Attorney: An experienced attorney can guide Waller families through A&M’s unique institutional environment, address issues of sovereign immunity, and investigate claims against both the university and involved organizations.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship public university for many Texas students, including those from Waller. While geographically further from Waller than Houston (a roughly 2.5-hour drive), UT’s influence and the high number of Waller County students who attend make its hazing climate highly relevant.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin boasts a massive, diverse student body with a dynamic social scene, a large Greek system (approximately 60 fraternities and sororities), and numerous spirit organizations. The campus’s “Live Music Capital of the World” backdrop contributes to a vibrant but sometimes unregulated off-campus party culture, where hazing can flourish unchecked by direct university oversight.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy, clearly defining prohibited activities and emphasizing its zero-tolerance stance. The university uniquely publishes its Hazing Violations online, a transparent list of organizations, the nature of their offenses, and disciplinary actions taken. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Example Incidents & Response

UT’s public hazing log showcases a troubling array of incidents:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The chapter was found in violation for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, actions clearly constituting hazing. The chapter faced probation and was required to implement new hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (2022): This spirit organization was sanctioned for hazing violations, including forced workouts, alcohol misuse, and other punishment-based practices targeting new members.
• Other prominent fraternities and tradition groups have faced sanctions for forced drinking games, physical abuse, and psychologically damaging rituals. This transparency, while commendable, also reveals the persistent nature of hazing despite clear policies.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

Criminal investigations at UT Austin would involve the UTPD for campus incidents or the Austin Police Department (APD) for off-campus events in the city. Civil lawsuits would proceed in courts with jurisdiction over Austin/Travis County. UT’s public record of hazing violations is a powerful tool for plaintiffs, as it can demonstrate a pattern of misconduct and the university’s knowledge of repeat offenders, negating arguments of “unforeseeability.” As a public university, discussions around sovereign immunity may arise, but viable legal avenues still exist.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

• Regularly Review UT’s Hazing Violations Log: This can provide crucial information on organizations your child might join.
• Report Concerns Early: Utilize the Dean of Students office, UTPD, or the anonymous “Stop Hazing” hotline.
• Preserve Digital Evidence: Given the prevalence of social media and group chats in Austin’s student culture, meticulous preservation of digital evidence is critical.
• Consult a Hazing Attorney: An attorney can leverage UT’s public data, investigate incidents, and navigate the specific legal challenges of suing a large state university to ensure Waller families receive full accountability.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, located in Dallas, is approximately a 3-hour drive northeast of Waller. As a highly selective private university with a prominent Greek life, hazing at SMU presents a distinct set of challenges and considerations for affected families.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and a vibrant, often exclusive, Greek life. Its reputation as an affluent campus with a strong social scene sometimes makes it a target for allegations of hazing that lean into performative and status-driven behaviors, alongside the more typical physical and alcohol-related abuses.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies, explicitly prohibiting acts that endanger physical or mental well-being, or that are humiliating or degrading, regardless of location. The university encourages reporting through the Dean of Students, Department of Student Life, and the SMU Police Department. SMU has also implemented anonymous reporting systems, reflecting a commitment to addressing hazing.

5.4.3 Example Incident & Response

SMU has dealt with significant hazing incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity faced severe allegations including paddling new members, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended by the university for several years, with restrictions on its ability to recruit new members. This incident underscored that even at private institutions, hazing can lead to substantial organizational disruption and disciplinary action.
• Other examples of hazing at SMU include incidents involving forced servitude, psychological intimidation, and clandestine “initiation” events occurring off-campus.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Waller family dealing with a hazing incident at SMU, criminal complaints would typically go through the SMU Police Department or the Dallas Police Department. Civil lawsuits against private universities like SMU often present fewer hurdles regarding sovereign immunity compared to public institutions. Cases would proceed in courts with jurisdiction over Dallas County. The challenge in private university cases often lies in compelling discovery of internal reports and communications that aren’t publicly disclosed.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand Private University Dynamics: Be aware that while transparency may be lower than at public universities, legal recourse is often more straightforward without sovereign immunity.
• Utilize SMU’s Reporting Systems: Use the Dean of Students office or anonymous channels.
• Document Everything Diligently: Given the potential for less public disclosure, thorough evidence collection becomes even more vital.
• Consult a Dallas/Texas-based Hazing Attorney: An attorney can force discovery in private university settings, navigate complex insurance claims, and advocate for accountability against national fraternities and the university.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, located in Waco, is approximately a 1.5-hour drive north of Waller. As a private, religiously affiliated institution, Baylor’s approach to student conduct and hazing is shaped by its unique mission and values, but the fundamental risks of hazing remain.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor is a faith-based institution known for its strong community, academic programs, and competitive athletic teams. Its Greek life is active, and various student organizations contribute to a vibrant campus. Baylor’s history includes significant scrutiny over its handling of high-profile misconduct (e.g., the football and Title IX scandals), which has influenced its policies and responses to student safety issues, including hazing.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor maintains a strict anti-hazing policy aligned with Texas law, prohibiting any act that endangers physical or mental health for initiation purposes. The university emphasizes reporting through its Office of Student Conduct, Judicial Affairs, and the Baylor Police Department (BUPD). Its policies reflect a “zero-tolerance” stance, a response to prior institutional challenges.

5.5.3 Example Incidents & Response

Baylor has experienced hazing issues, often highlighting the tension between official policy and campus culture:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An investigation led to the suspension of 14 baseball players for hazing activities. These suspensions were staggered across the early season, impacting the team’s performance. This incident showcased that even highly disciplined athletic programs at Baylor are not immune to hazing and require significant intervention.
• Other incidents have involved alleged forced workouts, sleep deprivation, and degrading acts within fraternities and other student groups.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Waller families, criminal complaints related to hazing at Baylor would typically involve the BUPD or the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits against Baylor, as a private university, would not face the same sovereign immunity barriers as public institutions like UT or A&M. Cases would proceed in courts with jurisdiction over McLennan County. Baylor’s unique institutional history, including its responses to previous student safety crises, could significantly influence how a hazing case is litigated, particularly regarding arguments of institutional knowledge and delayed response.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Familiarize with Baylor’s Policies: Understand how Baylor’s faith-based mission and past institutional challenges influence current hazing policies and enforcement.
• Report All Concerns: Contact the Office of Student Conduct or BUPD without hesitation.
• Maintain Meticulous Records: Document all evidence, including digital communications, medical records, and witness accounts.
• Seek Experienced Legal Counsel: An attorney with experience navigating complex institutional dynamics and prior legal challenges can be invaluable for Waller families pursuing claims against Baylor or its associated organizations, ensuring that the institution is held accountable.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

The tapestry of Greek life across UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor is rich and diverse, yet also intertwined with a national history of hazing. For Waller families, understanding that your child’s local chapter is connected to a larger, often troubled, national organization is critical.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

Most fraternities and sororities at these esteemed Texas universities – including prominent names like Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ), Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ), Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ), Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ), Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ), and Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ), among many others – are part of national, or even international, organizations. These national headquarters (HQs) typically have extensive anti-hazing manuals, stringent (on paper) risk management policies, and comprehensive training programs. Why? Because they have, tragically, seen deaths and catastrophic injuries occur within their chapters across the country. They possess vast historical knowledge of common hazing patterns: forced drinking culminating in tragic “pledge nights,” brutal paddling “traditions,” and psychologically damaging initiation rituals.

When a local chapter in Texas repeats hazing behaviors or perpetuates a “tradition” that has already led to injury, death, or lawsuits at another chapter of the same national organization in a different state, this is highly significant for legal purposes. Such a pattern can powerfully establish foreseeability. It demonstrates that the national organization knew, or should have known through its extensive history, about the specific dangers associated with these activities, and yet failed to prevent them effectively at its Texas chapters. This knowledge can form the basis of strong negligence claims and support arguments for punitive damages against the national entities.

6.2 Organization Mapping

Below, we outline some of the major fraternities and sororities present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, focusing especially on those with well-known national hazing issues. It’s crucial to understand that these are examples, not exhaustive lists, and an alleged incident at one chapter does not imply universal misconduct.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor.
  • Incidents: Notorious for alcohol hazing. The tragic Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State University (2021) involved a pledge night with forced whiskey consumption and a $10 million settlement from the national fraternity and university. David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (2012) also died from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event, leading to a $14 million settlement.
  • Pattern: Consistently linked to dangerous “Big/Little” or “pledge” events involving excessive forced drinking.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU.
  • Incidents: Has a concerning national history of hazing-related deaths and severe injuries. Recent lawsuits include allegations of a traumatic brain injury during hazing at the University of Alabama (2023). Texas campuses have also seen direct incidents, such as the lawsuit at Texas A&M University (2021), where pledges suffered chemical burns from industrial cleaner during hazing, and a lawsuit at University of Texas at Austin (2024) alleging assault during a party while the chapter was under suspension.
  • Pattern: A recurring pattern of alcohol abuse, physical hazing, and issues with chapter oversight.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor.
  • Incidents: Max Gruver (LSU, 2017) died from alcohol poisoning during a forced drinking game (“Bible study”), leading to Louisiana’s felony hazing law, the Max Gruver Act. The civil case resulted in a $6.1 million verdict or settlement.
  • Pattern: Known for severe alcohol hazing and ritualistic drinking games.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, and UT.
  • Incidents: Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, 2017) died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were given handles of hard liquor.
  • Pattern: Forced alcohol consumption, particularly during “Big Brother” events.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor.
  • Incidents: Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, 2017) died from traumatic brain injuries after a “bid acceptance” night involving extreme alcohol consumption. His death led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law and one of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history.
  • Pattern: Extreme alcohol hazing, often compounded by delays in seeking medical attention.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Active at Texas A&M.
  • Incidents: Danny Santulli (University of Missouri, 2021) suffered severe, permanent brain damage from acute alcohol poisoning during pledging. This led to confidential multi-million-dollar settlements with 22 defendants.
  • Pattern: Catastrophic alcohol hazing resulting in life-altering injuries.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor.
  • Incidents: Chad Meredith (University of Miami, 2001) drowned after being persuaded by fraternity members to swim across a lake while intoxicated, leading to a $12.6 million jury verdict against the fraternity and a law named in his honor in Florida. More recently, allegations of severe physical hazing, including rhabdomyolysis, at Texas A&M (2023) highlight recurring issues.
  • Pattern: Alcohol-related incidents, physical hazing with serious injury.
• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor.
  • Incidents: Rafeal Joseph, a former student at the University of Southern Mississippi (2023), alleged severe hazing including repeated beatings with a wooden paddle, leading to emergency surgery and months of rehabilitation. These allegations prompted a federal lawsuit against the university and the chapter.
  • Pattern: Physical hazing, including paddling.
• Lambda Phi Epsilon (ΛΦΕ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, and UT.
  • Incidents: Kenny Luong (University of California, Irvine, 2005) died during a football game as part of a hazing ritual. Multiple incidents across the nation involve physical endurance tests and excessive alcohol.
  • Pattern: Physical hazing and dangerous activities.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, SMU, and Baylor.
  • Incidents: A 2024 College of Charleston case resulted in a settlement of more than $10 million for a pledge who alleged physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment. A case at UT Arlington (2020) involved a pledge hospitalized with alcohol poisoning.
  • Pattern: Severe emotional and physical hazing, alcohol abuse.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The cumulative weight of these national incidents is profound. They demonstrate that certain organizations have faced repeated warnings, often for the exact types of hazing that tragically continue to reoccur. In litigation, we can argue that the courts should consider:

• Whether national organizations meaningfully enforced their anti-hazing policies—or if these policies were mere “paper shields.”
• Whether national bodies responded to prior incidents aggressively enough to deter future misconduct.
• The extent to which recurring problems affected settlement leverage, complicated insurance coverage disputes, and justified punitive damages against national organizations for gross negligence or deliberate indifference.

For Waller families, this means that even if a local incident feels isolated, it may be part of a much larger, legally significant pattern that underscores accountability.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Building a successful hazing case requires a meticulous approach to evidence collection, a clear understanding of the full scope of damages, and a sophisticated legal strategy capable of navigating complex institutional defenses. For Waller families, knowing what to expect is the first step toward reclaiming control.

7.1 Evidence

In modern hazing cases, evidence is everything. It often vanishes quickly, making immediate action paramount. The types of evidence we pursue include:

• Digital Communications: These are often the most critical pieces of evidence. We look for group chats and direct messages (DMs) on platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even fraternity-specific apps. These reveal planning, intent, knowledge, patterns of behavior, who was involved, and what was said before, during, and after the hazing. Our team works to preserve both live messages and recover deleted communications through digital forensics. We understand that Attorney911’s video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.
• Photos & Videos: This includes content filmed by members during hazing events, footage shared in group chats or posted on social media, and security camera or doorbell footage from houses, venues, or even university cameras. These visual records provide undeniable proof of what transpired.
• Internal Organization Documents: We seek out pledge manuals, initiation scripts, lists of “traditions,” and any emails or texts from officers discussing plans for new members. We also examine national organization policies and training materials to compare them with actual conduct.
• University Records: These include prior conduct files, records of probation or suspensions for specific organizations or individuals, incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices, Clery Act reports, and other internal communications that reveal the university’s prior knowledge or actions.
• Medical and Psychological Records: Comprehensive medical documentation, including emergency room reports, hospitalization records, surgical notes, rehabilitation records, and toxicology reports, is vital. Equally important are psychological evaluations that assess for PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and suicidality. These records quantify the physical and mental toll of hazing.
• Witness Testimony: The accounts of pledges, active members, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, and other bystanders can corroborate incidents. We also seek out former members who may have left the organization due to hazing, as their testimony can be particularly powerful.

7.2 Damages

When hazing causes harm, the law provides for compensation across several categories of damages. We describe these as “types of damages” that can be recovered, understanding that every case’s specific value is unique.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers immediate expenses like emergency room visits, ICU stays, and surgeries. It also includes ongoing costs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological counseling, medications, and any long-term care plans for catastrophic injuries (e.g., traumatic brain injury, organ damage) or permanent disabilities.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes wages lost if a student or parent must miss work, as well as the profound impact on a student’s education, such as missed semesters, loss of scholarships, delayed graduation, and a reduced earning capacity if injuries lead to permanent disabilities or career changes.
• Non-Economic Damages: These address the more subjective but equally devastating impacts, including physical pain and suffering, severe emotional distress, trauma, humiliation, and the loss of enjoyment of life. This can also encompass mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety that result from the hazing experience.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the most tragic cases, families can pursue wrongful death claims. This covers funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and compensation for the immense grief, loss of companionship, love, guidance, and emotional suffering experienced by surviving family members. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness, willful misconduct, or callous indifference by defendants, courts may award punitive damages. These are not intended to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. In Texas, punitive damages are available but often subject to caps, except in certain intentional tort cases.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, each with their own legal counsel and potentially, insurance coverage. National fraternities and universities typically carry substantial insurance policies designed to protect them from liability. However, insurers frequently attempt to:

• Argue that hazing or “intentional acts” are explicitly excluded from coverage.
• Claim that the policy does not cover specific defendants or circumstances.
• Employ delay tactics to reduce compensation.

Experienced hazing lawyers, like those at Attorney911, understand these strategies implicitly. Our lead associate, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight from her past as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/). She knows their playbook—how they value claims, negotiate, and defend these cases. We identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, challenge wrongful denials, and navigate complex disputes to ensure maximum recovery for our clients.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For Waller parents, students, and witnesses, having clear, actionable guidance is paramount. Hazing situations are often confusing and emotionally charged. Here, we offer practical advice designed to empower individuals to recognize, respond to, and report hazing safely and effectively.

8.1 For Parents

Parents in Waller should be vigilant for the subtle and overt signs of hazing and be prepared to act decisively.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:
  • Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” with unconvincing explanations.
  • Extreme fatigue: Sudden exhaustion, chronic sleep deprivation, or falling asleep in unusual places.
  • Mood changes: Drastic shifts in personality, increased anxiety, irritability, withdrawal from family or old friends, or signs of depression.
  • Secrecy: Your child becomes unusually secretive about organizational activities, saying things like, “I can’t talk about it” or “It’s a secret.”
  • Obsessive phone use: Constantly checking for group chat notifications; fear of missing “mandatory” events or calls at odd hours.
  • Academic decline: Sudden drop in grades, missed classes, or neglecting assignments due to “required” activities.
  • Unexplained expenses: Asking for money for “fines,” “dues” beyond what was advertised, or buying items for older members.
  • Changes in appearance: Neglect of hygiene, wearing specific clothing on demand, or drastic weight loss/gain.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach any conversation with compassion, not judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with your group?” or “Are you feeling pressured to do anything you’re uncomfortable with?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priority, far above any organizational status or loyalty. Assure them you will support them no matter what.
• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize medical care immediately. Call 911 if necessary. Then, meticulously document everything: take clear photos of injuries from multiple angles and at different stages, screenshot any relevant texts or social media messages, and write down exactly what your child tells you, including names, dates, and locations.
• Dealing with the University: Document every communication with university administrators. Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization and what disciplinary actions were taken. This information can be critical for understanding institutional accountability.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has sustained significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or actively hiding what happened, it’s time to consult with an experienced hazing attorney.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

Students in Waller and across Texas—especially those who are new members or pledges—need to know their rights and how to protect themselves.

• Is this Hazing or Just Tradition? If you feel unsafe, humiliated, coerced, or forced to drink or endure pain; if the activity is hidden from the public or administrators, or it makes you question your physical or mental health – it is likely hazing. True traditions should foster unity and respect, not fear or degradation.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: In Texas, your “consent” to hazing is legally invalid. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense. This is because the law recognizes the immense power dynamics, fear of exclusion, and manipulative tactics used to coerce individuals into participating.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave any organization at any time. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or campus police. You can report hazing confidentially or anonymously through campus channels (Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator), university hotlines, or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293).
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer protections (amnesty) for students who call for help in an emergency, even if underage drinking or other minor rule violations occurred. Your safety is more important than fear of getting in trouble.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were once part of a hazing incident, or witnessed one, and now deeply regret your involvement, you are not alone.

• Your Role in Accountability: Your testimony and evidence can be crucial to preventing future harm and saving lives. Acknowledging your past involvement can be difficult, but cooperating with investigators or legal counsel is a powerful step toward accountability and healing.
• Seeking Legal Advice: If you have concerns about your own legal exposure, you should seek independent legal counsel. Lawyers can help you understand your rights and navigate your role as a witness or even a co-defendant. In situations where hazing results in criminal charges, Attorney911’s criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can advise on both criminal exposure and civil liability paths.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Waller families and students often make common mistakes in the aftermath of a hazing incident, unknowingly jeopardizing their legal options. These errors can severely undermine a potential case for justice and compensation.

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence:
   • Why it’s wrong: While you may want to shield your child, deleted evidence can look like a cover-up to investigators and make building a case nearly impossible. Digital forensics can recover some data, but original, intact evidence is always best.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content, through screenshots and backups.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly:
   • Why it’s wrong: Direct confrontation alerts them to your intentions, allowing them to quickly lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in private, then call a lawyer before any direct confrontation.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms:
   • Why it’s wrong: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements that could waive your right to sue later. These settlements often undervalue the true extent of damages.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an experienced attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer:
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys will screenshot everything. Any inconsistencies from your social media posts can hurt your credibility, and public posts might waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document privately. Your lawyer can help control public messaging strategically.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” with the organization:
   • Why it’s wrong: Fraternities and sororities often pressure, intimidate, or try to extract statements from students that could harm their legal case.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”:
   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence rapidly disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run. Universities prioritize protecting their institution, which can mean controlling the narrative.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s internal process and achieving real accountability are often two very different things.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer:
   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Recorded statements can be used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

For more details, Attorney911’s video on client mistakes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) provides valuable insights on how to avoid these pitfalls.

8.5 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 protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While hazing is a Class B misdemeanor by default under Texas law, it becomes a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who are officers or members of an organization and fail to report known hazing can also face charges.
• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” given under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent and does not absolve perpetrators of liability.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this period if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be “tolled” (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. For more information, watch our video on the statute of limitations here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.
• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and the foreseeability of hazing occurring off-campus. Many major hazing cases, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat death and the Sigma Pi incident at an unofficial house, occurred off-campus yet still resulted in significant judgments.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. While public lawsuits are sometimes necessary for accountability, we prioritize your family’s privacy and can often negotiate for sealed court records and confidential settlement terms.

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 intimately understand how powerful institutions fight back—and, crucially, how to win against them. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, brings a unique set of qualifications to hazing cases across Texas.

From our Houston office, conveniently located for families in Waller and throughout Harris County, we deeply understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families in Waller and across the region, whether their children attend UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or elsewhere. We recognize this is one of the hardest things a family can endure. Our job is not just to secure compensation, but to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We pursue thorough investigations and real accountability, not quick settlements or empty rhetoric.

Our firm’s unique strengths make us exceptionally equipped for hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our lead associate, Lupe Peña, served as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/). She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their intricate settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has an impressive background that includes being one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. His federal court experience, particularly in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, powerful universities, or their well-resourced defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and secured significant results. We know how to fight powerful defendants and secure justice.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value the true loss of life. Our experience extends to cases involving catastrophic injuries where victims require lifetime care, such as traumatic brain injury or permanent organ damage. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force accountability and truly reflect the devastating impact on families.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a distinct advantage. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, allowing us to advise witnesses and former members who may face dual exposure on the best legal path forward. Attorney911’s general criminal defense page (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) provides further context regarding our comprehensive legal capabilities.
• Investigative Depth: We leverage a robust network of experts, including medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. Our team has extensive experience obtaining hidden evidence, such as deleted group chats, social media records, subpoenaing national fraternity records that reveal prior incidents, and uncovering university files through discovery and public records requests. We investigate as if your child’s life depends on it—because it does. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) further explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.

We understand the intricate dynamics of how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually operate behind closed doors. We know what makes hazing cases different: the powerful institutional defendants, the complex insurance coverage fights, and the delicate balance of protecting victim privacy while fighting for public accountability. We understand Greek culture, the manipulative power of “tradition,” and how to legally prove coercion even when consent is superficially apparent.

Call to Action for Waller Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Waller and 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 without judgment. During your free consultation, we will:

• Review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what you can expect from the legal process.
• Explain our contingency fee structure – we don’t get paid unless we win your case. For more details, watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• Answer all your questions, with no pressure to hire us on the spot. Everything you tell us is confidential.

Whether you’re in Waller or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

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

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

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