Hazing in Texas: A Definitive Guide for Families in Carrollton and Across the State

As the sun sets over the vibrant communities of Carrollton, Texas, many of our high school graduates prepare for their next chapter, heading off to colleges and universities across our great state. For parents in Carrollton, whether their children are attending the sprawling campuses of the University of Texas at Austin, experiencing the traditions of Texas A&M, thriving in the urban environment of the University of Houston, embracing the spirit of Baylor, or finding their way at Southern Methodist University, the hopes are always the same: a rich education, new friendships, and a safe, supportive environment.

Yet, a darker reality can lurk beneath the surface of campus life — the enduring and dangerous practice of hazing. Imagine receiving a late-night call, not from your child, but from a concerned friend or an anonymous tipster, telling you your son or daughter is at an off-campus house, forced to drink far beyond safe limits, or enduring physical abuse and degrading acts as part of a “pledge” or “initiation” event. Perhaps others are filming on phones, chanting, and laughing, while your child feels trapped between loyalty to the group and their own safety. Someone gets hurt – they fall, they vomit, or they collapse – but nobody wants to call 911, afraid of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” Such a scenario is not merely hypothetical; it’s a stark reality that has played out on campuses across Texas and nationwide, affecting families just like yours in Carrollton and communities throughout Denton County and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

This comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas is written specifically for families in Carrollton and across our state who need to understand the realities of hazing in 2025. We aim to shed light on what hazing truly looks like today, how Texas and federal law treat these dangerous practices, and what we can learn from major national cases in the context of our own universities. We will explore incidents that have occurred at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, highlighting the patterns of abuse and institutional responses. Most importantly, we will outline the legal options available to victims and their families in Carrollton, throughout Denton County, and across Texas.

While this article provides general information and not specific legal advice, The Manginello Law Firm is here to evaluate individual cases based on their unique facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including those in Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, Coppell, and other communities in Denton, Dallas, and Collin counties.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

• In the first 48 hours:

  • Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health over concerns about “getting into trouble.”
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it is deleted:
    • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately.
    • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles.
    • Save physical items, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing.
  • Write down everything while your memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when and where it occurred.
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly.
    • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel.
    • Post details on public social media before consulting with an attorney.
    • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

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

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like on Texas Campuses

For many, the word “hazing” conjures images from decades past – perhaps a simple prank or an embarrassing stunt. But in 2025, hazing is far more insidious, dangerous, and technologically advanced than ever before. It’s no longer just a “rite of passage” or “boys being boys”; it’s a serious form of abuse that often puts students’ physical and mental health at grave risk, sometimes with fatal consequences.

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, by an individual or a group, directed against a student. This act is committed for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students. Crucially, the act must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or cause shame or humiliation. It’s vital to recognize that a student’s “agreement” or “consent” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal, especially when there’s an inherent power imbalance, intense peer pressure, and a deep-seated desire to belong.

Main Categories of Hazing: Beyond the Stereotypes

Modern hazing takes on many forms, often designed to avoid detection and exploit vulnerabilities.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most common and deadliest forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often during “chugging challenges,” “lineups,” or drinking games designed for rapid consumption. It could also include being pressured to consume unknown substances or drugs. The goal is often to incapacitate or disinhibit pledges, making them more susceptible to further abuse.

• Physical Hazing: This category encompasses direct physical harm or extreme physical endurance. It can involve traditional methods like paddling and beatings, but also “extreme calisthenics,” “workouts,” or “smokings” that go far beyond healthy conditioning, pushing pledges to exhaustion. Other tactics include sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, or exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures, or other dangerous environments.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are deeply damaging and violate a student’s dignity and privacy. They can include forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (often for the entertainment of older members), or degrading poses like the “roasted pig” position. Hazing can also involve acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, including the use of slurs or forcing individuals to role-play degrading stereotypes.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but profoundly impactful, psychological hazing uses mental manipulation to control new members. This can involve verbal abuse, threats, isolation from friends and family, or forced confessions or disclosures. Public shaming, whether in face-to-face meetings or through social media, is also a powerful tool for psychological control. The constant fear, anxiety, and humiliation can lead to lasting trauma.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones and social media, hazing has moved into the digital realm. This includes demands or dares through group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, Slack) or direct messages on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. It can manifest as forced participation in humiliating online “challenges,” pressure to create or share compromising images or videos, or continuous monitoring and harassment through digital means.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

It’s a common misconception that hazing is limited to “frat boys.” While fraternities and sororities (across IFC, Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural councils) are frequently linked to incidents, hazing pervades many types of student groups. For families in Carrollton, with children attending various universities, it’s crucial to understand the broad scope of this problem:

• Fraternities and Sororities: These organizations, both recognized and unrecognized “underground” chapters, frequently engage in hazing practices.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: The culture of tradition and discipline in these groups can sometimes be twisted into hazing rituals, as seen in incidents at Texas A&M and elsewhere.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Organizations: Groups like the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin, or various spirit organizations, have faced hazing allegations.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to cheerleading and club sports, hazing can occur within teams, often disguised as “team bonding” or “conditioning.”
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign groups can fall prey to hazing, as evidenced by national incidents involving marching bands.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with an initiation or affiliation process can potentially engage in hazing.

The persistence of hazing, even with heightened awareness, is often rooted in complex factors like social status, the veneration of “tradition,” and a powerful code of secrecy. These elements create an environment where dangerous practices can thrive, often with devastating consequences for students from Carrollton and other Texas communities.

Law & Liability Framework for Hazing in Texas and Federally

Understanding the legal landscape around hazing in Texas is crucial for families in Carrollton. Our state has specific laws designed to combat these dangerous practices, and federal legislation further reinforces the need for transparency and prevention on college campuses.

Texas Hazing Law Basics: Education Code

Texas has taken a firm stance against hazing, with detailed provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, predominantly in Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This comprehensive framework defines what constitutes hazing, lays out criminal penalties, and establishes liability for individuals and organizations.

Under Texas Education Code § 37.151, hazing is defined broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student. This act must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student, and occur for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Let’s break down what this means:

• On or Off Campus: The law applies regardless of where the hazing takes place. This is crucial as many organizations move hazing activities to off-campus houses, Airbnbs, or private venues in an attempt to evade university oversight.
• Mental or Physical Health or Safety: Hazing is not just about physical injury. Psychologically damaging acts, such as extreme humiliation, isolation, or intimidation that substantially affect a student’s mental health, are also illegal.
• Intent: The perpetrator doesn’t necessarily need to have malicious intent. “Reckless” conduct, meaning they were aware of the substantial and unjustifiable risk and consciously disregarded it, is sufficient for hazing under Texas law.
• “Consent” is not a defense: As explicitly stated in Texas Education Code § 37.155, it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the activity. This is because courts and legislators recognize that true consent is impossible in situations involving power imbalances, peer pressure, and the fear of exclusion from a desired group.

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law:
Texas law imposes escalating criminal penalties for hazing, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense:

• Class B Misdemeanor: This is the default classification for hazing that does not result in serious injury, carrying potential penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury that requires medical treatment, the charge can be elevated to a Class A misdemeanor.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, the offense is classified as a State Jail Felony, carrying significant prison time and fines.

Texas also criminalizes failing to report hazing if one is a member or officer aware of the activity, and retaliating against someone who reports hazing—both are misdemeanors.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Differences

Families in Carrollton often wonder about the distinction between criminal and civil actions in hazing cases. These are two distinct legal pathways, though they can often run concurrently.

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (represented by a prosecutor) against individuals or organizations accused of violating criminal statutes. The primary aim of a criminal case is punishment, which can include incarceration, fines, or probation. In hazing contexts, typical criminal charges might include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in cases involving severe injury or death. The burden of proof in criminal cases is “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

• Civil Cases: These are initiated by victims or their surviving families against individuals and entities they believe are responsible for their injuries or losses. The aim here is monetary compensation (damages) and holding responsible parties accountable. Civil cases in hazing often focus on theories of:

  • Negligence and Gross Negligence: Did the defendants fail to exercise reasonable care, or act with utter indifference, resulting in harm?
  • Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a fatality, families can file a wrongful death claim to recover for their economic and non-economic losses.
  • Negligent Hiring/Supervision: Did a university or national organization fail to properly vet or oversee its employees, advisors, or chapters?
  • Premises Liability: Was the property where hazing occurred unsafe, and did the owner fail to address known dangers?
  • Intentional Torts: Such as assault, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional distress.

A key point for families in Carrollton to grasp is that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil case. The burden of proof in civil cases (preponderance of the evidence) is lower than in criminal matters, meaning it’s often possible to win a civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges were filed or if an individual was acquitted in criminal court. Both types of cases can proceed simultaneously, and information gathered in one can often be used in the other.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal legislation plays an increasingly important role in holding institutions accountable for hazing.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal law mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding (which includes most institutions) must enhance their hazing prevention and reporting efforts. By around 2026, it will require schools to:

  • Report hazing incidents and related disciplinary actions more transparently.
  • Provide stronger hazing education for students and staff.
  • Maintain and publish comprehensive, public data on hazing incidents, similar to what is already required for other campus crimes under the Clery Act. This will be a game-changer for parents and prospective students in Carrollton seeking to make informed decisions.

• Title IX / Clery Act:

  • Title IX: This civil rights law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or creates a sexually hostile environment, Title IX obligations can be triggered. Universities have a duty to investigate such claims promptly and effectively, regardless of whether they occurred on or off campus.
  • Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. While hazing is not a specific Clery crime category, many hazing incidents overlap with Clery-reportable crimes such as assault, aggravated assault, or alcohol/drug violations. The Stop Campus Hazing Act will extend Clery-like public reporting requirements directly to hazing.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Civil hazing lawsuits can be complex, often involving multiple defendants. For Carrollton families seeking accountability, understanding who can be sued is critical:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, carried out, supplied alcohol, or participated in the hazing, or even those who helped cover it up, can be named personally in a lawsuit.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or athletic team itself can be held liable. This includes officers, “pledge educators,” or other members acting in an official capacity.
• National Fraternity/Sorority Organizations: These national bodies often have anti-hazing policies, collect dues, and exert some control over their local chapters. If they knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (either within that chapter or across their organization nationwide) and failed to intervene effectively, they can be held liable. Their “pattern and practice” of ignoring hazing is often a key piece of evidence.
• University or Governing Board: While public universities in Texas (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) often benefit from sovereign immunity, there are important exceptions. They can be sued for gross negligence, in cases involving Title IX violations, or when individual employees (deans, advisors, campus police) are sued in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU and Baylor) typically have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Depending on the specifics of the incident, other parties might be liable, including:
  • Landlords or Property Owners: If hazing occurred at a rented house or event space, the owners might be liable if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Bars or Alcohol Providers: Under Texas “dram shop” laws, establishments that overserve visibly intoxicated patrons or serve minors who then cause harm can be held responsible.
  • Security Companies or Event Organizers: If they failed in their duty to ensure safety at a hazing-related event.

Every case is highly fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney from Attorney911 can meticulously investigate the circumstances of your family’s situation, identifying all potentially responsible parties and building a comprehensive case for accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Lessons for Texas Families

Tragic hazing incidents have made national headlines year after year, often leading to landmark legal battles and legislative change. While these events may have occurred outside of Texas, their patterns and outcomes are profoundly relevant for families in Carrollton and across the state. They demonstrate the consistent dangers of hazing, the legal precedents that hold institutions accountable, and the power of committed attorneys to secure justice.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: A Recurring Nightmare

Forced alcohol consumption is arguably the most common and deadliest hazing tactic, leading to a grim pattern of student deaths across the U.S.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most high-profile hazing cases, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died from traumatic brain injuries after “bid acceptance” night. He was forced to drink dangerous amounts of alcohol, fell repeatedly, and lay suffering for hours before fraternity members called for help. The delay in medical care was captured on fraternity security cameras. This tragedy led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and the powerful new Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. For Texas families, this case underscores that extreme intoxication, delayed 911 calls, and a culture of silence amplify legal devastating consequences.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during an event where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. This mirroring of practices seen in other fraternities led to criminal hazing charges against multiple members and FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life. The case highlights how “tradition-based” drinking rituals are a recurring script for disaster, regardless of the university.

• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died after being forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers led to forced drinking. His blood alcohol content was 0.495%. Numerous criminal charges followed, with one member convicted of negligent homicide. Gruver’s death led to the passing of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing statute. This case demonstrated that legislative change often follows public outrage and clear, undeniable proof of hazing’s dangers.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Another tragic death occurred when 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to consume a nearly full bottle of whiskey during a pledge night. He died of alcohol poisoning. This incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions against fraternity members. Significantly, Bowling Green State University (a public institution) agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the Foltz family, with other substantial settlements coming from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and individuals. This case is a powerful reminder that universities, alongside fraternities, can face significant financial and reputational consequences for their role (or inaction) in hazing incidents.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern: Beyond Drinking

Hazing isn’t always about alcohol. Physical and ritualized hazing, often intended to create “toughness” or “loyalty,” can be equally, if not more, brutal.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College / Pi Delta Psi (2013): During a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Michael Deng was blindfolded, forced to wear a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a ritual known as “glass ceiling.” He suffered a fatal brain injury, and, tragically, help was delayed as members tried to cover up the incident. Multiple fraternity members were convicted, and the national fraternity was ultimately criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and banned from Pennsylvania for years. This case clearly showed that off-campus “retreats” are often chosen precisely to conceal hazing, but do not exempt organizations from severe legal consequences.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse: A Widespread Issue

Hazing is endemic, found not just in Greek life, but significantly in athletic programs, driven by intense team loyalty and “culture.”

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Recent years have revealed widespread allegations of sexualized, racist, and physically abusive hazing within the Northwestern University football program. Former players recounted deeply disturbing acts of degradation and assault. These revelations led to multiple lawsuits against the university and coaching staff, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later filed a wrongful-termination suit), and a major institutional crisis. For families in Carrollton, this high-profile scandal underscores that hazing is not confined to Greek life; even major, well-funded athletic programs can harbor systemic abuse, requiring careful vigilance from parents.

What These National Cases Mean for Texas Families

These tragic national incidents, and countless others like them, share chilling common threads: forced consumption of alcohol, deliberate humiliation, physical violence, delayed or denied medical care, and concerted attempts at cover-ups. They highlight a grim reality for Texas families:

• Recurring Patterns: The same dangerous hazing scripts play out repeatedly across different organizations and campuses.
• Accountability After Tragedy: Systemic reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after a catastrophe has occurred and legal action is pursued.
• Precedent for Justice: These cases create legal precedents and increase public awareness, empowering families in Texas to seek justice.
• Your Family is Not Alone: The experiences of families like the Piazzas and Gruvers illustrate that parents affected by hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are part of a larger national struggle, operating within a legal landscape shaped by these hard-won lessons.

Texas Focus: Hazing Incidents and Policies at Our Universities

For families in Carrollton, understanding the specific environments and hazing histories of Texas universities is paramount. Our children attend these institutions, and the patterns of behavior, policies, and prior incidents directly impact their safety. Denton County is a major sending area for students to colleges throughout Texas; whether your student is heading to Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, College Station, or Waco, hazing is a risk. Here, we delve into the context of hazing at five of Texas’s largest universities: the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University.

We will examine the campus culture, official hazing policies, selected documented incidents, and how a hazing case might proceed, given Carrollton’s location within North Texas, close to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

University of Houston (UH): An Urban Campus Faces Hazing Realities

The University of Houston, a dynamic urban campus in the heart of our state’s largest city, is a popular destination for students from Carrollton and across North Texas. Its diverse student body and active Greek life, including IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural fraternities and sororities, contribute to a vibrant campus experience. However, like many large universities, UH has grappled with hazing allegations and incidents among its student organizations.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH has a bustling residential and commuter mix, offering a wide array of student organizations beyond Greek life, including cultural groups, sports clubs, and academic associations. For families in Carrollton, the University of Houston is a relatively close major metropolitan university (about a 3.5-hour drive), making its campus policies and incident history particularly relevant for parents whose children might be attending from Denton County.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, prohibiting any act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health or safety for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization. This includes forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and actions causing mental distress. UH provides multiple reporting channels through its Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also posts statements regarding its hazing policies and, to some extent, disciplinary information on its website.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Among notable incidents at UH:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: A tragic incident involving the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity came to light when pledges were allegedly subjected to extreme food, water, and sleep deprivation over multiple days. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface during the hazing. This incident led to misdemeanor hazing charges against individuals and the suspension of the chapter by the university.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: UH’s records, though not as detailed or publicly focused as some other Texas universities’ disclosures, indicate ongoing disciplinary actions against various fraternities for behavior described as “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and other policy violations. These often result in suspensions, probations, or other sanctions designed to curb hazing.

These incidents highlight UH’s willingness to suspend chapters, but also the challenges in preventing hazing, even with strict policies in place.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Carrollton family whose child attends UH and experiences hazing, legal proceedings could involve multiple agencies. Depending on the exact location of the incident (on-campus vs. off-campus Houston property), the UHPD and/or the Houston Police Department would likely be involved in any criminal investigations. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in state or federal courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. 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 or property owners where the hazing occurred.

5.1.5 What UH Students and Carrollton Parents Should Do

• Familiarize yourselves with UH’s reporting channels: Know how to contact the Dean of Students, UHPD, or utilize online reporting forms if hazing is suspected.
• Document Everything: If you become aware of hazing, meticulously document dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and specific acts. Take screenshots of any digital communications. This is particularly important for Carrollton families who may be geographically distant from the immediate incident.
• Protect Past Evidence: If instances of hazing are reported, try to find out about prior complaints or past incidents involving the same organization. An attorney experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can help uncover internal disciplinary records and national files.
• Seek Legal Counsel Immediately: If your child has been harmed, contacting an attorney experienced in hazing law, like our firm, is critical. We can help navigate both university disciplinary processes and potential civil or criminal actions, ensuring your child’s rights and safety are prioritized.

Texas A&M University: Tradition Meets Scrutiny

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, is deeply rooted in tradition, particularly through its iconic Corps of Cadets. Students from Carrollton and across North Texas are strongly drawn to A&M’s unique culture and strong alumni network. However, this fervent emphasis on tradition and unity has sometimes been challenged by revelations of hazing, both within Greek life and the Corps.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M’s identity is heavily influenced by its military-style Corps of Cadets, which fosters a distinct environment of discipline, leadership, and brotherhood/sisterhood. Alongside this, a robust Greek life and numerous student organizations thrive. For Carrollton families, Texas A&M represents a significant, yet distinct, college experience compared to the Dallas/Fort Worth area schools, situated about a 2.5-hour drive away. This unique blend of tradition, community, and military-influenced organizations creates specific dynamics regarding hazing.

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M’s “Code of Conduct” explicitly prohibits hazing, defining it as any intentional or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for initiation, affiliation, or membership in any organization. The university encourages reporting through various channels, including the Division of Student Affairs, the Corps of Cadets leadership, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). They also have specific protocols for reporting within the Corps.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced several significant hazing incidents:

• 2021 Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit: In a disturbing incident, two pledges from the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity alleged they were subjected to a severe hazing ritual. They claimed substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, were poured on them, causing severe chemical burns that required emergency skin graft surgeries. The pledges subsequently sued the fraternity for $1 million, and the university suspended the fraternity for two years. This case tragically highlights the barbaric nature some hazing can take, utilizing dangerous chemicals rather than just alcohol or physical force.
• 2023 Corps of Cadets Lawsuit: A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and abusive hazing within the Corps. The allegations included being forced to participate in simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a humiliating “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, asserting that A&M did not adequately protect its students from such practices. While the university stated it handled the matter under its internal rules, the lawsuit brought public attention to the alleged hazing.
• Ongoing Kappa Sigma Litigation (2023): Allegations surfaced involving the Kappa Sigma fraternity regarding hazing that resulted in severe injuries, specifically rhabdomyolysis – a dangerous muscle breakdown condition often caused by extreme physical exertion and dehydration. This ongoing litigation emphasizes the need for specialized legal representation for victims suffering such severe, specific injuries from physical hazing.

These examples underscore that hazing at A&M occurs in various contexts, from Greek life to the highly traditional Corps of Cadets, prompting both university disciplinary action and civil lawsuits seeking accountability.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For families in Carrollton pursuing a hazing case originating from Texas A&M, the legal pathway could involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) for criminal investigations and civil lawsuits being filed in courts with jurisdiction over Brazos County. Due to A&M being a public university, sovereign immunity considerations might arise, but as noted, exceptions exist, particularly in cases of gross negligence or where individual employees are named. Civil cases often focus on holding individual perpetrators accountable, but also target the local chapter, national organization, and potentially the university itself.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students and Carrollton Parents Should Do

• Understand the traditions vs. hazing line: Given the strong traditions at A&M, particularly in the Corps, it’s crucial for students and parents from Carrollton to differentiate between acceptable rites and illegal hazing. If an activity endangers mental or physical health, or causes humiliation, it’s hazing.
• Report Internally AND Externally: Utilize A&M’s reporting channels through Student Affairs or Corps leadership, but also be prepared to contact the UPD or the Bryan/College Station police if a crime has occurred.
• Gather Evidence Diligently: As with all hazing cases, meticulously documenting all communications, injuries, and witness accounts is essential. This is especially true for cases involving the Corps, where the “code of honor” can sometimes make evidence gathering challenging.
• Consult an Attorney with Texas A&M Experience: An attorney experienced in hazing cases at A&M, like our team at Attorney911, understands the unique institutional dynamics, including the role of the Corps and the traditional Greek system, to effectively navigate potential legal claims.

University of Texas at Austin (UT): Public Transparency, Persistent Challenges

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, is a top choice for students across Texas, including many from Carrollton and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth area. Despite its public commitment to combating hazing and relatively transparent reporting, UT Austin continues to face incidents within its large and diverse student organizations, particularly within Greek life.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin boasts a massive, vibrant campus life with a dominant Greek presence, numerous spirit organizations (like the Texas Cowboys and Texas Wranglers), and a highly competitive academic environment. As the state capital, Austin offers a dynamic backdrop, but also a complex landscape for student conduct. For Carrollton families, UT Austin is a prime destination (about a 3-hour drive), making its track record on hazing particularly pertinent for those with students there.

5.3.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Texas at Austin has one of the most proactive and public hazing policies among Texas universities. It explicitly prohibits hazing, whether on or off campus, and maintains various reporting mechanisms through the Dean of Students office, Student Activities, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), and anonymous online forms. A notable feature is UT’s dedicated hazing.utexas.edu website, which publicly lists hazing violations and disciplinary actions taken against student organizations – a transparency that many other universities lack.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page serves as a clear, albeit sobering, record of ongoing issues:

• 2023 Pi Kappa Alpha Incident: The UT Austin chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) was disciplined for hazing violations in 2023. New members were reportedly directed to consume large quantities of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. The university found this constituted hazing, placing the chapter on probation and requiring extensive hazing-prevention education. This demonstrates that even with well-publicized policies, some fraternities continue to engage in practices that endanger student health.
• Various Spirit Organizations: UT’s records show ongoing sanctions against various spirit and tradition organizations (not just Greek life) for hazing-related offenses. These often involve forced workouts, alcohol misuse, and other punishment-based practices designed to instill “loyalty” or “tradition.” For example, the “Absolute Texxas” Spirit Group was disciplined in 2022 for hazing violations including alcohol/drug misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, and degrading new members.
• 2024 Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit: The UT Austin chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon faced a lawsuit in January 2024 after an Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at a party. The student suffered severe injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and a broken nose. This incident was particularly alarming as the chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations, raising questions about the effectiveness of university oversight, and contributing to national SAE hazing patterns.

These incidents, publicly documented by UT, demonstrate that despite its transparency and efforts, hazing remains a persistent challenge, and the public records can be critical evidence in civil cases by showing patterns of prior violations and institutional knowledge.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Carrollton family seeking legal recourse after hazing at UT, criminal investigations could involve the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) and/or the Austin Police Department, depending on the incident’s location. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Travis County. As a public university, UT Austin may invoke sovereign immunity, but exceptions (gross negligence, Title IX, or individual liability) must be explored. The availability of UT’s public hazing records can be a powerful tool for civil plaintiffs, demonstrating the university’s prior knowledge of an organization’s misconduct and its failure to adequately intervene.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students and Carrollton Parents Should Do

• Consult UT’s Hazing Violations Page: Families from Carrollton should regularly check hazing.utexas.edu to see if specific organizations have a history of violations. This information can influence decisions about joining student groups and provide crucial context if an incident occurs.
• Utilize Reporting Options: Make use of UT’s diverse reporting channels. For sensitive cases, consulting with an attorney first can help determine the most strategic reporting pathway to protect your child’s rights and avoid retaliation.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: Given Texas hazing laws, meticulous documentation of all details, including communications, photos, and medical records, is paramount. Screenshots of conversations or social media posts, relevant to UT Austin’s campus activities, should be preserved.
• Seek Experienced Legal Counsel: An attorney deeply familiar with UT Austin’s policies, its public hazing violation records, and the distinct legal landscape of Travis County can provide the focused counsel necessary to navigate complex hazing claims effectively.

Southern Methodist University (SMU): A Private Institution’s Greek Life Challenges

Southern Methodist University (SMU), a distinguished private university located just a short distance from Carrollton in Dallas, is well-known for its vibrant and prominent Greek life. Many families from Carrollton send their children to SMU, drawn by its academic reputation and strong campus community. However, SMU’s Greek system has experienced its share of hazing incidents, raising questions about oversight in a private university context.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is characterized by its affluent student body, strong traditions, and a highly active Greek scene that often dominates social life. The university’s proximity to Carrollton (a roughly 20-30 minute drive) means that campus events and issues directly affect families in Denton County and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

5.4.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

As a private institution, SMU maintains its own comprehensive anti-hazing policies, prohibiting any action that threatens the mental or physical well-being of students during initiation or affiliation processes. SMU encourages reporting through its Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, and campus police. It also utilizes systems like “Real Response” for anonymous reporting, aimed at fostering an environment where students feel safe to come forward.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has had several publicly documented hazing incidents within its Greek system:

• 2017 Kappa Alpha Order Incident: The SMU chapter of Kappa Alpha Order faced disciplinary action following allegations that new members were subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The university responded by suspending the chapter, imposing restrictions on new member recruiting, and placing it under probationary status for an extended period.
• Ongoing Challenges: While SMU may not have the same public-facing hazing violation log as a public university like UT Austin, internal reports and student complaints indicate that challenges with hazing persist within its Greek system. Private institutions often handle such matters with less public disclosure, making diligent investigation crucial for any affected family.

These incidents demonstrate that even in a private university setting, hazing occurs and results in significant institutional and chapter-level consequences.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Carrollton families dealing with hazing at SMU, criminal investigations would typically involve the SMU Police Department and/or the Dallas Police Department. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in state or federal courts with jurisdiction over Dallas County. As a private institution, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it more directly vulnerable to negligence claims than public universities. This means that a comprehensive civil action might more readily name the university alongside individual perpetrators, the local chapter, and the national organization.

5.4.5 What SMU Students and Carrollton Parents Should Do

• Understand Private University Dynamics: Carrollton parents whose children attend SMU should understand that while private universities have stringent anti-hazing policies, the investigative and disciplinary processes are entirely internal and not subject to public records requests in the same way as public institutions.
• Document Vigilantly: Thorough record-keeping of any alleged hazing—texts, photos, witness statements, and medical records—is paramount. This evidence may be critical in compelling comprehensive investigations from SMU or in supporting a civil lawsuit.
• Engage with SMU’s Reporting Channels: Utilize the university’s official reporting mechanisms, including anonymous options if fear of retaliation is a concern.
• Consult an Attorney with SMU Experience: An attorney experienced in hazing litigation against private universities, like our firm, understands how to navigate SMU’s internal review processes and how to compel discovery of relevant information that might not be publicly disclosed. This can be crucial for families from Carrollton and the wider Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Baylor University: Faith-Based Mission Confronts Hazing Realities

Baylor University, a prominent private Christian university in Waco, is known for its strong faith-based mission and vibrant campus community. Students from Carrollton often choose Baylor for its blend of academic rigor and spiritual development. However, Baylor has faced its own share of scrutiny regarding student conduct and institutional oversight, previously brought to national attention by its football and Title IX scandals, which frame the context for any hazing incidents.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor’s culture emphasizes community, service, and a distinct faith-based identity. It has a significant Greek presence and numerous diverse student organizations. For families in Carrollton, Baylor is a readily accessible institution (about a 2-hour drive south), making its approach to student safety particularly important for those considering or attending the university.

5.5.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, in line with both Texas law and its institutional values. Its policies address any act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of membership or initiation, whether on or off campus. Reporting can be made through the Dean of Students office, the Department of Student Activities, or the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), as well as through anonymous reporting portals.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history of challenges with institutional oversight and student safety often shapes public perception when new allegations arise:

• 2020 Baylor Baseball Hazing: An investigation into hazing allegations within the Baylor baseball program led to the suspension of 14 players. The university imposed phased suspensions over the early part of the season, reflecting its disciplinary response to such misconduct. This incident highlights that hazing can occur across various student groups, including high-profile athletic teams, at Baylor.
• Broader Context of Oversight: Baylor’s past experiences with major Title IX violations and the football sexual assault scandal have heightened public and internal scrutiny of all student conduct issues, including hazing. This history often creates a complex environment where institutional promises of “zero tolerance” must be balanced against recurring misconduct and the university’s prior struggles with oversight.

These examples underscore the challenges even faith-based institutions face in eradicating hazing and maintaining a safe environment.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Carrollton families confronting hazing at Baylor, criminal investigations would involve the Baylor University Police Department and/or the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in state or federal courts with jurisdiction over McLennan County. As a private university, Baylor is not shielded by sovereign immunity, potentially making it a more direct target for negligence and other claims in civil litigation alongside individuals and student organizations. Baylor’s prior institutional challenges with student safety and oversight could also be relevant in building a pattern of negligence.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students and Carrollton Parents Should Do

• Understand Baylor’s Unique Context: Carrollton parents should be aware of Baylor’s specific institutional culture and history, recognizing that its stated values and policies must be thoroughly investigated for their actual implementation and enforcement in hazing prevention.
• Document and Report Rigorously: Just as with any hazing incident, meticulous documentation of all details and immediate reporting through Baylor’s official channels are crucial.
• Seek Legal Counsel Informed by Baylor’s History: An attorney with experience in complex litigation involving institutions like Baylor – particularly those with a history of broader oversight challenges – can provide invaluable insight and strategic guidance for families from Carrollton and across Texas seeking accountability for hazing.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

On any given day, students from Carrollton are involved in Greek life at campuses like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. These local chapters are not isolated entities; they are branches of national and international organizations. While many of these national bodies tout robust anti-hazing policies, their histories are often marred by repeated, tragic incidents across their network of chapters. Understanding this connection is vital for any family dealing with hazing.

Why National Histories Matter

When a student from Carrollton is harmed by hazing at a Texas university, we often investigate the direct perpetrators and the local chapter. However, a critical aspect of our legal strategy at Attorney911 involves examining the national fraternity or sorority organization. Why? Because these national headquarters often:

• Possess a History of Incidents: They maintain records of prior hazing allegations, disciplinary actions, and even legal settlements involving their chapters nationwide. These records can paint a picture of a recurring problem.
• Have Extensive Policies and Resources: National organizations have developed detailed anti-hazing manuals, risk management policies, and training programs—often precisely because they have faced deaths and catastrophic injuries in the past.
• Know the Patterns: They are often aware of specific hazing “traditions” or rituals (e.g., forced drinking nights, specific forms of paddling, humiliating initiation ceremonies) that recur across multiple chapters.

When a local Texas chapter repeats the same dangerous “script” that led to another chapter being suspended, sued, or even permanently banned in another state, this demonstrates foreseeability. It argues that the national organization knew or should have known about the serious risks of such behavior occurring again. This pattern of knowledge, combined with a failure to adequately intervene, can form a powerful basis for negligence claims and even arguments for punitive damages against national entities.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

While it’s impossible to list every chapter and every incident, a clear pattern emerges when comparing local chapters at Texas universities with their national counterparts’ histories. Here are examples of major fraternities and sororities present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, paired with nationally known hazing issues that demonstrate why their histories matter:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.

  • Nationally Known Incidents: This fraternity has a devastating national record, most notably including the Stone Foltz death at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died after forced alcohol consumption during a “Big/Little” event, leading to criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement for the family. Another case, David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (2012), also involved an alcohol-related death, resulting in a $14 million settlement. These cases clearly show a national pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing, particularly around “Big/Little” events.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU.

  • Nationally Known Incidents: SAE has long been associated with a pattern of severe hazing, leading to multiple deaths and severe injuries nationwide over several decades. Recent incidents include:
    • An alleged traumatic brain injury case at the University of Alabama (filed 2023) following a hazing ritual.
    • The Texas A&M University chemical burns case (2021), where pledges allegedly suffered severe chemical burns from industrial cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, requiring skin graft surgeries and leading to a $1 million lawsuit.
    • An alleged assault at the University of Texas at Austin chapter (January 2024), where an exchange student suffered a dislocated leg and fractures, despite the chapter already being under suspension for prior violations. This pattern underscores a national issue that frequently manifests in Texas.

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

  • Nationally Known Incidents: Most notably, the Maxwell “Max” Gruver death at Louisiana State University (2017) after a forced alcohol “Bible study” drinking game, contributing to the Max Gruver Act (felony hazing statute) and a $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity and its insurer.

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

  • Nationally Known Incidents: The death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017) from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. This tragedy led to criminal prosecutions and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU.

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA): Active at Texas A&M and SMU.

  • Nationally Known Incidents: The SMU chapter itself faced extensive suspensions from 2017 to 2021 after new members were reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, and deprived of sleep. This demonstrates that hazing issues can be present even within the local chapters at our Texas universities.

• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Active at Texas A&M.

  • Nationally Known Incidents: The catastrophic case of Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri (2021), where a pledge suffered severe, permanent brain damage after forced excessive alcohol consumption. His family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants (including the fraternity) for multi-million-dollar confidential amounts.

• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor.

  • Nationally Known Incidents: A federal lawsuit was filed in 2023 against the University of Southern Mississippi and the Nu Eta chapter of Omega Psi Phi by Rafeal Joseph, alleging severe hazing including repeated beatings with a wooden paddle during “Hell Night,” causing injuries requiring emergency surgery. This indicates a pattern of deeply concerning physical hazing.

These patterns serve as a stark warning. The hazing described in these national incidents can, and does, occur at chapters right here in Texas universities where students from Carrollton are enrolled.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy: Uncovering Institutional Accountability

For victims and their families in Carrollton, these national histories are not just cautionary tales; they are powerful tools in legal strategy. They help us demonstrate:

• Foreseeability: When an organization has a documented history of hazing, especially involving specific rituals or behaviors (like forced alcohol consumption or mock ritualistic “games”), it becomes clear they had “foreseeable” knowledge of the dangers. They cannot credibly claim ignorance when similar incidents occur again.
• Failure to Enforce Policies: Nearly every national organization has anti-hazing policies. Yet, when incidents repeatedly occur, it suggests a failure to meaningfully enforce these policies, to adequately train local chapters, or to take sufficiently severe action when violations are reported.
• Insurance Disputes: Understanding national patterns helps our firm navigate complex insurance coverage disputes. Insurers often try to deny coverage by claiming hazing is an “intentional act” or “criminal” and thus excluded from policies. Our deep knowledge allows us to argue that the national organization’s (or university’s) negligent supervision or failure to prevent the foreseeable hazing should be covered.
• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, where an organization’s conduct demonstrates a conscious disregard for student safety despite repeated warnings or prior incidents, these national patterns can strengthen arguments for punitive damages—money awarded not to compensate the victim, but to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct.

At Attorney911, we meticulously investigate these connections, building a comprehensive case that holds not just the individual perpetrators accountable, but also the institutions that allowed such dangerous practices to flourish, impacting students from communities like Carrollton.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

When a student from Carrollton suffers from hazing, the path to justice is often complex, requiring a skilled and methodical approach to gather evidence, establish liability, and secure appropriate compensation. At The Manginello Law Firm, we understand the intricacies of these cases and meticulously build each one with the goal of holding all responsible parties accountable.

Evidence: The Foundation of a Hazing Case

Modern hazing leaves a digital footprint, and a successful case hinges on rapidly and strategically collecting every piece of available evidence.

• Digital Communications: These are often the most critical pieces of evidence. Group chat messages (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even fraternity-specific apps) can reveal planning, intent, specific instructions, coercion, and cover-up attempts. We look for messages detailing forced attendance, alcohol requests, threats, or discussions about secrecy. Direct messages (DMs) on Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok can also provide crucial insights. Our team understands that messages can be deleted quickly, which is why immediate action to screenshot and preserve content is vital. We also work with digital forensics experts who can sometimes recover deleted messages. Attorney911’s video on using your cellphone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.

• Photos & Videos: In the age of smartphones, hazing is often recorded by perpetrators or observers. This footage, even if intended as a “joke” or for internal consumption, can be undeniable proof of the events. We seek out videos shared in group chats, posted to private social media accounts, or captured by campus or venue security cameras. Photos of injuries, humiliating acts, forced drinking, or specific locations can corroborate witness testimony.

• Internal Organization Documents: This category includes pledge manuals (formal or informal), initiation scripts, “traditions” lists, and any internal emails or texts from officers discussing “new member education” or what they plan “to do to the pledges.” We also examine national organization policies, anti-hazing training materials, and risk management guidelines to compare them against actual practices.

• University Records: Through discovery in a lawsuit or in some instances via public records requests (for public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin), we seek:

  • Prior conduct files: Showing a history of hazing violations, probation, or suspensions for the same chapter or student organization.
  • Incident reports: From campus police or student conduct offices related to the organization or individuals.
  • Clery reports: And, moving forward, the new federal hazing incident data required by the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These provide objective proof of harm. We gather:

  • Emergency room and hospitalization records, including ambulance reports.
  • Lab results (blood alcohol content, toxicology screens, kidney function tests for rhabdomyolysis cases).
  • Imaging (X-rays, CTs, MRIs) for physical injuries.
  • Ongoing treatment records for surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and medications.
  • Crucially, comprehensive psychological evaluations, therapy notes, and diagnoses (PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality) are essential to document the severe emotional and mental trauma often inflicted by hazing.

• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are critical. We interview:

  • Other pledges or new members (who may be hesitant but often willing to cooperate with legal help).
  • Current or former members of the organization.
  • Roommates, friends, RAs (Resident Advisors), coaches, or trainers who noticed changes in behavior or witnessed parts of the hazing.
  • Bystanders or staff at off-campus venues.

Damages: Calculating the True Cost of Hazing

Hazing inflicts profound harm—physical, emotional, and financial. Our role is to meticulously quantify these losses to ensure our clients receive fair compensation.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This includes immediate costs (ER visits, hospital stays, ambulance transport, medications) and projected future expenses. For severe injuries like brain damage or organ damage, this can involve a life care plan outlining decades of therapies, specialized equipment, and attendant care.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: We calculate lost wages for time missed from work (for the victim or a parent caring for them). More broadly, we assess the impact on education—missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation, and a potentially diminished future earning capacity if injuries lead to permanent disabilities or psychological barriers to employment.
• Non-Economic Damages: These subjective, but legally compensable, damages reflect the human cost of hazing:
  • Physical pain and suffering: From injuries, recovery, and any chronic pain.
  • Emotional distress: The trauma, humiliation, shame, anxiety, depression, and PTSD caused by the hazing.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life that the victim once cherished, and the overall impact on their quality of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the most tragic cases, when hazing leads to a fatality, surviving family members (spouse, children, parents, and sometimes siblings) can recover for:
  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support and contributions the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and emotional support.
  • Grief and emotional suffering directly experienced by the family.

It is crucial to understand that we describe categories of damages; we do not and cannot promise or predict specific dollar amounts for any case. Every case’s value is unique and depends on many factual elements.

The Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases are often complicated by the involvement of multiple defendants and complex insurance issues.

• Multiple Defendants: Pinpointing all liable parties—from individual students and local chapters to national organizations, universities, and even property owners—requires deep investigation. Each defendant may have different insurance policies (or none), and different legal duties. At Attorney911, our experience navigating complex litigation, including cases like the BP Texas City explosion, ensures we are not intimidated by powerful institutions and their legal teams.

• Insurance Coverage: Fraternities, sororities, and universities typically carry liability insurance. However, insurers will often try to deny coverage for hazing, claiming it falls under “intentional acts” or “criminal acts” exclusions in their policies. This is where our firm’s unique expertise, particularly from Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), is invaluable. We know their playbook. We understand how to:

  • Identify all potential sources of insurance coverage.
  • Argue that while hazing may be intentional, the national organization’s or university’s negligent supervision or failure to prevent foreseeable hazing should be covered.
  • Challenge unjust exclusions and force insurers to uphold their duty to defend.

This specialized knowledge is critical, as a victim’s ability to recover compensation often hinges on the availability of insurance funds. Our strategies are designed to overcome these common defense tactics and ensure our clients’ claims are taken seriously.

Practical Guides & FAQs: Protecting Your Family From Hazing

For families in Carrollton, Denton County, and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, knowledge is your strongest shield against hazing. This section provides immediate, actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

The signs of hazing can be subtle, but your vigilance can make all the difference.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:

  • Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or “accidents” with vague or contradictory explanations.
  • Sudden exhaustion: Extreme fatigue, chronic sleep deprivation, or falling asleep in unusual places.
  • Drastic mood changes: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal from friends or family, or becoming uncharacteristically secretive.
  • Obsessive phone use: Constantly checking group chats, responding to demands at odd hours, or inexplicable fear of missing “mandatory” communications.
  • Academic decline: Grades dropping, missing classes, or neglecting assignments due to “required” activities.
  • Unexplained expenses: Asking for money for “fines,” “dues,” or paying for older members’ items without clear reason.
  • Secrecy about the group: Repeatedly saying, “I can’t talk about it,” or describing events as “just tradition.”
  • Physical appearance: Neglected hygiene, changes in weight, or appearing disheveled.

• How to Talk to Your Child:

  • Choose a neutral, private time. Avoid interrogations; aim for an open conversation.
  • Ask open-ended questions: “How are things going with [group name]?” “What’s typical for new members?” “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
  • Emphasize safety over status: Reassure them that their well-being is your top priority, and you will support any decision they make, even if it means leaving the group.
  • Listen without judgment: If they open up, let them talk without interruption. If they don’t, respect their space but continue to monitor for warning signs.

• If Your Child is Hurt:

  • Prioritize medical care: Get them to an emergency room or a doctor immediately. Their health comes first, regardless of potential academic or disciplinary consequences.
  • Document EVERYTHING: Start a detailed log of dates, times, locations, who was involved, and what happened. Take clear photos of any injuries from multiple angles and over several days to show progression. Screenshot every relevant text message, group chat, or social media post. Save any physical items like damaged clothing or forced purchases.
  • Save Names: Collect names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the hazing or has relevant information.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document All Communications: Keep meticulous records of all emails, phone calls, and meetings with university administrators, including who you spoke with, when, and what was discussed.
  • Ask Specific Questions: Inquire about the university’s anti-hazing policies, prior incidents involving the same organization, and what actions the school is taking or has taken.
  • Consult Legal Counsel Beforehand: Before engaging deeply with university investigations, consult with an attorney to protect your child’s rights and ensure the university’s process aligns with your goals for accountability.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer:

  • If your child has suffered significant physical injuries, emotional trauma, or academic setbacks due to hazing.
  • If you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident, stonewalling, or attempting to cover it up.
  • If you are unsure of your legal options or need guidance on how to navigate the complex process of reporting and seeking justice.

For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

If you are a student from Carrollton, or anywhere in Texas, involved in a new member process and you have concerns, remember this: your safety and well-being are paramount.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?

  • Ask yourself: Does this make me feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Am I being forced to drink or endure pain? Is this activity hidden from outsiders or administrators? If you answer yes to any of these, it is hazing, regardless of what they call it. Tradition should never endanger your physical or mental health.
  • Texas Education Code § 37.151 defines hazing broadly; if it endangers your health or safety for initiation, it’s hazing.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story:

  • They might say, “You agreed to this,” or “everyone else did it.” But the law understands that “consent” under intense peer pressure, power dynamics, and the fear of social exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • You have the absolute right to leave any group or activity at any time.
  • If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 immediately. Most schools and Texas law offer amnesty for good-faith reporters in medical emergencies, meaning you won’t get in trouble for calling for help.
  • If you want to de-pledge or leave a group, tell a trusted adult outside the organization first (parent, RA, academic advisor). You can send an email to the chapter president stating your resignation to create a record. Do not go to a “final meeting” if you fear pressure or intimidation.
  • Report hazing to campus authorities (Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator if applicable, campus police) or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) anonymously if you prefer.

• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty:

  • Texas law and university policies encourage reporting. If you report a hazing incident in good faith, you are typically immune from civil or criminal liability that might arise solely from the act of reporting. This is designed to protect those who come forward.

For Former Members / Witnesses: Your Role in Accountability

If you were a part of hazing, either as a participant or an observer, and now recognize the harm it caused, your testimony can be critical.

• Acknowledge and Act: We understand the complex feelings of guilt, fear of retaliation, and internal conflict you may experience. However, your testimony and evidence can prevent future harm and potentially save lives. Many who come forward find a path to emotional healing and personal accountability.
• Your Testimony Matters: You may hold vital information—deleted group chats, photos, witness accounts—that can build a strong case.
• Seek Your Own Legal Advice: While cooperating with authorities or victims’ attorneys can be an important step towards accountability, you should also consider seeking your own legal counsel to understand your rights, potential liabilities, and protections as a witness or former participant. Our team at Attorney911, with Ralph Manginello’s extensive criminal defense background (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/), can advise individuals facing dual civil/criminal exposure.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

Hazing cases are often sabotaged by common mistakes made by well-meaning families. Avoid these pitfalls:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: What parents often think is protecting their child (“I don’t want them to get in more trouble”) can actually destroy a case. Deleted evidence looks like a cover-up, can constitute obstruction, and makes proving what happened nearly impossible. Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content. Screenshot it, back it up to the cloud, and save it securely. Attorney911’s video on client mistakes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) emphasizes this precise point.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: While your instinct may be to angrily confront the organization, this is counterproductive. They will immediately “lawyer up,” destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses. Instead: Document everything privately, then contact an attorney before any confrontation.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities may pressure families into signing waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. Instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or an insurance company without an attorney reviewing it. You could inadvertently waive your right to sue or settle for far less than your case is worth.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: While tempting to share your story online, remember that defense attorneys comb through social media. Inconsistencies or emotional posts can be used to discredit your child or undermine your case. Instead: Document privately. Your lawyer can advise on strategic public messaging.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: Once you are considering legal action, any further communication from the organization to your child should be viewed with extreme caution. They may pressure, intimidate, or try to extract statements that hurt your case. Instead: All communication should go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities’ internal processes are often designed to protect the institution, control the narrative, and avoid external litigation. Waiting allows critical evidence to disappear, witnesses to graduate, and the statute of limitations to expire. Instead: Preserve evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately. University processes are not a substitute for real accountability.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters sound friendly, but their job is to minimize payouts. Your recorded statements can be used against you, and early settlement offers are typically lowball. Instead: Politely decline to speak with them and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

Short FAQ for Carrollton Families

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) often invoke sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, civil rights (e.g., Title IX) violations, or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts. If you’re in Carrollton and your child has been harmed, contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers who fail to report hazing can also face misdemeanor charges.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” given under significant peer pressure, power imbalances, 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?”
  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 if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and organizations destroy records. Watch our video explaining the Texas statute of limitations at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately if you suspect hazing.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability, even for off-campus incidents. Many major hazing cases (like Pi Delta Psi’s retreat in the Pocono Mountains or Sigma Pi’s unofficial house incident) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments against the organizations.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can often request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms to protect your child’s privacy. Our firm prioritizes your family’s wishes regarding privacy while vigorously pursuing accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for Carrollton Families

When your family in Carrollton or anywhere in Texas faces the devastating impact of hazing, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to overcome those defenses to achieve justice for victims.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring a unique blend of expertise and dedication to hazing cases. We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with deep experience in serious injury, wrongful death, and challenging institutional accountability cases across the state. We’ve had the privilege of protecting victims like you throughout Texas, including families in Carrollton and the many North Texas communities whose children attend universities across our state.

Our firm is uniquely qualified to fight your hazing case for several key reasons:

• The Insurance Insider Advantage: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), she knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because she used to be on the other side. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), has a proven track record of taking on immense defendants. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a case against a billion-dollar corporation. His extensive federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-resourced defense teams. We’ve taken on powerful corporate defendants and won. We know how to fight with the best.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death cases (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), meticulously collaborating with economists to value loss of life and future earning capacity. We understand how to quantify the immense costs of lifetime care for brain injuries or other permanent disabilities resulting from hazing. We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.

• Dual Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the highly respected Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives our firm a unique perspective. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, which is critical when advising witnesses, former members, and victims who may be dealing with dual exposure.

• Investigative Depth and Modern Evidence Collection: We leverage a vast network of experts, including medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. Our experience in complex cases has honed our skills in obtaining hidden evidence – from deleted group chats and social media content to internal chapter records and university disciplinary files. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Carrollton, Denton County, and across the state. Our firm deeply understands the cultures within fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments. We know how to investigate modern hazing, including obtaining and preserving volatile digital evidence, subpoenaing national fraternity records to uncover patterns of misconduct, and obtaining university files through discovery. We navigate the unique challenges of hazing cases, balancing victim privacy with the drive for public accountability, and proving coercion within the intricate dynamics of Greek life.

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We approach every case with empathy and a relentless pursuit of justice, not bravado or quick settlements. Our focus is on thorough investigation and real accountability.

Your Call to Action: Confidential Consultation for Carrollton Families

If your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus – whether it’s UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or another institution – we want to hear from you. Families in Carrollton, Addison, Coppell, Farmers Branch, and throughout Denton County have the right to answers and accountability.

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

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story without judgment, creating a safe space for you to share.
• We will review any evidence you may already have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options, outlining whether a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither is appropriate for your specific circumstances.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• We will answer your questions about costs, explaining our contingency fee basis – we don’t get paid unless we win your case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).
• There is absolutely no pressure to hire us on the spot – take your time to make an informed decision.
• Everything you tell us is confidential.

Do not face this alone. Evidence disappears rapidly, and institutions work quickly to control the narrative. The time to act is now.

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 by email at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Whether you’re in Carrollton, Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston, or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to navigate these complex challenges on your own. 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