Standing Up to Hazing: A Comprehensive Guide for City of DeSoto Families

The phone rings late, a call that chills you to the bone. Your child, away at a Texas university, is in the emergency room. They passed out at an “initiation” event off-campus, and their friends were too scared to call for help right away. Or perhaps your son, usually vibrant, calls home sounding defeated, whispering about being forced to consume raw foods and endure endless physical exercise, always with the terrifying threat of being “cut” from the group he so desperately wants to join. This isn’t just happening on television; it’s a harsh reality facing students from City of DeSoto and across Texas. This terrifying scenario, or something deeply similar, could unfold at any Texas university—from the sprawling campus of Texas A&M to the bustling urban environment of UH, the competitive academic halls of UT Austin, the prestigious grounds of SMU, or the faith-based community of Baylor.

We understand the fear, the confusion, and the profound sense of helplessness a parent feels watching their child struggle, or worse, suffer harm, at the hands of a group they sought to join. Families across City of DeSoto, a close-knit community in Dallas County, entrust their children to universities with the expectation of safety and growth. When that trust is shattered by the insidious practice of hazing, the need for answers and accountability becomes paramount.

1. Hook + Overview

1.1 The Silent Scars of “Tradition” Leave Families in Despair

It’s a Friday night, and a student from City of DeSoto, away at one of Texas’s prominent universities, is at an off-campus fraternity house. The air crackles with forced camaraderie, a thinly veiled pressure that builds with each chant and each forced drink. Pledges are pushed to consume far beyond safe limits, endure degrading acts orchestrated by older members, or face relentless physical abuse disguised as “team-building.” Others are filming on their phones, chanting, laughing, documenting their “traditions” for posterity, or perhaps, for blackmail. Suddenly, someone stumbles, vomits, or collapses. A hush falls, quickly replaced by frantic whispers: “Don’t call 911! They’ll shut us down!” The victim lies vulnerable, while fear of consequences trumps the natural instinct to help. The student, perhaps your own, feels trapped—between loyalty to the group they cherish and their own safety and well-being.

Stories like this are not isolated incidents; they are part of a dangerous pattern that plays out on college campuses across Texas, ensnaring students from communities like City of DeSoto who are simply seeking belonging. The devastating consequences—physical injury, severe emotional trauma, academic derailment, and in the worst cases, death—leave an indelible mark on individuals and families. The very institutions designed to foster growth and learning often struggle to adequately address these hidden abuses.

1.2 What This Guide Offers City of DeSoto Families

This is a comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas, written specifically for families in City of DeSoto and across our great state. We aim to equip you with the knowledge and understanding you need to confront this pervasive issue, whether your child attends a university close to home or hundreds of miles away. Throughout this guide, we will explore:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes to reveal its modern, often digital, forms.
• How Texas and federal law address hazing, including criminal penalties and civil liability that can hold individuals and institutions accountable.
• The profound lessons learned from major national hazing cases, and how those precedents directly apply to protecting students at Texas universities.
• Specific insights into hazing incidents and institutional responses at the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University—schools where many City of DeSoto families send their children.
• The legal options available to victims and families in City of DeSoto and throughout Texas, from preserving critical evidence to navigating the complexities of a hazing lawsuit.

While this article provides vital general information, it is crucial to understand that it is not specific legal advice. Every case presents its own unique set of facts and challenges. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, is dedicated to evaluating individual cases based on their specific circumstances. We are proud to serve families throughout Texas, including those here in City of DeSoto and the surrounding Dallas County region, offering serious legal representation and empathetic support.

1.3 Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

When a hazing incident occurs, especially if your child is in immediate danger, swift action is absolutely critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and institutions can move quickly to control the narrative. If you or your child are facing a hazing crisis:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies first and foremost. Prioritize their physical safety above all else.
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate help in legal emergencies—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

In the first 48 hours, here’s what you must do:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Injuries, especially internal ones or alcohol poisoning, may not be immediately apparent. Document everything the medical staff observes.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages immediately. This digital footprint is often the most damning evidence.
  • Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles, and continue to do so over several days to document their progression.
  • Save any physical items such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing, if safely possible.
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: The date, time, who was involved, what exactly happened, and where it occurred. Detailed, contemporaneous notes are invaluable.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This can lead to the destruction of evidence, coached witnesses, and even retaliation.
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company without consulting legal counsel first. You might inadvertently waive important rights.
  • Post details on public social media. This can compromise a potential legal case and be used against your child.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence. While seemingly protective, this can be seen as obstruction and severely harm their case.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate, and institutions often prioritize self-preservation. We can help preserve critical evidence, protect your child’s rights, and guide you through the initial, crucial steps. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

2. Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For City of DeSoto families, the word “hazing” might conjure images from movies: a few embarrassing dares or physical stunts, dismissed as “boys being boys” or “just tradition.” But hazing in 2025 is far more insidious, dangerous, and technologically advanced than clichés suggest. It’s often covert, psychologically manipulative, and designed to evade detection, inflicting deep physical and emotional scars. Understanding its true nature is the first step toward combating it.

2.1 A Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing, in its essence, is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, by one person or a group, directed against a student. Its purpose is typically for pledging, initiation, affiliation, maintaining membership, or holding office in any student organization. Critically, these acts endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or cause them humiliation, abuse, or exploitation.

The crucial takeaway is that “I agreed to it” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal, especially when there’s an inherent power imbalance, intense peer pressure, and the implicit threat of social exclusion or failure to gain membership. Modern hazing rarely involves a direct, clear order; instead, it thrives on subtle coercion and the fear of social consequences.

2.2 Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing has evolved, adapting to new technologies and striving to stay beneath the radar of university policies and laws. It can broadly be categorized into several forms:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often in rapid succession. This can manifest as “chugging challenges,” “lineups” where multiple drinks must be consumed without stopping, or games designed to ensure intoxication. Students may also be pressured to consume unknown, mixed, or illicit substances, significantly increasing health risks. Tragically, many hazing deaths each year are directly linked to forced alcohol consumption.

• Physical Hazing: This category encompasses acts that physically endanger a student’s body or push them beyond safe physical limits. Examples include:

  • Paddling and beatings: Deliberate physical violence, sometimes using objects.
  • Extreme calisthenics or “workouts”: Prolonged or excessive exercise, often accompanied by verbal abuse, without proper hydration or breaks, leading to exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), and kidney damage.
  • Sleep deprivation: Forced late-night “meetings” or activities that restrict normal sleep patterns, compromising academic performance and physical health.
  • Food and water deprivation: Withholding essential sustenance or forcing consumption of unpleasant or unsanitary items.
  • Exposure to extreme environments: Leaving pledges in excessively cold or hot conditions, or dangerous locations.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This particularly egregious form of hazing targets a student’s dignity and can have lasting psychological impacts. It includes:

  • Forced nudity or partial nudity.
  • Simulated sexual acts: Such as “roasted pig” positions or “elephant walks” that are designed to degrade and shame.
  • Degrading costumes or public displays: Forcing pledges to wear embarrassing outfits or perform compromising acts in public settings.
  • Acts with racial, sexist, homophobic, or other discriminatory overtones: Using slurs, role-playing stereotypes, or forcing minority members to perform demeaning actions.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but profoundly damaging, psychological hazing manipulates a student’s mental state. This can involve:

  • Verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation: Constant yelling, insults, and threats of social exclusion or physical harm.
  • Social isolation: Forcing new members to cut off contact with non-members, friends outside the group, or even family.
  • Manipulation and forced confessions: Coercing students to admit to fabricated shortcomings or personal insecurities.
  • Public shaming: Humiliating individuals on social media, during meetings, or in front of peers, designed to break down self-esteem.
  • Deception/secrecy oaths: Requiring pledges to lie to parents, university officials, or outsiders about activities, creating a web of complicity and fear.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones and social media, hazing has moved into the digital realm, allowing for 24/7 control and new forms of humiliation. This includes:

  • Group chat directives: Constant demands and tasks issued through platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord, often at late hours, enforcing continuous engagement and sleep deprivation.
  • Social media dares and humiliation: Pressuring pledges to post embarrassing content on Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, or participating in online “challenges” that demean them.
  • Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos: Capturing or distributing photos and videos of hazing activities, which can then be used to enforce silence or blackmail.
  • Geo-tracking and location sharing: Requiring pledges to share their live location via apps, enforcing continuous surveillance.
  • Social media policing: Controlling what pledges can post, or forcing them to “like” or share organizational content, extending control into their personal online lives.

2.3 Where Hazing Actually Happens

The misconception that hazing is limited to “frat boys” is dangerous. While fraternities and sororities, particularly those affiliated with the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and various multicultural Greek councils (MGC), are often at the center of hazing headlines, the practice spans much wider:

• Fraternities & Sororities: These groups, with their hierarchical structures and emphasis on “tradition,” often create environments ripe for hazing.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Texas, with its strong military traditions, has groups like the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, where hazing has been reported under the guise of “training” or “discipline.”
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Organizations like spirit groups, cheerleading squads, and long-standing campus traditions (such as some at UT Austin) have been disciplined for hazing.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, soccer, and swim teams, hazing has been well-documented within athletic programs across the country, used as a misguided form of “team building.”
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign groups, including marching bands and theatrical organizations, have faced hazing allegations involving physical exertion, humiliation, and psychological manipulation.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with an “exclusive” membership or initiation process can become a hazing ground.

The common threads running through all these groups are social status, tradition, and secrecy. These elements create powerful incentives for hazing to continue, even when everyone “knows” it’s illegal and dangerous. The desire to belong, to prove oneself, and the fear of ostracism can compel students to endure unacceptable abuse.

3. Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For City of DeSoto families seeking justice after a hazing incident, understanding the nuances of the legal framework in Texas is crucial. The law provides avenues for both criminal prosecution against individuals and organizations, and civil recourse for victims and their families.

3.1 Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

In Texas, hazing is not just against university policy; it’s against the law. The Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing), provides a clear legal definition and penalties. In plain terms, if someone makes you do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they intentionally or recklessly caused that harm, that’s hazing under Texas law.

Key aspects of the law include:

• Broad Definition: Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person 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, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization. This definition explicitly covers acts that cause mental or physical harm, and clearly states that location (on or off campus) is irrelevant.
• Criminal Penalties:
  • If hazing doesn’t cause serious injury, it’s typically a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by fines and potential jail time.
  • If hazing causes an injury requiring medical treatment, it can escalate to a Class A Misdemeanor.
  • Crucially, if hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a State Jail Felony, carrying more severe penalties including prison time.
  • Additionally, individuals (especially officers) who fail to report hazing they witness or know about can face misdemeanor charges. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.
• Organizational Liability: The law also allows for student organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) to be held criminally liable, for example, if the organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it. Organizations can face fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke their recognition.
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: A person who reports a hazing incident in good faith to university or law enforcement is generally immune from civil or criminal liability stemming from that report. This protection aims to encourage reporting, acting as a crucial safeguard for students.
• Consent Not a Defense: This is a critically important provision. Texas law explicitly states that it is not a defense to hazing prosecution that the person being hazed “consented” to the activity. This recognizes the inherent power imbalances and coercive environments prevalent in hazing, where “consent” is often not truly voluntary.

This summary provides an overview of the Texas Education Code. The law is technical, but its intent is clear: hazing is dangerous, illegal, and unacceptable.

3.2 Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When a hazing incident occurs that violates Texas law, it can trigger two distinct legal processes: criminal cases and civil cases. While often intertwined, they serve different purposes:

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the State of Texas (through a county or district attorney) against individuals or organizations accused of breaking the law. The primary aim of a criminal case is punishment, which can include imprisonment, fines, probation, or community service. In hazing incidents, prosecutors may pursue charges for:

  • Hazing offenses (as outlined in the Education Code).
  • Assault or aggravated assault.
  • Furnishing alcohol to minors.
  • Manslaughter or negligent homicide in cases of death.
  • Conspiracy or obstruction of justice if there’s a cover-up.
    A criminal conviction signifies that the accused committed a public wrong against society.

• Civil Cases: These are initiated by the victims (or their surviving families in wrongful death cases) against the individuals or entities they believe are responsible for their harm. The main goal of a civil case is monetary compensation (damages) for the losses suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil claims in hazing cases often revolve around:

  • Negligence or Gross Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care, or a conscious indifference to the safety of others.
  • Wrongful Death: When a person’s death is caused by the negligent or wrongful act of another.
  • Assault and Battery: Direct acts causing physical harm or fearful anticipation of harm.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Extreme and outrageous conduct that intentionally or recklessly causes severe emotional suffering.
  • Negligent Hiring, Supervision, or Retention: When a university or organization fails to properly vet, supervise, or remove individuals who pose a hazing risk.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property where the owner failed to maintain a safe environment.
    A crucial point for City of DeSoto families to understand is that a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The burden of proof is lower in civil cases (“preponderance of the evidence” vs. “beyond a reasonable doubt”), meaning a victim can win a civil lawsuit even if no criminal charges are filed or secured. Both types of cases can run simultaneously, allowing for comprehensive accountability.

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

While Texas law provides the primary legal framework, federal regulations also play an increasingly significant role in addressing hazing, particularly at higher education institutions that receive federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation aims to increase transparency and accountability for hazing nationwide. It requires colleges and universities receiving federal aid to:

  • Report hazing incidents more transparently, providing specific data on violations and disciplinary actions.
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention efforts for students and staff.
  • Maintain and make publicly available comprehensive hazing data, similar to crime statistics reported under the Clery Act. This will be phased in by around 2026, offering City of DeSoto families access to vital information about incidents at their children’s universities.

• Title IX / Clery Act: These federal mandates, while not specifically about hazing, often intersect with hazing incidents:

  • Title IX: Prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based violence, or even severe gender-based hostility (e.g., forced sexualized acts, degrading treatment based on gender), Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must investigate promptly and provide remedies, and failure to do so can lead to federal enforcement actions and civil lawsuits.
  • Clery Act: Requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents, particularly those involving assaults, alcohol or drug violations, or other criminal acts, may fall under Clery reporting requirements, adding another layer of transparency and accountability.

These federal laws underscore a growing national recognition of the severity of hazing and provide additional leverage for victims seeking justice and systemic change.

3.4 Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

One of the most critical aspects of securing justice in a hazing case is identifying all potentially liable parties. Hazing often involves a complex web of individuals, groups, and institutions, each with a potential role in the harm caused. In a civil hazing lawsuit, the following entities may be held accountable:

• Individual Students: The students who directly planned, organized, encouraged, or carried out the hazing acts are often primary targets. This includes those who supplied alcohol, initiated physical abuse, or participated in the cover-up. Their personal actions, and sometimes their personal insurance policies (such as homeowner’s policies), can be crucial.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or student organization directly involved in the hazing can be held liable. If it’s a legally recognized entity, it can be sued. Liability often extends to officers and “pledge educators” or “new member coordinators” who acted in an official capacity or had a duty to oversee activities.
• National Fraternity / Sorority: Most local chapters are part of larger, national organizations. These national headquarters often set policies, provide training, collect dues, and have a supervisory role. Their liability can arise if they knew (or should have known) about a pattern of hazing at a local chapter or within their organization generally, yet failed to intervene effectively. Evidence of prior hazing incidents at other chapters of the same national organization can be extremely powerful in establishing foreseeability and negligence against the national body.
• University or College: The educational institution itself may be held liable under various theories. This can include:
  • Negligent Supervision: Failure to adequately supervise student organizations or monitor campus activities.
  • Negligent Retention: Keeping faculty or staff in positions of authority despite knowledge of their role in enabling hazing.
  • Failure to Enforce Policies: If the university had anti-hazing policies but consistently failed to enforce them or punish violations, especially after repeated warnings.
  • Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on university property, and the school failed to maintain a safe environment.
  • Title IX Violations: If the hazing had a sexual or gender-based component, triggering federal anti-discrimination laws.
    Public universities in Texas (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) may invoke sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist, particularly in cases of gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Depending on the circumstances, others might also bear responsibility:
  • Property Owners/Landlords: If the hazing occurred at an off-campus house, the landlord might be liable if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities on their property.
  • Alcohol Providers: Bars, liquor stores, or individuals who illegally furnished alcohol to minors involved in hazing could face liability under Texas Dram Shop laws.
  • Security Companies or Event Organizers: If they were hired to ensure safety but failed in their duty.

Each hazing case is fact-specific, and not every party listed will be liable in every situation. A thorough investigation is crucial to identify all potential defendants and maximize a victim’s chances for comprehensive recovery.

4. National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

While the specifics of local hazing incidents at Texas universities – or cases affecting City of DeSoto students – are unique, they rarely occur in a vacuum. A disturbing pattern emerges when examining national hazing cases: common threads of forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, psychological torment, cultural secrecy, delayed medical care, and institutional failures. These “anchor stories” not only illustrate the devastating consequences of hazing but also establish crucial legal precedents for foreseeability and liability that empower our legal strategy in Texas.

4.1 Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most frequent and tragic outcome of hazing involves forced or coerced alcohol consumption, which often leads to severe injury or death. These cases underscore that “party culture” can quickly turn lethal when combined with the power dynamics of initiation rituals.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died following a “bid acceptance” event where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Fraternity surveillance cameras captured his harrowing hours: repeated falls, severe head injuries, and brothers’ delayed, incompetent attempts to “help” him before finally calling 911 more than 12 hours after his initial fall. This tragedy resulted in one of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history, with multiple fraternity members facing over 1,000 criminal counts, including involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault. The civil litigation led to confidential settlements, and Pennsylvania enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, upgrading hazing to a felony.
  • Why it matters for Texas: This case vividly demonstrates how extreme intoxication, a deliberate delay in calling 911, and a pervasive culture of secrecy and fear within a chapter can be legally devastating, setting a high bar for criminal and civil accountability.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, also 19, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were reportedly given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them quickly. This incident triggered a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU and a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida. Multiple members were prosecuted, with most pleading guilty to misdemeanor hazing. His family filed a wrongful death suit, the terms of which remain confidential.
  • Why it matters for Texas: The “formulaic” nature of drinking nights, disguised as tradition, is a repeating script for disaster that nationals often know about.
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old pledge, died from alcohol toxicity (with a staggering BAC of 0.495%) after being forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were required to answer questions about the fraternity’s history, and incorrect answers resulted in forced drinking. This tragedy led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing statute with significant penalties, and a civil settlement with the family (amount confidential). A jury later awarded the family $6.1 million against an individual member and his insurer.
  • Why it matters for Texas: Legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing. The Gruver case established that even seemingly “games” can be deadly, and juries will hold individuals accountable.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, also 20, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” pledge night. This case gained national attention, leading to multiple criminal convictions for hazing-related charges against fraternity members. His family later reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha organization and approximately $3 million from Bowling Green State University.
  • Why it matters for Texas: This case powerfully illustrates that universities, especially public ones, can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities, often settling even when sovereign immunity might be argued. It also highlights the extreme personal liability individual officers can face, such as the $6.5 million ordered for the chapter president in this case.

4.2 Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing, often intended to “break down” pledges, can lead to severe injuries or death, demonstrating that the dangers extend to non-alcohol-related activities.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died from a traumatic brain injury suffered during a “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. He was blindfolded, weighted down with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled by members. Fraternity members delayed seeking medical help. This landmark case resulted in multiple individual convictions and, significantly, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity itself was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, the first time a national fraternity was found criminally liable for hazing. The fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years and fined over $110,000.
  • Why it matters for Texas: This case proves that off-campus “retreats” are not a shield against liability. Nationals can face serious sanctions, including criminal convictions, when hazing is a systemic issue within their organization.

4.3 Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life. High-profile incidents in athletic programs across the country demonstrate that the same dangerous dynamics of power, tradition, and secrecy can breed abuse in other student organizations, including those with significant university resources and oversight.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): This scandal unfolded when former football players alleged widespread sexualized and racially charged hazing within the prestigious football program over many years. Allegations included forced naked acts, “dry-humping” during certain traditions, coaches enabling the behavior, and a culture of fear. Multiple players filed lawsuits against Northwestern University and coaching staff. The head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, was initially suspended and then fired, subsequently filing a wrongful-termination suit, which ultimately led to a confidential settlement in August 2025.
  • Why it matters for Texas: Hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities; it can permeate big-money athletic programs, marching bands, and other student groups. This case highlights that universities can face massive liability for failing to address systemic abuse, regardless of the type of student organization involved. It underscores the need for comprehensive oversight across all student activities.

4.4 What These Cases Mean for City of DeSoto Families

These national tragedies, while distant geographically, cast a long shadow over every college campus in Texas. They serve as a stark reminder of the common threads that lead to devastation: forced drinking, humiliation, physical violence, a shocking delay in emergency care, and systemic cover-ups. Every major hazing incident triggers a cascade of reforms, new legislation, and, frequently, multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts that send a clear message about accountability.

For parents and students from City of DeSoto, this means that you are not navigating an unknown legal landscape. Your experiences at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor – or any other Texas school – are understood within the context of these national lessons. These cases illustrate the patterns of behavior that are now recognized as hazing, and they pave the way for holding responsible parties accountable here in Texas. When a Texas chapter of a national fraternity or sorority repeats a hazing script that has already led to death or severe injury elsewhere, it strengthens the argument for foreseeability and institutional negligence in our local courts.

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

For City of DeSoto families, understanding the unique cultures, policies, and hazing histories of Texas’s major universities is essential. While hazing is a nationwide problem, how each institution addresses it, and how incidents unfold on those campuses, can vary. Many Dallas County students, including those from City of DeSoto, attend these institutions, making their specific contexts highly relevant.

Given its proximity within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Southern Methodist University (SMU) often draws students from City of DeSoto. Therefore, we will lead with SMU, giving it extra depth, and then cover the other major Texas universities.

5.1 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot for City of DeSoto Families

Southern Methodist University (SMU), located in Dallas, is a private university renowned for its strong academic programs, vibrant campus life, and active Greek system. For students from City of DeSoto, SMU is a common and prestigious choice, representing a significant investment for many families. The campus culture is often characterized by a strong sense of tradition, close-knit social circles, and a prominent role for fraternities and sororities in social life. With its beautiful campus and proximity to City of DeSoto, SMU attracts a student body that often values social connections and institutional pride.

5.1.2 SMU’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, explicitly prohibiting any activity that endangers the mental, physical, or emotional health of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in a group. This policy covers acts both on and off campus, and critically, states that consent is not a defense.

SMU provides multiple reporting channels:

• The Office of the Dean of Students handles student conduct and welfare.
• The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life oversees Greek organizations.
• SMU Police Department for criminal incidents.
• An anonymous online reporting form and a toll-free hotline are usually available.

SMU, as a private institution, is often less transparent with its past hazing violations compared to public universities, making thorough investigation crucial for City of DeSoto families.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at SMU

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

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): One of the most widely reported incidents involved the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity chapter at SMU. New members were reportedly subjected to physical abuse, including paddling, forced consumption of alcohol, and significant sleep deprivation. Following an investigation, SMU suspended the chapter, and it faced restrictions on recruiting new members for several years, slowly rebuilding its presence.
• Several other SMU fraternities and sororities have faced suspensions or probationary periods for various policy violations, including hazing, underage drinking, and disrespectful behavior, underscoring ongoing challenges in student life. These incidents, while not always publicly detailed, illustrate the persistent risk across Greek organizations.

These incidents highlight SMU’s willingness to take disciplinary action against chapters, but they also underscore the need for persistent vigilance from City of DeSoto families.

5.1.4 How a Hazing Case at SMU Might Proceed for a City of DeSoto Family

For a City of DeSoto family facing a hazing incident at SMU, the legal process would have specific considerations:

• Jurisdiction: Depending on where the hazing occurred, involvement could be with the SMU Police Department (on-campus) and/or the Dallas Police Department (off-campus in Dallas). Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Dallas County, such as a District Court in Dallas.
• Private Institution Status: As a private university, SMU does not have the same sovereign immunity protections as public Texas schools. This can make it potentially easier to sue the institution directly under theories of negligence or gross negligence, but it also means less public transparency in disciplinary records.
• Potential Defendants: In an SMU hazing case, potential defendants could include individual students, the local chapter itself, the national fraternity/sorority, and the university. Property owners of off-campus residences where hazing occurred could also be implicated.

5.1.5 What SMU Students and Parents from City of DeSoto Should Do

If you are a parent or student from City of DeSoto involved with SMU, here are concrete steps to take:

• Understand SMU’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with SMU’s Code of Conduct and hazing policies.
• Document Everything: As quickly and thoroughly as possible, gather and preserve any digital evidence (screenshots of texts, group chats, social media posts) and photos of injuries.
• Report Internally if Safe: Utilize SMU’s reporting channels, but consider doing so with legal guidance to protect your rights.
• Seek Off-Campus Counsel: Given SMU’s private nature, obtaining records or initiating a full investigation can be challenging without legal representation. Talking to a lawyer experienced in Dallas-based hazing cases can help a City of DeSoto family navigate these complexities, obtain crucial evidence, and ensure their child’s rights are protected.

5.2 University of Houston (UH)

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot for City of DeSoto Families

The University of Houston, a large public research university, stands as a vibrant hub of education in the heart of one of America’s most diverse cities. Students from City of DeSoto, often looking for a robust urban college experience within a few hours’ drive, frequently choose UH for its academic breadth and lively campus atmosphere. UH has a dynamic student body, a significant commuter population, and a very active Greek life across multiple councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural). Its wide array of student organizations, including sports clubs, cultural groups, and academic societies, means many avenues for student involvement—and unfortunately, potential exposure to hazing.

5.2.2 UH’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strong, clear anti-hazing policy consistent with Texas law. This policy:

• Prohibits hazing that endangers mental or physical health, or causes humiliation, abuse, or exploitation.
• Applies to all student organizations recognized by UH, whether the activity occurs on or off university property.
• Explicitly states that consent is not a defense.

UH provides several avenues for reporting hazing incidents:

• The Dean of Students Office is the primary contact for student conduct and welfare concerns.
• The Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life (CFSL) directly oversees Greek organizations.
• UH Police Department (UHPD) for criminal acts.
• An online reporting form and a general university hotline are also available.

UH often posts a general statement about hazing on its website, including information about its commitment to prevention and education, although detailed public disciplinary lists for specific organizations may be less prominent than at some other public universities.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at UH

UH has contended with notable hazing incidents, demonstrating the real risks present even at large public institutions in major metropolitan areas:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): A particularly severe incident involved the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at UH. Pledges were allegedly subjected to significant physical abuse and deprivation, including being denied sufficient food, water, and sleep over an extended period during a multi-day “initiation” event. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being violently slammed onto a table or similar surface. The incident resulted in misdemeanor hazing charges against individuals and the chapter faced a severe university suspension, underscoring the potential for both criminal and campus disciplinary action for City of DeSoto students.
• General Disciplinary Actions: UH has disciplined and suspended various fraternities and sororities for lesser, but still serious, violations including alcohol misuse, violating new member programming rules, and engaging in activities “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort.” These actions are typically handled internally by the Dean of Students or the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life.

These instances highlight UH’s efforts to respond to hazing, but they also reveal the ongoing challenges in completely eradicating such dangerous practices.

5.2.4 How a Hazing Case at UH Might Proceed for a City of DeSoto Family

For a City of DeSoto family whose child has experienced hazing at UH, understanding the legal process is key:

• Jurisdiction: Depending on whether the hazing occurred on-campus or off, law enforcement involvement could fall under the UH Police Department (UHPD) or the Houston Police Department (HPD). Civil lawsuits would be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Harris County, typically a District Court in Houston.
• Public University Aspects: As a public institution, UH may assert sovereign immunity as a defense in certain civil suits. However, this immunity is not absolute. Exceptions for gross negligence, certain personal injuries caused by the school’s employees, or Title IX violations can allow victims to pursue claims against the university. Experienced attorneys understand how to navigate these complexities.
• Potential Defendants: A hazing lawsuit at UH could name individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the university itself. Owners of off-campus properties where hazing occurred might also be included.

5.2.5 What UH Students & Parents from City of DeSoto Should Do

If your child attends UH and you suspect hazing, or if an incident has occurred:

• Familiarize Yourself with UH Resources: Understand the university’s anti-hazing policies and reporting mechanisms, such as the Dean of Students office or the CFSL.
• Collect and Preserve Evidence: Immediately screenshot all relevant digital communications (GroupMe, texts, social media), photograph any injuries, and document details of the incident.
• Report Strategically: While reporting to UH is important, be prepared that the university’s primary goal is often to protect its own interests. Consulting with a legal professional before or during the reporting process is crucial.
• Contact a Houston-Based Hazing Lawyer: Given UH’s location, a lawyer with experience in Houston-based hazing cases can provide invaluable guidance. Our firm, based in Houston, has deep roots and credibility in the local legal community, and we understand how to investigate and uncover prior disciplinary actions and internal files that may not be publicly accessible. We are well-situated to serve City of DeSoto families with children at UH.

5.3 Texas A&M University

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot for City of DeSoto Families

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, is deeply rooted in tradition, military values, and a strong sense of community known as the “Aggie Spirit.” Students from City of DeSoto are often drawn to A&M for its esteemed engineering and agricultural programs, its rich traditions, and the unique experience of the Corps of Cadets. Greek life is active, but so too are numerous other student organizations, athletic programs, and the highly visible Corps of Cadets, which features a regimented, military-style environment. This tradition-heavy atmosphere, while fostering immense loyalty, can sometimes create an unfortunate breeding ground for hazing under the guise of “earning worth” or “tradition.”

5.3.2 Texas A&M’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, adhering strictly to Texas law. Their policy:

• Applies to all student organizations, including athletic teams and the Corps of Cadets.
• Covers acts both on and off campus, prohibiting any activity that endangers mental or physical health for initiation or membership.
• Like Texas law, explicitly states that consent is not a defense.

Reporting channels include:

• The Dean of Student Life and Student Conduct Office.
• The University Police Department (UPD) for criminal acts.
• The Corps of Cadets leadership for internal Corps matters.
• An anonymous online reporting system is available, and students are regularly educated on hazing prevention.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at Texas A&M

Texas A&M has faced significant hazing incidents impacting both its Greek life and its revered Corps of Cadets:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): This particularly disturbing incident involved pledges allegedly being subjected to chemical hazing during an “initiation” event. The pledges were reportedly forced to endure strenuous physical activity while corrosive substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, were poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns that required emergency medical treatment and skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was swiftly suspended by the university, and the injured pledges later filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the organization.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a federal lawsuit alleging degrading and abusive hazing within the Corps. The allegations included forced consumption of food and alcohol, simulated sexual acts, being bound and placed in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth, and enduring racial and homophobic slurs. The cadet sought over $1 million in damages, highlighting the severe emotional and physical toll of such abuse within military-style organizations. A&M stated it had handled these allegations under its internal rules.
• Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): Allegations of severe hazing resulted in injuries consistent with rhabdomyolysis (a dangerous muscle breakdown from extreme physical exertion) among pledges. This incident, currently subject to ongoing litigation, underscores the continued prevalence of dangerous physical hazing methods.

These cases demonstrate that hazing at Texas A&M can manifest differently across its diverse student groups, but the potential for severe harm remains consistent.

5.3.4 How a Hazing Case at Texas A&M Might Proceed for a City of DeSoto Family

For City of DeSoto families with children attending Texas A&M, the legal considerations include:

• Jurisdiction: Law enforcement could involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) or the College Station Police Department, or even the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Brazos County, such as a District Court in Bryan or College Station.
• The Corps of Cadets: Hazing within the Corps presents unique challenges, as it often claims to be “training” or “discipline.” However, if acts meet the legal definition of hazing, severe penalties can apply. Cases may highlight the difficult balance between military-style tradition and ensuring student safety.
• Public University & Sovereign Immunity: Like UH, Texas A&M, as a public institution, benefits from sovereign immunity, making lawsuits against the university directly more complex. However, exceptions for gross negligence, constitutional violations, or Title IX claims can still open avenues for accountability.
• Potential Defendants: A lawsuit could name individual cadets/students, the local chapter or Corps unit, the national fraternity where applicable, and potentially the university itself.

5.3.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents from City of DeSoto Should Do

If your child attends Texas A&M and you suspect hazing:

• Understand A&M’s Unique Culture: Be aware that “tradition” is highly valued, but illegal hazing has no place under any tradition.
• Document Ruthlessly: Capture and preserve any digital evidence (GroupMe, texts, social media), photos of injuries, and detailed notes of incidents. For Corps members, preserving any “training” schedules or directives is crucial.
• Seek Outside Counsel: Given the powerful influence of the Corps and university traditions, an outside attorney can provide objective advice and pursue independent investigations without internal university pressures.
• Contact a Texas Hazing Lawyer: Our firm has experience with campus abuse cases across Texas. For City of DeSoto families with children at Texas A&M, we can help navigate the particular complexities of hazing within Greek life or the Corps of Cadets, ensuring that evidence is preserved and all avenues for accountability are explored.

5.4 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot for City of DeSoto Families

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship public university, is consistently ranked among the top institutions in the country. Students from City of DeSoto are keenly aware of UT’s academic rigor, diverse student body, and vibrant social scene. Its campus culture is eclectic, shaped by its status as a major academic and research institution, its strong athletic programs, and its dynamic Greek community. UT Austin’s fraternities and sororities are well-established, and the university also hosts numerous spirit groups and student organizations, all of which contribute to a complex social environment where hazing incidents, unfortunately, can periodically occur.

5.4.2 UT’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin takes a strong stance against hazing, clearly stating its prohibition in alignment with state law. UT’s policies:

• Define hazing broadly to include any act that endangers physical or mental health for initiation or affiliation purposes.
• Apply to all university-registered student organizations, faculty, and staff, and cover activities both on and off campus.
• Emphatically state that “consent” is not a defense, reflecting Texas law.

UT Austin is notable for its commitment to transparency regarding hazing violations. The university prominently features a Hazing Violations page on its website (hazing.utexas.edu), publicly listing organizations, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed. This is a critical resource for City of DeSoto families.

Reporting channels at UT include:

• The Dean of Students Office and Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.
• The University Panhellenic Council (UPC) and Interfraternity Council (IFC) for Greek issues.
• The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) for criminal acts.
• An anonymous online reporting system and the National Anti-Hazing Hotline.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at UT Austin

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page is a valuable (and unsettling) resource, showcasing the ongoing challenge:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The UT chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) was found responsible for hazing violations. New members were reportedly directed to consume large quantities of milk and forced to perform strenuous calisthenics, culminating in vomiting and physical discomfort. The chapter was placed on probation, lost university privileges, and mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Cowboys (2019): This historically prestigious spirit organization was permanently disbanded by the university after a hazing incident led to the death of a new member. This underscored that even revered, non-Greek organizations are not immune to hazing’s dangers.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (January 2024): An Australian exchange student suffered severe injuries, including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, a fractured tibia, and a broken nose, after allegedly being assaulted by fraternity members at a party. This incident occurred while the chapter was already under previous suspension for safety violations. The student sued SAE for over $1 million, highlighting the compounded liability when violations occur during existing sanctions.
• Other Groups: Numerous other UT organizations, including various fraternities, sororities, and spirit groups, have been sanctioned for violations ranging from forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, degradation of new members, and failure to report.

UT’s transparency, while commendable for public awareness, also plainly shows the persistent nature of hazing despite regulations.

5.3.4 How a Hazing Case at UT Austin Might Proceed for a City of DeSoto Family

For a City of DeSoto family pursuing a hazing case originating at UT Austin, common legal avenues include:

• Jurisdiction: Incident investigations could involve the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) for on-campus occurrences, or the Austin Police Department (APD) for off-campus incidents within the city. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Travis County, such as a District Court in Austin.
• Public University & Sovereign Immunity: As a public institution, UT Austin is often shielded by sovereign immunity. However, claims of gross negligence, constitutional violations, or Title IX issues can overcome some of these protections, allowing for direct legal action against the university.
• Public Records Advantage: UT’s public Hazing Violations page provides invaluable evidence of prior incidents and disciplinary actions, which can be critical for establishing patterns of behavior, foreseeability, and institutional negligence in a civil lawsuit. For City of DeSoto families, reviewing this history is paramount.
• Potential Defendants: In a UT hazing case, defendants could include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the university itself, along with any relevant property owners.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents from City of DeSoto Should Do

If your child attends UT Austin and you suspect or are dealing with a hazing incident:

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations Page: Be proactive and check this public database (hazing.utexas.edu) to see if the organization your child is involved with has a history of hazing. This is a crucial step for City of DeSoto families.
• Document and Preserve Evidence: Immediately capture all digital communications (texts, GroupMe, social media), photos of injuries, and detailed notes.
• Report Internally, but Get Legal Advice: Utilize UT’s official reporting channels, but understand that legal counsel can help you navigate the process effectively while preserving your child’s legal options.
• Contact a Texas Hazing Lawyer: Our firm is well-versed in Texas hazing law and has experience with cases involving major universities like UT Austin. For City of DeSoto families, we can provide strategic guidance, helping to leverage UT’s public records and navigate the complexities of suing a public institution.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot for City of DeSoto Families

Baylor University, a private Christian university in Waco, Texas, is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant spiritual life, and deeply ingrained traditions. Students from City of DeSoto and across Texas often choose Baylor for its close-knit community, values-based education, and spirited athletic teams. Baylor’s campus culture emphasizes community, service, and a distinct religious identity, setting it apart from other major Texas universities. Greek life plays a role, as do numerous faith-based and service organizations. Baylor’s past has also included high-profile scandals, particularly involving sexual assault and Title IX compliance within its athletic programs, which have led to heightened scrutiny regarding its institutional oversight and student safety initiatives.

5.5.2 Baylor’s Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University has a clear and comprehensive anti-hazing policy that is fully compliant with Texas law. Its policy:

• Prohibits hazing in all forms, defining it as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for initiation or affiliation purposes.
• Applies to all registered student organizations, club and intramural sports, and university programs, and covers activities both on and off campus.
• Emphasizes that consent is not a defense against hazing violations.

Reporting channels at Baylor include:

• The Dean of Students Office and Student Conduct Administration.
• The Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) for criminal acts.
• A confidential online reporting form and a phone hotline.

Baylor strives to communicate its commitment to student safety, particularly in the wake of its past Title IX controversies, which have spurred significant reforms in its reporting and investigation processes.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses at Baylor

Baylor has faced hazing allegations, which, while not as frequently in the public eye as some other universities, underscore common risks:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): Following an internal investigation into hazing allegations within the baseball program, 14 players were suspended. The suspensions were staggered over the early part of the season, indicating a recognition by the university of the need for disciplinary action. While specific details of the hazing were not widely publicized, it highlighted that hazing extends beyond Greek life into athletic teams even at institutions like Baylor.
• Other Student Group Suspensions: Over the years, various Baylor fraternities and sororities, as well as other student organizations, have faced disciplinary action, probation, or suspension for violating university policies related to hazing, alcohol, and conduct that endangered student welfare.

These incidents are viewed through the lens of Baylor’s broader commitment to student well-being and institutional accountability, spurred by past, high-profile crises.

5.5.4 How a Hazing Case at Baylor Might Proceed for a City of DeSoto Family

For a City of DeSoto family pursuing a hazing case originating at Baylor University, key considerations include:

• Jurisdiction: Investigations would likely involve the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) for on-campus incidents, and/or the Waco Police Department for off-campus occurrences. Civil cases would typically be heard in courts with jurisdiction over McLennan County, such as a District Court in Waco.
• Private University Status: As a private institution, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more straightforward to bring direct legal claims against the university for negligence or other torts, compared to public universities in Texas.
• Institutional Oversight: Cases may closely examine Baylor’s effectiveness in managing student organizations, especially considering its history of scrutiny over systemic issues. Evidence of past failures in oversight could be highly relevant.
• Potential Defendants: A lawsuit could name individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority (if applicable), and Baylor University itself, along with any property owners involved.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents from City of DeSoto Should Do

If your child attends Baylor and you suspect hazing or an incident has occurred:

• Review Baylor’s Policies: Understand the university’s anti-hazing policies and reporting mechanisms, which are often communicated through student life and conduct offices.
• Document Thoroughly: Immediately gather and preserve all digital evidence (texts, photos, social media) and document any physical or emotional injuries.
• Report and Seek Support: Utilize Baylor’s reporting channels, and leverage resources such as Baylor’s Title IX office if the hazing has a gender-based component, to ensure robust investigation.
• Contact a Texas Hazing Lawyer: Our firm has extensive experience handling campus abuse cases across Texas, including at private institutions. For City of DeSoto families with children at Baylor, we can provide strategic counsel, helping to navigate internal university processes and pursue legal action against all responsible parties, ensuring comprehensive accountability.

6. Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For City of DeSoto families grappling with a hazing incident, it’s not enough to understand the local campus dynamics. Many fraternities and sororities operating at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are chapters of large, national organizations. These national bodies play a critical role, not only in setting policies but often in perpetuating patterns of behavior that can lead to hazing. Understanding their national histories is crucial for building a strong legal case.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

When a Texas chapter—whether at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor—engages in hazing activities, it is rarely an isolated incident. Many national fraternities and sororities, particularly those with a long history, have faced repeated allegations, disciplinary actions, and devastating lawsuits across the country. They often have voluminous anti-hazing manuals and “risk management” policies precisely because they have already witnessed deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million-dollar judgments in the past. They know the patterns: the forced drinking at “Big/Little” events, physical abuse disguised as “tradition,” degrading rituals designed to assert dominance.

When a local chapter in Texas repeats the same dangerous script that led to a lawsuit or a chapter closure in another state, it establishes a powerful legal argument for foreseeability and prior knowledge against the national organization. It demonstrates that the national headquarters either knew or should have known about the pervasive hazing culture within its ranks, yet failed to take adequate measures to prevent a recurrence.

6.2 Organization Mapping: Common Threads of National Hazing

Here, we synthesize the histories of some major fraternities and sororities that are present at Texas universities and have a documented national pattern of hazing. This helps City of DeSoto families see the broader context of local incidents.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity, with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, has been tragically linked to numerous high-profile hazing deaths nationwide. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after a forced drinking event, resulted in criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement from the national organization and university. Earlier, the David Bogenberger case at Northern Illinois University (2012) similarly involved an alcohol poisoning death and led to a $14 million settlement. These incidents confirm a disturbing pattern of Big/Little-themed alcohol hazing.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU, SAE has a particularly troubling national hazing history, leading them to famously (and controversially) ban pledging altogether for a period. Despite this, incidents persist. SAE has been connected to multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries across the country. At the University of Alabama, a lawsuit (filed 2023) alleged a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during hazing. Closer to home, a lawsuit at Texas A&M University (2021) involved pledges who suffered severe chemical burns from industrial cleaner and other substances poured on them. The University of Texas at Austin chapter also faced a multi-million dollar lawsuit in January 2024 after an exchange student was allegedly assaulted, sustaining severe injuries, while the chapter was already on suspension for prior safety violations.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, this fraternity was at the center of the tragic Max Gruver death at Louisiana State University (2017). Max died from alcohol toxicity during a forced drinking game (“Bible study”), directly inspiring the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing law. The case resulted in criminal convictions and significant civil settlements.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Chapters are active at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin. This fraternity was implicated in the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017), who died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event that involved heavy drinking.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, Beta Theta Pi was involved in the infamous Timothy Piazza death at Penn State University (2017). Piazza died from head injuries after excessive drinking and delayed medical attention during a pledge event, leading to numerous criminal charges and major legal reforms.
• Kappa Alpha Order (الك ألفا): Historically prominent at SMU and Texas A&M, this fraternity has faced numerous hazing suspensions nationally and in Texas, including the notable incident at SMU (2017) where pledges reported being paddled, forced to drink, and sleep-deprived.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, Kappa Sigma has a long history of hazing incidents. The Chad Meredith drowning death at the University of Miami (2001), where a pledge died after being encouraged to swim a lake while intoxicated, resulted in a $12.6 million jury verdict. More recently, allegations of hazing at Texas A&M University (2023) resulted in severe injuries including rhabdomyolysis and are the subject of ongoing litigation.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, Sigma Chi chapters have been implicated in various hazing incidents. A severe case at the College of Charleston (2024) resulted in the victim’s family receiving more than $10 million in damages for physical beatings, forced consumption, and psychological torment, sending a powerful message about the cost of severe hazing.
• Other Organizations: Other fraternities and sororities, including various NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council) and multicultural Greek organizations, have faced sanctions and allegations for practices involving physical “paddling,” forced strenuous activity, and psychological intimidation, often deeply rooted in “tradition” yet explicitly prohibited by their national bodies and university policy.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

This pattern of recurrent hazing, often involving the same types of dangerous activities (e.g., forced alcohol, physical abuse), is critical for our legal strategy. When a chapter at a Texas university—whether UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor—engages in behavior that has caused injury or death at another chapter of the same national organization, it directly supports arguments of foreseeability.

Courts and juries can consider whether national organizations:

• Meaningfully enforced their written anti-hazing policies, or if these policies were mere “paper shields.”
• Responded aggressively enough to prior incidents, or if their punishments (e.g., short probations, slap-on-the-wrist fines) failed to deter future hazing.
• Had a duty to supervise their chapters more closely given a pattern of dangerous behavior.

This evidence profoundly impacts:

• Settlement leverage: Insurance companies and defense attorneys for national organizations are often more willing to settle for higher amounts when faced with a documented history of hazing.
• Insurance coverage disputes: Attorneys can argue that particular hazing incidents are covered, showing an insurer that the harm was indeed “foreseeable” given the organization’s history, rather than an uninsurable “intentional act.”
• Potential for punitive damages: In cases of egregious conduct and a history of ignored warnings, punitive damages may be sought to punish defendants and deter future dangerous behavior.

For City of DeSoto families, understanding this landscape means knowing that an incident involving their child isn’t an isolated event. It is often part of a much larger, documented pattern that demands serious legal accountability from individuals, local chapters, and powerful national organizations.

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Building a successful hazing case, particularly against powerful institutions like national fraternities, universities, or large athletic programs, requires a meticulous, aggressive approach to evidence collection, a deep understanding of potential damages, and a clear legal strategy. For City of DeSoto families, this process begins immediately after an incident.

7.1 The Power of Evidence

In modern hazing cases, evidence is king. What was once dismissed as “he said, she said” can now be meticulously reconstructed through digital forensics and thorough investigation. We emphasize the preservation and collection of various types of evidence:

• Digital Communications: In today’s world, this is often the most critical category. Group chats and direct messages (DMs) on platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, Instagram, and even fraternity-specific apps are often treasure troves. They reveal plans, coercion, instructions, direct threats, photos/videos of hazing, and communications about potential cover-ups. We prioritize capturing full conversations with timestamps and participant names. Even deleted messages can sometimes be recovered through digital forensics, but original screenshots are invaluable.
• Photos & Videos: Beyond what’s shared in private chats, members often film hazing acts, which may then be posted on social media (private stories, TikToks) or shared in smaller groups. Surveillance footage from houses, bars, or university cameras can also capture crucial moments, especially if they show individuals being led to a dangerous event or reacting to an injury.
• Internal Organization Documents: Subpoenas can uncover pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, and emails or texts among officers discussing “new member education” plans. These can reveal a culture of hazing perpetuated over time. National policies and training materials, especially if they acknowledge specific past hazing “patterns,” are also vital.
• University Records: Through discovery in a lawsuit, we can obtain crucial internal university records, including:
  • Prior conduct files, probation notices, and past suspensions of the involved organization.
  • Incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices regarding the chapter or individuals.
  • Clery Act reports, Title IX complaints, and internal emails among administrators discussing warnings or concerns about the organization. These documents can establish a pattern of known issues that the university failed to adequately address.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the extent of the harm. They include:
  • Emergency room and hospitalization records, reflecting the immediate severity of injuries.
  • Surgical reports, ongoing treatment notes, physical therapy records, and medication lists.
  • Toxicology reports in cases involving alcohol or drugs.
  • Crucially, comprehensive psychological evaluations documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality, or other emotional trauma. These are vital for establishing the non-economic damages.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are powerful. This includes:
  • Other pledges and current members, often initially hesitant but willing to come forward once legal action begins.
  • Roommates, friends, or RAs who observed changes in behavior.
  • Former members who quit or were expelled due to hazing.
  • Bystanders, coaches, trainers, or even emergency responders who can corroborate events.

7.2 Pursuing Comprehensive Damages

When hazing results in injury, illness, or death, the victims and their families are entitled to compensation for their losses. Our firm meticulously evaluates all potential damages to ensure a full and fair recovery:

• Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):

  • Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all past medical expenses (ambulance, ER, hospital, surgery, medications, physical therapy) and, crucially, projected future medical needs. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure, this can involve complex “life care plans” that project costs for decades of ongoing treatment and specialized care.
  • Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes lost wages if the student’s injuries prevented them from working, tuition costs for missed semesters, lost scholarships, and, significantly, diminished future earning capacity if permanent injuries impact their ability to work long-term. Delayed graduation can also result in lost earnings.
  • Property Damage: Any personal property destroyed during the hazing incident.

• Non-Economic Damages (Subjective, But Legally Compensable):

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the actual physical agony and discomfort from injuries, both immediate and long-term.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: This category is profoundly important in hazing cases. It includes compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, and the profound trauma inflicted. Psychological evaluations and therapy records are critical for substantiating these claims.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries prevent a student from participating in activities they once loved (sports, hobbies, social life), leading to a diminished quality of life.

• Wrongful Death Damages (For Surviving Families): When hazing leads to a student’s death, the family can pursue various damages:

  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Direct expenses for interment.
  • Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the financial contributions the deceased would have made to their family over their lifetime.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: The profound emotional void left by the loss of a child, sibling, or spouse.
  • Grief and Emotional Suffering: Compensation for the immense sorrow and distress experienced by the surviving family members.
  • Mental Health Treatment: Costs for therapy and counseling for family members reeling from the traumatic loss.

  It’s important to remember that in Texas, generally, only the surviving spouse, children, and parents can bring a wrongful death claim.

• Punitive Damages (When Applicable): These are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish defendants for especially reckless, willful, or malicious conduct, and to deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages can be awarded when defendants acted with gross negligence, showed a conscious indifference to known risks (e.g., ignoring repeated hazing warnings), or engaged in cover-ups. In Texas, there are statutory caps on punitive damages in many cases, but they remain a powerful tool for accountability.

7.3 Role of Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve battles over insurance coverage, as national fraternities, universities, and even individual members may have various policies that could apply. Insurers often try to deny coverage by arguing that hazing, being an “intentional act” or “criminal conduct,” is excluded from their policies.

However, our experienced hazing lawyers understand how to navigate these complex disputes:

• We argue that the negligence of the national organization or university (e.g., failure to supervise, failure to enforce policies) is an insurable event, separate from the intentional acts of individuals.
• We identify all potential sources of coverage, including chapter policies, national umbrella policies, and homeowners’ policies of individual members.
• We robustly challenge coverage exclusions, often forcing insurers to defend the case and ultimately settle within policy limits.

Understanding these intricacies is crucial, as securing full compensation often depends on effectively compelling insurance companies to honor their obligations.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs

When a hazing incident rocks your family, particularly if you’re in City of DeSoto and your child is navigating a university far from home, practical guidance is invaluable. Here are actionable steps for parents, students, and even former members, along with key warnings.

8.1 For Parents: Navigating the Storm

City of DeSoto parents are deeply invested in their children’s well-being and education. Knowing what to look for and how to respond to hazing is paramount.

• Warning Signs of Hazing in Your Child: Vigilance is your first line of defense. Look for:

  • Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” with inconsistent or evasive explanations.
  • Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation: Constant exhaustion beyond normal college stress, exacerbated by late-night calls or required activities.
  • Drastic changes in mood or behavior: Sudden anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities. They might become unusually defensive when asked about the organization.
  • Secrecy: An unwillingness to discuss fraternity/sorority activities, often stating, “I can’t talk about it,” or avoiding eye contact when questioned.
  • Constant phone use: Anxiety when their phone rings or pings, due to continuous group text monitoring or demands.
  • Academic decline: Sudden drops in grades, missed classes, or inability to focus due to stress or lack of sleep.
  • Physical appearance changes: Weight loss or gain, poor hygiene, or injuries to hands, back, or legs from forced exercise or paddling.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not accusation.

  • Ask open-ended questions: “How are things really going with [organizational name]?” “What do they ask you to do?”
  • Avoid judgmental language: Reassure them that their safety and well-being are your top priority, not judgment about their choices.
  • Emphasize your unwavering support: Let them know you will help them, no matter what, and that they will not “get in trouble” with you for being honest.

• If Your Child is Hurt or in Crisis: Your immediate focus must be their safety.

  • Seek medical care immediately: Do not delay, even if they insist they are “fine.” Alcohol poisoning, head injuries, or internal injuries can be life-threatening. Tell medical staff what you suspect happened (hazing) so it’s documented.
  • Document everything: Capture photos of injuries, screenshot any texts or social media posts they show you, and record detailed notes of what they tell you while the memory is fresh (dates, times, names, locations, specific acts).
  • Save essential items: Any damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing.

• Dealing with the University: This can be a complex process, as universities often prioritize institutional reputation.

  • Document every communication: Keep records of all emails, phone calls, and meetings with university administrators.
  • Ask pointed questions: Inquire about prior incidents involving the same organization and what specific actions the school took in response. Public universities like UT Austin have public hazing violation logs you can review.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: Don’t delay seeking legal counsel.

  • If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm.
  • If you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident, stonewalling you, or attempting to hide what happened.
  • If you want a full, independent investigation and not just an internal campus disciplinary process.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safe Exit

Students, especially those from City of DeSoto entering new social circles, are particularly vulnerable. Understand your rights and how to protect yourself.

• Is This Hazing or Just “Tradition”? This is the core question. If you are questioning it, it’s likely hazing.

  • Ask yourself: Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do? Is this secretly kept from parents or university officials? Does this endanger my mental or physical health? Would older members do this themselves? If the answer to any of these is yes, it is hazing.
  • Remember: If the activity makes you feel unsafe, humiliated, coerced, or forced to drink, endure pain, or perform degrading acts—it is hazing, regardless of what they call it.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The fear of social exclusion, the desire to belong, and the intense peer pressure create a coercive environment where true “consent” is impossible. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges. You cannot legally consent to be hazed.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You always have the right to leave.

  • If in immediate danger, call 911. Good-faith reporting protections typically mean you will not be punished for seeking help in an emergency.
  • Inform someone outside the organization first: A trusted friend, family member, professor, or RA.
  • Consider a formal exit: Email the organization’s president or new member educator stating your resignation. Avoid “one last meeting” which can be a trap for pressure or retaliation.
  • Know your rights: If you face retaliation for leaving or reporting, document it and report it to the Dean of Students and campus police.

• Good-Faith Reporting & Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer amnesty for students who call for help in an emergency, even if underage drinking or minor policy violations were involved. Your life (or a friend’s life) is always more important than getting in trouble.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were once part of a group that hazed, or witnessed it, you might feel a profound sense of guilt, fear of retaliation, or complicity. However, you also have a unique opportunity to help.

• Your Testimony Matters: The evidence you possess (texts, photos, firsthand accounts) can be crucial in preventing future harm and holding dangerous individuals and institutions accountable. This can save lives.
• Seek Your Own Legal Advice: Protecting yourself from potential criminal charges or civil liability while cooperating is paramount. An attorney can advise you on your rights and obligations, and how to safely provide information.
• Cooperation Can Be a Legal Advantage: While potentially challenging, cooperating with investigators (university, police, or private attorneys) can demonstrate remorse and may be considered favorably. It’s an important step toward making amends and advocating for genuine change.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

For City of DeSoto families, avoiding common pitfalls in the aftermath of a hazing incident is as important as collecting evidence itself. These mistakes can severely compromise a legal case:

1. LET YOUR CHILD DELETE MESSAGES OR “CLEAN UP” EVIDENCE:

   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble, or for embarrassing pictures to resurface.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Deleting digital evidence can look like an obstruction of justice, making it nearly impossible to prove what actually happened. It erases the most powerful evidence available.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately—every text, group chat, photo, and video, no matter how embarrassing. An experienced attorney knows how to use this evidence strategically while protecting privacy. Attorney911’s video on client mistakes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) explains this in detail.

2. CONFRONTING THE FRATERNITY/SORORITY DIRECTLY:

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind and demand answers.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This immediately puts the organization on alert. They will seek legal counsel, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses. You lose the element of surprise.
   • What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation. Let your legal team manage communication.

3. SIGNING UNIVERSITY “RELEASE” OR “RESOLUTION” FORMS:

   • What universities do: They may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements, often in exchange for a quick, minimal disciplinary outcome.
   • Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, and any settlement offered by the university is often far below the true value of your child’s damages.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first.

4. POSTING DETAILS ON PUBLIC SOCIAL MEDIA BEFORE TALKING TO A LAWYER:

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened and warn others.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything posted on social media. Inconsistencies between public statements and later legal testimony can severely harm your child’s credibility. It can also waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document privately. Your lawyer can advise on strategic public messaging at the appropriate time if desired.

5. LET YOUR CHILD GO BACK TO “ONE LAST MEETING”:

   • What organizations say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic; let’s just clear the air.”
   • Why it’s wrong: They will use this opportunity to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against your child in a legal proceeding.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication from the organization should be directed to your attorney.

6. WAITE “TO SEE HOW THE UNIVERSITY HANDLES IT”:

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating this internally; let us handle it with our student conduct process.”
   • Why it’s wrong: University investigations are not designed to build a civil case for compensation. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations (the legal deadline to file a lawsuit) continues to run. Universities prioritize their own reputation, not necessarily full victim compensation.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence immediately and consult with a lawyer. The university process is separate from pursuing real accountability and damages.

7. TALKING TO INSURANCE ADJUSTERS WITHOUT A LAWYER:

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your child’s statement to process the claim and get this resolved.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements can be cherry-picked and used against your child. Early settlement offers are almost always lowball.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

8.5 Short FAQ for City of DeSoto Families

Here are clear answers to some common questions City of DeSoto families ask about hazing:

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case is unique and depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default. However, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers and organization members can also face criminal charges for failing to report hazing or for retaliation.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes, absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “agreement” given under intense peer pressure, a power imbalance, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Your child was a victim, regardless of their coerced participation.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas. This is known as the statute of limitations. 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 might be tolled (paused) for a period. Time is critically important—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to discuss your specific deadline. You can learn more about this in our video explaining statute of limitations at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of hazing does not eliminate liability. Major hazing cases, including the Pi Delta Psi retreat death and the Sigma Pi case involving an “unofficial” house, highlight that off-campus locations do not provide immunity. Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability of hazing, regardless of where it physically occurred.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy. Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial, and we can often request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We will discuss your privacy concerns in detail during your consultation to determine the best path forward while pursuing full accountability.

9. About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the profound trauma of hazing, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions like national fraternities, universities, and their deep-pocketed insurance companies fight back—and how to win anyway. For City of DeSoto families, connecting with a legal team that possesses this specialized expertise is paramount.

9.1 Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, is a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with a statewide reach and a proven track record in complex litigation, serious injury, and wrongful death cases. We bring unique qualifications to hazing cases that set us apart:

• Our Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. This means she knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusions, and their settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. This insider knowledge gives us a significant edge in compelling fair compensation. Lupe Peña’s complete professional background can be reviewed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, is a seasoned litigator with over 25 years of experience. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the high-stakes BP Texas City refinery explosion litigation, taking on a billion-dollar corporation in federal court. This experience means our firm is not intimidated by national fraternities, major universities, or their well-resourced defense teams. We know how to prepare and fight against powerful defendants. Ralph Manginello’s extensive experience and credentials are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in obtaining multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We don’t settle cheaply. We meticulously build cases that force accountability, often working with economists to value lifetime losses and experts to establish the long-term needs of victims with brain injuries or permanent disabilities. Our experience in wrongful death cases is outlined at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives our firm critical insight into the criminal aspects of hazing. This dual expertise allows us to advise on both civil liability and potential criminal exposure, a unique advantage when hazing often involves both legal tracks. More information on our criminal defense services can be found at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.

• Unmatched Investigative Depth: We investigate hazing cases like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. This includes a network of experts in digital forensics to recover deleted messages, medical experts to document injuries, and psychologists to assess emotional trauma. We know how to uncover hidden evidence, including subpoenaing national fraternity records to prove prior incidents and extracting university files through discovery and public records requests. You can see how we apply this to all our cases in our video on using your phone to document legal cases at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.

We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in City of DeSoto and across the region, regardless of whether the school is a few miles away or a several-hour drive. We have deep roots in the Texas legal community, and we are not afraid to take on powerful institutions. We know how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments operate behind closed doors, and, more importantly, how to penetrate that veil of secrecy to secure justice.

We want you to know that 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 balance empathy for your situation with thorough investigation and fearless advocacy.

9.2 Don’t Face Hazing Alone: Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at SMU near City of DeSoto, or at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, or Baylor—we want to hear from you. Families in City of DeSoto, the wider Dallas County region, and throughout Texas have the right to answers, accountability, and justice.

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

You can expect the following during your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story empathetically and confidentially.
• We will review any evidence you have already gathered (photos, texts, medical records).
• We will explain your legal options clearly: whether a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither, is the right choice for your situation.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• We will answer all your questions about costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. You can learn more about how contingency fees work in our video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There is absolutely no pressure to hire us on the spot. Take the time you need to decide if we are the right firm for your family.
• Everything you tell us is kept strictly confidential.

Take the first step toward justice today.

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 directly at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles para la comunidad.

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

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com