Unmasking Hazing in Texas: A Definitive Guide for City of Glenn Heights Families

It’s recruitment season at a prominent Texas university. A young man from City of Glenn Heights, eager to forge connections and build community, attends a “pledge event” at an off-campus fraternity house. What starts as a night of camaraderie quickly devolves. He’s pressured to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, participate in demeaning activities, and endure sleep deprivation. He watches as others are pushed to their limits, some collapsing, some vomiting. A few older members film the chaos, laughing. Fear grips him – fear of disappointing his new “brothers,” fear of social exclusion, and a growing, chilling fear for his own safety. He wants to leave, but feels trapped, knowing that speaking up could lead to ridicule or worse.

This isn’t a scene from a Hollywood movie. This is a scenario that plays out in various forms on campuses across Texas every year. It’s a reality that City of Glenn Heights families, sending their children off to universities near and far, must confront. The idealized image of college life – academic growth, new friendships, vibrant student organizations – can sometimes hide a darker, dangerous undercurrent: hazing.

This comprehensive guide is designed for families in City of Glenn Heights and across Texas who need to understand the complex and often devastating world of hazing. We will explore what hazing looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes to reveal its modern, insidious forms. We’ll delve into how Texas and federal law address hazing, providing a clear map of the legal landscape. We’ll dissect major national cases, drawing crucial lessons that apply directly to Texas families. Critically, we will examine the specific context of hazing at the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University, highlighting their unique cultures and challenges. Most importantly, we will outline the legal options available to victims and their families in City of Glenn Heights and beyond, ensuring that no one has to face this crisis alone.

This article provides general information and is not specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, can evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts and circumstances. We serve families throughout Texas, including those in City of Glenn Heights, and are dedicated to fighting for justice and accountability.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW, their safety is the top priority.

• Call 911 for medical emergencies, without delay.
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

In the first 48 hours, actions you take or don’t take can critically impact a future case:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine” or “just slept badly.” Hidden injuries or alcohol poisoning can be fatal.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages immediately. Digital communication is often the most powerful evidence.
  • Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles, noting the date and time.
  • Save any physical items involved, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or potentially even props used during hazing.
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was there, what happened, when and where it took place, and what was said.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This can lead to evidence destruction or witness intimidation.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice. You could waive vital rights.
  • Post details on public social media. This can compromise your case.
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast – deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses.
• Universities move quickly to control the narrative and conduct their own investigations, which may not prioritize the victim’s legal rights.
• We can help preserve evidence, protect your child’s rights, and guide you through these critical first steps.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The image of hazing as simply a “harmless prank” or a bit of “boys will be boys” fun is dangerously outdated. Modern hazing is far more insidious, encompassing a wide range of behaviors designed to cement power imbalances, coerce participation, and foster a culture of secrecy. Hazing, in its most accurate definition, is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits.

It’s crucial to understand that even phrases like “I agreed to it” do not automatically make harmful activities safe or legal. The intense peer pressure, the desire for belonging, and the inherent power dynamics within new member processes often negate genuine consent in the eyes of the law.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing tactics have evolved, becoming more sophisticated and often moving further underground to avoid detection. We categorize hazing into three escalating tiers, although any form can be damaging and illegal:

1. Subtle Hazing (Tier 1): These behaviors emphasize power imbalance. While often dismissed as “harmless traditions,” they create psychological harm and pave the way for escalation.

• Deception and Secrecy: Pledges are often told to lie or withhold information from parents, university officials, or outsiders.
• Servitude: Requiring new members to perform personal tasks for older members, such as cleaning rooms, doing laundry, or acting as designated drivers at any hour. This establishes a subservient role.
• Social Isolation: New members might be instructed to cut off contact with non-members, or require “permission” to socialize, further deepening their dependence on the group.
• Disrupting Academics: Requiring attendance at mandatory late-night events that interfere with study time, sleep, or exam schedules, indicating where allegiances must lie.
• Modern Digital Control: This includes new members being required to respond instantly to group chat messages at all hours, share their live location via apps, or have their social media activity monitored and controlled.

2. Harassment Hazing (Tier 2): These behaviors cause emotional or physical discomfort and create a hostile, abusive environment.

• Verbal Abuse: Continuous yelling, screaming, insults, and degrading language used to break down self-esteem.
• Sleep and Food Deprivation: Forced wake-up calls at 3 AM for arbitrary tasks, multi-day events with minimal sleep, or restrictions on meals and water. Pledges may be forced to consume unpleasant substances like spoiled food or excessive amounts of bland items.
• Forced Physical Activity: “Smokings” or extreme calisthenics (e.g., hundreds of push-ups or wall sits until collapse), forced runs, or other “workouts” that exceed safe physical limits and are punitive in nature.
• Public Humiliation: Forcing pledges to perform embarrassing acts in public, wear degrading costumes, or endure “grilling” sessions where they are verbally attacked by older members.
• Exposure to Uncomfortable Conditions: Forcing pledges into filthy spaces or covering them in non-harmful but degrading substances like eggs, condiments, or spit.
• Coerced Participation: While “voluntary” in name, refusing to participate can lead to social exclusion, denial of a “big/little” pairing, or being ostracized.

3. Violent Hazing (Tier 3): These are activities with a high potential for physical injury, sexual assault, or death, and are always illegal and extremely dangerous.

• Forced Alcohol and Drug Consumption: The most common cause of hazing fatalities. This includes “lineup” drinking challenges, “big/little” reveal nights with handles of hard liquor, or “games” where mistakes result in forced excessive drinking. This can also involve coercing pledges to consume illegal drugs.
• Physical Beatings and Paddling: Punches, kicks, slaps, or the use of wooden paddles. These can lead to severe internal injuries, bleeding, or traumatic brain injury.
• Dangerous Physical “Tests”: Activities like the “glass ceiling” where a blindfolded pledge is tackled, forced fights or “gladiator” matches, jumping from heights, or swimming while intoxicated.
• Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexually degrading acts, or sexual assault. This is a severe form of hazing that often goes underreported.
• Kidnapping and Restraint: Forced abductions and transportation, tying up members, or binding them in degrading positions.
• Chemical and Fire Hazing: Horrific incidents where pledges are exposed to harmful chemicals or even set on fire to inflict injury.
• Delayed Medical Care: Perhaps the most dangerous aspect of hazing, when members delay calling 911 for an injured or unconscious pledge due to fear of “getting the chapter in trouble.” This directly contributed to the deaths of Timothy Piazza and Michael Deng.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to stereotypical fraternity initiation rites. It pervades a wide range of campus organizations. While Greek life often makes headlines, hazing happens in:

• Fraternities and Sororities: Across all councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural).
• Corps of Cadets/ROTC/Military-Style Groups: Environments emphasizing discipline and hierarchy can sometimes blur the line into hazing.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Groups like cheerleading teams, dance teams, and university-affiliated tradition organizations.
• Athletic Teams: Football, basketball, baseball, swimming, soccer, track, and other collegiate sports teams.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign organizations can foster hazing traditions.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with an “initiation” process can be susceptible.

The common thread uniting these diverse groups is often social status, tradition, and a powerful culture of secrecy. These factors allow dangerous practices to persist, even when participants “know” hazing is morally wrong or illegal. For City of Glenn Heights families, understanding these nuances is critical, as their children could encounter hazing in any university setting.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For City of Glenn Heights families seeking justice or simply to understand their rights, it’s essential to grasp the legal framework surrounding hazing in Texas and at the federal level. This complex area involves both criminal and civil statutes, each with different aims and outcomes.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear, explicit laws against hazing, primarily outlined in the Texas Education Code. This code governs the conduct of students and organizations at all public and private high schools and higher education institutions in the state.

• Definition of Hazing (§37.151): Under Texas law, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:
  1. Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
  2. Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.
  • Key implication for City of Glenn Heights residents: This definition is broad and covers actions wherever they occur – whether in a dorm room on campus, an off-campus fraternity house in Dallas, or a remote retreat outside College Station. It also addresses both the physical and profound psychological harm hazing inflicts.
• Criminal Penalties (§37.152): Individuals and organizations found guilty of hazing can face significant legal consequences:
  • Class B Misdemeanor: Most hazing infractions that don’t result in serious injury fall into this category, carrying penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
  • Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical attention.
  • State Jail Felony: Critically, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, the charges can escalate to a state jail felony, carrying more severe prison sentences and fines.
  • Texas law also makes it a misdemeanor to fail to report hazing if you’re a member or officer with knowledge of it, and a misdemeanor to retaliate against someone who reports.
• Organizational Liability (§37.153): This is a powerful provision. Organizations themselves can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:
  • The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing.
  • An officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it.
  • Organizations face fines of up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke their official recognition, effectively banning them from campus.
• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§37.154): To encourage reporting, Texas law protects individuals who, in good faith, report a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement. They are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. Many universities also have medical amnesty policies for students who call for help in an alcohol-related emergency.
• Consent Not a Defense (§37.155): This is arguably one of the most critical provisions. Texas explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed “consented” to the activity. This recognizes the inherent power imbalance and coercive nature of hazing, even if a victim outwardly “agrees.”
• Reporting by Educational Institutions (§37.156): Texas colleges and universities are required to provide hazing prevention education, publish their policies, and maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions taken. This mandate offers crucial transparency and evidence for families.

In summary, Texas law provides robust tools to combat hazing, both through criminal prosecution and by laying the groundwork for civil liability. It acknowledges both the individual and institutional responsibility for these harmful practices.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

Understanding the distinction between criminal and civil legal actions is vital for City of Glenn Heights families. Both can run concurrently, but they serve different purposes.

• Criminal Cases:

  • Brought by: The State (prosecutors, district attorneys).
  • Aim: Punishment of the wrongdoer (jail time, fines, probation, community service) and protection of society.
  • Burden of Proof: “Beyond a reasonable doubt,” a high standard.
  • Examples: Charges for hazing (as outlined above), furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, involuntary manslaughter, or negligent homicide in fatal incidents.
  • Relevance: A criminal conviction can sometimes strengthen a civil case by establishing facts.

• Civil Cases:

  • Brought by: Victims (or their surviving families in wrongful death cases).
  • Aim: Monetary compensation for damages suffered, holding individuals and institutions accountable, and preventing future harm.
  • Burden of Proof: “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not), a lower standard than criminal cases.
  • Examples: Lawsuits alleging negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, battery, premises liability, or intentional infliction of emotional distress.
  • Key Point: A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The standards of proof and facts needed are different.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also impact hazing accountability:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation requires colleges and universities receiving federal student aid to strengthen their hazing prevention and transparency efforts. By 2026, institutions must publicly report hazing incidents, enhance educational programs, and maintain more detailed hazing data. This will provide unprecedented transparency for City of Glenn Heights families researching potential schools.
• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based discrimination, Title IX obligations are triggered. This can lead to federal investigations, university disciplinary actions, and provide a legal basis for civil claims for discrimination.
• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges to disclose campus crime statistics and security information. Hazing incidents involving assault, alcohol violations, or other crimes must be reported under Clery, contributing to the public record.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Civil hazing lawsuits aim to hold all responsible parties accountable. Potential defendants in a lawsuit can be numerous:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, enforced, participated in, or failed to intervene in the hazing.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself if it operates as a distinct legal entity. This includes individual officers or “pledge educators” who were aware of or orchestrated the hazing.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The larger, overarching national organization. Liability often hinges on whether the national headquarters knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing at the local chapter or among its other chapters, and whether it failed to adequately enforce its anti-hazing policies. Many national organizations are deeply involved in setting policies, collecting dues, and providing oversight, and can thus face significant liability.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, or its Board of Regents. Liability here often depends on:
  • Knowledge: Did the university know or should it have known about the hazing?
  • Supervision: Did it negligently supervise student organizations?
  • Enforcement: Did it fail to enforce its own policies or respond to prior warnings?
  • Sovereign Immunity: Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT often assert sovereign immunity under Texas law. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties:
  • Property Owners/Landlords: If hazing occurred on property owned by a third party (e.g., an off-campus house not owned by the fraternity), they might be liable if they knew or should have known of dangerous activities on their premises.
  • Alcohol Providers: Bars, restaurants, or even individuals who illegally furnish alcohol to minors that contributes to a hazing incident can face dram shop liability.
  • Vendors/Event Organizers: Any third-party companies involved in planning or providing services for an event where hazing occurred might be named.

Every hazing case is complex and fact-specific. Identifying all potential liable parties requires a thorough investigation, which is a core strength of the Manginello Law Firm.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

To understand the stakes of a hazing incident at a Texas university, City of Glenn Heights families can look to national precedents. These aren’t just isolated tragedies; they reveal dangerous patterns, expose institutional failures, and demonstrate the power of civil litigation to drive accountability and reform. These cases often guide how judges and juries view similar incidents in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing fatalities. These cases tragically illustrate the link between dangerous “traditions,” negligence, and lethal outcomes.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017): 19-year-old pledge Timothy Piazza died from traumatic brain injuries after a “bid acceptance” night. He was forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol, then fell repeatedly, suffering injuries clearly captured by the fraternity house’s security cameras. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours, attempting to cover up their actions. The criminal case was one of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history, with multiple members facing charges including involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault. The Piazza family also pursued extensive civil litigation, leading to confidential settlements and significant changes. This case led to Pennsylvania enacting the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, one of the toughest in the nation. It highlights a critical pattern: extreme intoxication, coupled with a deliberate delay in seeking medical help and subsequent attempts at a cover-up, creates devastating legal consequences.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017): During a “Big Brother Night,” 20-year-old Andrew Coffey was forced to consume an entire handle of liquor, dying shortly after from acute alcohol poisoning. Multiple members were prosecuted, mostly pleading guilty to misdemeanor hazing. The Coffey family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, the terms of which were confidential. This tragedy prompted Florida State to temporarily suspend all Greek life and led to a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida. Coffey’s death, like Piazza’s, reveals a recurring script: “tradition-based” drinking rituals designed to push limits can turn fatal, and too often, the immediate response is to prioritize the fraternity’s reputation over a dying member’s life.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (September 2017): Max Gruver, 18, died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a fraternity “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink large quantities of liquor when they answered questions incorrectly. Several members were charged, with one convicted of negligent homicide for his role. The Gruver family settled their civil claims; the precise amount was confidential, but a jury later awarded a $6.1 million verdict against one of the individuals and an insurer. This case directly led to the Louisiana legislature passing the Max Gruver Act, which upgraded hazing to a felony in certain circumstances. It illustrates that legislative reform frequently follows public outrage ignited by clear-cut hazing tragedies.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (March 2021): 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to consume a liter of whiskey during an initiation event, known as “Big/Little Reveal Night.” He died of alcohol poisoning. This case resulted in multiple fraternity members being convicted of various hazing-related criminal charges. In 2023, the Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement, with approximately $7 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This landmark settlement underscores that not only the fraternity chapter and national organization, but also the university, can face massive financial liability for failing to prevent foreseeable hazing deaths. This incident also spurred the passage of Collin’s Law: The Anti-Hazing Act in Ohio, making hazing a felony when it causes physical harm through alcohol or drugs.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, hazing often involves extreme physical abuse, psychological torment, and dangerous rituals.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (December 2013): Michael Deng, 19, died during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. He was blindfolded, forced to carry a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled in a ritual called “glass ceiling.” He suffered a traumatic brain injury, and his fraternity brothers delayed calling for help for several hours, attempting to concoct a cover story. In a landmark ruling, the national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and several individuals received jail sentences. The Pi Delta Psi national organization was banned from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years and paid over $110,000 in fines. The Deng case is a stark reminder that off-campus “retreats” are often chosen specifically to evade university oversight, yet they can be just as, if not more, dangerous than on-campus incidents. It also set a precedent for holding national organizations criminally liable.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse Pattern

While Greek life is often the focus, hazing can be endemic in athletic programs and other student organizations.

• Northwestern University Athletic Hazing Scandal (2023–2025): In 2023, former football players at Northwestern came forward with allegations of widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program, some dating back years. These claims included forced naked “dry humping” rituals and other deeply degrading acts. The scandal led to the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who subsequently filed a wrongful-termination lawsuit against the university, which was later settled confidentially. Multiple lawsuits were filed by former players against Northwestern and coaching staff. This broad scandal highlighted that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, permeating major athletic programs where “tradition” can shield abuse. It also revealed the challenges of institutional oversight and the power of victim lawsuits to force accountability, even at elite universities.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These anchor stories reveal common, dangerous threads: forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, deliberate delays in calling for medical aid, and subsequent desperate attempts at cover-ups. They demonstrate that multi-million-dollar settlements, criminal prosecutions, and significant policy reforms often only occur after a tragedy has happened and determined families have pursued litigation.

For City of Glenn Heights families sending their children to Texas universities, these national lessons are critically important. Whether the students attend UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, the landscape of hazing — its risks, its legal consequences, and the paths to accountability — is shaped by these harrowing precedents. No matter where it occurs, negligent institutions and individuals can be held responsible.

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

For City of Glenn Heights families, understanding the specific landscape of hazing at major Texas universities is crucial. While our firm is based in Houston and serves clients across the state, we recognize that many families in City of Glenn Heights, in southern Dallas County, send their students to schools not only in North Texas but also across the state. This section addresses the unique cultures and hazing challenges at five key Texas institutions, focusing first on those closest to City of Glenn Heights and then expanding our view.

It is important to remember that Dallas County, where City of Glenn Heights is located, is a hub for numerous universities beyond those listed here, including several community colleges and smaller four-year institutions, all of which are subject to Texas anti-hazing laws. The principles and advice given here apply broadly across the state.

5.1 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Given City of Glenn Heights’ proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, many local families consider Southern Methodist University. SMU, a private institution, has a vibrant Greek life and an active student body.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with City of Glenn Heights Connection)

Southern Methodist University is a prestigious private university located in University Park, Dallas, less than an hour’s drive from City of Glenn Heights. Local students often find it a natural choice for its academic programs and strong campus traditions. SMU is known for its strong Greek life presence, with a significant percentage of undergraduates participating in fraternities and sororities. The culture is often perceived as traditional and community-oriented, but like any institution with active Greek organizations, it faces challenges related to hazing. Many City of Glenn Heights alumni live in the Dallas area and maintain connections to SMU.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, prohibiting any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, for purposes of initiation or membership. The university emphasizes education and prevention. Students and parents can report hazing through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Possibilities (for student conduct), or through SMU’s anonymous reporting systems like Real Response. SMU’s policies align with Texas state law, clarifying that consent is never a defense to hazing.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has taken action against several organizations for hazing violations over the years:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): The national fraternity Kappa Alpha Order had its SMU chapter suspended by the university for hazing. Reports indicated that new members were subjected to physical abuse, forced alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, and other degrading acts. The chapter was sanctioned, leading to a long period of suspension and restrictions on its ability to recruit new members. This incident highlighted the challenges of enforcing anti-hazing policies even at private institutions with strict rules.
• Other groups, including social fraternities and sororities, have faced internal investigations and probationary periods for violations related to new member activities that involved alcohol misuse, servitude, or harassment.

While a private university, SMU’s handling of these incidents often becomes public knowledge through internal communications and local media reports, providing insight into the university’s response mechanisms.

5.1.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For City of Glenn Heights families whose child experiences hazing at SMU, the legal process will involve the Dallas County court system. Depending on the nature and severity of the hazing, investigations could involve the SMU Police Department and the Dallas Police Department. Civil lawsuits targeting individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and potentially SMU itself would typically be filed in Dallas County courts. Due to SMU’s private status, some aspects of internal investigations might be less transparent than at public universities, making aggressive legal discovery processes even more critical to uncover evidence.

5.1.5 What SMU Students and Parents Should Do

For students and parents connected to SMU:

• Familiarize yourself: Understand SMU’s specific hazing policies and the anonymous reporting options available.
• Document everything: If you suspect hazing, immediately gather screenshots of group chats, photos of injuries, and detailed notes, as outlined in our general advice. This is crucial for building a strong case in Dallas County.
• Report promptly: Utilize SMU’s official channels for reporting but understand that these internal processes are distinct from pursuing criminal charges or a civil lawsuit.
• Contact a Dallas-area experienced lawyer: A lawyer familiar with Dallas County courts and private university dynamics can help navigate SMU’s specific protocols and pursue legal action effectively. While our primary offices are in Houston and Austin, we regularly serve clients in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex through our robust network and strategic legal outreach, making our expertise accessible to City of Glenn Heights families.

5.2 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is another highly popular choice for college-bound students from City of Glenn Heights. Its vast campus and vibrant student life mean it is often a focal point for hazing incidents.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Located in the heart of Austin, UT is one of Texas’s largest and most famous public universities. It draws students from across the state and nationwide, including many from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. UT boasts a massive Greek life system, numerous spirit organizations, and competitive athletic programs, all of which have seen hazing incidents. Its close-knit alumni network often extends to City of Glenn Heights.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy, strictly prohibiting hazing on or off campus by any student organization. The university actively promotes its hazing prevention website, hazing.utexas.edu, which includes clear definitions, reporting mechanisms, and lists of past violations. Students can report through the Dean of Students, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, UTPD, or anonymously online. UT’s policy emphasizes that consent is not a defense and that all members of the university community are expected to report hazing.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin is notable for its ongoing transparency, a policy that can be a valuable resource for City of Glenn Heights families:

• UT’s Public Hazing Violations Page: Unlike many universities, UT publishes a “Hazing Violations and Incidents” log on its website (hazing.utexas.edu), detailing specific organizations, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed. This log serves as powerful pattern evidence in civil litigation against repeat offenders.
• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This specific chapter was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume milk and participate in strenuous calisthenics, activities deemed to be hazing. The chapter faced probation and was required to implement additional hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (2018): A prominent spirit organization at UT, the Texas Wranglers, was suspended and investigated for hazing activities including forced workouts and alcohol-related misconduct during their new member process.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): This chapter faced a lawsuit from an Australian exchange student alleging assault at a party, occurring while the chapter was reportedly already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations. This demonstrated a pattern of non-compliance.

These documented incidents, publicly accessible, highlight UT’s commitment to transparency but also reveal ongoing challenges in fully eradicating hazing culture.

5.2.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at UT Austin, both the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) and the Austin Police Department could be involved, depending on the location of the incident (on-campus vs. off-campus in the broader Austin area). Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County courts. While UT, as a public university, benefits from some sovereign immunity protections, these protections are not absolute and can be overcome in cases of gross negligence, Title IX violations, or by suing individuals in their personal capacity. The transparent log of prior violations at UT can be crucial evidence demonstrating a pattern of institutional knowledge and, potentially, negligent oversight.

5.2.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For City of Glenn Heights families whose children attend UT Austin:

• Review UT’s Hazing Log: Before your child pledges or joins an organization, review the university’s public hazing violation log at hazing.utexas.edu. This can offer critical insights into an organization’s history.
• Document and Report: If hazing is suspected, carefully document all evidence. Report through UT’s official channels, but understand their internal process may not fully address your legal rights.
• Seek Legal Counsel in Austin/Central Texas: An attorney with experience in complex litigation in Travis County and against public universities can navigate the nuances of UT’s policies and Texas immunity laws effectively. The Manginello Law Firm has offices in Austin and is well-equipped to serve families from City of Glenn Heights with students at UT.

5.3 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station holds a unique place in the hearts of many Texans, including families from City of Glenn Heights. Its strong traditions, including the Corps of Cadets and a passionate Greek life, present specific hazing considerations.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is a large public university often considered the most traditional in Texas, with a pervasive “Aggie Spirit.” Located in College Station, roughly 2.5 hours drive from City of Glenn Heights (making it a manageable commute home for weekends), it’s known for its robust Greek life, and distinctively, the Corps of Cadets – a military-style training and leadership program. The university’s emphasis on tradition and loyalty, while beneficial in many ways, can sometimes create an environment where hazing is rationalized as part of “building character” or “paying your dues.”

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M strictly prohibits all forms of hazing. Its policies are outlined in the Student Conduct Code and apply to all student organizations, including Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. Texas A&M encourages reporting through the Division of Student Affairs, the Student Conduct Office, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), or via an anonymous reporting hotline. The university also emphasizes the “Aggie Bystander Intervention” program to empower students to act against harmful behaviors.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced significant hazing issues across various organizations:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021) – Chemical Burns Case: Two pledges alleged they were subjected to strenuous physical activity and then had various substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued the fraternity for $1 million. The chapter was suspended for two years by the university. This case highlights extreme physical hazing.
• Corps of Cadets – “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing within the Corps of Cadets. The allegations included simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The cadet sought over $1 million in damages, leading to a public discussion about hazing within military-style programs. While A&M stated it addressed the matter under its rules, the public filing drew significant attention.
• Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): Allegations of hazing within this chapter resulted in severe injuries including rhabdomyolysis – a serious muscle breakdown from extreme physical activity, often in combination with dehydration. This case highlights another dangerous outcome of physical endurance hazing.

Texas A&M’s response to these incidents has included suspensions, educational mandates, and legal action. These incidents underscore that even within highly-structured environments like the Corps, and in the shadow of a deeply ingrained traditional university culture, the risk of hazing remains.

5.3.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For City of Glenn Heights families whose child is hazed at Texas A&M, law enforcement intervention would typically involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) or the College Station Police Department. Civil cases would likely be filed in Brazos County courts. Similar to UT, Texas A&M is a public university and may assert sovereign immunity. However, our firm has deep experience navigating these complexities. Pursuing a claim against Texas A&M or its affiliated organizations requires attorneys well-versed in both public university liability and the unique cultural nuances of the institution, including the Corps of Cadets.

5.3.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For City of Glenn Heights families with students at Texas A&M:

• Understand the Culture: Be aware of the strong emphasis on tradition within A&M and how this can sometimes be invoked to justify hazing.
• Monitor for Physical Signs: Given the prevalence of physical hazing and forced exercise, pay close attention to unexplained injuries, extreme fatigue, or changes in physical health.
• Report to Student Conduct or TAMU UPD: Utilize official reporting channels, especially if you suspect the Corps of Cadets or a Greek organization is involved.
• Consult With a Specialist in Texas Hazing Law: An attorney familiar with Texas A&M’s specific customs, including those within the Corps, can provide invaluable guidance. Our firm has an Austin office strategically located to serve the Central Texas region, and our Houston team is well-prepared to assist families from City of Glenn Heights with concerns about hazing at Texas A&M.

5.4 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, deeply integrated into the state’s largest metropolitan area, provides a distinct environment where hazing can occur. For City of Glenn Heights residents, it’s approximately 1.5-2 hours drive to Houston, making it a common destination for students and a community where alumni live.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with City of Glenn Heights Connection)

The University of Houston is a diverse, large urban public university, a significant and increasingly prestigious institution within Texas. With its proximity to City of Glenn Heights, UH serves as a vital educational hub for many local students. UH has an active and growing Greek life, encompassing traditional Panhellenic and IFC fraternities, as well as robust NPHC and multicultural Greek councils. Beyond Greek life, numerous professional, cultural, and sports organizations contribute to a dynamic urban campus culture where competitive group dynamics can sometimes lead to hazing.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston strictly prohibits hazing, articulating this policy in its Student Handbook and promoting it through the Center for Fraternity & Sorority Life and the Dean of Students. UH’s policy explicitly states that hazing is forbidden on or off campus and covers physical, mental, and intentional or reckless acts that endanger students for the purpose of affiliation. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). UH also posts a hazing statement and some internal disciplinary info on its website.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has a history of addressing hazing incidents, demonstrating the university’s capacity to investigate and sanction:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016) – Lacerated Spleen: A particularly severe incident involved UH’s Pi Kappa Alpha chapter, where a pledge allegedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being bodily thrown or slammed during a hazing ritual. Pledges also reportedly endured significant food, water, and sleep deprivation over multiple days. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was suspended by the university, highlighting the potential for serious physical harm.
• Later Disciplinary Actions: UH has disciplined other fraternities for behavior described as “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including excessive alcohol consumption, servitude, and other policy violations. These often lead to extensive probationary periods, educational requirements, or suspensions.

These cases indicate UH’s willingness to implement disciplinary actions, though publicly available detailed records of specific incidents might be less comprehensive than some other institutions like UT Austin.

5.4.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For City of Glenn Heights families dealing with an incident at UH, local law enforcement involvement could include the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) for on-campus incidents or the Houston Police Department for off-campus events in the city. Civil lawsuits would be filed in appropriate courts within Harris County, where Houston is located. As a public university, UH benefits from sovereign immunity under Texas law, but as discussed, this immunity has exceptions. Our Houston-based firm, Attorney911, has extensive experience navigating these legal waters within Harris County, providing direct and knowledgeable support to City of Glenn Heights residents impacted by hazing at UH.

5.4.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For City of Glenn Heights families with students at UH:

• Consult UH’s Resources: Review the University of Houston’s hazing policies and reporting guidelines carefully.
• Focus on Documentation: Given a potentially less transparent public record than some other schools, thorough documentation of events, communications, and injuries is paramount.
• Seek Houston-Based Legal Expertise: An attorney experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can assist in uncovering internal files and previous disciplinary actions at UH which are not always publicly available. Our firm, Attorney911, is uniquely positioned in Houston to leverage local knowledge and legal strategies for families from City of Glenn Heights.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a top-tier private Christian university in Waco, is another institution that draws students from City of Glenn Heights and across Texas. Its religious affiliation and unique campus culture warrant specific consideration in the context of hazing.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco (approximately 1.5 hours north of City of Glenn Heights), is a private Baptist university known for its strong academic programs, vibrant spiritual life, and deeply loyal alumni base. Greek life is active, as are numerous athletic and religious organizations. Baylor’s Christian mission often informs its student conduct policies and its approach to student welfare.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing across all student organizations, including Greek life, athletic teams, and other campus groups. Its hazing policies are detailed in the Student Code of Conduct, emphasizing physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Baylor encourages reporting through its Dean of Students office, the Department of Student Activities, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), and its confidential “Baylor Alert” reporting system. Baylor’s policies, like other institutions, affirm that consent is not a defense to hazing.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history has been marked by significant scrutiny over athletic misconduct and Title IX issues, which though distinct from hazing, highlight the challenges a private university can face in maintaining oversight:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An internal investigation into hazing within the Baylor baseball program led to the suspension of 14 players. The suspensions were staggered to manage the team’s roster, indicating a serious violation of hazing policy. This incident underscores that hazing is not limited to Greek organizations.
• Ongoing Scrutiny: Baylor’s broader institutional response to misconduct, particularly following its extensive sexual assault scandals, has placed extra pressure on the university to ensure student safety and transparent accountability across all programs, including those where hazing might occur.

These incidents demonstrate that even institutions with a strong moral and ethical framework can experience hazing, requiring vigilant oversight and enforcement.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For City of Glenn Heights families whose child experiences hazing at Baylor, law enforcement involvement would likely include the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) and the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits would be filed in McLennan County courts. As a private university, Baylor generally does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it a more straightforward target for direct institutional liability in civil lawsuits compared to public universities. However, complex discovery processes might still be necessary to uncover internal reports and communications, given its private status.

5.5.5 What Baylor University Students & Parents Should Do

For City of Glenn Heights families with students at Baylor:

• Focus on Baylor’s Specific Policies: Understand Baylor’s strong institutional policies and reporting systems.
• Leverage Central Texas Legal Expertise: An attorney familiar with McLennan County courts and Baylor’s private university structure can provide invaluable guidance. Our Austin office provides convenient access for Central Texas families, though our Houston team is also ready to serve City of Glenn Heights residents.
• Be Aware of Broader Oversight: Understand that hazing incidents at Baylor are likely to draw significant institutional scrutiny, given the university’s recent history of addressing student safety and misconduct.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

The hazing patterns seen at campuses like SMU, UT, Texas A&M, UH, and Baylor are often not isolated incidents, but rather reflections of broader trends and national organizational histories. For City of Glenn Heights families, understanding these connections is key to establishing liability and compelling accountability.

Why National Histories Matter

Most fraternities and sororities active at Texas universities—whether at SMU in Dallas, UT Austin, Texas A&M in College Station, UH in Houston, or Baylor in Waco—are part of larger national (or even international) organizations. These national headquarters are not merely symbolic entities; they set policies, collect dues, provide training, and are supposed to oversee their local chapters.

National organizations maintain thick anti-hazing manuals and implement risk management policies precisely because they have a painful history of members suffering catastrophic injuries or dying due to hazing. They are well aware of the dangerous patterns:

• Forced drinking nights: “Big/Little Reveal,” “Hell Week,” “Initiation Games.”
• Paddling and physical abuse: Often hidden under the guise of “discipline” or “tradition.”
• Humiliating and degrading rituals: Designed to break down individuals and build unquestioning loyalty.
• The “Code of Silence”: A pervasive culture where new members are coerced into secrecy, and older members fear retaliation if they speak out.

Crucially, when a specific chapter at SMU, UT, Texas A&M, UH, or Baylor repeats the same hazing script that previously led to another chapter being suspended, sued, or even shut down in another state, this creates a powerful legal argument for foreseeability. It demonstrates that the national organization had prior knowledge of the risks and, arguably, failed to prevent them. This foreknowledge can be central to negligence claims and arguments for punitive damages against both the local chapter and its national parent organization.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While precise rosters can change, many national organizations have a documented history of hazing incidents that impact their chapters across the country, including those in Texas. Below, we synthesize some of these patterns, linking them where possible to the Houston, Dallas, Austin, College Station, and Waco campuses.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor, and SMU (historically).
  • National History: Pi Kappa Alpha has been involved in multiple high-profile alcohol-related hazing deaths. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University (2021) due to forced alcohol consumption resulted in a $10 million settlement against Pike’s national organization and the university. The David Bogenberger fatality at Northern Illinois University (2012) also involved alcohol poisoning and resulted in a $14 million settlement.
  • Texas Relevance: Given the 2016 lacerated spleen incident at UH and the specific type of forced alcohol consumption hazing reported nationwide, any similar incident at a Texas chapter could point to a pattern that the national organization should have foreseen and prevented.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU.
  • National History: SAE has faced numerous allegations and lawsuits related to severe hazing, including multiple alcohol-related deaths in the past. More recently, a traumatic brain injury case was filed at the University of Alabama (2023).
  • Texas Relevance: The 2021 Texas A&M lawsuit alleging chemical burns from industrial cleaner on pledges, and the 2024 UT Austin lawsuit regarding an alleged assault from an exchange student highlight ongoing issues. These cases, occurring at Texas chapters despite national anti-hazing efforts, demonstrate that severe hazing continues, and past national incidents contribute to arguments of foreseeability.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU (historically).
  • National History: The defining hazing death for Phi Delta Theta is that of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University (2017), where he died from alcohol poisoning after a forced drinking game. This led to the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana.
  • Texas Relevance: Any forced drinking incident at a Phi Delta Theta chapter in Texas will inevitably be benchmarked against the Gruver tragedy, raising questions about whether the national organization has effectively prevented similar practices elsewhere.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU (historically).
  • National History: Pi Kappa Phi was involved in the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017), also from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.”
  • Texas Relevance: Reports of forced drinking within Pi Kappa Phi chapters in Texas would be interpreted in light of the Coffey case, implying a pattern of high-risk behavior that the national organization must be held accountable for.
• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Active at Texas A&M and SMU.
  • National History: Kappa Alpha Order has faced numerous hazing allegations and suspensions across the country, often involving physical abuse, forced servitude, and ritualized humiliation.
  • Texas Relevance: The 2017 suspension of the SMU chapter for alleged paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation is a specific example of this national pattern playing out at a Texas institution, demonstrating ongoing challenges for the national organization to control its chapters.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU.
  • National History: Most notoriously, Beta Theta Pi was involved in the death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University (2017), a case that exposed deliberate delays in calling for help and efforts to cover up evidence after severe alcohol-related injuries.
  • Texas Relevance: Chapters in Texas would operate under the shadow of the Piazza case. Any instance of delayed medical care, excessive alcohol consumption, or attempts to coerce secrecy would highlight a failure to learn from this national tragedy.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU.
  • National History: Sigma Chi has faced substantial liability in hazing cases. A case at the College of Charleston (2024) resulted in the family receiving more than $10 million in damages for physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment. A case at UT Arlington (2020) involving alcohol poisoning also settled.
  • Texas Relevance: These cases, including a recent Texas incident, demonstrate the severe financial consequences Sigma Chi national can face when its chapters engage in hazing with lasting harm.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor.
  • National History: Kappa Sigma has a long history of hazing allegations, notably the $12.6 million jury verdict awarded to the family of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami (2001), who drowned after being encouraged by fraternity members to swim while intoxicated.
  • Texas Relevance: Given a recent 2023 lawsuit at Texas A&M alleging rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing, Kappa Sigma demonstrates an ongoing pattern of high-risk physical hazing at Texas universities.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

These patterns across states and campuses are not mere coincidences. They are critical to legal strategy because they demonstrate that:

• Foreseeability: National fraternities and universities cannot credibly claim ignorance to the dangers of hazing when similar incidents have occurred repeatedly within their own organizations or at comparable institutions.
• Negligent Supervision: These histories indicate a potential failure by national organizations to meaningfully enforce their anti-hazing policies, adequately train members, or respond effectively to prior warning signs.
• Punitive Damages: Evidence of repeated warnings and a failure to act can support arguments for punitive damages, which are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future harm, particularly if specific policies or consent decrees from other lawsuits were ignored.
• Insurance Coverage: Consistent hazing allegations also impact insurance coverage. While insurers often try to deny coverage for “intentional acts,” a history of negligence by the national organization or university can often bring claims back into the realm of coverage.

For City of Glenn Heights families, understanding this national context empowers them. It shows that they are not fighting an isolated battle against a single chapter, but often challenging systemic issues within organizations that have a documented past of contributing to hazing tragedies.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Bringing a hazing lawsuit requires meticulous evidence collection, a clear understanding of potential damages, and a sophisticated legal strategy. When a child from City of Glenn Heights is impacted by hazing, our approach at The Manginello Law Firm is comprehensive, drawing on deep investigative resources and extensive litigation experience.

Evidence

In hazing cases, evidence disappears quickly. This is why immediate action, especially in the critical 48 hours following an incident, is paramount. We focus on securing and preserving a wide array of evidence:

• Digital Communications: These are often the “smoking gun” in modern hazing cases.
  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack: Messages from these platforms can reveal planning, coercion, threats, celebrations of hazing, and instructions for secrecy or cover-up. We guide families on how to screenshot properly, ensuring timestamps, sender IDs, and full context are captured.
  • Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok: Content from these platforms can show forced activities, humiliation, injuries, and details of events. Even ephemeral messages can often be forensically recovered, but initial screenshots are best.
  • Deleted Messages: Our firm works with digital forensics experts who can often recover deleted messages, photos, and videos from phones, computers, and cloud storage, effectively thwarting attempts at cover-up.
• Photos & Videos:
  • Member-Generated Content: Videos filmed by members during hazing events are invaluable. This often includes footage showing forced drinking, physical abuse, or humiliating acts, capturing the incident as it unfolds.
  • Injury Documentation: Detailed photos of injuries from multiple angles, taken immediately and over several days, are essential. Including a ruler or common object for scale enhances their evidentiary value.
  • Security Camera Footage: We investigate and secure footage from campus security cameras, Ring doorbells, or commercial establishments near where the hazing occurred.
• School & Internal Organization Documents:
  • Pledge Manuals/Initiation Scripts: These materials, even if seemingly harmless, often contain coded language or instructions that hint at hazing traditions.
  • Emails/Texts from Officers: Communications from chapter leadership can expose directives related to new member activities that constitute hazing.
  • National Policies & Training Materials: These documents can demonstrate what the national organization knew about hazing risks and how they supposedly intended to prevent it, often contrasting sharply with actual chapter conduct.
• University Records:
  • Prior Conduct Files: Crucial in establishing a pattern of negligence, these files can reveal previous hazing violations, probations, or suspensions imposed on the same organization. UT Austin’s public log (hazing.utexas.edu) is a prime example.
  • Incident Reports: Reports filed with campus police, the Dean of Students, or student conduct offices related to the incident or prior complaints.
  • Public Records Requests: For public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT), we can utilize public records laws to uncover relevant documents.
• Medical and Psychological Records:
  • Emergency Room/Hospital Records: Immediate medical documentation of injuries, including toxicology reports for alcohol or drug levels, and diagnoses.
  • Therapy Notes: For psychological harm, records from psychiatrists, psychologists, or counselors detailing diagnoses like PTSD, depression, or anxiety, and the course of treatment.
  • Life Care Plans: In catastrophic injury cases, these detailed plans project future medical and therapeutic needs over a victim’s lifetime, forming the basis for significant damages claims.
• Witness Testimony:
  • Other Pledges/Members: Their accounts are invaluable, often corroborating details and providing insider perspective.
  • Bystanders/Third Parties: Roommates, RAs, coaches, or even delivery drivers can offer unexpected insights.
  • Expert Witnesses: Medical professionals, psychologists specializing in trauma, digital forensics experts, and economists are often vital to explain causation, assess damages, and interpret complex data.

Damages

The goal of a civil hazing lawsuit is to recover monetary compensation for the full extent of harm suffered. This includes both economic and non-economic damages, reflecting the profound impact hazing can have on a victim’s life and family, whether in City of Glenn Heights or across Texas.

• Medical Bills & Future Care:
  • Past Expenses: Immediate costs such as ambulance transport, emergency room visits, hospital stays (including ICU), surgeries, and medications.
  • Future Expenses: Ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological counseling (for PTSD, anxiety, depression), medications, and potential future surgeries or treatments. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage (e.g., Danny Santulli case), this can involve complex life care plans ensuring 24/7 care for life.
• Lost Earnings/Educational Impact:
  • Lost Wages: Income lost if the victim had to take time off work or if a parent lost income caring for the injured child.
  • Lost Educational Opportunities: Tuition for missed semesters, loss of academic or athletic scholarships, and the financial impact of delayed graduation.
  • Diminished Earning Capacity: If injuries (physical or psychological) are permanent, an economist will calculate the victim’s projected lifetime earnings loss.
• Non-Economic Damages: These intangible harms are often the most significant in hazing cases.
  • Physical Pain and Suffering: Immediate and long-term pain from injuries, and the loss of physical abilities.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: The deep trauma, humiliation, shame, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and loss of dignity inflicted by hazing. Victims may experience nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty trusting others.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities, social withdrawal, and a diminished overall quality of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In the most tragic cases, where hazing results in death, surviving family members (parents, children, spouse) can recover:
  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Direct expenses related to the death.
  • Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the income and financial contributions the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: For parents, this means the profound loss of their child’s presence, guidance, and affection.
  • Grief and Emotional Suffering: Damages for the intense emotional pain experienced by surviving family members.
• Punitive Damages: When hazing involves gross negligence, malice, or a reckless disregard for student safety (e.g., a national organization repeatedly ignoring warnings), courts may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the defendants and deter similar conduct in the future. Texas law governs the caps and applicability of such damages.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, each with their own legal counsel and insurance policies.

• Insurance Coverage: National fraternities, universities, and even individual members (through their homeowner’s policies) often have insurance. However, insurers frequently argue that hazing or “intentional acts” are excluded from coverage.
• Navigating Insurance Disputes: Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney, is uniquely qualified to anticipate and counter these tactics. We identify all potential coverage sources, strategically navigate disputes over exclusions, and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation available, whether through settlement within policy limits or by taking the case to trial.
• “Rogue Chapter” Defense: Nationals often claim the local chapter acted “rogue” and outside their control. We counter this by showing how national HQs benefit from their chapters, or knew or should have known about hazing patterns, thereby establishing their responsibility.

Building a strong hazing case is a complex undertaking, but our firm’s deep investigative capabilities, understanding of insurance tactics, and extensive experience in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation ensures a thorough and relentless pursuit of justice for City of Glenn Heights families.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing strikes a family in City of Glenn Heights, the immediate aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming. Knowing what to do, what not to do, and where to turn is critical. This section provides actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

As a parent, you are often your child’s first line of defense. Knowing the warning signs and how to respond can be life-saving.

Warning Signs of Hazing:

• Physical Changes: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or other injuries, especially if your child’s explanations are vague or don’t add up. Look for extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, or sudden weight loss or gain.
• Behavioral & Emotional Shifts: Sudden secrecy about their organization’s activities, withdrawal from family or old friends, and noticeable changes in personality such as increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or anger. They might become defensive when asked about the group.
• Academic Decline: A sudden drop in grades, missing classes, or falling behind on assignments due to “mandatory” group activities.
• Financial Red Flags: Unexpected requests for money without clear explanations, or excessive spending on items for older members (e.g., alcohol, food).
• Digital Obsession/Secrecy: Constant checking of their phone for group chats, deleting messages, or an unusual level of anxiety related to their phone.

How to Talk to Your Child:

• Approach with Care: Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with your group?” or “Is there anything about it that makes you uncomfortable?”
• Emphasize Safety: Make it clear that your child’s safety and well-being are your top priorities, far above any organizational affiliation. Assure them you will support them no matter what.
• Listen Without Judgment: If they open up, listen carefully without interrupting or accusing. Your role is to be a safe confidant.

If Your Child is Hurt, or You Suspect Hazing:

• Prioritize Medical Care: If there are injuries or signs of alcohol/drug poisoning, get immediate medical attention. Call 911. Do not delay, as this can be fatal.
• Document Everything Meticulously: This is crucial. Write down every detail your child tells you, including dates, times, names, locations, and descriptions of events. Screenshot all relevant digital communications (texts, group chats, social media posts). Photograph any physical injuries from multiple angles.
• Contact a Lawyer Immediately: Even if you’re unsure about pursuing a lawsuit, an attorney experienced in hazing cases can guide you on preserving evidence, navigating university investigations, and protecting your child’s rights. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate, confidential assistance.

Dealing with the University:

• Document every interaction with university officials. Understand their internal processes may differ from legal processes. Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization and the university’s response.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

If you are a student in City of Glenn Heights, whether at a local community college, or away at SMU, UT, Texas A&M, UH, or Baylor, and you’re questioning your new member experience, ask yourself these questions:

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Decision Guide:

• Is this activity making me feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced?
• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I genuinely don’t want to do?
• Would I do this if my enrollment in the group wasn’t contingent on it?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
• Would older members also participate in or undergo these same activities? (If not, it’s a red flag.)
• Are we being told to keep secrets or lie about our activities?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, it is hazing. Your feelings of discomfort, fear, or humiliation are valid signals of harm.

Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story:
Organizations and individual members often claim “everyone agreed to it.” However, Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. When you are a new member, the power imbalance, intense peer pressure, profound desire for belonging, and fear of negative consequences (social exclusion, retaliation, failure to join) mean that actual, genuine consent is nearly impossible. You have a legal right to be protected from hazing, regardless of whether you “agreed” under duress.

Exiting and Reporting Safely:

• Your Safety First: If you are in immediate danger (physical harm, extreme intoxication), call 911. Texas law provides medical amnesty for students who seek help in an alcohol-related emergency.
• You Have the Right to Leave: You can withdraw from any organization at any time, regardless of what they tell you about “loyalty” or “breaking tradition.” Inform a trusted adult (parent, RA, academic advisor) before leaving.
• Report Privately or Anonymously: Utilize your university’s Dean of Students office, Title IX coordinator (if sexual harassment is involved), or campus police. You can also use the National Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) for anonymous reporting.
• Preserve Everything: Before or as you exit, screenshot every relevant message, photo, and video. Do not delete anything from your phone.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were once involved in hazing, either as a participant or an observer, and now carry guilt or regret, your actions can make a profound difference:

• Your Testimony Can Save Lives: Your decision to come forward can prevent another student from enduring the same trauma or dying from hazing. Many families turn their tragedy into advocacy, and your voice can be part of that prevention.
• Protect Yourself: Seek legal counsel. An attorney can help you understand your rights and potential liabilities, guide you through the process of cooperating with investigations, and protect you from potential retaliation. Our firm has significant experience in criminal defense (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) and can advise on both civil and criminal exposure.
• Accountability is Key: While it may be difficult, cooperating in an investigation or providing testimony is a crucial step towards holding dangerous organizations and individuals accountable for what they’ve done.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

The initial steps after a hazing incident are often the most crucial. Families from City of Glenn Heights must be aware of common pitfalls that can severely damage their ability to pursue justice.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence:

   • Why it’s wrong: While your child may fear “getting in trouble,” deleting evidence like group chats, photos, or videos can look like a cover-up, weaken their credibility, and make it nearly impossible to prove what happened.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately. Take screenshots of all relevant digital communications, even if it feels embarrassing or incriminating. This evidence is vital. Our video on using your phone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • Why it’s wrong: A direct confrontation will almost certainly lead the organization to immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses. You lose the element of surprise and critical evidence.
   • What to do instead: Document everything, then consult with an experienced hazing lawyer before any communication with the organization.

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms:

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities often push for internal resolutions or ask families to sign waivers. These documents might inadvertently waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, and any “settlement” offered internally is typically far below the true value of your case.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or any student organization without an attorney thoroughly reviewing it first.

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer:

   • Why it’s wrong: While the urge to share your story is powerful, anything posted publicly can be used against you by defense attorneys. Inconsistencies between your posts and legal claims can damage credibility, and you might accidentally waive legal protections.
   • What to do instead: Keep your story private initially. Document everything carefully and privately. Your lawyer can advise on appropriate public communication strategies.

5. Letting Your Child Go Back for “One Last Meeting”:

   • Why it’s wrong: Organizations will often try to pressure a victim to attend “one last meeting” to discuss the situation. These are often thinly veiled attempts to intimidate, coerce, or extract statements that can be used against them in a legal context.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication with the organization should go through your attorney.

6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”:

   • Why it’s wrong: University investigations are for internal discipline, not for your legal compensation or rights. They move slowly, evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the critical statute of limitations (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) can expire. The university’s priority is often to protect its reputation and manage risk, not necessarily to fully compensate victims.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Immediately consult with an attorney. You can pursue both university discipline and civil legal action simultaneously, but internal processes alone are insufficient for full accountability and compensation.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you give can be recorded and used against you. Early settlement offers are almost always lowball and do not reflect the true value of your damages.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with any insurance adjuster and tell them, “My attorney will contact you.”

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protection under Texas law, meaning they are partially shielded from lawsuits. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections and can be more directly sued. Every case depends on its specific facts – contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, hazing can be a felony in Texas. While it begins as a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This means jail time and significant fines are possible. Individuals, including officers of organizations who fail to report hazing, can also face misdemeanor charges.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts and juries recognize that “consent” given under duress, peer pressure, power imbalance, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Your child’s “agreement” does not block their right to seek justice.

• “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, particularly in cases involving cover-ups. For minors, the clock may not start until they reach adulthood. Regardless, time is always critical: evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to ensure your rights are protected.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Texas law explicitly states that hazing can occur “on or off campus” (§37.151). Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control over the organization, knowledge of the activities, and the foreseeability of harm, even if it happens at an off-campus residence or private retreat. Many major hazing cases that resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat case (Michael Deng), occurred entirely off-campus.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While some high-profile cases do receive media attention (especially if they involve death or severe injury), most hazing cases reach confidential settlements before going to trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and works to secure confidential settlement terms. We can also explore options for sealing court records where legally possible. Our goal is to achieve accountability and compensation while minimizing public exposure, and we advise on communication strategies throughout the process.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back – and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring a unique combination of legal prowess, investigative depth, and unwavering empathy to hazing cases throughout Texas.

Our firm is uniquely qualified to tackle the complexities of hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, leverages her background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. This insider knowledge is an invaluable asset for City of Glenn Heights families. Lupe Peña’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record taking on powerful defendants. He was one of the few Texas firms involved in the massive BP Texas City explosion litigation, and his extensive federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history 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 complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to fully value the loss of life and future financial impact. We understand how to value and pursue lifetime care needs for victims suffering brain injuries or other permanent disabilities, ensuring comprehensive coverage for their future. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force genuine accountability. Our specialized wrongful death practice is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Dual Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives our firm a unique advantage. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with potential civil litigation, enabling us to advise witnesses and former members who may face dual exposure. Our criminal defense experience is critical in these complex cases and can be seen at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
• Investigative Depth: We deploy a powerful network of experts—medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists—to build an undeniable case. We meticulously obtain hidden evidence, from deleted group chats and social media content to national fraternity records of prior incidents and internal university files secured through aggressive discovery or public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually operate behind closed doors. For City of Glenn Heights families, we know that hazing at Texas universities impacts you directly, whether your child is at SMU in Dallas, UH in Houston, Texas A&M in College Station, UT in Austin, Baylor in Waco, or any other institution across the state. Our Houston-based main office, with additional locations in Austin and Beaumont, ensures statewide reach to serve victims and families wherever they are in Texas.

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We don’t offer bravado or promise quick settlements; we offer thorough investigation, strategic litigation, and real accountability.

Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential, No-Obligation Consultation

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether your student is at a university in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Central Texas, or the Greater Houston area—we want to hear from you. Families in City of Glenn Heights and throughout the surrounding Dallas County region have the right to answers and accountability.

What to expect in your free and confidential consultation:

• We will listen to your story without judgment.
• We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain all your legal options: pursuing a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• We will answer your questions about costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless we win your case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; we understand you need time to decide what is best for your family.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

Call us today. Evidence disappears fast, and universities move quickly to control the narrative. The sooner you call, the sooner we can protect your rights and begin building your case.

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

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

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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