Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for City of Rowlett Families

The call comes late, often in the dead of night. Your child, home from their Texas university for the weekend in City of Rowlett, seems withdrawn, irritable. They have mysterious bruises they can’t quite explain, or they’re suddenly secretive about their fraternity or sorority activities. Maybe they just got back from an “initiation retreat” and they look utterly exhausted, or they lost a scholarship because their grades plummeted. These subtle shifts can be the first whispers of a darker truth: your child might be a victim of hazing, an issue far more pervasive and dangerous than many believe.

Perhaps the scenario is more immediate. It’s midnight at an off-campus house near a Texas university—a place many City of Rowlett families send their children eager for higher education. Your student, who recently pledged a fraternity or sorority, is being pressured to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, endure physical torment, or perform deeply humiliating acts. Others around them, fellow students, friends, are filming and chanting. When someone gets hurt, vomiting or collapsing, fear grips the room. No one wants to call 911 because they dread “getting the chapter shut down” or facing “trouble.” Your child feels trapped, caught between misplaced loyalty to the group and their own safety.

This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s a stark reality on campuses across Texas and the nation. Even if your child attends school far from City of Rowlett, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of Rowlett and surrounding areas like Garland, Rockwall, and Mesquite, extending across Dallas County and the wider Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

This guide is designed for you—the concerned parents, the vulnerable students, and the witnesses in City of Rowlett and across our great state who need to understand:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• How Texas and federal law specifically address hazing incidents.
• Valuable lessons from major national hazing cases and how they apply to families right here in Texas.
• What has been happening at major Texas institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University, among others.
• The legal options and pathways to accountability available to victims and their families in City of Rowlett and throughout Texas.

We aim to provide you with comprehensive, general information. However, this article is not a substitute for specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm is here to evaluate individual cases based on their unique facts and guide you through such challenging times. We serve families throughout Texas, including those right here in City of Rowlett.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours, every moment counts:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Their health and safety are the absolute priority.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages instantly. Photograph any injuries from multiple angles. Secure any relevant physical items like clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects involved in the hazing.
• Write down everything while your memory is fresh: Who was involved, what happened, when it occurred, and where. Detailed notes are invaluable.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or any involved individuals.
  • Sign anything from the university, an organization, or an insurance company without legal counsel.
  • Post details about the incident on public social media.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears incredibly fast. Group chats are deleted, physical objects are destroyed, and witnesses can be coached or intimidated.
• Universities often move quickly to control information and narratives, sometimes at the expense of seeking truth.
• Our firm can help preserve crucial evidence and protect your child’s rights from the very first moments.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For City of Rowlett families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or collegiate organizations, hazing might still conjure images from 1980s movies—silly pranks, excessive push-ups, or forced late-night cleaning. The unfortunate truth is that hazing in 2025 has evolved into something far more insidious, dangerous, and often digitally enabled. It’s behavior that goes beyond harmless fun, deeply impacting the physical and mental health of students.

Defining hazing in plain English is crucial: It is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, often tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits a student. It’s important to understand that saying “I agreed to it” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal, especially when peer pressure, power imbalances, and social coercion are at play.

Main Categories of Hazing

Modern hazing takes many forms, often blending into a complex web of abuse:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is, tragically, the most common and deadly form of hazing. It involves forcing or coercing new members to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. This can manifest as chugging challenges, “lineups” where multiple drinks are consumed in quick succession, or games designed to ensure rapid and excessive intake. Sometimes, new members are pressured to consume unknown substances or even illicit drugs. The goal isn’t just to get drunk; it’s to push limits, often to the point of incapacitation, to establish control and “loyalty.”

• Physical Hazing: This category covers any act that causes physical pain or discomfort. It tragically still includes the archaic practices of paddling and beatings, but also incorporates modern twists. Extreme calisthenics, brutal “workouts,” or “smokings” (punitive physical exercises) designed to push students to their breaking point are common, often disguised as “team building” or “conditioning.” Sleep deprivation over multiple days, food and water restriction, and exposure to extreme cold or heat (like being forced to stand outside in winter without adequate clothing) fall under this umbrella.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are profoundly damaging, designed to strip victims of their dignity and foster shame. They can involve forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like “roasted pig” positions), or degrading costumes. Troublingly, this category also includes acts with racist, homophobic, or sexist overtones, such as the use of slurs or forced role-play that targets specific groups.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but deeply harmful, psychological hazing focuses on mental manipulation and degradation. This includes constant verbal abuse, threats, forced isolation from friends and family, and manipulative mind games. Public shaming, whether in person, in meetings, or increasingly, on social media, leaves lasting emotional scars. The goal is to break down an individual’s self-esteem and foster complete dependence on the group.

• Digital/Online Hazing: This is the unsettling frontier of hazing in 2025. Group chats on platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, and Discord are used for constant monitoring, issuing humiliating “dares,” and enforcing strict rules. New members face pressure to create or share compromising images or videos, or to partake in online “challenges” that are designed to embarrass. Social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok become tools for public humiliation or constant surveillance. The digital nature makes it pervasive, 24/7, and often much harder to escape.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to one type of organization or campus group. While fraternities and sororities, across all councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural), are often associated with hazing, the unfortunate reality is that it permeates many other student organizations:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: The highly structured and hierarchical nature of these groups can, if not properly monitored, create environments ripe for hazing, with “traditions” often blurring the line into abuse.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs (e.g., Texas Cowboys-type groups): Groups centered around campus spirit or tradition, particularly those with a performance or elite status, can also be venues for hazing.
• Athletic Teams: From football to basketball, baseball, track, and cheerleading, hazing can occur across collegiate sports. These incidents often involve physical endurance, initiation rituals, or social degradation under the guise of “team bonding.”
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even organizations focused on the arts have seen hazing incidents, highlighting that the desire for group cohesion can be exploited.
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with a new member process and a hierarchical structure can be vulnerable to hazing if not actively prevented and monitored.

The persistence of these practices, even when officially prohibited, is often fueled by a potent mix of tradition, a perceived need for intense group cohesion, social status, and above all, secrecy. Many students, including those from City of Rowlett, are simply told to “trust the process” or “don’t ask questions,” creating an environment where abuse can flourish unchecked.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing is crucial for victims and their families in City of Rowlett and across Texas. Hazing is not just a campus policy violation; it’s a serious legal matter with both criminal and civil implications.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. These laws make it clear that hazing is unacceptable and carries significant consequences.

Under Section 37.151, hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

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

This definition is critical for City of Rowlett families to understand:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing can happen anywhere—in a dorm room, an off-campus house, a remote cabin, or even online.
• Harm can be mental or physical: It’s not just about broken bones. The law recognizes the profound damage of psychological abuse, humiliation, and terror.
• Intent isn’t always malicious: While some hazing is intentionally cruel, the law also covers “reckless” acts—meaning the individuals involved knew or should have known their actions endangered someone, but did it anyway.
• “Consent” is not a defense: As explicitly stated in Texas Education Code § 37.155, agreeing to be hazed does not absolve the perpetrators of guilt or liability. This recognizes the immense pressure students face to conform and join groups.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing:
Under Texas Education Code § 37.152, those who engage in hazing face criminal charges:

• By default, hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor.
• If the hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment, it becomes a Class A Misdemeanor.
• If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it escalates to a State Jail Felony.

Additionally, key provisions protect and punish:

• Failing to report: Any student, faculty member, or organization officer who has knowledge of hazing and fails to report it can face misdemeanor charges.
• Retaliation: Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

These criminal provisions underscore the seriousness with which Texas law views hazing. It’s a summary, not a statute, but the technicality of the law empowers victims.

Organizational Liability:
Texas Education Code § 37.153 also holds organizations responsible. Fraternities, sororities, clubs, and teams can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in their official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it.
  Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation and revocation of university recognition. This is important because it means both individuals AND the organization can be held accountable criminally, and typically in civil suits as well.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, there are often two distinct legal tracks that can be pursued:

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (through a local prosecutor or district attorney like those in Dallas County, affecting City of Rowlett residents). Their aim is to punish the individual perpetrators for violating state laws. In hazing contexts, common criminal charges include the hazing offenses themselves, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in cases resulting in death. While a criminal conviction provides a sense of justice, it does not directly compensate the victim for their losses.

• Civil Cases: These are initiated by the victims or their surviving family members (plaintiffs). The primary aim of a civil lawsuit is to obtain monetary compensation for the harm suffered and to hold all responsible parties accountable. Civil claims often focus on legal theories such as:

  • Negligence and Gross Negligence: For failing to exercise reasonable care or acting with a conscious indifference to known risks.
  • Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a fatality.
  • Negligent Hiring/Supervision: If a university or organization failed to adequately vet or oversee staff or student leaders.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property where hazards were known or should have been known.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For severe psychological harm.

It’s crucial to understand that civil and criminal cases can run concurrently. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil case, and the standards of proof differ.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also play a role in hazing accountability and transparency:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funds must:

  • Report hazing incidents more transparently, including details about the organization involved and the sanctions imposed.
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention efforts.
  • Maintain publicly accessible hazing data (expected to be phased in by around 2026).
    This Act will increase transparency and accountability, providing more information to City of Rowlett families about the safety records of institutions across Texas.

• Title IX / Clery Act:

  • Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based discrimination or hostility, it can trigger a university’s obligations under Title IX. This can lead to university investigations and disciplinary actions separate from criminal or civil cases.
  • Clery Act: This federal law requires colleges and universities to report campus crime statistics and provide timely warnings about threats to campus safety. Hazing incidents involving assaults, alcohol or drug offenses, or other crimes often fall under Clery reporting requirements.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining who can be held responsible in a civil hazing lawsuit is often complex, but experienced hazing attorneys understand how to identify all potential defendants:

• Individual Students: These are the direct perpetrators—the ones who planned, coerced, supplied substances, carried out the acts, or actively participated in covering them up.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be sued as a legal entity. This includes its officers and members who were acting in their official capacity or whose negligence contributed to the hazing.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, as the governing body, can be held liable. This often hinges on whether they had knowledge (actual or constructive) of a pattern of hazing within a chapter or globally, failed to adequately train or supervise, or failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies.
• University or Governing Board: While public universities in Texas (like the University of Houston or UT Austin) benefit from degrees of sovereign immunity, exceptions exist for gross negligence, certain constitutional violations (like Title IX), or for individual employees acting in a grossly negligent manner. Private universities (like SMU or Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. Liability can arise from failures to properly supervise student organizations, ignored warnings about hazing, lack of enforcement of policies, or providing unsafe environments.
• Third Parties: This can include landlords or property owners of off-campus houses or venues where hazing occurred, bars or liquor stores that furnished alcohol to minors (under dram shop laws), or even event organizers and security companies who failed in their duties.

It’s important to remember that every case is fact-specific, and not every party will be liable in every situation. A thorough investigation is required to identify all responsible parties, maximizing the potential for accountability and compensation for families in City of Rowlett and across Texas.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When a hazing tragedy strikes in Texas, it’s not an isolated incident. Across the nation, universities, fraternities, and families have grappled with the devastating consequences of hazing for decades. These national cases, while often heart-wrenching, provide critical legal precedents and highlight patterns that inform our strategy when representing City of Rowlett families. They illustrate the types of institutional failures and individual culpability that repeatedly lead to severe injury and death.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing fatalities. These cases demonstrate a recurring script of excessive drinking, often orchestrated by older members, followed by a tragic delay in seeking medical help.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” event involving extreme alcohol consumption. Horrifically, fraternity security cameras captured him falling repeatedly, suffering severe head trauma, but brothers delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath saw dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, civil litigation, and the enactment of Pennsylvania’s new Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This case unequivocally demonstrated how extreme intoxication, deliberate delay in seeking medical help, and a pervasive culture of silence can be legally devastating for both individuals and the institution.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): During a “Big Brother Night” event, 20-year-old Andrew Coffey, a pledge, was given a handle of hard liquor and forced into dangerous drinking practices. He died of acute alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal hazing charges followed, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life, overhauling its policies. The case highlighted how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster within Greek organizations.

• Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Maxwell “Max” Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU pledge, died after a “Bible study” drinking game where he was forced to chug liquor if he answered questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was dangerously high (0.495%). His death led directly to Louisiana’s felony hazing law, known as the Max Gruver Act. This case was pivotal in demonstrating that legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of systematic hazing.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a fraternity “pledge night,” 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey, leading to his death from alcohol poisoning. The case resulted in multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members. In 2023, the Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement, with nearly $3 million coming from Bowling Green State University and $7 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. This tragic outcome, and subsequent settlement, highlighted that universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternally and their national orgs.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and psychologically brutal rituals continue to claim lives and cause severe injury.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a student pledging a fraternity, died during a brutal, remote “retreat” in the Pocono Mountains. He was blindfolded and forced to participate in a “glass ceiling” ritual where members repeatedly tackled him while he wore a heavy backpack. He suffered a fatal brain injury, and help was tragically delayed for hours. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, subsequently banned from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case showed that off-campus “retreats,” designed to evade oversight, are often as dangerous as—or worse than—campus parties and that national organizations can face serious criminal sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue that can affect any high-status student group, including athletic teams.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a scandal that shook collegiate sports, former Northwestern football players alleged widespread sexualized, physical, and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. The allegations included forced physical acts, sexual degradation, and racial targeting. Multiple lawsuits were filed against Northwestern University and coaching staff, leading to the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later confidentially settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit. This case was a stark reminder that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, with major athletic programs harboring systemic abuse and institutional failures.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies reveal common, disturbing threads that resonate deeply with situations on Texas campuses: forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, dangerous delays or outright denial of medical care, and systematic cover-ups. While reforms (like new state laws) and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy and determined litigation, they establish precedents. Texas families in City of Rowlett facing hazing incidents at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor are not alone. They are operating in a legal landscape shaped by these national lessons, where justice, accountability, and prevention of future harm are achievable through dedicated legal advocacy.

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

The Manginello Law Firm understands that while hazing is a national problem, its impact is fiercely local. For families in City of Rowlett and across Dallas County, the proximity of excellent universities means that the hazing crisis can strike close to home. Whether your student attends SMU right in Dallas, journeys to UT Austin or Texas A&M, or studies closer to our Houston office at UH or Baylor, the threat is real. What follows is a focused look at how hazing manifests and is addressed at some of Texas’s leading higher education institutions, with insights into how these scenarios might affect City of Rowlett families.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus, is home to a diverse student body, including many from City of Rowlett and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. With a mix of commuter and residential students, UH fosters an active Greek life and a wide array of student organizations, from cultural groups to sports clubs, all of which have the potential for hazing.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH’s dynamic environment in the heart of Houston offers a rich collegiate experience. Its numerous fraternities and sororities, spanning various councils, thrive alongside robust athletic programs and student organizations. This bustling campus culture, beloved by many, means that the risks of hazing are as present here as anywhere else, affecting students who may have traveled from City of Rowlett to pursue their education.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, clearly stating that hazing is prohibited whether it occurs on-campus or off-campus. The policy specifically bans forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and acts that cause mental distress as part of any initiation or affiliation process. UH provides clear reporting channels through the Dean of Students’ office, Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also posts its hazing statement and, in some cases, disciplinary information on its website, albeit with less detail than some other institutions.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While not always in the public spotlight with the same intensity as some other universities, UH has had its share of hazing incidents:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: In November 2016, Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) pledges allegedly endured severe deprivation of food, water, and sleep during an extended multi-day event. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface during the hazing. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was subsequently suspended by the university.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: UH’s conduct records periodically show various fraternities and other student groups facing disciplinary action for behaviors “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse and policy violations, which have led to suspensions or probationary periods.

These incidents underscore UH’s ongoing struggle with hazing, despite its policies. While UH has shown a willingness to suspend chapters, the level of detailed public disclosure about violations can sometimes be limited compared to institutions like UT Austin.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a City of Rowlett family whose child might be involved in a hazing incident at UH, legal proceedings could involve multiple agencies and jurisdictions. Depending on the exact location of the hazing within the sprawling Houston area, the involved law enforcement agencies could include the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) for on-campus incidents, or the Houston Police Department (HPD) and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events.

Civil lawsuits stemming from UH hazing incidents would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. Potential defendants in such cases could range from the individual students who perpetrated the hazing, the local chapter itself, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university and property owners where the hazing occurred. Our firm, being based in Houston, is uniquely positioned to navigate these local legal landscapes efficiently.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For City of Rowlett families with students at UH:

• Understand Reporting Channels: Familiarize yourself with UH’s official reporting methods, including the Dean of Students’ office, UHPD, and any online reporting forms.
• Document Everything: If you suspect hazing, meticulously record dates, times, screenshots of digital communications, and photographs of any injuries. Prior complaints and past incidents, even if public details are scant, can be crucial.
• Legal Consultation for Houston-Based Incidents: Contacting a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases is vital. Our firm can help navigate UH’s internal processes, which can be complex, and effectively uncover prior discipline and internal university files through legal discovery.
• Prioritize Safety: If your child is in immediate danger, call 911 without hesitation, then immediately contact Attorney911.
• Discourage Deletion: Advise your child against deleting any digital evidence, no matter how embarrassing.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a storied institution renowned for its traditions and the Corps of Cadets, draws students from every corner of Texas, including many from City of Rowlett and the larger Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Its unique culture, while fostering deep loyalty, also presents distinct challenges regarding hazing.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M’s strong emphasis on tradition, particularly within the Corps of Cadets, creates a tightly-knit, hierarchical environment. This can sometimes blur the lines between venerable customs and potentially dangerous hazing practices. The university’s Greek life, while less predominant than some other schools, is still active, encompassing a variety of fraternities and sororities. The Aggie spirit, characterized by its fierce loyalty, can unfortunately also contribute to a code of silence around hazing.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M maintains a strong anti-hazing stance, with clear policies prohibiting any form of hazing that endangers students’ mental or physical health. The university highlights reporting mechanisms through the Student Conduct office, the Dean of Student Life, and the University Police Department (UPD). For Corps members, specific regulations and reporting lines exist within the Corps command structure. A&M, like other Texas universities, publishes some information about disciplinary actions against student organizations.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced significant hazing controversies, some involving Greek life and some within its esteemed Corps:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case (c. 2021): In a harrowing incident that gained national attention, two Sigma Alpha Epsilon pledges alleged they suffered severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries during hazing rituals. They claimed to have been forced into strenuous activity and then substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, were poured on them. The pledges subsequently sued the fraternity for $1 million, and the chapter was suspended for two years by the university. This case highlights the extreme and dangerous evolution of physical hazing.
• Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Lawsuit (2023): A former Texas A&M Corps of Cadets member filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing that included simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The plaintiff sought over $1 million in damages, describing a culture of sexualized and humiliating rituals. Texas A&M indicated it handled the matter under its internal rules, but the public exposure underscored the need for vigilant oversight of traditional military-style organizations.

These incidents demonstrate that hazing at Texas A&M can manifest in exceptionally cruel ways, necessitating robust legal intervention.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For City of Rowlett families whose children attend Texas A&M, legal action in hazing cases would typically involve investigators from Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and for off-campus incidents, the Bryan Police Department or College Station Police Department may have jurisdiction, along with the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. Civil suits would typically be litigated in Brazos County courts.

Hazing cases here often focus on both Greek life organizations and, uniquely, the traditions and oversight within the Corps of Cadets. Our firm has experience with cases involving powerful institutions and can effectively prepare for the potential complexities of addressing claims against the university and its various organizations.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

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

• Address Corps Traditions: Understand the fine line between tradition and hazing within the Corps. If activities endanger mental or physical health, they are hazing.
• Report Internally if Safe, But Seek Legal Counsel: Utilize A&M’s reporting channels (Student Conduct, UPD, Corps leadership), but be aware that institutional loyalty can be strong. Contacting Attorney911 immediately offers an independent legal perspective.
• Preserve Evidence Aggressively: In a culture where secrecy is highly valued, preserving digital evidence (group chats, photos, videos) and physical evidence (like any materials related to the hazing) is paramount.
• Document Psychological Harm: The psychological toll of hazing, especially in intense environments like the Corps, can be severe. Documenting emotional distress through counseling records is crucial for any civil claim.
• Contact Us Early: The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can work to preserve evidence and advise on the unique aspects of a Texas A&M hazing case.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution for many City of Rowlett families, drawing students to its vibrant campus and robust academic programs. Yet, even a school with such a distinguished reputation faces persistent challenges with hazing, an issue the university itself has highlighted through its public reporting.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin boasts a massive, diverse student body and a highly active Greek life, athletic programs, and student organizations. This dynamic environment, coupled with a deep sense of tradition, can inadvertently create conditions where hazing can occur. Students from City of Rowlett pursuing their dreams at UT Austin often immerse themselves in this rich campus culture, sometimes unknowingly stepping into dangerous situations.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin has a comprehensive anti-hazing policy, strictly prohibiting any activity that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued membership in an organization. UT Austin is notably transparent, maintaining a public Hazing Violations page on its website (hazing.utexas.edu). This page lists organizations, the dates of violations, a description of the conduct, and the sanctions imposed. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public hazing log provides valuable insights into the types of incidents occurring at the university:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at UT Austin was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume milk and forced to perform strenuous calisthenics. This was officially found to be hazing, leading to the chapter being placed on probation and required to implement new hazing prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers and Other Spirit Groups: UT Austin’s records show sanctions against various spirit organizations and clubs, such as the Texas Wranglers, for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and other punishment-based practices designed to degrade or control new members.
• The “Absolute Texxas” Spirit Group (2022): This spirit organization faced discipline for hazing violations, which included alcohol and drug misconduct, blindfolding, symbolic “kidnapping,” and degrading new members.

This consistent and public catalog of incidents underscores that hazing is an ongoing battle for UT Austin, despite its policies and transparency efforts. The repeated nature of these violations can sometimes be used to demonstrate patterns of organizational negligence.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For City of Rowlett families, a hazing incident at UT Austin could trigger investigations by both the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) and the Austin Police Department (APD), depending on the location of the event. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County courts.

A key aspect of UT Austin hazing cases is the university’s public Hazing Violations page. This transparency from UT itself can be a powerful tool for plaintiffs, as prior violations clearly demonstrate patterns, organizational knowledge, and sometimes, a failure to effectively deter repeat offenders. This public record can strongly support arguments for institutional negligence. Our firm leverages such public information to strengthen cases for accountability.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For City of Rowlett families with students at UT Austin:

• Consult the Hazing Violations Page: Use hazing.utexas.edu to investigate the history of any organization your student plans to join. This is a critical first step.
• Report to UTPD/Dean of Students: Utilize UT’s established reporting channels. If a crime has occurred, ensure UTPD is involved.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: Given the prevalence of digital hazing, securing screenshots of group chats, texts, and social media posts is paramount. Photograph any injuries and preserve medical records.
• Contact a Texas Hazing Lawyer: An experienced attorney familiar with UT’s systems can help interpret the public records, navigate the university’s internal processes, and build a strong legal case against all responsible parties.
• Prioritize Safety First: If danger is imminent, call 911 immediately, then reach out to Attorney911.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, known for its picturesque campus and strong Greek presence, is a destination for many students from City of Rowlett and affluent areas across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Despite its private status, SMU is not immune to the challenges of hazing, which can often remain out of the public eye without determined investigation.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU’s private, residential campus near Highland Park fosters a vibrant social scene, with Greek life playing a significant role in student culture. This environment, while fostering strong community bonds, also creates a fertile ground for intense social pressure and, in some cases, hazing. Students from City of Rowlett attending SMU can quickly find themselves immersed in this competitive social landscape.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, prohibiting any behavior associated with initiation or affiliation that causes or is likely to cause physical or psychological harm or humiliation. The university emphasizes prevention efforts and provides various reporting forms, including anonymous systems like “Real Response,” designed to encourage students to come forward. SMU’s Student Affairs office oversees Greek life and student conduct, and the SMU Police Department (SMU PD) handles criminal incidents on campus. However, as a private institution, SMU’s internal disciplinary records typically have less public accessibility than those of state universities.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While SMU’s disciplinary actions are not as transparently published as some public universities, incidents have come to light:

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): In a widely reported incident, members of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity at SMU were allegedly involved in hazing activities that included paddling new members, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended by the university and faced significant restrictions on its activities, including a ban on recruiting new members for several years (until approximately 2021). This case highlights the persistent issues even within prominent Greek organizations at private universities.

Other instances of hazing, often involving alcohol misconduct and degrading activities, have led to various suspensions and probations for fraternities and sororities at SMU, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For City of Rowlett families, a hazing incident at SMU might involve investigations by the SMU Police Department for on-campus crimes or the University Park Police Department or Dallas Police Department for off-campus incidents in nearby areas. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts within Dallas County.

A key difference with SMU, as a private university, is the process of discovery. While their internal records are not publicly accessible, a civil lawsuit allows experienced attorneys to compel the disclosure of such documents. This can include internal investigation reports, prior disciplinary actions against specific chapters, and communications between the university and national organizations, revealing patterns of negligence that might otherwise remain hidden.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For City of Rowlett families with students at SMU:

• Utilize SMU’s Reporting Systems: Use the anonymous reporting systems if immediate safety is not an issue, but ensure detailed documentation of what is reported.
• Understand Private University Dynamics: Be aware that private universities have different disclosure rules. This makes early legal consultation even more critical for gathering evidence.
• Document Everything Diligently: Given the potential for less public transparency, every piece of evidence—digital communications, photos, witness statements, and medical records—is vital.
• Seek Legal Counsel Immediately: Contact a Texas hazing lawyer who can initiate discovery processes to uncover information that SMU is not required to disclose publicly. Our firm’s Dallas County experience is invaluable here.
• Protect Privacy While Seeking Justice: We understand and prioritize client privacy, especially at institutions like SMU where discretion may be highly valued.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, located in Waco, north of City of Rowlett, holds a distinct position among Texas universities with its strong Christian mission and rich traditions. Many City of Rowlett families appreciate its academic rigor and values-based education, but Baylor has also faced significant challenges with campus safety and student conduct, including hazing incidents.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor’s identity is deeply intertwined with its Christian heritage, which influences its campus culture and student expectations. This spiritual foundation contributes to a unique environment that draws students seeking a close-knit community. Simultaneously, Baylor has robust athletic programs and Greek life, alongside numerous other student organizations. This combination, as with any university, can create conditions where hazing can occur, sometimes under the guise of “tradition” or “testing character.”

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University has a strict anti-hazing policy that is explicitly tied to its commitment to the dignity of individuals. The policy prohibits any activity that humiliates, degrades, abuses, or endangers a student, whether physical or mental, for the purpose of initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued membership. Baylor provides official reporting channels through its Student Conduct Administration and the Baylor Police Department (BUPD). The university underscores its “zero tolerance” stance, but, like other private institutions, the details of its disciplinary actions are not always publicly available in comprehensive, indexed formats.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor has encountered hazing incidents that reflect broader issues within its student life, often coming during periods of intensified scrutiny over campus conduct, including the widely publicized Title IX sexual assault scandal.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): In 2020, 14 players from the Baylor baseball team were suspended following a hazing investigation. The suspensions, which were staggered over the early part of the season, highlighted that hazing extends beyond Greek organizations and into high-profile athletic programs, even at institutions with strong ethical codes.
• Other Greek Life Suspensions: Historically, various fraternities and sororities at Baylor have faced suspensions for hazing-related offenses involving alcohol misconduct, physical challenges, and other forms of abuse. These incidents reflect the ongoing tension between “tradition” and the university’s stated values.

These events, particularly the baseball hazing, show that despite official “zero tolerance” statements, student misconduct persists, sometimes requiring significant internal actions and outside pressure.

5.4.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For City of Rowlett families, a hazing incident at Baylor would typically involve an investigation by the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) for on-campus incidents, or the Waco Police Department and the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would generally be litigated in McLennan County courts.

Baylor’s status as a private university means that while internal documents about hazing incidents are not publicly disseminated, they can often be obtained through the discovery process in a civil lawsuit. This is crucial for establishing patterns of negligence against the university and its affiliated organizations. Our firm understands how to navigate the complex organizational structures and discovery challenges presented by private university litigation.

5.4.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For City of Rowlett families with students at Baylor:

• Report Through Baylor Channels: Utilize Baylor’s Student Conduct Administration or BUPD for official reporting.
• Be Prepared for Private Processes: Understand that Baylor’s internal investigations and disciplinary actions may not be entirely public, requiring robust legal strategies to uncover relevant information.
• Document all Psychological Impact: Given Baylor’s emphasis on student well-being and its prior scrutiny regarding sexual assault, comprehensive documentation of any psychological harm is particularly important for hazing cases.
• Prioritize Safety and Seek Legal Counsel: If your student is in danger, call 911 immediately. Then, contact a Texas hazing attorney with experience dealing with private institutions to ensure all evidence is preserved and legal options are fully explored.
• Emphasize Firm Values: Remind your child that Baylor’s values of integrity and respect should extend to all aspects of student life, including new member processes.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For City of Rowlett families grappling with hazing, a critical piece of the puzzle lies in understanding not just what happened locally, but the broader history of the specific fraternity or sorority involved. Most Greek-letter organizations at Texas campuses – including UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor – are chapters of national or international organizations. These national entities, while often proclaiming strong anti-hazing policies, frequently have extensive and disturbing histories of hazing-related injuries and deaths across the country.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

National anti-hazing policies are often born out of tragedy. Many fraternities and sororities have thick anti-hazing manuals and sophisticated risk management policiesprecisely because they have seen deaths and catastrophic injuries on other campuses. They know the patterns: forced drinking nights, aggressive physical training, humiliating rituals – these are not new phenomena.

When a local chapter on a Texas campus, whether it’s in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, or Waco, repeats the same scripts that led to another chapter being shut down or sued in another state, that demonstrates foreseeability. It means the national organization knew, or should have known, the dangers inherent in those activities. This pattern of knowledge and alleged inaction can be critical in supporting claims of negligence, gross negligence, or seeking punitive damages against national entities in civil lawsuits. It helps establish that these were not random, isolated acts, but part of a known and persistent organizational problem.

6.2 Organization Mapping: From Local Texas Chapters to National Histories

While it’s impossible to list every single incident for every Greek organization, we can shine a light on some major fraternities and sororities with well-documented national hazing issues that also have chapters at Texas universities:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity, with chapters at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, has a tragic national history of severe alcohol-related hazing. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died after consuming a full bottle of whiskey, resulted in a $10 million settlement from the national fraternity and university. This mirrors other cases, like the David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois University (2012), underscoring a pattern of dangerous “pledge night” alcohol consumption. These incidents demonstrate a clear pattern that the national organization has been repeatedly warned about, making their liability for similar occurrences at Texas chapters highly relevant.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): SAE, present at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, has faced numerous hazing controversies, including multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. Tragic incidents involving alcohol poisoning led the national organization to famously abolish its pledge program in 2014, yet hazing persists.

  • At Texas A&M University (2021), two pledges alleged they suffered severe chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner, eggs, and spit poured on them, leading to a $1 million lawsuit.
  • At the University of Texas at Austin (2024), members of SAE were tied to significant injuries of an exchange student at a chapter party.
  • Nationally, a traumatic brain injury lawsuit was filed against an SAE chapter at the University of Alabama (2023).
    These cases, both within Texas and nationally, establish a pattern of physical and chemical hazing, as well as alleged assault, which points to a culture that the national organization has struggled to control.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): With chapters at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, Phi Delta Theta was at the center of the Maxwell “Max” Gruver hazing death at Louisiana State University (2017). Max died from alcohol toxicity after being forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game. This incident directly led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute, the Max Gruver Act, and demonstrated how “ritualized” competitive drinking games within the organization could prove fatal.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): This fraternity, with chapters at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, was involved in the Andrew Coffey hazing death at Florida State University (2017). Coffey died of acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. His death prompted a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU and heightened anti-hazing awareness across Florida. This, again, points to a dangerous pattern of forced alcohol consumption during “brotherhood” events.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): With chapters at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU, Beta Theta Pi gained national notoriety due to the catastrophic Timothy Piazza hazing death at Penn State University (2017). The details of Piazza’s fatal fall and the delayed medical attention underscored systemic failures in hazing prevention and response. While the incident happened out of state, the pattern of extreme alcohol consumption and delayed medical aid is a critical lesson for any chapter nationally.

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA): This fraternity, with a chapter at Texas A&M and SMU, has faced its share of hazing allegations. At SMU (2017), members were implicated in allegations of paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation, leading to the chapter’s suspension. This illustrates how traditions often associated with the group can cross the line into dangerous hazing.

• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): While not listed at every Texas school, FIJI, present at Texas A&M, became infamous for the Danny Santulli case at the University of Missouri (2021). Santulli suffered severe, permanent brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol, resulting in multi-million-dollar settlements with numerous defendants, including the fraternity. This highlights the catastrophic non-fatal injuries that can result from forced drinking hazing.

• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Kappa Sigma, with chapters at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, has a significant national hazing history. The Chad Meredith case at the University of Miami (2001) resulted in a $12.6 million jury verdict for wrongful death after Meredith drowned following a hazing ritual. More recently, at Texas A&M University (2023), there have been allegations of hazing causing severe injuries associated with rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical exertion. These incidents point to diverse hazing dangers within the organization, from alcohol-related deaths to physical abuse.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

These detailed national histories are not just cautionary tales; they are crucial elements of a successful legal strategy for City of Rowlett families. They help establish:

• Foreseeability: When a national organization has a documented history of hazing incidents involving alcohol deaths, physical abuse, or psychological torment, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to argue that a similar incident at a Texas chapter was “unforeseeable.” They knew the risks.
• Pattern Evidence: Showing a consistent pattern of hazing across different chapters of the same national organization strengthens arguments that the national entity failed in its duty to adequately train, supervise, and discipline its local chapters.
• Insurance Coverage: This track record can be critical in convincing insurance companies that their clients were indeed negligent, making it harder for them to deny coverage based on “intentional acts” clauses. This affects settlement leverage and whether a case needs to proceed to trial.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, a clear pattern of ignored warnings and repeated dangerous behavior may support claims for punitive damages, which are designed not just to compensate victims but to punish defendants for egregious conduct and deter future harm.

The Manginello Law Firm leverages these national patterns to build formidable cases, demonstrating that these are not isolated incidents but often systemic failures that powerful institutions have a duty to prevent. This legal approach aims to ensure true accountability for victims and to prevent future tragedies on Texas campuses and beyond.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For City of Rowlett families seeking justice after a hazing incident, the legal process can seem daunting. However, building a successful hazing case is a systematic endeavor that hinges on meticulous evidence collection, a clear understanding of potential damages, and a strategic legal approach. The Manginello Law Firm specializes in this intricate process, ensuring that every piece of evidence is secured and every avenue for accountability is explored.

7.1 Evidence

In hazing litigation, evidence is paramount. It tells the story of what happened, who was involved, and who should be held accountable. Modern hazing, particularly with its digital component, leaves a trail if you know where and how to look.

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical category of evidence in today’s hazing cases.

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity/sorority apps: These platforms are frequently used for planning, communicating demands, enforcing rules, and even sharing details about hazing events. These messages can show planning, intent, knowledge, and patterns of behavior. We work to recover both live and deleted messages.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments: These can also contain direct communications, threats, or instructions related to hazing.
  • Screenshots: For City of Rowlett families, immediately screenshotting full conversations with timestamps and participant names (not just isolated lines) is vital. Our firm can guide you on securing and preserving this evidence before it mysteriously “disappears.”

• Photos & Videos:

  • Content filmed by members: Many hazing events are filmed by participants, capturing crucial moments of abuse, intoxication, or degradation. This footage, even if shared privately in group chats or on expiring social media stories, is invaluable.
  • Security camera footage: Surveillance cameras at fraternity houses, off-campus venues, or even doorbell cameras can sometimes capture critical events or the states of victims.

• Internal Organization Documents: These provide insight into how a group operates and whether hazing is a systemic issue.

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “traditions” lists: These documents can reveal whether hazing practices are officially sanctioned or tacitly accepted.
  • Emails/texts from officers: Communications regarding “new member education” that hint at illicit activities are critical.
  • National policies and training materials: These documents often highlight contradictions between official anti-hazing rules and actual practice.

• University Records:

  • Prior conduct files: Records of previous hazing violations, probations, or suspensions against the same organization at the university are crucial for establishing a pattern of negligence and foreseeability.
  • Incident reports: Documentation from campus police or student conduct offices about related events.
  • Clery reports: These federally mandated crime statistics can show broader patterns of alcohol violations, assaults, or other crimes related to campus group activities.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These records quantify the physical and emotional toll of hazing.

  • Emergency room and hospitalization records: For immediate injuries, documenting the cause and severity.
  • Toxicology reports: Crucial in cases of forced alcohol or drug consumption.
  • Psychological evaluations: Diagnoses of PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, and corresponding treatment notes, are vital for demonstrating emotional distress and non-economic damages.

• Witness Testimony:

  • Pledges, members, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, bystanders: Eyewitness accounts are critical. We understand that peers might be reluctant to come forward, and we have strategies to protect cooperating witnesses.
  • Former members: Individuals who have left the organization due to hazing often provide powerful insight into its culture.

7.2 Damages

When hazing causes harm, the law provides avenues for victims and their families to seek compensation for their losses. These are generally categorized as economic and non-economic damages.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs associated with physical recovery:

  • Immediate care: ambulance, emergency room visits, hospital stays (including ICU).
  • Ongoing treatment: surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medications.
  • Long-term care: for catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure, this can involve specialized residential care or significant home modifications.

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact:

  • Lost wages: Income lost by the victim or by parents who had to take time off work to care for their child.
  • Educational setbacks: Costs for missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation, or the need to transfer schools.
  • Reduced earning capacity: If injuries (physical or psychological) are permanent, an economist can calculate the victim’s diminished lifetime earning potential.

• Non-Economic Damages: These address the intangible, yet profound, suffering.

  • Physical pain and suffering: From immediate injuries through long-term chronic pain.
  • Emotional distress and psychological trauma: Including PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation, and loss of dignity.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life as before, or the profound disruption of the college experience.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): When hazing leads to a fatality, surviving family members can seek compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society for parents, children, or spouses.
  • The profound grief and emotional suffering of the family.

It’s important to remember that we describe types of damages, not guaranteeing or predicting specific dollar amounts for any case. Each case’s value is determined by its unique facts, evidence, and legal precedents.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Part of the complexity of hazing litigation lies in identifying all potentially liable parties and navigating their insurance coverage.

• National fraternities and universities often carry substantial insurance policies designed to protect them from liability. However, these insurers are not always eager to pay out.
• Insurers frequently argue that:
  • Hazing or intentional acts are explicitly excluded from coverage.
  • The specific policy in question doesn’t cover certain defendants or types of conduct.
  • The incident was the result of “rogue individuals” and not an organizational failure.
• An experienced hazing attorney understands how to counteract these maneuvers. We identify all potential sources of coverage, examine policy language for loopholes, and challenge wrongful denials. We negotiate fiercely to settle within policy limits when appropriate, and we are prepared to litigate bad faith claims against insurers who unjustifiably refuse to pay. This specialized knowledge is critical for ensuring that victims and families receive the compensation they deserve. Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), knows the insurance industry’s playbook firsthand.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When disaster strikes due to hazing, City of Rowlett parents and students need immediate, actionable advice. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones.

8.1 For Parents

For City of Rowlett parents, recognizing the signs of hazing and knowing how to respond can be life-saving.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Look for a combination of these indicators:

  • Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts or repeated “accidents” with inconsistent stories.
  • Sudden exhaustion or sleep deprivation: Your child is always tired, falling asleep at odd times, or receiving calls/texts demanding their presence at all hours.
  • Drastic changes in mood: Uncharacteristic anxiety, depression, irritability, sudden secretive behavior, or withdrawal from friends and family.
  • Constant secret phone use: Obsessive checking of group chats or fear of missing “mandatory” communications.
  • Academic decline: Sudden drops in grades, missing classes, or neglecting assignments due to mandatory organization events.
  • Financial strain: Requests for unexplained money, large organization “fines,” or purchasing items for older members.

• How to Talk to Your Child:

  • Approach them with empathy, not accusation. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with X fraternity?” or “Is there anything about this experience that makes you uncomfortable?”
  • Emphasize their safety and well-being over any organizational loyalty. Reassure them you will support them no matter what.
  • Remind them that hazing affects everyone, and they are not alone.

• If Your Child is Hurt:

  • Your primary concern is their health. Get them medical care immediately, even if they insist they are “fine.” Go to the ER, student health center, or a trusted doctor. Tell medical providers they were hazed so it’s documented.
  • Document everything: Take clear photographs of injuries from multiple angles and date them. Save all digital communications (texts, DMs, group chats) by screenshotting them. Write down a detailed account of what they tell you, including dates, names, and locations.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document every communication you have with university administrators, including names, titles, dates, and summaries of conversations.
  • Specifically inquire about the organization’s prior hazing history or disciplinary actions.
  • Be wary of administrators who try to downplay incidents or push for an “internal resolution” that might waive your family’s legal rights.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer:

  • If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm needing medical attention.
  • If you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident or trying to hide what happened.
  • The sooner you act, the more evidence can be preserved. Call Attorney911 even for an initial consultation.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

For students from City of Rowlett currently at a Texas university, what you’re experiencing might feel like “just tradition,” but it could be illegal hazing.

• Is this Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself:

  • Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
  • Would I do this if I had a real choice, without fear of social exclusion or being “cut”?
  • Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
  • Would my parents or the university approve if they knew every detail?
  • Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
  • Am I being told to keep secrets or lie to outsiders?
  • If you answered yes to any of these, it’s very likely hazing.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The law, especially in Texas, recognizes that “consent” given under duress, peer pressure, or fear of exclusion is not true consent. You are not at fault if you were coerced into a hazing activity. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • Immediate Danger: If you are in physical danger, call 911 immediately. You will not get in trouble for seeking help in an emergency (Good Samaritan laws protect you).
  • Leaving the Organization: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. If you fear confrontation, communicate your resignation via email or text to leadership, then inform a trusted adult outside the group (parent, RA, professor, Dean of Students) immediately.
  • Reporting: Utilize campus resources like the Dean of Students or Student Conduct offices. Many universities also have anonymous tip lines. You can also contact the National Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE.
  • Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many university policies and Texas law provide amnesty for students who report hazing or call for help in good faith, especially in medical emergencies.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were a part of hazing, whether as a participant or observer, and now carry guilt or regret, your actions can prevent future tragedies and contribute to justice.

• Your Role in Accountability: Your testimony and evidence can be crucial. It may prevent future harm to other students and provide essential support for victims pursuing justice.
• Seeking Counsel: If you fear legal exposure, you should seek your own legal advice. Our criminal defense expertise (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can advise anyone potentially implicated in criminal hazing charges. Cooperating with authorities or a victim’s legal team can be a vital step toward long-term accountability, sometimes leading to more favorable outcomes.
• Anonymity vs. Accountability: While anonymous reporting options exist, providing direct testimony and evidence, especially under legal protection, is often the most impactful way to stop hazing and hold powerful institutions accountable.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For City of Rowlett families navigating the aftermath of hazing, the actions taken in the first hours and days can make or break a legal case. Avoid these common, critical mistakes:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence:

   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This looks like a deliberate cover-up, can be construed as obstruction of justice (which carries its own criminal penalties), and can make a civil case nearly impossible to prove. Digital forensic experts can often recover deleted data, but original, unedited evidence is always preferred.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, no matter how embarrassing or incriminating it might seem. This includes group chats, texts, DMs, photos, and videos. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly:

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind!”
   • Why it’s wrong: A direct, emotional confrontation will immediately put the organization on high alert. They will “lawyer up,” instruct members to destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and begin preparing their defense. This severely compromises your ability to gather unbiased evidence.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in secret, then call a lawyer who can strategize the safest and most effective way to address the perpetrators.

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms:

   • What universities do: They may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements quickly, often implying it’s the “fastest” or “easiest” way to put the incident behind them.
   • Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, settling for internal disciplinary action that is often insufficient and provides no financial compensation for your child’s injuries or trauma. Settlements offered early in the process are often far below the true value of the case.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or organization without an attorney reviewing it first.

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer:

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened!”
   • Why it’s wrong: While understandable, anything posted publicly can be used against you. Defense attorneys meticulously screenshot social media posts, looking for inconsistencies, prior statements, or anything that can damage your child’s credibility or waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document privately for your legal team. Let your lawyer control if, when, and how information is publicly released.

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” with the organization:

   • What fraternities say: “Just come talk to us before you do anything drastic.”
   • Why it’s wrong: If your child is considering legal action or reporting, allowing them to meet with the organization alone is highly risky. They can be pressured, intimidated, or manipulated into making statements that hurt their case or reveal your legal strategy.
   • What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communications should go through your lawyer.

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”:

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating, let us handle this internally.”
   • Why it’s wrong: While universities handle internal discipline, their process is not designed to secure compensation for your child’s injuries or to hold all parties fully accountable. Evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations runs out. Waiting can severely jeopardize a civil case.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately. The university process is separate from pursuing civil justice.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer:

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters represent the interests of the defendant, not the victim. Any recorded statement or information you provide will be used against your child’s claim to minimize payout. Early settlement offers are typically lowball.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

You can watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY for more detailed guidance.

8.5 Short FAQ

Here are answers to common questions City of Rowlett families have about hazing and the law:

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

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, it can be. Texas law classifies basic hazing as a Class B misdemeanor. However, it escalates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual organizational officers can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing they knew about.

• “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 “agreement” under intense peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of social exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Our legal system is designed to protect individuals from such coerced participation.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death to file most personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in Texas. However, certain exceptions, such as the “discovery rule” (if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known), or tolling for minors, may extend this period. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be paused. Time is absolutely critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to discuss your specific timeline. You can learn more about Texas statute of limitations in our video 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. Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge of prior patterns, and the foreseeable nature of off-campus hazing. Many major hazing cases (e.g., the Pi Delta Psi retreat death of Michael Deng, the Sigma Pi death of Collin Wiant at an unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments and criminal convictions.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  We understand the deep desire for privacy. While some high-profile cases do garner media attention, most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. We can often request sealed court records and negotiate confidential settlement terms. Our priority is to achieve justice and accountability while protecting your family’s privacy interests.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family in City of Rowlett faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—like major universities and national fraternities—fight back, and how to win anyway. The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, stands ready to be that advocate for you.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of Rowlett, Garland, Rockwall, Mesquite, and across Dallas County and the wider Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families across the region, regardless of where the incident occurred.

Attorney911 brings unique qualifications to hazing litigation:

• The Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight to the table. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Lupe knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. Essentially, we know their playbook because we used to run it. Lupe Peña’s complete professional background is detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph P. Manginello, possesses extensive experience taking on some of the largest defendants imaginable. He was one of the few Texas plaintiffs’ firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on a billion-dollar oil giant. His federal court experience (including the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their formidable defense teams. We’ve taken on powerful corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants. Ralph Manginello’s credentials are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We don’t settle cheap. We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, collaborating with economists to meticulously value loss of life and future support. We possess in-depth experience in cases involving catastrophic injuries like brain damage, working with life care planners to ensure victims receive the long-term care they need. We build cases that force accountability and truly compensate for profound loss. Our wrongful death practice area page is at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a distinct advantage. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, which is crucial for maximizing options for accountability and compensation. We can also advise witnesses and former members who might face dual civil and criminal exposure. Our criminal defense capabilities are outlined at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.

• Unmatched Investigative Depth: We leave no stone unturned. Our network of experts includes medical specialists, digital forensics experts for recovering deleted messages, economists for future damages, and psychologists for trauma assessment. We know how to obtain hidden evidence, from group chats and social media content to subpoenaing national fraternity records and uncovering university files through legal discovery and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We intimately understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually work behind closed doors. We know what makes hazing cases different: the powerful institutional defendants, the intricate insurance coverage fights, and the delicate balance between victim privacy and public accountability. Most importantly, we understand Greek culture and tradition, and how to prove coercion even when victims initially felt they “consented.”

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is not just to secure compensation; it’s to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We pursue thorough investigation and real accountability, not quick settlements.

Call to Action for City of Rowlett Families

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at a university near City of Rowlett in Dallas County, or further afield in Austin, Houston, College Station, or Waco—we want to hear from you. Your family in City of Rowlett and throughout the surrounding region has the right to answers and accountability.

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

In your free, confidential consultation, you can expect:

• We’ll listen to your story without judgment and with genuine empathy.
• We’ll review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We’ll explain your legal options transparently, including whether a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither, is appropriate for your situation.
• We’ll discuss realistic timelines and what you can expect during the legal process.
• We’ll answer 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_j6F1Nc.
• There’s absolutely no pressure to hire us on the spot—take all the time you need to make your decision.
• Everything you share with us during this consultation is strictly confidential.

Don’t let valuable time pass. Evidence disappears, and memories fade. You don’t have to face this alone.

Call us today:

• Toll-Free: 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: If you prefer to consult in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español están disponibles.

Whether you’re in City of Rowlett or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you deserve an experienced, empathetic, and aggressive legal team.

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