Texas Hazing: A Comprehensive Guide for City of University Park Families

The phone rings late, a parent’s worst nightmare. Your college student, once full of hope and excitement, is calling, their voice shaking. They’ve been through something terrible during an “initiation ritual” at their fraternity, sorority, or university organization. They were forced to drink until they blacked out, endured humiliating acts, or suffered physical abuse. Now, they’re injured, ashamed, and terrified of retaliation, wondering if they made a mistake by trusting a group that promised camaraderie. Meanwhile, the university seems more interested in damage control than genuine help, and the organization is closing ranks.

This scenario is not a distant possibility; it’s a terrifying reality for families across Texas. For parents in City of University Park, Highland Park, and throughout the Dallas County —who proudly send their children to institutions like Southern Methodist University (SMU) right next door, or to the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, or the University of Houston—the threat of hazing is ever-present. These incidents leave lasting physical and psychological scars, derail academic careers, and in the most tragic cases, cost young lives. The questions immediately arise: What happened? Why was this allowed to occur? And what can we do?

This guide is designed to provide City of University Park families, students, and community members with a comprehensive understanding of hazing in Texas. We will uncover what hazing really looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes to reveal the insidious modern tactics. We’ll explain the critical Texas laws and federal frameworks designed to prevent hazing and hold institutions accountable. We’ll delve into major national hazing cases that have reshaped legal landscapes, and then focus specifically on incidents and policies at key Texas universities, including the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University. We will also examine the disturbing national histories of some of the fraternities and sororities with chapters on these campuses, showing how patterns of abuse often span decades and geography.

Ultimately, this article aims to empower you with knowledge. It is our firm’s mission to inform, to educate, and to offer a clear path forward for those affected by these devastating incidents. While this information is for general guidance, not specific legal advice, it will clarify the legal options available to victims and families in City of University Park and throughout our state. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, is committed to seeking justice and preventing future harm.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
  • Post details on public social media
  • 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
  • We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For families in City of University Park unfamiliar with the insidious nature of modern hazing, the term might conjure images from dated movies or sensational headlines from decades past. However, hazing in 2025 is far more sophisticated, psychologically damaging, and often brutal than many realize. It’s not just “harmless pranks” or “boys will be boys” anymore; it’s a dangerous practice that endangers mental and physical health, humiliates, and exploits young people under the guise of tradition and belonging.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

At its core, hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action connected to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group. This coercion is typically wielded by older members over new, aspiring members. The critical element is that the behavior must endanger physical or mental health, humiliate, or exploit the individual. Critically, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal, especially when there’s an inherent power imbalance and intense peer pressure within the group. The desire to belong is a powerful motivator, and it’s often exploited to compel new members to silently endure abuse.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing manifests in many forms, often escalating from subtle manipulation to outright violence. Understanding these categories is crucial for any City of University Park parent or student seeking to identify or report concerning behavior.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing
  This remains the most prevalent and deadly form of hazing. New members are often subjected to forced or coerced drinking, including chugging challenges, “lineups” where multiple drinks are consumed rapidly, or “games” specifically designed to lead to extreme intoxication. Beyond alcohol, there’s pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances, endangering lives and leading to severe medical emergencies.
• Physical Hazing
  Far from mere horseplay, physical hazing involves direct bodily harm or extreme physical duress. This can include paddling and beatings, brutally intense calisthenics (often called “workouts” or “smokings”) that push bodies far beyond safe limits, and severe sleep deprivation, food/water deprivation. Pledges may be exposed to extreme cold or heat, or forced into dangerous environments, leading to hypothermia, heatstroke, or other serious injuries.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing
  These acts are designed to break down an individual’s dignity and self-respect. They often involve forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like “roasted pig” positions), or being compelled to wear degrading costumes. This category also includes acts with racial or sexist overtones, such as the use of slurs or forced role-play that perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
• Psychological Hazing
  Psychological hazing is often subtle but profoundly damaging. It involves verbal abuse, threats, and social isolation, where new members are cut off from friends and family. Manipulation tactics, forced confessions, and public shaming—whether in meetings or increasingly on social media—erode self-esteem and can lead to severe anxiety, depression, and long-term trauma.
• Digital/Online Hazing
  The rise of technology has unfortunately ushered in new forms of abuse. Digital hazing involves group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, and even private fraternity apps. This can include forcing pledges to create or share compromising images or videos, or constantly monitoring their online activity to ensure compliance and secrecy.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

A common misconception is that hazing is exclusively a “frat boy” problem. This is far from the truth. While Greek letter organizations are frequently implicated, hazing permeates a wide array of groups where tradition, hierarchy, and a desire to belong create fertile ground for abuse.

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations grounded in military tradition, such as the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, can sometimes conflate necessary discipline with harmful hazing.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Groups: Groups like the Texas Cowboys or other university spirit groups, honor societies, and major student organizations have also faced hazing allegations.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, cheerleading, and smaller club sports, hazing can occur across all levels of collegiate athletics.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous artistic or academic groups can harbor hazing practices.
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with an “initiation” or “new member” period can be susceptible.

The insidious nature of hazing lies in how deeply embedded it becomes within a group’s culture. For students from City of University Park and beyond, achieving social status, upholding “traditions,” and maintaining secrecy are powerful forces that allow these harmful practices to persist, often in direct defiance of university policies and state laws.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For City of University Park families, understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing is crucial—not just the emotional impact, but the specific laws that govern these incidents and the avenues for accountability. In Texas, a robust legal framework exists, bolstered by federal mandates, to address and prevent hazing.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Under Texas law—which governs cases in City of University Park, Dallas, and every corner of the state—hazing is explicitly prohibited and defined within the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This definition covers any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, by an individual or a group, directed against a student. The act must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student and occur for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization.

This means if an older student or group makes a new member endure something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in their group, and they did so intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly (meaning they were aware of a substantial risk and disregarded it), then it is hazing under Texas law. “Risk of injury” is the core; actual injury is not always required for the act to be illegal hazing.

Crucially, Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Even if a student technically “agreed” to participate, the law recognizes that true consent is impossible in a coercive environment characterized by power imbalances and intense group pressure.

Summary of penalties and protections under Texas law:

• Criminal penalties: Hazing can lead to significant criminal charges. It is a Class B Misdemeanor by default. However, if hazing causes an injury requiring medical treatment, it escalates to a Class A Misdemeanor. Most critically, if hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a State Jail Felony. Furthermore, individuals who are aware of hazing and fail to report it can face misdemeanor charges, as can those who retaliate against a person who reports hazing.
• Reporter protections: Texas Education Code § 37.154 provides immunity for individuals who, in good faith, report hazing to university officials or law enforcement. This provision encourages reporting by attempting to protect those who speak out from civil or criminal liability stemming from the act of reporting. Additionally, many Texas universities and state laws offer good-faith amnesty for students who call 911 in a medical emergency, even if underage drinking or hazing was involved, prioritizing saving a life over prosecuting minor offenses.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, families in City of University Park and beyond often face a dual legal path: criminal and civil. While both aim for justice, their objectives and mechanisms differ significantly.

• Criminal cases: These are initiated and pursued by the State of Texas (through district or county attorneys). Their primary goal is to punish the individuals or organizations responsible for breaking the law. Punishments can include jail time, fines, probation, or revocation of organizational status. Hazing-related criminal charges often extend beyond the specific hazing statute to include offenses such as furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or, in tragic fatal cases, even manslaughter or negligent homicide.
• Civil cases: These are brought directly by the victims or their surviving family members. The aim of a civil lawsuit is to obtain monetary compensation for damages suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil claims often focus on legal theories such as negligence (failure to exercise reasonable care), gross negligence (conscious indifference to others’ safety), wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision (for organizations or universities), premises liability (for property owners), or intentional infliction of emotional distress.

It’s vital to understand that a civil case can proceed independently of a criminal case. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for a civil lawsuit. Even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction, victims and families can still pursue civil action to seek compensation and accountability.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations add another layer of protection and accountability for universities and colleges attended by City of University Park students.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This recent federal legislation requires institutions of higher education that receive federal funding to be more transparent about hazing incidents. By approximately 2026, these schools will be required to develop strong anti-hazing policies, report hazing incidents more thoroughly, and track and publicly disclose campus hazing data, providing valuable information for families.
• Title IX / Clery Act: When hazing involves elements of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based discrimination or hostile environments, it can trigger obligations under Title IX. This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. Similarly, the Clery Act requires colleges to report campus crime statistics and has implications for hazing incidents that involve crimes like assault, alcohol-related offenses, or other violations that compromise campus safety. These federal mandates ensure that universities maintain a degree of oversight and reporting, regardless of where their students hail from, including City of University Park.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining who is legally responsible for hazing can be complex, often extending beyond the individual perpetrators. Our firm’s experience in complex litigation, similar to taking on corporations in the BP Texas City explosion, means we understand how to identify all potentially liable parties.

• Individual students: The new members who directly planned, carried out, or significantly contributed to the hazing acts, including providing alcohol to minors or actively covering up the incident.
• Local chapter / organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself, particularly if it’s a legal entity. Officers, “pledge educators,” or other members who exerted control over the new member process can be held individually responsible.
• National fraternity/sorority: The national headquarters of Greek letter organizations are increasingly held liable. This hinges on whether they had knowledge of prior hazing incidents (either at the same chapter or others), if their anti-hazing policies were merely for show, or if they failed to adequately train, supervise, or discipline their local chapters. The pattern of abuse across different chapters of the same national organization is often crucial evidence.
• University or governing board: The college or university itself (and sometimes its board of regents) can be sued. Liability can arise from negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies consistently, turning a blind eye to known hazing, or creating a campus culture that implicitly condones dangerous behavior. Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT, as state entities, enjoy some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist, particularly in cases of gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when claims are brought against individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections.
• Third parties: This can include owners of off-campus properties where hazing occurred, including landlords or venue operators. Additionally, bars or alcohol vendors may be liable under “dram shop” laws if they served alcohol to obviously intoxicated individuals or minors who then caused injury through hazing. Security companies hired for events could also face liability if their negligence contributed to an incident.

Every hazing case is unique, and not every party will be liable in every situation. A thorough and aggressive investigation by experienced legal counsel is essential to identify all responsible parties and maximize the potential for recovery.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When a hazing incident rocks a Texas campus, City of University Park families must understand that these are rarely isolated events. Tragic cases nationwide have established clear patterns of abuse, institutional failures, and legal accountability. These “anchor stories” provide valuable precedents, demonstrating how liability is assigned and how laws are shaped. Our firm leverages the lessons from these cases to build strong arguments for families in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most dangerous and deadly form of hazing almost always involves forced alcohol consumption, often leading to tragic and preventable deaths.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Tim Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” night event where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. He fell repeatedly, suffering traumatic brain injuries, while fraternity members delayed calling for help for nearly 12 hours. The incident, largely captured on the fraternity’s security cameras, became a national outrage. Criminal charges were pursued against 18 fraternity members, and the Piazza family initiated extensive civil litigation, leading to confidential settlements. New Pennsylvania anti-hazing legislation, the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, was enacted in his memory. This case starkly illustrates how extreme intoxication, egregious delays in calling 911, and a pervasive culture of silence are central to legal accountability in hazing deaths.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume them rapidly. His death led to multiple criminal prosecutions against fraternity members (mostly misdemeanor hazing charges) and saw FSU temporarily suspend all Greek life. This case underscores how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster, demonstrating the foreseeable risks that fraternities often ignore.
• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old pledge, died from alcohol toxicity with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after a hazing ritual known as “Bible study.” He was forced to drink if he answered questions incorrectly. His death spurred Louisiana to enact the Max Gruver Act, significantly strengthening its felony hazing statutes. This case powerfully demonstrates how criminal hazing laws are often tightened in direct response to such tragedies, and how legislative changes often follow public outrage and clear proof of hazing’s dangers.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume nearly an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” pledge night. The incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions against fraternity members, and Bowling Green State University agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with his family. The national Pi Kappa Alpha organization also contributed to a substantial settlement, reportedly reaching over $7 million. This case is a powerful example for City of University Park families, showing that universities, both public and private, can face significant financial and reputational consequences along with fraternities when they fail to prevent hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physically brutal and ritualized hazing remains a serious threat, often leading to severe injury or death, as evidenced by the following cases:

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, an 18-year-old pledge, died after being blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a violent ritual called “glass ceiling” at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours. Multiple members were criminally convicted, and the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity itself was found guilty of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, leading to its ban from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case highlights that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or even more dangerous than on-campus events, and that national organizations face significant sanctions, including criminal liability, for their failures.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life. Athletic programs, with their intense bonding and hierarchical structures, are also susceptible to dangerous initiation rites.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a high-profile scandal, former Northwestern football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over many years. This included forced sexual acts, racial intimidation, and other deeply degrading rituals. Multiple lawsuits were filed against Northwestern and its coaching staff, leading to the termination of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially. This case profoundly demonstrates that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, into major, high-profile athletic programs, and raises critical questions about institutional oversight at the highest levels.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national anchor cases, impacting prominent universities across the U.S., reveal crucial patterns that directly inform how The Manginello Law Firm approaches hazing cases for City of University Park families:

• Common Threads: The incidents consistently involve forced drinking, extreme physical demands, humiliation, secrecy, egregious delays in providing medical care, and concerted efforts to cover up the abuse.
• Foreseeability: The repeated nature of these tragedies, particularly often-identical alcohol-related hazing scenarios, means that national fraternities and universities cannot credibly claim ignorance. They are on notice of the patterns of abuse.
• Litigation as a Catalyst for Change: In nearly every instance, significant legal action—either criminal prosecution or multi-million-dollar civil litigation—was the catalyst for institutional reform and legislative change. This underscores why pursuing legal accountability is vital not just for individual justice, but for broader prevention.
• Texas Landscape: The legal landscape in Texas, while distinct, is consistently shaped by these national lessons. City of University Park families grappling with the aftermath of hazing at SMU, UT, A&M, UH, or Baylor are engaged in a fight that has been defined by these well-documented national tragedies and the subsequent legal responses.

These precedents allow us to anticipate defense strategies, demonstrate patterns of institutional failure, and build strong, evidence-based cases for our clients in City of University Park and across Texas.

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

For City of University Park residents, the academic landscape is rich with opportunity, including the globally recognized Southern Methodist University (SMU) right in their backyard. This section delves into the specific hazing contexts at Texas’s major universities, offering vital information for families connected to these institutions. While we’ll pay particular attention to SMU due to its proximity to City of University Park, we will also thoroughly cover the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Baylor University, recognizing that students from Dallas County attend universities across the state.

5.1 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
Southern Methodist University (SMU), situated directly in Dallas, is a private university renowned for its strong academics, vibrant student life, and a prominent Greek system. For families in City of University Park, SMU is often the local choice, attracting students from Highland Park, University Park, and the broader Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Its close-knit community and emphasis on tradition, while fostering a sense of belonging, can also, unfortunately, create environments where hazing sometimes takes root.

5.1.2 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, or that subjects a student to humiliation or abuse, for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with any university organization. The university provides multiple avenues for reporting hazing, including the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, SMU Police, and anonymous reporting systems like its Real Response platform. SMU emphasizes its commitment to investigating all reports thoroughly.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses
SMU has faced its share of hazing allegations and incidents. For example, in 2017, the Kappa Alpha Order chapter at SMU was suspended after allegations of hazing, including forced alcohol consumption, paddling, and sleep deprivation. The chapter faced severe restrictions on its operations and recruiting for several years. Such incidents highlight the ongoing challenge for SMU in balancing its robust Greek life with student safety. The university’s responses typically include investigations, interim suspensions, and varying durations of chapter suspension or probation, often requiring extensive re-education on hazing prevention.

5.1.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed
A hazing case originating from SMU could involve multiple jurisdictions. SMU Police would have primary jurisdiction on campus, but incidents off-campus in the surrounding areas of University Park, Highland Park, or Dallas would fall under the purview of City of University Park Police, Highland Park Police, or the Dallas Police Department, respectively. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in state district courts in Dallas County (which covers City of University Park and SMU) or federal courts in the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division. Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the university itself, particularly given SMU’s private institution status which offers fewer immunity protections than public universities.

5.1.5 What SMU Students and Parents from City of University Park Should Do
For City of University Park families whose students attend SMU, awareness and swift action are paramount:

• Understand SMU’s Hazing Policy: Familiarize yourself with the explicit definitions and prohibited behaviors outlined by SMU.
• Utilize Reporting Channels: If you suspect hazing, use SMU’s anonymous reporting options or contact the Dean of Students.
• Document Everything: As with any hazing incident, preserve all digital communications, physical evidence, and medical records rigorously.
• Seek Legal Counsel: An attorney experienced in hazing cases in the Dallas area can help navigate SMU’s internal processes, which can be complex and intimidating, and advise on legal rights.
• SMU’s Role: While SMU strives for a safe environment, parents should be prepared to ask pointed questions about the university’s enforcement of its policies and any history of prior incidents involving the group in question.

5.2 University of Houston (UH)

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
The University of Houston is a massive, diverse urban campus deeply integrated into the fabric of Houston. It serves a large commuter population alongside a growing residential student body. UH boasts a dynamic Greek life, including IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural fraternities and sororities, as well as numerous other student organizations, athletic teams, and spirit groups. Students from across Texas, including City of University Park, attend UH, making its policies and incidents relevant statewide.

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
UH unequivocally prohibits hazing, both on and off campus. Its policy explicitly forbids forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, mental distress, and any activity that could demean or humiliate. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). UH also maintains a public anti-hazing statement on its website, though detailed incident reports are less transparently published compared to some other Texas universities.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses
One notable incident at UH involved the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter in 2016. Pledges allegedly suffered from insufficient food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. A particularly severe allegation included one student sustaining a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was subsequently suspended by the university. Other disciplinary actions have been taken against various fraternities for behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse and policy violations, leading to suspensions or probation. This highlights UH’s willingness to suspend chapters, though transparency in publicly detailing all violations can be limited.

5.2.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed
Hazing cases at the University of Houston frequently involve coordination between UHPD (for on-campus incidents) and the Houston Police Department (for off-campus events). Civil litigation would proceed in the state district courts of Harris County—the legal hub of Houston—or potentially in federal court within the Southern District of Texas. Potential defendants would typically include individual students, the local fraternity chapter, the national organization, and, as a public university, UH itself. However, claims against public institutions like UH must navigate Texas’s sovereign immunity laws, which require demonstration of gross negligence or an applicable waiver such as Title IX actions.

5.2.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do
For parents and students from City of University Park enrolled at UH:

• Report Concerns: Utilize UH’s reporting channels (Dean of Students, UHPD, or online forms) if hazing is suspected.
• Document Thoroughly: Keep meticulous records of all incidents, injuries, and communications.
• Prior Discipline: If possible, investigate the history of the organization at UH. While not always publicly exhaustive, persistent inquiry can reveal patterns.
• Legal Consultation: Contacting a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can be invaluable. Our firm, based in Houston, has deep knowledge of the local legal landscape and can help uncover prior disciplinary actions and internal files that may not be readily available to the public.

5.3 Texas A&M University

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas A&M University in College Station is renowned for its deeply ingrained traditions, tight-knit community, and the prominent Corps of Cadets. This blend of military-style discipline, a massive Greek life, and beloved traditions can, at times, foster environments where hazing is unfortunately mistaken for character-building or essential rites of passage. Students from all over Texas, including City of University Park, are drawn to A&M’s unique culture.

5.3.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
Texas A&M maintains a strong stance against hazing, defining it broadly and prohibiting any activity that causes or is reasonably likely to cause mental or physical harm, regardless of a student’s willingness to participate. Reporting is centralized through the Dean of Student Life’s office, the Aggie Honor System Office, and the University Police Department (UPD). A&M also publishes an annual hazing report, detailing investigations and findings, offering some level of transparency to students and families.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses
Texas A&M has faced significant hazing incidents both within its Greek system and the Corps of Cadets.

• In 2021, the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chapter was sued after two pledges alleged they were subjected to a severe hazing ritual. Substances including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit were allegedly poured on them, causing severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years by the university, and the pledges took legal action seeking significant damages.
• More recently, in 2023, a lawsuit was filed alleging degrading hazing within the Corps of Cadets. A cadet claimed he was subjected to simulated sexual acts and tied between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The university stated it addressed the matter under its internal guidelines, highlighting the distinct cultural challenges within the Corps.
  These cases emphasize that hazing at A&M extends beyond traditional Greek life, challenging the university to manage traditions carefully.

5.3.4 How an A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed
Hazing incidents at Texas A&M could be investigated by the A&M University Police Department (UPD) on campus or the College Station Police Department for off-campus events. Civil claims would typically be filed in state courts in Brazos County (where College Station is located) or the federal courts for the Southern District of Texas. As a public university, A&M benefits from sovereign immunity, making lawsuits against the institution more challenging unless gross negligence or specific waivers apply. However, claims against individual perpetrators, the local chapter, and the national organization remain viable.

5.3.5 What A&M Students & Parents Should Do
For City of University Park families with students at Texas A&M:

• Understand the Culture: Be aware of the strong traditional and hierarchical elements within A&M’s various organizations, and the potential for these to be twisted into hazing.
• Review A&M’s Report: Examine the university’s annual hazing report for patterns of behavior or specific organizations.
• Scrutinize “Traditions”: Encourage your student to question any “tradition” that causes physical or mental harm, humiliation, or coercion.
• Seek Legal Advice Promptly: The unique cultural dynamics and the public university status of A&M make early legal consultation with an experienced hazing attorney particularly important for navigating these cases effectively.

5.4 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the UT System, known for its vibrant campus culture, high-achieving student body, and extensive Greek life encompassing over 60 fraternity and sorority chapters, along with numerous other student organizations and powerhouse athletic programs. Many City of University Park students choose UT Austin for its academic excellence and rich student experience, making hazing incidents at this campus of deep concern to Dallas County families.

5.4.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
UT Austin has a clearly articulated no-tolerance policy against hazing, defined as any act connected to initiation or affiliation that endangers mental or physical health. The university is notably transparent, publishing a comprehensive Hazing Violations webpage that lists organizations, dates of incidents, a summary of the conduct, and the resulting sanctions. This level of transparency is a critical resource for parents and students. Reporting can be made through the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, or the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses
UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page is a stark reminder of ongoing issues. For instance, in 2023, the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume milk excessively and perform strenuous calisthenics, culminating in a finding of hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education. Beyond Greek life, other groups like the Texas Wranglers (a spirit organization) have faced sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices creating a hostile environment for new members. These consistent entries on UT’s public log, despite its strict policies, highlight the persistent challenge.

5.4.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed
Cases at UT Austin, depending on location, may involve the UTPD for on-campus incidents or the Austin Police Department for off-campus locations around the city. Civil lawsuits against UT are typically filed in state district courts for Travis County or within the federal Western District of Texas. As a public university, UT benefits from sovereign immunity under Texas law, which creates hurdles for suing the institution directly. However, the university’s transparency regarding prior violations can be a major asset for civil plaintiffs, providing crucial evidence of a pattern of conduct and knowledge against individual perpetrators, local chapters, and national organizations.

5.4.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do
City of University Park families with students at UT Austin should:

• Review the Hazing Violations Page: Regularly check UT’s public record of hazing incidents for any organizations your student is considering joining.
• Document and Report: Actively document any suspicious behavior and report it to UT officials via their established channels.
• Understand Legal Nuances: Be aware that while UT aims for transparency, navigating a claim against a public university involves unique legal considerations.
• Consult Legal Counsel: An attorney experienced in Texas hazing law can effectively utilize UT’s own public records and internal investigation pathways to strengthen a civil case.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
Baylor University, located in Waco, is a private Christian university deeply rooted in Baptist traditions and values. Its smaller, community-focused campus fosters a strong sense of identity, attracting students from across the state and beyond, including City of University Park. Baylor’s student life includes a significant Greek presence and competitive athletic programs, all operating within a framework that emphasizes ethics and community—which can sometimes make instances of hazing particularly shocking to students and parents.

5.5.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels
Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, defining it robustly as any action that causes or is likely to cause physical or mental pain, discomfort, injury, or ridicule for the purpose of affiliation. The university’s policy extends to actions on and off campus and explicitly states that consent is not a defense. Baylor utilizes a centralized reporting system through its Student Activities and Student Conduct offices, and campus police are involved when criminal acts are suspected.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses
Baylor has grappled with significant issues concerning institutional oversight, particularly following its high-profile football and Title IX sexual assault scandals. This past scrutiny has put additional pressure on the university to rigorously enforce its anti-hazing policies. In 2020, for example, the Baylor baseball team faced a hazing investigation that resulted in the suspension of 14 players, with suspensions staggered over the early season. This incident underscored that hazing can occur within prestigious athletic programs even on campuses, like Baylor’s, that publicly champion strong ethical frameworks. Baylor’s responses typically include internal investigations, disciplinary actions for individuals, and sanctions against organizations, aligning with their official “zero tolerance” stance.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed
Hazing incidents at Baylor could involve the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) for on-campus occurrences or the Waco Police Department for off-campus events. Civil claims would generally be brought in state district courts in McLennan County (where Waco is located) or federal courts in the Western District of Texas. As a private institution, Baylor does not enjoy the same sovereign immunity protections as public universities like UT or A&M. This can sometimes make it more straightforward to pursue claims directly against the university, in addition to individual students, local chapters, and national organizations.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do
For City of University Park families with students attending Baylor:

• Emphasize Open Communication: Given Baylor’s community focus, foster an environment where your student feels comfortable sharing concerns without fear of judgment.
• Understand Baylor’s Ethos: Be aware of how the university’s values align with or diverge from the realities of student group behavior.
• Document Vigilantly: Should an incident occur, meticulous documentation is crucial for any potential legal action.
• Early Legal Counsel: Consult with an attorney early in the process. Navigating claims against a private university like Baylor requires a nuanced legal approach, particularly concerning its prior history of institutional oversight challenges.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For City of University Park parents whose children are navigating Greek life at SMU, UH, Texas A&M, UT, or Baylor, understanding the direct activities of local chapters is important, but a crucial layer of insight comes from the national organizations these chapters belong to. Many hazing incidents are not isolated local anomalies; they are patterns that reappear across different campuses, sometimes spanning decades, revealing a systemic issue within specific national fraternities and sororities.

Why National Histories Matter

When a Texas chapter of a national fraternity or sorority engages in hazing, their national headquarters almost certainly has extensive anti-hazing policies and risk management guidelines in place. This is because these national organizations have, tragically, learned from past deaths and catastrophic injuries that occurred at other chapters across the country. They know the patterns: the forced drinking nights, the ritualistic paddling, the dehumanizing “traditions,” and the desperate cover-ups.

This accumulated history of incidents at other chapters establishes “foreseeability.” In a legal context, foreseeability means that a national organization either knew, or reasonably should have known, that specific types of hazing could occur at any of its chapters, given past incidents. When a Texas chapter then repeats a hazing script that previously led to another chapter being suspended or sued in another state, it strengthens arguments of negligence, gross negligence, or even provides grounds for punitive damages against the national entity for failing to adequately prevent such foreseeable harm. Our firm meticulously investigates these national histories to build compelling cases for our clients.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

While every chapter is unique, certain national fraternities, present at campuses like SMU, UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor, have tragically recurrent histories of hazing. For City of University Park families, this connection is vital for understanding risk and liability.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): A prominent fraternity with chapters on many Texas campuses, including UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, Pike has a disturbing national history of severe alcohol-related hazing. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021 (due to forced alcohol consumption during a “pledge night”) and David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University in 2012 (also alcohol poisoning) are stark reminders of a pattern. Lawsuits against Pike chapters frequently involve forced drinking rituals, often around “Big/Little” events, which are repeatedly shown to be dangerously similar across chapters. Local incidents at Texas campuses, such as the UH chapter’s 2016 suspension after a pledge suffered a lacerated spleen, further demonstrate that these patterns can unfortunately repeat here in Texas.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): SAE, found at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU, has been described as having one of the highest numbers of hazing-related deaths nationally. Historically, this has involved severe alcohol hazing and physical abuse. More recently, in 2021, a lawsuit at Texas A&M University alleged pledges suffered chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner during hazing. In 2023, a traumatic brain injury lawsuit was filed against SAE at the University of Alabama, and in January 2024, a suit at the University of Texas at Austin chapter alleged assault. These incidents highlight SAE’s persistent struggle with hazing culture nationwide and within Texas, demonstrating institutional failures to curb dangerous practices despite public scrutiny.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): This fraternity, with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, is tragically linked to the death of Max Gruver at LSU in 2017, where forced alcohol consumption during a ritual led to his fatal intoxication. This case, which catalyzed Louisiana’s felony hazing Max Gruver Act, illustrates a dangerous tradition that national organizations must actively combat, especially at chapters within Texas universities.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Chapters exist at UH, Texas A&M, and UT. This national fraternity was involved in the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017 due to acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night,” which forced pledges to consume large quantities of alcohol. This case, like others, points to recurrent, predictable hazing methods that national organizations often fail to eradicate across their chapters.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor, Kappa Sigma has a significant national history. The 2001 drowning death of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami, following forced alcohol consumption and an attempted lake swim, resulted in a jury awarding his parents $12.6 million, leading to Florida’s anti-hazing law. More recently, allegations at Texas A&M University in 2023 involved severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), due to extreme physical hazing. This history demonstrates a pattern of dangerous physical and alcohol-related hazing, where local Texas chapters might fall into similar destructive behaviors as their national counterparts.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU, Sigma Chi has also faced substantial hazing litigation. A recent case in 2024 at the College of Charleston resulted in a multi-million-dollar settlement (over $10 million) for a pledge who alleged severe physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment. This outcome is a clear warning to chapters at Texas universities: severe hazing incidents, whether at UT Arlington (2020 alcohol poisoning case) or elsewhere, can lead to massive liability.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT, Beta Theta Pi is most infamously connected to the death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State in 2017 from traumatic brain injuries and alcohol poisoning. The sheer negligence and delayed medical care in the Piazza case set a national benchmark for hazing accountability.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For City of University Park families, understanding these national patterns provides a crucial legal advantage. When a local chapter at SMU, UH, A&M, UT, or Baylor repeats the same kind of hazing that has previously harmed or killed students elsewhere, it demonstrates:

• Foreseeability: The national organization cannot claim ignorance; they were on notice of these dangers.
• Pattern of Conduct: Such repetition suggests a systemic issue, not just a “rogue chapter” acting alone.
• Failure to Enforce: It highlights the national organization’s failure to meaningfully enforce its anti-hazing policies, train its members effectively, or adequately supervise its chapters.

This critical evidence strengthens civil lawsuits by showing that the national entity had a duty of care, breached that duty, and that its actions (or inactions) directly contributed to the harm suffered by students in Texas. This understanding can significantly impact settlement leverage, insurance coverage disputes, and the potential for punitive damages, holding powerful national organizations responsible for preventable tragedies.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Pursuing justice for hazing victims, whether for families in City of University Park or across the state, requires a sophisticated and aggressive legal strategy grounded in meticulous evidence collection. Hazing cases are complex, often involving powerful institutional defendants and elaborate cover-ups. Our firm’s experience in high-stakes litigation, tackling both national corporations and insurance giants, equips us to dismantle these defenses and uncover the truth.

Evidence: The Cornerstones of a Hazing Claim

In the digital age, evidence in hazing cases is rapidly evolving. We know how to secure and analyze every possible piece of information.

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical category of evidence in modern hazing cases. Group chats on platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and even specific fraternity/sorority apps frequently contain explicit instructions, threats, plans, and details of hazing events. Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages (even those that disappear), and TikTok comments can also reveal incriminating information. We understand that evidence disappears rapidly, which is why immediate action, including forensic recovery of deleted messages, is paramount. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos, but we can also use technological tools to recover deleted messages and preserve full conversations with timestamps and participants, even from notoriously ephemeral apps.
• Photos & Videos: Content filmed by members during hazing events, often shared in group chats or on private social media, provides irrefutable proof. This might include footage of forced drinking, physical abuse, humiliating acts, or individuals in distress. Additionally, security cameras or doorbell footage at houses and event venues can capture arrivals, departures, injuries, or illicit activities.
• Internal Organization Documents: These include pledge manuals, initiation scripts (even if official ones deny hazing), lists of “ritual traditions,” and internal emails or texts from officers discussing “what we’ll do to pledges.” National policies and training materials, especially if they are shown to be mere window dressing, are also key.
• University Records: Universities maintain a wealth of potentially crucial information. This includes prior conduct files, probation or suspension records for specific organizations, letters of warning, incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices, and Clery Act reports or similar disclosures about campus safety. Through robust discovery and sometimes public records requests, we compel universities to turn over these vital documents, often revealing a history of ignored warnings or minimal consequences.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These are essential to document the full extent of harm. Emergency room visit notes, ambulance reports, hospitalization records (for ICU stays, surgeries, or inpatient care), toxicology reports (blood alcohol content, drug screenings), lab results (e.g., for rhabdomyolysis), and imaging scans (X-rays, CTs, MRIs) are critical. Furthermore, psychological evaluations and therapy notes documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, or suicidal ideation are crucial for proving non-economic damages.
• Witness Testimony: The accounts of other pledges, active members, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, or bystanders are invaluable. Sometimes, former members who quit or were expelled for refusing to participate in hazing become powerful witnesses. Gathering this testimony quickly, before memories fade or fear of retaliation sets in, is vital.

Damages: Recovering from the Harm

When hazing causes injury, emotional trauma, or wrongful death, families from City of University Park have the right to seek comprehensive damages designed to compensate for both the tangible and intangible losses.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all expenses related to the physical injuries: emergency room visits, ambulance transport, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any necessary medical equipment. For catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury, this also includes long-term care plans, specialized treatment, and round-the-clock support, often costing millions over a lifetime.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: If the victim’s injuries or trauma lead to missed semesters, a complete withdrawal from university, or significant academic setbacks, they can claim lost tuition and fees, as well as the loss of scholarships. For those with permanent injuries, economists can calculate the diminished future earning capacity—the difference between what they would have earned and what they can now earn over their career.
• Non-Economic Damages: These address the profound, non-financial harms. This includes physical pain and suffering from injuries, as well as severe emotional distress, trauma, and humiliation. Victims often experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and a loss of enjoyment of life, preventing them from participating in activities they once loved or damaging their interpersonal relationships.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the horrific event of a hazing-related death, surviving family members (parents, children, and spouses in Texas) can recover significant damages. This includes funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and compensation for the deep emotional suffering, loss of companionship, love, and society experienced by the grieving family. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where defendants acted with extreme recklessness, malice, or gross negligence, courts may award punitive damages. These are designed not to compensate the victim, but to punish the responsible parties and deter similar conduct in the future. In Texas, punitive damages are available but often capped, though the severity of hazing can sometimes overcome these caps.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases are frequently complicated by the presence of multiple defendants and intricate insurance coverage disputes.

• National fraternities, universities, and sometimes even individual officers often carry substantial insurance policies. However, insurers frequently attempt to deny coverage, arguing that hazing constitutes “intentional conduct” or “criminal acts” which are excluded under their policies.
• Our firm’s unique advantage comes from attorneys like Lupe Peña, whose background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) means we know their playbook inside out. We understand how they value claims, negotiate settlements, and attempt to circumvent liability. We aggressively identify all potential sources of coverage, navigate contentious disputes about exclusions, and fight to ensure that victims and families receive the compensation they deserve. We have a proven track record of forcing insurers to the table and securing multi-million-dollar settlements.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For City of University Park families and students facing the immediate aftermath of suspected hazing, accurate and timely information is critical. Knowing what to look for, how to respond, and where to turn can make all the difference.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Parents are often the first line of defense. Trust your instincts if something feels “off.”

Warning Signs of Hazing:

• Unexplained Injuries: Look for bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” with shifting or implausible explanations.
• Sudden Exhaustion: Extreme sleep deprivation, often tied to late-night activities or mandatory texts/calls, can manifest as constant fatigue beyond normal college stress.
• Drastic Mood Changes: Sudden anxiety, depression, irritability, or social withdrawal can be red flags. Your child may become secretive about their organization’s activities, saying things like, “I can’t talk about it,” or become unusually defensive when asked direct questions.
• Obsessive Phone Use: Constant checking of group chats, anxiety when the phone pings, or taking calls at odd hours indicate intense pressure.
• Financial Strain: Unexpected requests for money, forced purchases, or “fines” that far exceed stated dues.

How to Talk to Your Child:
Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Start with open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority? Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are paramount, and you will support them regardless of their choices or desire to remain in the group. Reassure them that they won’t be “getting friends in trouble” by being honest.

If Your Child Is Hurt:
Prioritize immediate medical care. Document everything: take clear photographs of injuries from multiple angles and over several days to show healing progression. Screenshot any relevant texts or social media posts your child shows you immediately. Write down names, dates, times, and details of what happened while the memory is fresh.

Dealing with the University:
Document every interaction with university administrators. Ask specific questions about any prior incidents involving the organization in question and what actions the school took. Be aware that universities may prioritize protecting their reputation, making early legal counsel vital to ensure your child’s rights are protected.

When to Talk to a Lawyer:
If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding the truth, contact The Manginello Law Firm immediately. Evidence, especially digital, disappears quickly.

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

Your well-being is more important than any organization. If you’re questioning whether what you’re experiencing is truly “tradition,” ask yourself:

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? If you feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced, or if you’re ever forced to drink, endure pain, or participate in activities hidden from the public or administrators – it probably is hazing. Any activity designed to foster secrecy or make new members “earn” their place through demeaning acts is hazing.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: In situations with intense peer pressure, a power imbalance between older and newer members, and fear of exclusion, your “consent” is not truly voluntary. You have a legal right to be safe, regardless of whether you initially agreed to participate. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave any organization at any time. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation. You can report privately or anonymously through campus channels (Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, campus police), or to the National Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293).
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer protections (like amnesty for good-faith reporting in medical emergencies) to encourage students to call for help without fear of personal repercussions for minor infractions like underage drinking.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were once involved in hazing but now regret it or witnessed it firsthand, your testimony can be invaluable. We understand the complex emotions you might be experiencing—guilt, fear of retribution, or loyalty to the organization. However, your decision to speak out can prevent future harm and save lives. While you may want your own legal advice to understand your rights, cooperating with an investigation is a vital step toward accountability. Our firm’s criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can advise individuals grappling with criminal exposure while also exploring civil avenues.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For City of University Park families, avoiding these common missteps is as crucial as gathering evidence. Many hazing cases are compromised in the initial hours and days by understandable but ultimately damaging actions.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: Parents often want to protect their child from further trouble, but deleting digital evidence or disposing of physical items can be legally detrimental, appearing as a cover-up and making a strong case nearly impossible. What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: While emotions run high, directly confronting the organization or its members gives them immediate notice to destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses. What to do instead: Document everything, then contact a lawyer before any direct confrontation.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities often pressure families to accept internal resolutions or sign waivers that may waive your right to pursue legal action. These internal settlements are typically far below what a case might be worth in a civil court. What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or an insurance company without an experienced attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: While you may want to share your story, anything posted publicly can be used by defense attorneys, potentially creating inconsistencies or waiving legal privileges. What to do instead: Document privately and let your lawyer guide any public statements or social media engagement.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: Once you’re considering legal action, any communication a student has with the organization (even if framed as “just talking”) can be used to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that harm their case. What to do instead: Once legal action is contemplated, all communication should ideally go through your legal counsel.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities often promise internal investigations, but this delay allows crucial evidence to disappear, witnesses to graduate, and the statute of limitations to tick down. University processes often prioritize the institution’s reputation over true accountability for victims. What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW and consult legal counsel immediately.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may offer quick, lowball settlements or record statements that can later be used against you. What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your attorney. Listen to Attorney911’s video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing.
• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” given under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Listen to our video explaining statutes of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (e.g., Pi Delta Psi’s retreat hazing, Sigma Pi’s unofficial house hazing) occurred off-campus and still resulted in significant judgments.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing injury cases settle confidentially before trial. While some cases become public due to criminal charges or families choosing public advocacy, civil litigation can often be resolved with sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.
• “How do contingency fees work?”
  Our firm takes hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay us any upfront legal fees. We only get paid if we win your case, either through a settlement or a jury verdict. This allows families to pursue justice without worrying about hourly rates or large retainer fees. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the profound trauma of a hazing incident, especially one involving a powerful university or a national fraternity, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. For families in City of University Park, Dallas, and across Texas, The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, brings a unique blend of expertise, tenacity, and compassion to these complex cases.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of University Park and surrounding areas in Dallas County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities like SMU, UT, A&M, UH, or Baylor affects families like yours, no matter where they reside. Our firm was founded by Ralph Manginello with the explicit mission of being Texas’s Legal Emergency Lawyers™—ready to respond aggressively and effectively when crises like hazing strike.

Our unique qualifications are especially suited for hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña): Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, she knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and intricate settlement strategies. Essentially, we know their playbook because we used to run it. Lupe Peña’s complete professional background and experience are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello): Ralph Manginello’s career includes experience in the high-stakes BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations and international entities. This 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 know how to fight powerful defendants and secure meaningful accountability. Ralph Manginello’s full credentials and experience are available 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 and catastrophic injury cases, working with economists and medical experts to value loss of life and long-term care needs (for brain injury or permanent disability cases). We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that compel true accountability and fair compensation.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives our firm a unique advantage. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, and we can advise witnesses and former members who may face dual criminal and civil exposure.
• Investigative Depth: We leverage a network of experts—digital forensics specialists, medical professionals, economists, and psychologists—to uncover the truth. Our experience allows us to obtain hidden evidence, from crucial group chats and social media data to subpoenaed national fraternity records and university internal files. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because for many families, it truly does.

We approach every hazing case with deep empathy and a fierce commitment to victim advocacy. We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face, far beyond just legal strategy. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We believe in thorough investigation and unwavering pursuit of real accountability.

Call to Action

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, from SMU right here in Dallas to UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, or Baylor, we want to hear from you. Families in City of University Park and throughout the surrounding Dallas County region have the right to answers and accountability when their loved ones are harmed by reckless and dangerous hazing practices.

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

In your free consultation, you can expect us to:

• Listen to your story with compassion.
• Review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• Explain your legal options, whether that involves a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• Answer your questions about costs – our contingency fee structure means we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
• Provide a pressure-free environment for you to decide your next steps.
• Rest assured, everything you share with us is confidential.

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 a consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Whether you’re in City of University Park 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