Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Richardson Families

It’s an unwritten rule, a dark tradition whispered among students and dreaded by parents. You send your child from Richardson, Texas, off to a Texas university – perhaps the bustling campus of the University of Houston, the storied grounds of Texas A&M, the vibrant culture at UT Austin, the prestigious Southern Methodist University, or the faith-based community of Baylor. You envision academic growth, friendships, and new experiences. But for some, the reality becomes a nightmare.

Imagine this scenario: it’s “initiation night” at an off-campus fraternity house near a major Texas university. Your child, desperate to fit in and make friends in a new environment, is pressured to consume an entire handle of liquor, or endure excruciating physical “workouts” designed to break their spirit. Others are filming on their phones, chanting, laughing, as the room spins and their body screams for relief. Suddenly, someone collapses, vomits uncontrollably, or falls, hitting their head. Panic sets in, but nobody wants to call 911 – they fear “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” Your child feels trapped, caught between a dangerous group loyalty and their own failing physical and mental limits.

This isn’t a made-up horror story; it’s a composite of tragedies that have unfolded across Texas and the United States. And it’s not always about parties. It can be physical abuse, mental torment, sexual humiliation, or digital coercion, affecting students from Richardson and beyond, attending any Texas college or university.

This comprehensive guide is written for families like yours in Richardson and across Texas who need to understand:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, far beyond traditional stereotypes.
• How Texas and federal laws address hazing, both criminally and civilly.
• The critical lessons from major national hazing cases and how they apply to the specific dangers faced by Texas students.
• The documented hazing challenges and responses at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University.
• The legal options and strategies available to victims and their families in Richardson and throughout Texas when hazing causes severe injury or wrongful death.

This article provides general information and insights, not specific legal advice. Every hazing incident is unique, and we at The Manginello Law Firm are here to evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including Richardson, Plan, Garland, and other communities across Collin and Dallas Counties. We are dedicated to providing support and pursuing accountability for victims of hazing at any Texas institution.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in immediate physical danger or experiencing a medical emergency RIGHT NOW:

  • Call 911 without hesitation. This is the absolute priority.
  • Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate guidance and support – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

• In the critical first 48 hours after an incident:

  • Secure immediate medical attention for your child, even if they insist they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety.
  • Preserve every piece of evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
    • Immediately screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages across all platforms (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, iMessage, Discord, etc.).
    • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles, noting appearance over time.
    • Save any physical items involved, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or specific objects used in the hazing.
  • Write down everything while memories are fresh: document who, what, when, where, and how the incident occurred.
  • Do NOT engage in these actions, as they can severely harm a potential case:
    • Directly confront the fraternity, sorority, or involved individuals.
    • Sign any document from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel.
    • Post details about the incident on public social media.
    • Allow your child to delete messages, clean up evidence, or take any action that could destroy crucial information.

• Contact an experienced hazing attorney at Attorney911 within 24–48 hours:

  • Digital evidence, like group chats, can disappear rapidly as organizations attempt cover-ups.
  • Universities often move quickly to control the narrative and manage their liability.
  • Our skilled legal team can help you preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights from the outset.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For many Richardson families, the term “hazing” might conjure images from decades-old movies – a few harmless pranks or silly initiations. In 2025, however, hazing is far more insidious, dangerous, and technologically sophisticated. Modern hazing activities are designed not just to ensure loyalty, but often to instill fear, create dependency, and enforce a degrading power structure under the guise of “tradition” or “bonding.”

We define hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that is forced, coerced, or strongly pressured against a student, for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students. Crucially, such acts endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or cause mental distress, or humiliate and exploit. The argument “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal, as extreme peer pressure and significant power imbalances are inherent in hazing dynamics.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Hazing manifests in various escalating forms, often moving from subtle psychological manipulation to overt physical violence. What happens to students from Richardson at Texas campuses today can be categorized as:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is, tragically, the most common and often fatal form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, participation in dangerous chugging challenges, “lineups,” or drinking games requiring rapid consumption. Students may also be pressured to consume unknown, illicit, or mixed substances, endangering their health and lives. Many major hazing deaths in recent years consistently involve alcohol poisoning.

• Physical Hazing: While sometimes subtle, physical hazing can escalate to severe violence. This includes paddling and beatings, extreme calisthenics or “workouts” far beyond normal conditioning (often referred to as “smokings” or “hell week”), and punitive sleep, food, or water deprivation. Students may be exposed to extreme cold or heat, or forced into dangerous environments, leading to hypothermia, dehydration, or other serious health issues.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This category aims to degrade and control new members. It can involve forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (such as the infamous “elephant walk” or “roasted pig” positions), or being made to wear degrading or sexually suggestive costumes. Hazing can also involve acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, including the use of slurs or forced role-play that perpetuates harmful stereotypes.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked, psychological hazing can inflict lasting trauma. This includes relentless verbal abuse, threats, forced social isolation, and constant criticism. New members may be subjected to manipulation, forced confessions, public shaming on social media or in meetings, and intense psychological pressure to conform, leading to severe anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.

• Digital/Online Hazing: In our hyper-connected world, hazing has moved to digital platforms. This includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation orchestrated via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, and other social media apps. Pledges can be forced to create or share compromising images or videos, or constantly monitor group chats, responding instantly at all hours, leading to severe sleep deprivation and heightened anxiety. Geo-location tracking via apps like Find My Friends can also be demanded, creating a constant sense of surveillance.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is exclusively a “fraternity thing.” While Greek life often features in hazing headlines, the reality is that hazing occurs across a wide spectrum of student organizations at universities throughout Texas, affecting children from Richardson and beyond:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes organizations under the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and various multicultural Greek councils.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Highly structured environments, especially at institutions like Texas A&M, have traditions that can cross into abusive hazing.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Groups like cheerleading teams, dance teams, and university-affiliated spirit organizations (e.g., Texas Cowboys-type groups) can perpetuate dangerous initiation rituals.
• Athletic Teams: From highly visible football and basketball teams to swimming, soccer, and other athletic programs, hazing can be a pervasive problem, often disguised as “team bonding” or “conditioning.”
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can have dark, abusive “traditions” that qualify as hazing.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any student group that requires an “initiation” or “new member period” can be susceptible to hazing.

The root of hazing’s persistence lies in a toxic mix of social status, ingrained “tradition,” and a powerful culture of secrecy. Students, especially those newly arrived from Richardson or other hometowns, often face immense pressure to conform, fearing exclusion, ridicule, or outright punishment if they don’t participate in these dangerous activities. This environment allows hazing practices to endure, even when everyone intellectually “knows” that hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited by universities.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For Richardson families grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal landscape can be crucial. Texas law, combined with federal regulations, provides avenues for criminal prosecution and civil recourse, though navigating these frameworks requires expert legal guidance.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing). These laws are critically important for students and parents in Richardson and across Texas.

Texas law broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person alone or with others, on or off campus, and 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.

Crucially, § 37.155 of the Texas Education Code explicitly states that “Consent Not a Defense.” This means that even if a student “agreed” or apparently consented to the hazing activity, it is still legally considered hazing. Courts and prosecutors recognize that true consent is impossible when there’s a significant power imbalance, intense peer pressure, and a fear of exclusion.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas:

• If the hazing does not cause serious bodily injury, it is generally a Class B Misdemeanor.
• If the hazing causes medical treatment-requiring injury, it elevates to a Class A Misdemeanor.
• Hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death is classified as a State Jail Felony.
• Furthermore, under Texas law, individuals (including organization officers or members) who know about hazing and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Organizational Liability:
Under § 37.153, organizations themselves can be found criminally liable for hazing. If an organization authorized or encouraged hazing, or if an officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it, the organization can be fined up to $10,000 per violation. Universities also have the power to revoke an organization’s recognition and permanently ban it from campus.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
§ 37.154 also provides a critical protection: individuals who report a hazing incident in good faith to university authorities or law enforcement are immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from their report. Additionally, Texas law, along with many university policies, offers amnesty for students who call 911 in a medical emergency, even if underage drinking or hazing were involved. This encourages bystanders and victims to seek help without fear of personal repercussions.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important for Richardson families to distinguish between these two separate but often intertwined legal processes:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated and prosecuted by the state (e.g., district attorney’s office). The primary goal is to punish individuals or organizations for violating criminal laws. In hazing contexts, criminal charges can include the specific hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and even negligent homicide or manslaughter in fatal cases.
• Civil Cases: These are brought by the victims or their surviving family members (as plaintiffs) against the individuals and organizations responsible (as defendants). The primary goal of a civil lawsuit is to obtain monetary compensation for damages suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil claims can involve theories of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

It is critical to understand that a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. Even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction, victims may still have strong civil claims for compensation. Both criminal and civil proceedings can, and often do, run concurrently.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also impact how hazing is addressed at Texas universities:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal law mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding must:
  • Publicly report hazing incidents in a more transparent and accessible manner. These reporting requirements are being phased in, with full implementation expected by around 2026.
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs on campus.
  • Maintain and submit public hazing data to the Department of Education. This increased transparency will significantly help families seeking to understand an organization’s history of misconduct.
• Title IX: If hazing involves elements of sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based hostility, or discrimination, it can trigger Title IX obligations for universities. These institutions then have a legal duty to investigate and respond to such incidents to ensure a safe educational environment.
• Clery Act: This federal law requires colleges and universities to report campus crime statistics and to have clear policies and procedures in place for addressing certain crimes. Hazing incidents often overlap with categories like assault, alcohol-related offenses, and drug offenses, requiring their inclusion in an institution’s annual Clery safety reports.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

For Richardson families seeking accountability, it’s crucial to understand the multiple layers of potential liability in a hazing case:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, enforced, participated in, supplied illegal substances for, or covered up hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes “pledge parents” or “new member educators.”
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be a defendant if it operates as a legal entity and its leadership or members authorized or tacitly allowed the hazing.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which charters, supervises, and collects dues from local chapters, can face significant liability. This often hinges on whether the national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing within its chapters or at the specific local chapter, and failed to take adequate preventive or corrective action.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, whether public (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) or private (like SMU, Baylor), may be sued. Liability can be based on negligence (failure to supervise, enforce policies, or protect students), deliberate indifference to a known danger, or violations of federal statutes like Title IX. Public universities in Texas have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist, particularly for gross negligence or when individual employees are sued.
• Third Parties: Other entities can also be implicated, including landlords or owners of off-campus houses or event spaces where hazing occurred, or bars/retailers who illegally furnished alcohol to minors.

Every hazing case is highly fact-specific, and the liable parties can vary widely based on the circumstances. Identifying all potential defendants and understanding their respective legal duties is a core component of a thorough hazing investigation.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

While we focus on Texas, major national hazing cases have profoundly shaped the legal landscape, setting important precedents for foreseeability, duty of care, and accountability. These “anchor stories” provide a crucial backdrop for Richardson families to understand the dangers students face today and the potential for justice.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The pattern of alcohol-related hazing deaths is a recurring tragedy, demonstrating the severe consequences of forced drinking.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” night involving extreme drinking and a subsequent fall down stairs. Surveillance video from the fraternity house captured a horrific 12-hour delay in calling for medical help while fraternity brothers observed Piazza’s deteriorating condition. Dozens of fraternity members faced criminal charges, and Piazza’s family pursued civil litigation, leading to a confidential settlement. This case was instrumental in the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, one of the nation’s strongest anti-hazing statutes. This case vividly illustrated how extreme intoxication, a callous delay in seeking medical aid, and a pervasive culture of silence can lead to legal devastation for both individuals and organizations.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where he was given an entire handle of liquor. Multiple members faced criminal hazing charges. In response, FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life and overhauled its hazing prevention policies. This incident tragically highlighted how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a consistent script for disaster across campuses.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died from acute alcohol toxicity (with an appalling BAC of 0.495%) after being forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers meant chugging copious amounts of alcohol. Multiple members were charged, and one was convicted of negligent homicide. Gruver’s death spurred the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, which made felony hazing a reality in the state. This case underscores how legislative change often results directly from public outrage and undeniable proof of severe hazing.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): 20-year-old Stone Foltz perished from alcohol poisoning one night after a “Big/Little reveal” event during which he was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey. Several fraternity members were convicted of hazing-related charges. In a landmark outcome, Foltz’s family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million coming from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and approximately $3 million from Bowling Green State University itself. The Foltz case demonstrated how universities and public institutions can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside the fraternities themselves.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Hazing is not always about alcohol. Physical and ritualized hazing can also lead to catastrophic injuries or death.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died after participating in a brutal, blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. During the ritual, pledges were tackled and physically abused. Despite his critical injuries, fraternity members delayed calling for help for hours. Several members were convicted, and the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for a decade. This case serves as a powerful reminder that off-campus “retreats” or “unofficial” houses can be just as dangerous, if not more so, than on-campus locations, and can lead to significant national organizational sanctions.

• Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Danny Santulli, an 18-year-old pledge, was forced to consume excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” night. He subsequently suffered severe, permanent brain damage, leaving him unable to walk, talk, or see, and requiring 24/7 care for the rest of his life. Multiple fraternity members were criminally charged. The Santulli family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants, including the Phi Gamma Delta chapter, in a multi-million-dollar confidential settlement. This heartbreaking case highlights the devastating long-term consequences of severe hazing that does not result in immediate death, changing a victim’s life and their family’s lives forever.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it also pervades athletic programs, even at the highest levels.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a scandal that rocked college athletics, former football players came forward alleging widespread sexualized, racist hazing within the Northwestern football program over multiple years. This included forced sexual acts, racial discrimination, and physical abuse. Multiple players filed lawsuits against Northwestern University and its coaching staff, leading to the termination of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who subsequently filed his own wrongful-termination suit (which was confidentially settled in August 2025). This case starkly demonstrates that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, existing in profitable athletic programs, and raising critical questions about institutional oversight and responsibility.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies, while not occurring directly within Texas, illuminate critical patterns and legal principles directly applicable to Richardson families and students at Texas universities. The common threads are undeniable: forced drinking, humiliation, physical violence, a dangerous delay or denial of medical care, and systematic cover-ups. These cases consistently show that meaningful changes, widespread reforms, and multi-million-dollar settlements often materialize only after the tragedy has struck and diligent litigation has been pursued. For families in Richardson facing potential hazing at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, or Baylor, these national lessons underscore the urgent need for legal action to achieve justice and prevent future harm.

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

The Manginello Law Firm is a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm, serving families in Richardson and across the state. We understand that while hazing is a nationwide problem, its manifestation within Texas’s unique university culture requires specific attention. Richardson families often send their children to these major institutions, making their hazing policies, incident histories, and reporting mechanisms particularly salient.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston, a large, dynamic urban campus, is a significant option for Richardson students seeking higher education in a major metropolitan setting. While it caters to a diverse student body, including numerous commuters, UH also boasts a vibrant residential life and an active Greek life with a multitude of fraternities and sororities under various councils. Beyond Greek organizations, UH has a wide array of student groups, including cultural organizations, sports clubs, and academic societies, all of which could potentially be venues for hazing. Our firm’s primary office is located right here in Houston, giving us firsthand insight into the UH community and its specific challenges.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a clear stance against hazing, as reflected in its official policies. UH’s hazing policy (aligned with Texas Education Code) unequivocally prohibits any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership in any student organization – whether these acts occur on-campus or off-campus. This includes forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and actions causing severe mental distress or humiliation.

UH provides several avenues for reporting hazing through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also posts a general statement on hazing prevention and, to some extent, disciplinary information related to hazing violations on its website.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

A notable incident involving hazing at the University of Houston was the 2016 case involving Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ). Pledges of the fraternity allegedly endured significant physical abuse and deprivation, including being denied adequate food and water, and subjected to extreme sleep deprivation during a multi-day event. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being violently slammed onto a table or similar surface during the hazing. Following an investigation, the UH chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was subsequently suspended by the university.

Other public records and disciplinary actions have referenced various fraternities at UH where behavior was found to be “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse and policy violations, leading to further suspensions or probationary periods for those organizations. These incidents highlight UH’s efforts to hold organizations accountable, though, like many institutions, the public detail provided about specific violations can sometimes be limited.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Richardson family pursuing a hazing case originating at UH, the legal process would likely involve several Houston-based agencies and courts. Depending on the location where the hazing occurred, the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) and/or the Houston Police Department would have jurisdiction for criminal investigations. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Harris County, Texas, which encompasses Houston, potentially in State District Courts.

Potential defendants in a UH hazing lawsuit could include the individual students directly involved, the local fraternity or sorority chapter, the national fraternity/sorority organization, and potentially the University of Houston itself, depending on the extent of its knowledge or negligence. Property owners where off-campus hazing occurs may also be named.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

Students from Richardson and their parents connected to the University of Houston should be particularly vigilant:

• Understand Reporting Channels: Familiarize yourselves with UH’s official reporting mechanisms, such as the Dean of Students office, UHPD, and any anonymous reporting forms or hotlines provided by the university.
• Document Everything: If you suspect hazing, begin meticulously documenting all relevant details – dates, times, locations, names, specific actions, and communication (screenshots, photos, videos). This is crucial for any investigation.
• Consult with Houston-Based Legal Expertise: Contact a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases as early as possible. Our firm understands how to navigate the specific complexities of the local legal and university systems to uncover prior discipline, access internal files, and strategically pursue your claims.
• Prioritize Safety: If a student is in immediate danger, always call 911 first. Their physical safety and well-being are paramount.
• Seek Support: Utilize UH’s counseling services or other mental health resources if hazing takes a toll on mental health.

5.2 Texas A&M University

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M University in College Station holds a unique place in Texas higher education, drawing many students from Richardson and across Collin and Dallas Counties. It’s renowned for its deep-seated traditions, particularly its prominent Corps of Cadets, which fosters a military-style environment and has a culture steeped in discipline and loyalty. Beyond the Corps, A&M boasts a substantial Greek life presence and a vast array of student organizations. This tradition-rich environment, while building community, also creates fertile ground for activities that, often disguised as “training” or “bonding,” can devolve into hazing.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, in line with state law and national best practices. Their student rules (often updated annually) define hazing to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of students for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership. This broad definition covers everything from forced alcohol consumption and physical abuse to mental torment and humiliation.

Reporting channels at Texas A&M include the Division of Student Affairs, the Department of Student Activities, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and specific reporting avenues for the Corps of Cadets. The university emphasizes disciplinary action for individuals and organizations found in violation.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Response

Texas A&M has faced multiple hazing allegations and incidents across its various student organizations:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ) Chemical Burns Lawsuit (around 2021): In a harrowing incident, pledges of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at Texas A&M allegedly suffered horrific injuries. The lawsuit claimed that pledges were forced into strenuous physical activity and then, as part of hazing, had substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries for at least two pledges. The fraternity chapter was suspended for two years by the university, and the pledges subsequently filed a $1 million lawsuit against the organization. This case starkly demonstrates the evolution of hazing into dangerously cruel and physically destructive acts.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): This high-profile case involved a former cadet who alleged severe and degrading hazing within the Corps. The lawsuit described specific acts such as simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The cadet sought over $1 million in damages. While Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its internal rules, the lawsuit brought significant public scrutiny to the Corps’ traditions and oversight. This incident highlights that hazing is not confined to Greek life but can be deeply embedded in other traditional, hierarchical student organizations.

These cases illustrate that hazing at Texas A&M can occur in both Greek life and highly traditional programs like the Corps of Cadets.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Richardson family pursuing a hazing case at Texas A&M, the involved legal and law enforcement agencies would typically be local to Bryan/College Station. The Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) would be the primary law enforcement agency for incidents on campus. If incidents occur off-campus in College Station or Bryan, the respective city police departments or the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office would have jurisdiction. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in Brazos County District Courts.

Potential defendants often include the individual students involved, the local chapter or unit (e.g., specific Corps outfit or fraternity chapter), the national organization (if applicable), and potentially Texas A&M University, though the university, as a public institution, benefits from some sovereign immunity protections which make direct lawsuits more complex.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Students from Richardson attending Texas A&M and their parents should be particularly aware of the hazing risks within both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets:

• Understand Reporting: Know the various reporting channels at A&M, including the Division of Student Affairs, UPD, and the Corps chain of command for Corps-specific issues. Many students also report to the Dean of Student Life.
• Document and Preserve: Immediately document any suspected hazing, capturing screenshots of texts, GroupMe messages, social media posts, and photos of injuries. This evidence is critical, particularly given how quickly digital content can be deleted.
• Seek Professional Legal Counsel: Given the unique culture and institutional structures of Texas A&M (especially the Corps), consulting with a lawyer experienced in Texas hazing cases is crucial. Our firm can help navigate the specific complexities of A&M’s policies and pursue claims against both individual perpetuators and larger institutions.
• Prioritize Well-being: If a student is in immediate danger or distress, contact 911 without delay. Confidential counseling services are also available through the university.
• Question Tradition: Encourage students to critically evaluate any “tradition” that involves physical or mental endangerment, humiliation, or coercion, recognizing that true Aggie Spirit does not involve abuse.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution located in the heart of the state capital, drawing a significant number of bright students from various communities, including Richardson and across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. UT Austin fosters a vibrant and often sprawling campus culture, characterized by a massive and influential Greek life system, numerous student organizations (from academic to spirit-based), and highly visible athletic programs. This dynamic environment, while offering immense opportunities, has also unfortunately been the site of recurring hazing incidents that impact students who choose to attend.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin has a comprehensive anti-hazing policy that strictly prohibits hazing both on and off campus, as per Texas law. Their policy clearly defines hazing to encompass any act that physically or mentally endangers, harasses, or humiliates a student for the purpose of initiation or membership in any student group. UT distinguishes itself by maintaining robust public accountability and reporting.

UT Austin provides multiple official reporting channels, including the Dean of Students’ Office, the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD). Importantly, UT Austin maintains a widely accessible Hazing @ UT Austin website (hazing.utexas.edu) that lists past hazing violations, including the organization, the nature of the conduct, and the sanctions imposed. This level of transparency is a crucial resource for Richardson families and others.

5.3.3 Example Incidents & Response

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page reveals a consistent pattern of incidents across various organizations. These document repeated hazing behaviors, demonstrating that despite clear policies, the issue persists:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) (2023): This fraternity chapter was found responsible for hazing violations that included directing new members to consume milk and engage in strenuous calisthenics. As a result, the chapter was placed on probation and mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education. This incident echoes national patterns of physical and forced consumption hazing seen in Pi Kappa Alpha chapters elsewhere.
• Texas Wranglers, Spirit Organizations, and Other Student Groups: Beyond Greek life, Texas Wranglers, other spirit groups, and various student organizations have faced disciplinary action for hazing that included forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and other punishment-based practices designed to degrade or endanger new members. These examples underscore that hazing is not exclusive to fraternities and exists in many forms across the university landscape.

UT Austin’s relatively high transparency regarding documented hazing violations is valuable, as it allows families to research an organization’s history. However, the recurring nature of these violations also indicates ongoing challenges in definitively eradicating hazing culture.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Richardson families whose child has experienced hazing at UT, the legal pathway would primarily involve authorities and courts in Austin. Incidents on campus would fall under the jurisdiction of the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD). Off-campus hazing in Austin might involve the Austin Police Department or the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County, utilizing the state district courts.

In a civil case, the UT Austin’s publicly available Hazing Violations log can become a powerful piece of evidence. A consistent pattern of prior violations by an organization can strongly support arguments of foreseeability and institutional negligence against the university or national fraternity, demonstrating that they knew or should have known about a high risk of hazing.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

Students from Richardson and their parents connected to UT Austin need to be especially informed and proactive:

• Utilize the Hazing @ UT Austin Website: Regularly check hazing.utexas.edu to review the disciplinary history of any organization a student is considering joining. This can provide crucial early warnings.
• Understand UT’s Reporting: Be aware of how to report hazing through the Dean of Students, UTPD, or confidential hotlines. Students can often be anonymous through certain channels.
• Document and Consult: As with any hazing incident, meticulous documentation of evidence (digital communication, photos of injuries) is paramount. Contacting a lawyer experienced in Texas hazing cases can help you understand how to navigate UT’s specific processes and leverage public records in your favor.
• Advocate for Transparency: If the university seems slow to respond or is attempting to minimize an incident, remind them of their commitment to transparency and accountability, and emphasize the requirements of the Stop Campus Hazing Act.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University, nestled in the heart of Dallas, is a prominent private institution widely known for its academic rigor, affluent student body, and deeply ingrained Greek life culture. Many Richardson families, residing just north of Dallas, consider SMU for their children, attracted by its prestige and strong alumni network. The university’s active fraternity and sorority system plays a significant role in student social life, creating an environment ripe for both strong traditions and, unfortunately, the potential for hazing.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that is consistent with Texas state law, prohibiting any activity that causes mental or physical harm, fear, or humiliation as part of initiation or continued membership in a student organization. As a private university, SMU has the authority to enforce its policies stringently, leveraging both internal disciplinary actions and, when necessary, referring matters to law enforcement.

Reporting channels at SMU include the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, and the SMU Police Department (SMU PD). SMU also utilizes systems like Real Response, an anonymous reporting tool, to encourage students to come forward without fear of immediate identification. Detailed information about SMU’s policies and reporting is available through its Fraternity & Sorority Life office and Student Affairs division.

5.4.3 Example Incident & Response

One notable incident that brought SMU’s Greek life under scrutiny involved Kappa Alpha Order (KA) in 2017. New members of the fraternity were reportedly subjected to hazing activities that included paddling, forced consumption of alcohol, and significant sleep deprivation. Following an investigation, the Kappa Alpha Order chapter was suspended by the university, with severe restrictions placed on its recruiting activities for several years. This incident reflects a common pattern of physical and alcohol-related hazing that persists despite institutional bans.

While SMU, as a private institution, may not publicize its disciplinary actions to the same extent as public universities like UT Austin, it consistently emphasizes its commitment to addressing hazing. However, incidents like that involving Kappa Alpha Order highlight the ongoing struggle between official policy and pervasive chapter culture.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Richardson family pursuing a hazing case arising from SMU, legal proceedings would fall under the jurisdiction of Dallas County. The SMU Police Department (SMU PD) would typically handle on-campus criminal matters. For off-campus hazing within Dallas, the Dallas Police Department would be involved. Civil lawsuits would be filed in Dallas County District Courts.

The fact that SMU is a private university changes certain aspects of litigation. Unlike public universities, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, potentially making it easier for victims to pursue claims directly against the institution for negligence, negligent supervision, or other related civil actions. These cases can also compel SMU to provide internal records, even if not publicly posted, through the legal discovery process, revealing prior complaints or institutional knowledge of hazing.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Students from Richardson who attend SMU and their parents should take specific steps to safeguard against and respond to hazing:

• Be Informed: Understand SMU’s anti-hazing policies available through its Fraternity & Sorority Life office. Remember that official policies are often at odds with unwritten “traditions.”
• Utilize Anonymous Reporting Tools: Make use of systems like Real Response if a student is uncomfortable directly contacting university officials. This can be a vital first step to document concerns without immediate fear of retaliation.
• Document and Prepare: Should hazing occur, meticulous documentation (screenshots of digital communications, photos of injuries, detailed notes) is crucial. Digital evidence can be particularly powerful in revealing the coercive nature of hazing at SMU.
• Seek Experienced Legal Counsel: Given SMU’s private status and its unique institutional and cultural dynamics, consulting with a lawyer experienced in Texas hazing cases is paramount. Our firm can help navigate the complexities of litigation against private institutions and their associated organizations to achieve accountability and justice.
• Prioritize Safety and Well-being: If there is any immediate danger, call 911. SMU’s health and counseling services are also available for support.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, is a nationally recognized private Christian university that attracts a diverse student body, including many from Richardson and across North and Central Texas. Baylor operates within a unique cultural framework, blending its strong religious identity with the traditions of collegiate life, including a significant Greek life presence and prominent athletic programs. This combination has often led to complex situations when allegations of misconduct, including hazing, arise, as the university grapples with upholding its values while addressing challenging realities.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University has clear, comprehensive anti-hazing policies that strictly forbid any activity that causes mental or physical harm, fear, or humiliation as a prerequisite for membership or affiliation with any recognized student organization. Baylor’s policies are often integrated within its broader student conduct and ethical standards framework, aligning with both Texas state law and its institutional mission to foster a respectful and safe campus environment.

Reporting channels at Baylor include the Division of Student Life, the Office of Student Conduct, and the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD). The university also provides an anonymous reporting option through its EthicsPoint hotline. Information related to hazing policies and prevention efforts is typically available through the Student Activities and Greek Life offices.

5.5.3 Example Incidents & Response

Baylor University has, in recent years, faced significant scrutiny over its handling of various misconduct allegations, most notably the sexual assault scandal surrounding its football program and Title IX issues. This history has underscored the challenges the university faces in managing student conduct and institutional oversight. In this context, hazing incidents at Baylor carry an added layer of complexity:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): A specific hazing incident within a major athletic program involved the Baylor baseball team. Following an internal investigation, 14 players were suspended. The suspensions were staggered over the early part of the baseball season, impacting the team’s performance. While the specific details of the hazing were not fully disclosed, the university confirmed violations of its anti-hazing policy. This incident put Baylor’s commitment to student safety and accountability within its athletic programs under renewed examination.

This event illustrates that despite Baylor’s clear policies and its desire to maintain a principled image, instances of hazing, especially in high-profile areas like athletics, can still occur. It also highlights the university’s ongoing efforts to balance addressing misconduct with managing its public image.

5.4.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Richardson family pursuing a hazing case at Baylor, legal proceedings would fall under the jurisdiction of McLennan County, where Waco is located. The Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) would typically handle on-campus criminal matters, while the Waco Police Department or the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office would be involved for off-campus incidents. Civil lawsuits would be filed in McLennan County District Courts.

As a private university, Baylor does not possess sovereign immunity, which could potentially simplify the process of holding the institution directly accountable in civil litigation compared to public universities. However, legal challenges against institutions with strong public images and significant resources, like Baylor, can still be complex and require experienced legal representation to overcome. The university’s prior history of scrutiny and its stated commitment to reform can also influence how a hazing case is perceived and pursued.

5.4.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

Students from Richardson attending Baylor and their parents should be particularly mindful of the university’s unique context when it comes to hazing:

• Engage with Policies: Familiarize yourselves with Baylor’s comprehensive anti-hazing policy and the university’s broader ethical guidelines. It’s important to understand the official rules versus any unofficial “traditions.”
• Utilize Reporting: Know how to report hazing through the Division of Student Life, BUPD, or the anonymous EthicsPoint hotline. Given Baylor’s emphasis on ethical conduct, reporting can be seen as an alignment with university values.
• Document Thoroughly: If hazing occurs, meticulously document all evidence – screenshots of digital communications, photos of any injuries, and detailed notes of incidents. This forms the bedrock of any successful investigation or legal action.
• Seek Expert Legal Advice: Consulting with a lawyer experienced in Texas hazing cases, particularly those involving private universities, is crucial. Our firm can help navigate the specific legal and cultural dynamics of pursuing claims for accountability and justice against Baylor University and its associated organizations.
• Prioritize Well-being: Always prioritize immediate safety by calling 911 if there is a threat. Baylor also offers significant mental health and counseling resources which can be invaluable support for students impacted by hazing.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Richardson families, understanding the dual nature of Greek life—local chapter activities and the oversight (or lack thereof) from national organizations—is key to grasping accountability in hazing cases. When tragedy strikes at a Texas campus, the local chapter is rarely acting in isolation.

Why National Histories Matter

The reality is that many fraternities and sororities with chapters at Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are part of vast national organizations. These national bodies, such as Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ), Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ), Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ), Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ), and Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ), among many others, typically have extensive anti-hazing policies, risk management manuals, and legal teams. They have these in place precisely because they have faced – and often lost – multi-million-dollar lawsuits stemming from hazing-related deaths and catastrophic injuries at chapters across the country.

These national headquarters are acutely aware of the patterns: the forced drinking at “Big/Little reveals,” the tradition of physical paddling, the humiliating scavenger hunts, and the coercive “hell weeks.” They understand the dangerous “scripts” that play out repeatedly.

When a local chapter at a Texas university—whether in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, or Waco—repeats these same dangerous behaviors that have led to deaths or serious injuries elsewhere, it creates a powerful legal argument for foreseeability. It means the national organization knew, or should have known, that such hazing was a significant risk within its system. This knowledge can be critical in demonstrating negligence and supporting arguments for punitive damages against national entities.

Organization Mapping: Local Chapters & National Patterns

Here, we synthesize the presence of certain national organizations known for past hazing incidents, highlighting that the actions at a local Texas chapter are often part of a broader, national pattern.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Active at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, Pi Kappa Alpha has a deeply troubling national hazing history. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021, where he was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little reveal,” led to a $10 million settlement split between the national fraternity and BGSU. Earlier, the death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University in 2012 from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event also resulted in a $14 million settlement. These cases, among others, demonstrate a recurring pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing within Pi Kappa Alpha, showing a national foreknowledge of these risks.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU, Sigma Alpha Epsilon has been embroiled in numerous hazing scandals nationally. Known for a pattern of alcohol-related deaths in the early 2010s, SAE notably announced the elimination of its pledge process in 2014 due to these tragedies. Despite this, incidents persist. Recent lawsuits include a pledge suffering a traumatic brain injury during an alleged hazing ritual at the University of Alabama (2023), and a lawsuit from Texas A&M (around 2021) where pledges alleged severe chemical burns from substances poured on them. In January 2024, a student alleged assault by SAE members at UT Austin. These cases show a continued pattern of severe physical and often chemical or alcohol-fueled hazing within SAE, regardless of national policy changes.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, Phi Delta Theta was at the center of the Maxwell “Max” Gruver tragedy at Louisiana State University in 2017. Gruver died from alcohol poisoning during a forced drinking game. The case led to the felony Max Gruver Act in Louisiana and a $6.1 million verdict for Gruver’s family. This incident epitomizes the deadly risk of forced alcohol consumption disguised as “initiations” that have been repeatedly observed in this organization.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Active with chapters at UH and Texas A&M, Pi Kappa Phi was involved in the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017. Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a “Big Brother Night” event. This case illustrates a tragic pattern of alcohol-fueled “brotherhood” rituals that have caused deaths and severe injuries within Pi Kappa Phi nationally.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU, Beta Theta Pi was the fraternity involved in the tragic death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University in 2017. Piazza died from traumatic brain injuries after a “bid acceptance” hazing event involving extreme alcohol consumption and a subsequent hours-long delay in seeking medical help. This high-profile case led to state legislation and multiple criminal charges, demonstrating the extreme risks inherent when this organization engages in high-risk alcohol initiation.

• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Present at Texas A&M, Phi Gamma Delta was involved in the heartbreaking case of Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri in 2021, where Santulli suffered severe, permanent brain damage from forced excessive drinking during a hazing event. The family settled with 22 defendants in a multi-million-dollar confidential settlement, highlighting the severe, life-altering injuries that hazing in this organization can cause.

• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Active at Texas A&M and SMU, Kappa Alpha Order has a history of hazing suspensions across the country, including the SMU chapter in 2017 for paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. This demonstrates a recurring pattern of physical abuse and deprivation within the organization.

• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): With NPHC chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, Omega Psi Phi has faced allegations of severe physical hazing, including a federal lawsuit in 2023 against its University of Southern Mississippi chapter for brutal beatings with wooden paddles during “Hell Night” that required emergency surgery. This points to ongoing, severe physical hazing within the organization despite national prohibitions.

• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, Sigma Chi has also had significant hazing incidents. A recent case at the College of Charleston resulted in a family receiving more than $10 million in damages for physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment. This case, among others, indicates a pattern of severe physical and psychological hazing within Sigma Chi.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For Richardson families seeking justice through civil litigation, understanding these national and campus-specific patterns is critical. They show that:

• Foreseeability is Key: When a national organization has a history of similar hazing incidents across its chapters, it becomes much harder for them to claim they “didn’t know” or “couldn’t have foreseen” the risks at a local Texas chapter. This strengthens arguments for negligence and gross negligence.
• Enforcement Matters: Courts will examine whether national anti-hazing policies were genuinely enforced, or merely “paper policies” designed to shield from liability. Evidence of perfunctory training or minimal punishment for prior violations can be highly damaging to a national organization’s defense.
• Impact on Damages: A pattern of egregious, unaddressed hazing can significantly influence potential punitive damages, which are designed not just to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant for reckless or malicious conduct and deter future similar acts.
• Insurance Coverage: These patterns can also impact insurance coverage disputes. While insurers may attempt to exclude “intentional” acts, a strong pattern of negligence by the national body in failing to prevent foreseeable harm can force insurers to cover the claim.

By diligently investigating both the immediate facts of a case and the broader historical patterns through deep discovery, we build powerful arguments for accountability against all responsible parties – from the individual student to the powerful national organization.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully navigating a hazing lawsuit requires a meticulous approach to evidence collection, a deep understanding of recoverable damages, and a sophisticated legal strategy. For Richardson families, this often means confronting well-resourced institutions with experienced legal teams; it is a battle for accountability that cannot be fought alone.

Evidence is Everything

In modern hazing cases, evidence is paramount. It must be collected quickly and comprehensively, as crucial information can vanish rapidly. Our firm specializes in uncovering and preserving the diverse forms of evidence that prove a hazing claim:

• Digital Communications: These are often the most critical pieces of evidence. We look for and meticulously preserve:

  • Group Messaging Apps: Messages from GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even fraternity-specific apps contain planning, instructions, specific demands, and discussions that reveal the hazing. Screenshots must capture sender names, timestamps, and full conversation threads.
  • Social Media Evidence: Instagram (stories, posts, DMs), Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook posts, and comments can show hazing events, injuries, forced humiliation, or admissions. We work to preserve this, even disappearing content, and analyze location tags and hashtags.
  • Text Messages & Direct Messages: Full conversations, including deleted messages (which digital forensics can often recover), are vital.
  • Emails: Official chapter communications, calendar invites to “events,” and correspondence with nationals or universities can outline plans or reveal knowledge.

• Photos & Videos:

  • Content from Members: Photos and videos taken by members themselves during hazing events, often for internal bragging or documentation, are incredibly powerful.
  • Injuries: Detailed photographs of any injuries—bruises, burns, cuts—taken immediately after the incident and over subsequent days, with scale (e.g., a coin), provide irrefutable proof of harm.
  • Locations: Photos of the physical location of hazing, including any relevant items like alcohol containers, paddles, or damaged property.
  • Surveillance Footage: Security cameras at houses, venues, or university property can capture events.

• Internal Organization Documents: Through legal discovery, we seek:

  • Pledge Manuals: Often contain euphemistically named “traditional” activities that are, in fact, hazing.
  • Ritual Scripts: Documents outlining initiation processes.
  • Communications: Emails, texts, or memos from officers explicitly planning or discussing “new member education” that crosses into hazing.
  • National Policies: Examination of anti-hazing policies alongside risk management files.

• University Records: We investigate and, where applicable, obtain through public records requests (for public universities) or discovery (for all institutions):

  • Prior Discipline: Records of past hazing violations, probation, or suspensions levied against the same organization or individuals.
  • Incident Reports: Reports filed with campus police, student conduct offices, or Clery Act crime reports.
  • Internal Communications: Emails or memos among administrators discussing concerns about an organization.

• Medical and Psychological Records: Crucial for documenting damages:

  • ER & Hospital Records: Document immediate injuries, diagnoses, and treatments. It’s vital that medical providers are informed that the injury resulted from hazing.
  • Toxicology Reports: Crucial in alcohol or drug-related hazing for blood alcohol content (BAC) and drug presence.
  • Therapy & Counseling Records: Document the long-term psychological impact of hazing, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, which are significant components of non-economic damages.

• Witness Testimony: Including pledges, current members, former members (especially those who left due to hazing), roommates, residential advisors (RAs), coaches, and even third-party bystanders. Their accounts can confirm details, establish patterns, and offer crucial insights into the campus culture.

Damages: What Families Can Recover

When hazing causes severe injury or death, Richardson families can pursue various types of damages, which are designed to compensate for both economic (quantifiable) and non-economic (subjective) losses, and sometimes to punish the wrongdoers.

• Economic Damages:

  • Medical Expenses: Covering past bills for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy, as well as projected future medical needs. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage (as seen in the Danny Santulli case), this can include elaborate life care plans for lifelong support.
  • Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Compensation for lost wages due to time off work, as well as the long-term impact on a student’s ability to complete their education, secure employment, and earn a living if they suffer permanent disabilities. Economists are often utilized to calculate these lifetime losses.
  • Other Economic Losses: This can include tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, property damage, and even relocation costs if a student must transfer schools due to trauma.

• Non-Economic Damages: These address the significant, yet harder to quantify, impacts of hazing:

  • Physical Pain & Suffering: For injuries sustained, chronic pain, and permanent physical impairments.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: Covering severe trauma such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, and the profound mental anguish caused by hazing.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in beloved activities, social withdrawal, and the erosion of a quality college experience.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In cases where hazing results in death, the surviving family members (parents, spouse, children) can recover damages for:

  • Funeral and Burial Costs.
  • Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased would have contributed to the family’s future income.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: Compensation for the immense emotional void left by the deceased.
  • Grief and Emotional Suffering: For the profound trauma experienced by the family.

• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases involving reckless, malicious, or grossly negligent conduct, courts may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the wrongdoers and deter similar behavior in the future. In Texas, punitive damages are subject to caps but can be significant, particularly when defendants (like national fraternities or universities) ignored prior warnings or showed deliberate indifference to known dangers.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation often involves powerful institutional defendants—universities and national fraternities—that are shielded by extensive legal teams and significant insurance policies.

• Insurance Coverage Fights: These institutions typically carry large liability insurance policies. However, insurers will often try to deny coverage or argue that hazing or “intentional acts” are excluded from their policies.
• Navigating Exclusions: Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney, knows how insurance companies operate. We are adept at identifying all potential sources of coverage, navigating complex policy language, and fighting against unjust exclusions. Even if an act was intentional, the institution’s negligent supervision or failure to prevent a foreseeable incident can trigger coverage. This expertise is critical in ensuring that a Richardson family’s lawsuit can actually lead to meaningful recovery.

Ultimately, building a successful hazing case is a complex, multi-faceted endeavor that requires not just legal acumen but also investigative resources, deep empathy for the victim, and an unyielding commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For Richardson families and students confronting hazing, timely and accurate information can be a lifeline. Here, we offer practical advice and answer common questions, empowering you with the knowledge needed to respond effectively.

8.1 For Parents

Parents in Richardson are often the first to notice subtle changes in their child, but may be unsure if it’s hazing or just typical college adjustment.

• Warning Signs of Hazing to Watch For:

  • Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, cuts, burns, or “accidents” whose explanations don’t quite add up.
  • Extreme Exhaustion: Constant fatigue, severe sleep deprivation (e.g., late-night calls or forced activities).
  • Mood Changes: Sudden anxiety, depression, irritability, or social withdrawal.
  • Secrecy: Your child becomes uncharacteristically secretive about group activities, using phrases like “I can’t talk about it.”
  • Obsession with Phones: Constantly checking group chats, showing anxiety when their phone rings, or extreme fear of missing “mandatory” communications.
  • Changes in Appearance/Weight: Sudden weight loss or gain, poor hygiene, or wearing specific, often uniform-like, clothing for extended periods.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not accusation. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things going with [group name]? Are you enjoying it?” or “Are they respectful of your time for classes and sleep?” Emphasize that your primary concern is their safety and well-being, and that you will support them regardless.

• If Your Child Is Hurt or Confides in You:

  • Prioritize Medical Care: Get them to a doctor or emergency room immediately, even if they insist they are “fine.” Document all injuries professionally.
  • Document Everything Meticulously: Note dates, times, locations, and what your child shares. Take photos of visible injuries. Screenshot any digital communications—texts, group chats, social media posts—your child shows you. These can disappear quickly.
  • Save Physical Evidence: Any clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or items used in hazing should be preserved.

• Dealing with the University: Document all interactions with university administrators, including who you spoke to, when, and what was discussed. Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization to establish a pattern of known risk. Do not sign any waivers or agreements offered by the university without consulting legal counsel.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child sustains significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or attempting to conceal what happened, contact an experienced hazing attorney immediately.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

Students, particularly those new to college life in Richardson and other communities, may struggle to identify hazing due to peer pressure and a desire to belong.

• “Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?” Decision Guide: Ask yourself these questions:

  • Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
  • Would I do this activity if there were no social consequences or fear of being “cut” from the group?
  • Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
  • Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
  • Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do themselves?
  • Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?
  • If the answer is YES to any of these, it’s likely hazing.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Texas Education Code §37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. This is because true consent is not possible when there’s an inherent power imbalance, intense peer pressure, and a fear of exclusion or retribution. Your “agreement” does not make dangerous or illegal acts permissible.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • If in immediate danger, call 911. Get to a safe location (dorm, friend’s house, public area).
  • You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. If you wish to “de-pledge,” inform a trusted adult outside the organization first. You can send a concise email or text to the chapter president/new member educator stating your resignation. Do not attend a “final meeting” where you may be pressured or intimidated.
  • Texas law and many university policies provide good-faith reporter immunity, meaning you cannot be punished for calling for medical help in an emergency, even if underage drinking was involved.
  • Report privately or anonymously via campus channels (Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, campus police), or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).

• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Texas law encourages reporting by providing immunity to individuals who report hazing in good faith. Additionally, many schools, including major Texas universities, have medical amnesty policies that protect students who call for help in an emergency from disciplinary action related to alcohol or drug violations.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

You may have participated in hazing, witnessed it, or remained silent out of fear. Acknowledge your feelings of guilt, fear of repercussions, or the desire to protect your friends and the organization.

• Your Testimony Can Save Lives: Coming forward with what you know and the evidence you possess can prevent future harm and save other students from enduring similar abuse.
• Seek Your Own Legal Counsel: If you have concerns about your own criminal or civil liability, consult an attorney. While cooperating, you still have rights that need protection. Our firm can advise on navigating your role as a witness or even a potential co-defendant.
• A Path to Accountability: Cooperation can be a powerful step toward personal and institutional accountability, helping to create safer environments for future students.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For families in Richardson, Texas and across the state, the aftermath of hazing is chaos. In this vulnerable state, certain critical mistakes can inadvertently undermine a legitimate hazing claim. Avoid these common pitfalls:

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

   • The Misconception: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.”
   • The Reality: Deleting evidence (group chats, texts, photos) looks like a cover-up, can be considered obstruction of justice, and makes proving a case nearly impossible. Digital forensics can sometimes recover deleted data, but immediate preservation is always best.
   • What to Do: Preserve everything immediately, even content that seems embarrassing or incriminating. It provides crucial context. Use your cellphone to document a legal case, as discussed in Attorney911’s video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • The Misconception: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind and demand answers.”
   • The Reality: Direct confrontation immediately puts the organization on high alert. They will likely lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses on what to say (or not say), and prepare defenses – often specifically against your child’s account. This can severely compromise your ability to gather unbiased evidence.
   • What to Do: Document everything silently and then, before any confrontation, contact an experienced hazing attorney who can advise on the best strategic approach for making first contact.

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms Without Legal Review:

   • The Misconception: “The university wants to ‘resolve’ this, so I should cooperate.”
   • The Reality: Universities often pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements designed to protect the institution. These documents can waive your child’s right to sue, and any internal settlements offered are typically far below the true value of the case.
   • What to Do: Absolutely do NOT sign anything from the university or any other party without an attorney thoroughly reviewing it first.

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

   • The Misconception: “I want everyone to know what happened and warn other parents.”
   • The Reality: While understandable, anything posted publicly can be screenshot by defense attorneys and used against your child. It can create inconsistencies that hurt credibility, potentially waive legal privileges, and compromise your legal strategy.
   • What to Do: Document privately. Allow your lawyer to control the public messaging, as they can strategically release information to achieve justice without harming your case.

5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting” with the Organization:

   • The Misconception: “The chapter just wants to hear my side of the story or explain themselves.”
   • The Reality: Once you are considering legal action, any communication with the organization is dangerous. They will likely pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can be twisted and used against your child in later proceedings.
   • What to Do: If you are pursuing legal action, all communication from the organization should be directed to your lawyer.

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

   • The Misconception: “The university promised to investigate and handle everything.”
   • The Reality: Evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate and become unreachable, and critical statutes of limitations begin to run. Universities, while sometimes well-intentioned, often prioritize protecting their own reputation and liability, which may not align with your child’s best interests or a quest for true accountability.
   • What to Do: Preserve evidence immediately, consult a lawyer, and let your attorney guide how and when to engage with university processes. The university’s internal process is not a substitute for legal action if your goal is full accountability and compensation.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:

   • The Misconception: “I just need to give them my statement so they can process the claim.”
   • The Reality: Insurance adjusters are employed by the insurance company, not by you or your child. Their primary goal is to minimize their company’s payout. Any statement you give, especially recorded ones, will be scrutinized for anything that can be used against your claim. Early settlement offers are almost always severe lowball offers.
   • What to Do: Politely decline to speak with any insurance adjuster without your lawyer present. Simply state, “My attorney will contact you.”

Understanding and avoiding these common mistakes is as crucial as gathering evidence. As Attorney911’s video on client mistakes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) emphasizes, these missteps can deeply compromise your ability to recover compensation and secure justice.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under appropriate circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) benefit from some sovereign immunity protections, but specific exceptions exist for gross negligence, certain intentional torts, and Title IX violations, or 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.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, it can be. While basic hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor, it escalates to a state jail felony under Texas law if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or results in death. Additionally, individuals who are aware of hazing and fail to report it can face misdemeanor charges.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 unequivocally states that consent is not a defense to prosecution for hazing. Legal precedent and common sense recognize that “consent” given under duress, intense peer pressure, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary agreement.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, there is a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the injury or death for most personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in Texas. However, certain legal principles, such as the “discovery rule” (if the injury or its cause wasn’t immediately apparent) or fraudulent concealment by the defendants, can extend this period. If the victim was a minor, the statute can be tolled until they reach adulthood. Regardless, time is extremely critical as evidence disappears and witnesses become difficult to locate. We strongly advise calling 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability for universities, national fraternities/sororities, or individuals. Many major hazing cases (including the Pi Delta Psi retreat case and incidents involving unofficial fraternity houses) occurred off-campus yet resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments against institutions. Liability can still be established based on institutional knowledge, sponsorship, control over the organization, and foreseeability of the hazing.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  We understand the deep desire for privacy. The majority of hazing cases are resolved through confidential settlements before going to trial. We work diligently to protect your family’s privacy interests by requesting sealed court records and negotiating confidential settlement terms, while still pursuing the full accountability you deserve.

For answers to detailed, specific questions about your situation, the best course of action is always to consult with an attorney to review the precise facts of your case.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family in Richardson faces a hazing case in Texas, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need skilled, dedicated attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—universities, national fraternities, and their insurers—fight back, and possess the experience to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring a unique combination of expertise and empathy to every hazing case.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Richardson, Plano, Garland, and other communities across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. We understand that hazing at any Texas university—whether UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor—deeply impacts students and their families in Richardson.

Our firm’s qualifications are particularly suited to the complexities of hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney at a national defense firm. She knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their intricate coverage exclusion arguments, and their settlement strategies. In short, we know their playbook because we used to run it. Lupe Peña’s full credentials are available at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record of taking on formidable defendants. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the historic BP Texas City explosion litigation, where victims faced one of the world’s largest corporations. This experience in federal court and complex multi-party litigation means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-resourced defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and secured significant results. We know how to fight powerful defendants. Ralph Manginello’s extensive experience dates back to 1998, and his background, including membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, highlights our deep roots in Texas law, as detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We possess extensive experience in wrongful death cases, having recovered millions for families impacted by catastrophic injuries and tragic loss across Texas. This includes working with economists to value the true loss of life, and collaborating with medical experts to understand and value the lifetime care needs for victims of brain injuries or permanent disabilities. We build cases that compel accountability, ensuring families receive fair compensation for their immense suffering. You can learn more about our wrongful death practice at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s background as a seasoned criminal defense attorney and his membership in the elite Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association allows our firm to adeptly navigate the intersection of criminal hazing charges and civil litigation. We can provide comprehensive guidance to clients, including witnesses or former members, who might face dual exposure. Our criminal defense expertise can be found at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.

• Aggressive Investigative Depth: We approach every hazing case with the intensity of a high-stakes investigation. Our network includes top-tier experts in medical evaluation, digital forensics, economics, and psychology. We know how to uncover vital, hidden evidence, whether it’s deleted group chats, internal chapter records, or university files obtained through discovery or public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We understand that you are not merely seeking a payout; you are seeking answers, accountability for what happened to your child, and a way to prevent others from suffering similar fates. We balance fierce advocacy with genuine empathy, recognizing that this is one of the hardest things a family can endure.

Call to Action for Richardson Families

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus, from UH and Texas A&M to UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other institution, we want to hear from you. Families in Richardson, Plano, Garland, and throughout Collin and Dallas Counties have the right to comprehensive answers and full accountability when hazing causes injury or death.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will attentively listen to your story, explain your legal options clearly, and help you determine the best path forward for your family.

When you contact us, here’s what you can expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story with compassion and without judgment.
• We will review any evidence you have already gathered, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options, discussing whether a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither is appropriate for your specific situation.
• We will outline realistic timelines for legal action and what to expect during the process.
• We will address your questions about costs transparently. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Learn more about how contingency fees work in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There is absolutely no pressure to hire us on the spot. We want you to take the time you need to make an informed decision.
• Everything you share with us during your consultation remains strictly confidential.

Don’t let powerful institutions control the narrative or deny accountability. The window for collecting critical evidence can close quickly.

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 a consultation in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español disponibles para mejor servir a nuestra comunidad.

Whether you’re in Richardson or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call Attorney911 today for the experienced, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation you deserve.

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