A Family’s Guide to Hazing in Borden County, Texas: Understanding Risks, Laws, and Legal Options

It’s a scene families across Borden County hope they never confront. Your child, a bright, ambitious high school graduate from Gail or another small community in our county, has headed off to a Texas university—be it the sprawling campus of Texas A&M, the urban energy of the University of Houston, the academic traditions of the University of Texas, or the distinct cultures of SMU or Baylor. Their bags are packed with dreams of academic success, new friendships, and exhilarating college experiences. But then, an unsettling phone call. They’re exhausted, secretive, perhaps injured. They mumble about “mandatory events,” “traditions,” or keeping silent about what’s happening to them as new members of a fraternity, sorority, club, or even an athletic team. They may hint at forced drinking, humiliating tasks, or relentless sleep deprivation. They sound scared, confused, and trapped. Meanwhile, the news reports from Houston—our firm’s home base—show the chilling details of the Leonel Bermudez case against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi, a lawsuit filed by Attorney911 alleging severe hazing that left a young man with life-threatening injuries.

This is not a hypothetical fear; it’s a stark reality for too many Texas families. Hazing, in its modern and often insidious forms, is a dangerous problem woven into the fabric of some campus cultures. It devastates young lives, destroys families, and leaves lasting scars. But as the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ at Attorney911, we want you to know: your family doesn’t have to face this alone.

This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for families in Borden County and throughout Texas who are concerned about hazing. We will equip you with vital information to understand:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, far beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The critical legal framework in Texas and federal law that prohibits hazing and holds perpetrators accountable.
• How landmark national hazing cases set crucial precedents for litigation here in Texas.
• The specific hazing concerns and histories at major Texas universities, including the University of Houston, Texas A&M, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University—schools where many Borden County students pursue their higher education.
• How a firm like Attorney911 can build a powerful case, seeking justice and full compensation for victims and their families.

We serve families in Borden County and across Texas, understanding that no matter where your child attends school in the Lone Star State, what happens there impacts you here at home. While this article provides general information, not specific legal advice for your unique situation, it’s our mission to educate and empower you. Should you need personalized guidance, reach out to Attorney911 for a confidential evaluation.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

• In the first 48 hours, every action counts:

  • Get medical attention for your child, even if they insist they are “fine.” Critical internal injuries or severe dehydration may not be immediately obvious.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages instantly. Photograph any injuries from multiple angles, ideally with a ruler for scale. Save any physical items like damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or unusual objects.
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh: who, what, when, where, and describe what happened in detail. This factual timeline is invaluable.
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity, sorority, team, or club directly. Such actions often lead to immediate evidence destruction and witness coaching.
    • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without a lawyer’s review. You could inadvertently waive critical legal rights.
    • Post details on public social media. This can compromise your child’s privacy and the legal integrity of a future case.
    • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” evidence. This can be misconstrued and weaken your position.

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

  • Evidence vanishes quickly—text messages are deleted, physical objects disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records.
  • Universities often act swiftly to control the narrative and manage public relations, not always prioritizing the victim’s long-term interests.
  • Attorney911 can help preserve critical evidence, protect your child’s rights from the outset, and ensure that any future investigations are thorough and fair.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

HAZING IN 2025: WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE

For families in Borden County, the word “hazing” might conjure images from old movies – silly scavenger hunts or harmless pranks. But in 2025, hazing is far more sinister, pervasive, and life-threatening. The incidents making headlines, like the severe hazing alleged in the Leonel Bermudez case at the University of Houston, reveal an alarming trend: hazing is evolving, becoming more covert, technologically sophisticated, and dangerously extreme. We must understand it in its modern forms to protect our children.

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act performed by one person or a group, against a student, for the purpose of joining, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are students. This act, whether on or off campus, endangers the mental or physical health or safety of the student. This broad legal definition means many “traditions” that seem harmless are, in fact, illegal hazing.

Crucially, “I agreed to it” or “I wanted to fit in” does not change the legal definition of hazing. True consent cannot exist when there’s a power imbalance, intense peer pressure, or the fear of social retribution or exclusion. The law recognizes that an individual, especially a young student eager to belong, may “agree” to participate in behaviors they find deeply uncomfortable or dangerous, but that agreement is not truly voluntary.

Main Categories of Hazing

Modern hazing manifests in several disturbing categories, often overlapping and escalating in severity:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is, tragically, the most common and deadliest form of hazing. It involves forcing or pressuring pledges to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, often to the point of blacking out or alcohol poisoning. This can include:

  • “Lineups” or “shotgunning” challenges where pledges consume multiple alcoholic beverages in rapid succession.
  • “Bottle exchanges” or “Big/Little reveal” nights where new members are given entire bottles or “handles” of hard liquor.
  • Drinking games designed for extreme intoxication (e.g., “Bible study” where wrong answers force dangerous drinking, as tragically seen in the Max Gruver case).
  • Pressuring pledges to consume unknown or mixed substances, including illegal drugs.

• Physical Hazing: These acts inflict physical discomfort, pain, or injury, often disguised as “workouts” or “traditions.” Examples include:

  • Paddling and beatings: Whipping with paddles, open-hand slapping, punching, or kicking, often in patterns mimicking previous legal cases.
  • Extreme calisthenics or “smokings”: Forced, prolonged physical exercises like hundreds of push-ups, sit-ups, or wall sits until collapse, often while sleep-deprived or dehydrated.
  • Sleep deprivation: Enforced wake-up calls, late-night “meetings,” or extended periods without sleep, leading to exhaustion and impaired judgment.
  • Food and water deprivation: Limiting access to meals and potable water, or forcing the consumption of unpalatable, excessive, or even harmful substances (e.g., spoiled food, hot sauce, large quantities of milk).
  • Exposure to extreme conditions: Forcing pledges outdoors in freezing weather with minimal clothing, or in dangerous environments like remote parks or abandoned buildings.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: Designed to degrade, embarrass, and break down a student’s sense of self and dignity. This includes:

  • Forced nudity or partial nudity: Often in public or in front of other members.
  • Simulated sexual acts: Forcing pledges to perform or partake in degrading sexual charades (e.g., “elephant walks,” “roasted pig” positions as alleged in the Texas A&M Corps hazing lawsuit).
  • Degrading costumes: Forcing new members to wear embarrassing outfits in public.
  • Acts with racial, sexist, homophobic, or ableist overtones: Using slurs, enforced role-playing of stereotypes, or targeting individuals based on their identity.

• Psychological Hazing: These tactics inflict emotional and mental distress, creating a climate of fear, anxiety, and subservience.

  • Verbal abuse and intimidation: Yelling, screaming, insults, derogatory names, and constant threats of exclusion or punishment.
  • Forced isolation: Restricting contact with friends outside the organization, or forcing pledges to withdraw from normal social circles.
  • Manipulation and forced confessions: Coercing students to reveal personal secrets or engage in self-blame.
  • Public shaming: Humiliating individuals in front of others during meetings, events, or online.

• Digital/Online Hazing: The rise of technology has provided new, insidious tools for hazers:

  • Group chat dares and “challenges”: Pledges are often required to be available 24/7 on platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, or Discord, responding instantly to demeaning tasks or engaging in degrading online activities.
  • Public humiliation via social media: Forcing pledges to post embarrassing photos, videos, or confessions on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or other platforms.
  • Cyberstalking and tracking: Demanding live location sharing, often disguised as “safety measures,” to monitor pledges’ movements.
  • Creation or sharing of compromising content: Pressuring new members to create or distribute sexually explicit, violent, or otherwise degrading images or videos.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a misconception that hazing is exclusively a “fraternity problem.” While Greek life often receives the most media attention, hazing permeates various campus organizations. It can affect any group where a power imbalance exists and where newcomers are expected to “earn” their place through demeaning or dangerous rituals.

• Fraternities and Sororities: Both Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and multicultural Greek organizations have unfortunately documented hazing incidents nationwide.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Highly structured, tradition-heavy environments, such as the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, can unfortunately become breeding grounds for hazing disguised as “toughness” or “discipline.”
• Athletic Teams: From football to basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and cheerleading, hazing runs rampant in some athletic programs. These can involve forced drinking, physical abuse (especially when injuries are framed as “part of the game”), and humiliating rituals. The recent Northwestern University football hazing scandal shocked many, proving it can happen at even elite programs.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous organizations like marching bands, a cappella groups, or theater clubs can have toxic “initiation rites” that escalate into dangerous hazing.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Groups focused on school spirit, like university spirit organizations or long-standing tradition clubs, can be particularly susceptible to hazing by clinging to “what we’ve always done.”
• Other Student Organizations: Some academic honor societies, community service clubs, or even cultural groups can, unfortunately, develop hazing traditions among their subgroup.

The common threads in all these contexts are social status, an often misguided sense of “tradition,” fierce loyalty, and the pervasive culture of secrecy that allows these dangerous practices to flourish despite explicit prohibitions.

LAW & LIABILITY FRAMEWORK (TEXAS + FEDERAL)

For families in Borden County, understanding the legal landscape of hazing in Texas is crucial. Both state and federal laws are designed to prevent hazing, punish perpetrators, and provide avenues for victims and their families to seek justice.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has a clear legal framework directly addressing hazing, primarily outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37. This code applies to all public and private high schools, colleges, and universities in the state.

Key Definition:
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by a person alone or with others, against a student, that occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization whose members include students. This act must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student.

Plain English Implications:

• Scope: Hazing can occur on or off campus, and its physical location does not excuse liability.
• Severity: It covers threats to both mental and physical health, encompassing psychological torment, extreme humiliation, and physical abuse.
• Intent: The perpetrator doesn’t need to explicitly “intend” to harm. Being “reckless” (knowing there’s a risk and proceeding anyway) is sufficient.
• “Consent” is irrelevant: Texas law explicitly states that the victim’s “consent” to the hazing activity is not a defense. This is critical because it acknowledges the coercive nature of hazing.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing:
Under Texas law, hazing is a crime with escalating penalties based on the severity of the harm:

• Class B Misdemeanor: The default charge for hazing, carrying penalties of up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury (requiring medical treatment), penalties increase to up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, the perpetrator can face six months to two years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000.

Beyond direct participation, the law also criminalizes:

• Failing to Report Hazing: Any student holding an organizational office or leadership position who knows of a hazing incident and fails to report it can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
• Retaliation: Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Organizational Liability:
Texas law extends criminal liability to organizations themselves. An organization can be convicted of hazing if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing activity.
• An officer or a member, acting in an official capacity, knew of the hazing and failed to report it.
  Penalties for organizations include fines of up to $10,000 per violation and the forfeiture of all rights and privileges of being an organization at the institution. Universities can also revoke recognition and ban the organization from campus.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:
To encourage reporting, Texas law provides immunity:

• A person acting in good faith who reports a hazing incident to university officials or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might result from the report.
• Additionally, Texas offers medical amnesty for individuals who call for medical help in an alcohol-related emergency, even if they were underage drinking or involved in the hazing.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

Understanding the distinction between criminal and civil hazing cases is vital for Borden County families seeking justice:

• Criminal Cases:

  • Purpose: To punish individuals or organizations for violating anti-hazing laws.
  • Who Brings the Case: The State of Texas (through district attorneys or prosecutors).
  • Outcome: Conviction, fines, imprisonment, probation.
  • Examples: Charges for hazing, assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or even manslaughter (as seen in cases like Max Gruver in Louisiana).

• Civil Cases:

  • Purpose: To provide financial compensation and legal accountability to victims and their families for the harm suffered.
  • Who Brings the Case: The victim, their family, or their legal representatives (like Attorney911).
  • Outcome: Monetary damages (through settlement or trial verdict) to cover medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
  • Legal Basis: Typically involve claims of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and premises liability.

Crucially, a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The burden of proof is lower in civil court, and it’s often the civil litigation that uncovers the most evidence and leads to the most substantial financial compensation for victims. Both types of cases can proceed simultaneously.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also play a significant role in dictating how universities address hazing:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal law, enacted in response to widespread hazing tragedies, mandates that any college or university receiving federal funding must:

  • Publicly report all hazing incidents involving its students or organizations, detailing the nature of the incident, the organization involved, and the sanctions imposed. This data will become publicly available by around 2026.
  • Provide comprehensive hazing education and prevention programs for all students, staff, and faculty.
  • Establish clearer reporting mechanisms and investigative procedures.
    This act aims to increase transparency and accountability, holding institutions to higher standards of hazing prevention and response.

• Title IX: This federal civil rights law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Title IX can be implicated in hazing cases if:

  • The hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based violence.
  • The hazing creates a hostile environment for students based on their sex.
  • The university’s response to hazing differs based on the sex of the individuals or organizations involved.
    Title IX obligations compel universities to investigate and address such incidents promptly and effectively.

• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents, especially those that involve physical assault, alcohol/drug violations, or sexual offenses, often fall under the reporting requirements of the Clery Act, ensuring transparency about campus safety.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

In a civil hazing lawsuit, determining who is legally responsible for the harm caused can be complex. Experienced hazing attorneys at Attorney911 investigate all potential defendants, as liability can extend far beyond the immediate perpetrators:

• Individual Students: Those who actively participated in, planned, or pressured others to engage in hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes students who supplied alcohol to minors or failed to seek help for an injured student. As seen in the Daylen Dunson case related to Stone Foltz’s death, individual officers can face massive personal liability.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself, if it is a legal entity, can be sued. This includes the officers and members who were in positions of power or oversight during the hazing.
• National Fraternity / Sorority: Most local chapters are part of larger national organizations. These national bodies often have anti-hazing policies and risk management guidelines. They can be held liable if:
  • They knew or should have known about hazing within the local chapter (based on prior incidents, complaints, or public information).
  • They failed to adequately train, supervise, or discipline their local chapters.
  • Their anti-hazing policies were merely “paper policies,” unenforced or inadequately implemented.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, including its board of regents, faculty, and administrators, can be a defendant. Universities have a duty to protect their students from foreseeable harm. Liability may arise from:
  • Negligent supervision of student organizations.
  • Failure to enforce their own anti-hazing policies.
  • Deliberate indifference to known patterns of hazing on campus.
  • Violations of federal laws like Title IX or Clery.
    Public universities like the University of Houston or Texas A&M may claim sovereign immunity (a legal protection for state entities), but exceptions exist, especially for gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities like SMU or Baylor typically have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Other entities can also be found liable:
  • Property Owners/Landlords: If hazing occurred on their property and they knew or should have known about the dangerous activities.
  • Alcohol Providers: Bars, liquor stores, or individuals who illegally furnish alcohol to minors that contributes to a hazing incident (under “dram shop” laws).
  • Security Companies or Event Organizers: If their negligence contributed to the incident.

Identifying all responsible parties is a critical step in building a comprehensive hazing case and maximizing the potential for justice and compensation.

NATIONAL HAZING CASE PATTERNS (ANCHOR STORIES)

While hazing incidents often make local headlines in Texas, understanding national case patterns is crucial for Borden County families. These landmark cases, some resulting in multi-million dollar settlements and significant legislative changes, demonstrate common hazing behaviors, the severe consequences, and the legal strategies that hold organizations and individuals accountable. They provide powerful precedents for hazing litigation across the country, including right here in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and lethal form of hazing involves forced or excessive alcohol consumption. Many of the highest-profile tragedies fit this pattern, highlighting the deadly script that repeats across campuses:

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017):

  • What Happened: 19-year-old pledge Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” night where he was forced into a rapid-drinking gauntlet. He fell repeatedly, suffering traumatic brain injuries, but fraternity brothers delayed calling for help for nearly 12 hours. His excruciating final hours were captured on the fraternity’s security cameras.
  • Legal Action: Dozens of fraternity members faced over 1,000 criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter. Piazza’s family also pursued extensive civil litigation, resulting in confidential multi-million dollar settlements.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: This case led to the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, making hazing a felony under certain circumstances. It illustrates how extreme alcohol intoxication, combined with a culture of silence and delayed medical aid, can turn a party into a death trap, leading to severe criminal and civil penalties.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):

  • What Happened: 20-year-old pledge Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given bottles of hard liquor and instructed to consume them rapidly. His blood alcohol content was a lethal 0.447.
  • Legal Action: Multiple fraternity members were prosecuted on hazing charges, and the FSU campus suspended all Greek activities for an extended period. The Coffey family’s wrongful death lawsuit ended in a confidential settlement.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: This case epitomizes the “lineup” or “bottle exchange” hazing ritual—a common and highly dangerous tradition at many universities, including those in Texas, where new members are pressured to consume massive amounts of alcohol.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

  • What Happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old pledge, died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% (nearly six times the legal limit) after a “Bible study” hazing. During this ritual, pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly.
  • Legal Action: A fraternity member was convicted of negligent homicide, and others faced hazing charges. The Gruver family reached settlements and secured a $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity and its insurer.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: Max Gruver’s death directly prompted the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing statute. It shows how even seemingly innocuous “games” can turn deadly, and how families’ tenacious pursuit of justice can lead to significant legislative change.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):

  • What Happened: 20-year-old pledge Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of liquor during a “Big/Little” event. He was found unconscious at a fraternity house and died days later.
  • Legal Action: Multiple members were convicted of hazing-related offenses. The Foltz family reached a landmark $10 million settlement, with $7 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and approximately $3 million from Bowling Green State University. Stone’s parents founded the “Move Mountains” foundation, helping to pass “Collin’s Law” in Ohio.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: This case proves that both national fraternities and universities can be held liable for massive sums (settlements of this size are rare but demonstrate the immense legal and human cost of hazing). It also highlights the personal liability faced by individual members, as the chapter president was ordered to pay $6.5 million.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical hazing and degrading rituals also lead to severe injuries and deaths, often involving dangerous “traditions” and a code of silence:

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
  • What Happened: 19-year-old Michael Deng died after being blindfolded, weighted with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Fraternity brothers tried to delay seeking help and cover up the incident.
  • Legal Action: Multiple members were convicted, and, notably, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare instance of an organization facing direct criminal charges.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: This case is a stark warning about hazing at off-campus “retreats” or private residences, which organizations use to evade campus oversight. It also established a powerful precedent for organizational criminal liability, influencing how nationals are viewed in civil lawsuits.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek letter organizations. Elite and competitive athletic programs can also foster environments ripe for abuse, as seen in recent high-profile cases:

• Northwestern University Football Hazing Scandal (2023–2025):
  • What Happened: Multiple former football players came forward with allegations of widespread sexualized, racist, and physically abusive hazing within the program over many years. This included forced sexual acts, racial discrimination, and dangerous physical rituals.
  • Legal Action: The reports led to the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially. Numerous players filed lawsuits against the university, alleging a culture of tolerance for hazing.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: This case serves as a critical reminder that hazing can exist at the highest levels of collegiate athletics, involving powerful coaches and institutions. It demonstrates that universities can be held accountable for failing to supervise athletic programs and for fostering cultures that enable abuse, especially under Title IX where sex-and-gender-based hazing is involved.

What These Cases Mean for Borden County Families

These national anchor stories paint a sobering picture for Borden County families. They highlight:

• Repeating Deadly Scripts: The patterns of forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, and humiliating rituals are tragically consistent across different organizations and campuses nationwide.
• The Culture of Cover-Up: In case after case, there are attempts to delay medical help, destroy evidence, and maintain a code of silence, exacerbating injuries and complicating justice.
• Escalating Stakes: As legal precedents build, the financial and reputational consequences for fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators have risen dramatically. Settlements in the millions are becoming more common.
• Legislative Change: Public outcry and determined families have spurred tougher anti-hazing laws, making it easier to prosecute and hold individuals and organizations accountable.

For your child attending a university in Texas, the lessons from these cases are directly applicable. Hazing that unfolds at a Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, SMU, or Baylor campus often mirrors the tactics and failures seen in these national tragedies. Understanding these patterns is the first step toward recognizing danger and pursuing accountability.

TEXAS FOCUS: UH, TEXAS A&M, UT, SMU, BAYLOR

For families in Borden County, selecting a university for their child is a monumental decision. Many Texas students gravitate towards our state’s flagship institutions, often finding vibrant Greek life, competitive athletic programs, and a myriad of student organizations. Unfortunately, some of these very environments, rich in tradition, can also harbor dangerous hazing practices. The Legal Emergency Lawyers™ at Attorney911 understand the unique challenges and cultures of these major Texas universities. We guide Borden County families through the complexities of hazing incidents at any of these schools.

While Borden County is a more rural part of Texas, many of our county’s students attend these larger state and private universities. Students from Borden County become part of these campus communities, and if hazing occurs, it directly affects their families back home.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant Tier One research institution in the heart of our firm’s home city of Houston, serves a massive and diverse student body. Its campus is a dynamic mix of commuter and residential students, fostering a bustling environment. Greek life is highly active at UH, encompassing a wide range of fraternities and sororities recognized by various councils (Interfraternity Council, Collegiate Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Multicultural Greek Council). Beyond Greek organizations, UH boasts hundreds of student groups, cultural associations, and competitive athletic teams—all potential sites for hazing.

Our firm’s primary office is in Houston, placing us at the heart of the community and directly connected to the happenings at the University of Houston. Families in Borden County whose children attend UH can benefit from our local expertise and our deep understanding of the university’s policies, culture, and legal environment. When a crisis strikes at UH, our local presence means we can rapidly respond to help preserve evidence and engage with campus officials and local law enforcement (Houston Police Department or University of Houston Police Department) without delay.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a sprawling urban campus, home to over 47,000 students. Its diverse population and metropolitan setting contribute to a unique campus culture that blends academic rigor, research innovation, and a lively student experience. Greek life at UH is a significant social force, featuring dozens of recognized fraternities and sororities that organize numerous social, philanthropic, and leadership events. This active Greek community, while offering benefits, also presents an environment where hazing can tragically occur under the guise of “tradition” or “team building,” as our firm’s most significant hazing case demonstrates.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict, publicly available anti-hazing policy, which unequivocally prohibits hazing both on and off campus. This policy defines hazing broadly to include any act that causes or is likely to cause physical or mental discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in an organization. Prohibited behaviors specifically include:

• Forced consumption of alcohol, food, drugs, or any other substance.
• Physical mistreatment, beatings, or excessive physical exercise.
• Sleep deprivation or confinement.
• Wearing absurd or humiliating apparel.
• Performing personal servitude.
• Any activity that endangers mental or physical health.

Students and parents can report hazing via the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, or directly to the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). UH also provides online reporting forms and anonymous reporting options. The university publicly posts an “Anti-Hazing Compliance” statement, affirming its commitment to prevent and prosecute hazing.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

The University of Houston stands at the center of our firm’s most significant hazing case. In late 2025, our firm, Attorney911, filed a lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez against the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, the national Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, its local Beta Nu housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity members. This lawsuit seeks more than $10 million in damages.

The Bermudez case alleges severe hazing that led to life-threatening injuries:

• Pledges were required to carry “pledge fanny packs” containing degrading items like condoms, sex toys, and nicotine devices, facing threats if they didn’t comply.
• Forced physical exertion included rigorous sprints, bear crawls, wheelbarrow races, and “save-your-brother” drills outside at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, one instance on November 3 involved over 100 push-ups and 500 squats.
• Pledges were subjected to psychological abuse, including hours-long “study/work” blocks, weekly interviews under threat of expulsion, and degradation.
• Some were allegedly sprayed with a hose “similar to waterboarding” and threatened with actual waterboarding.
• Leonel Bermudez was compelled to consume excessive amounts of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until he vomited, then immediately forced to run.
• He was left unable to stand, passing “brown urine”—a classic symptom of rhabdomyolysis, a severe skeletal muscle breakdown. Doctors confirmed acute kidney failure and critically high creatine kinase levels, leading to a four-day hospitalization and potential permanent kidney damage.

In response to these allegations, Pi Kappa Phi’s national organization suspended the Beta Nu chapter on November 6, 2025, and the chapter formally voted to surrender its charter on November 14, effectively shutting down the chapter permanently at UH. This case highlights how allegations of hazing at UH lead to serious institutional consequences and our firm’s commitment to fighting for victims.

Prior hazing incidents at UH Greek organizations have also drawn university sanctions. For example, a 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case involved allegations of pledges being deprived of food, water, and sleep, with one student reportedly suffering a lacerated spleen following a physical assault during an illicit event. This incident resulted in misdemeanor hazing charges and a considerable university suspension. Other cases have cited “behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse, leading to probation or temporary bans for various fraternities. These documented instances underscore the ongoing challenge of hazing at UH and the university’s recurring need to enforce its policies.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Borden County families, a hazing incident at the University of Houston would typically fall under the jurisdiction of Harris County courts. Criminal charges related to hazing might be pursued by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, with investigations conducted by the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) or the Houston Police Department (HPD), depending on the incident’s location.

In a civil case, Attorney911 would investigate multiple avenues of liability. Potential defendants could include the individual students involved in the hazing, the local chapter of the fraternity or sorority, the national organization (especially if there’s a history of similar incidents at other chapters), the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, and even the owners of any off-campus property where hazing occurred. Our firm’s direct experience with the University of Houston’s legal and administrative processes, including the ongoing Bermudez case, positions us uniquely to navigate such complex litigation in Houston.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

If you are a student or parent in Borden County concerned about hazing at the University of Houston:

• Understand UH’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with the comprehensive anti-hazing policies outlined by the University of Houston’s Dean of Students office.
• Document Everything: If hazing is suspected, meticulously document all evidence – texts, photos, videos, and dates/times of incidents. (Attorney911 has a video on using your phone to document legal cases at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs).
• Utilize Reporting Channels: Reports can be made to the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, or directly to UHPD. Anonymous reporting options are also available.
• Review Public Records: Check the university’s publicly accessible disciplinary records (which may be found on the Dean of Students website) for any past violations by organizations your child is considering.
• Seek Legal Counsel: For incidents involving significant harm or criminal behavior, contact a Houston-based hazing attorney like Attorney911 immediately. Our firm’s understanding of UH’s internal workings and our ongoing involvement in hazing litigation there can be invaluable.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station stands as a pillar of tradition and academic excellence, attracting students from across Texas, including many from Borden County, who are drawn to its unique spirit and strong sense of community. The university is renowned for its vast student body, its highly regarded Corps of Cadets, and a deeply ingrained culture of tradition. Greek life at Texas A&M is a prominent aspect of student social life, with numerous fraternities and sororities contributing to a vibrant campus environment. Beyond Greek organizations, A&M’s athletic programs, student clubs, and the distinctive Corps of Cadets are all environments where hazing, unfortunately, can sometimes take root despite campus-wide prohibitions.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is one of the largest universities in the country, with nearly 74,000 students on its College Station campus. The university culture is heavily influenced by its military heritage, embodied by the Corps of Cadets—a powerful and traditional organization with its own unique customs and hierarchy. This emphasis on tradition, loyalty, and a strong “Aggie Spirit” can, if unchecked, create conditions where hazing rituals are perpetuated under the guise of “toughening up” new members or upholding revered practices. This culture is a draw for many Borden County families, making understanding its potential pitfalls particularly important.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M University strictly prohibits hazing, adhering to Texas state law and its own comprehensive student rules. The university’s policy, detailed on its website, defines hazing broadly to include any act directly or indirectly related to membership in an organization that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student. The policy explicitly forbids:

• Physical brutality (e.g., whipping, beatings, forced calisthenics, exposure to elements).
• Psychological brutality (e.g., sleep deprivation, ridicule, forced servitude, isolation).
• Alcohol or drug violations (e.g., forced consumption, providing to minors).
• Any act that is humiliating, degrading, or discredits the dignity of students.

Reporting channels include the Student Conduct Office, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and various anonymous reporting hotlines. The university also provides detailed information about hazing on its website, including the state law and potential criminal penalties.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced multiple hazing allegations and incidents over the years, affecting both its Greek life and its highly esteemed Corps of Cadets:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Lawsuit (circa 2021): This highly publicized case involved allegations by two pledges who suffered severe chemical burns, requiring skin graft surgeries. The plaintiffs claimed they were subjected to forced strenuous activity while substances including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit were poured on them. The fraternity’s chapter was suspended by the university, and the pledges pursued a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against the organization.
• Corps of Cadets Hazing Allegations (2023 Lawsuit): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and sexualized hazing within the Corps. The allegations included forced simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The university stated it handled the matter internally under its regulations, but the lawsuit brought renewed scrutiny to hazing within the Corps.
• Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) Hazing Death (2018): Pledge Joseph Little collapsed and died during pledging activities. While initial reports were vague, the university’s subsequent investigation identified and sanctioned hazing acts within the chapter, highlighting the persistent danger within A&M’s Greek system.
• Aggie Bonfire (1999): While not traditional hazing in the same sense, the tragic collapse of the student-constructed Aggie Bonfire killed 12 students and injured 27. This incident underscored the DANGERS of unchecked student-led high-risk activities and the immense institutional oversight responsibilities of the university. Subsequent civil lawsuits against university officials resulted in settlements exceeding $6 million.

These incidents demonstrate a recurring pattern of severe hazing at Texas A&M, often cloaked in tradition or loyalty.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Borden County families, a hazing incident at Texas A&M University would generally fall under the jurisdiction of Brazos County courts. Criminal investigations could involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) or the College Station Police Department.

In a civil lawsuit, Attorney911 would target a broad range of defendants. Beyond the individual students and the local chapter, this often includes the national fraternity or sorority organization, the general university and its governing board, and possibly property owners if hazing occurred off-campus. The specific culture and regulatory structure of the Corps of Cadets add another layer of complexity to these investigations, potentially involving different university departments and chains of command in liability claims. Given the substantial assets of Texas A&M as a public institution within the Texas A&M University System, pursuing accountability often involves navigating both state immunity laws and the university’s extensive resources.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

If you are a student or parent from Borden County concerned about hazing at Texas A&M:

• Study A&M’s Policies: Thoroughly understand the university’s rigorous anti-hazing policies, especially those pertaining to both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets.
• Immediate Documentation: As soon as any hazing is suspected, meticulously document all details—take photos of injuries, screenshot text messages, record events (if legally permissible and safe), and preserve any physical evidence.
• Confidential Reporting: Utilize Texas A&M’s official reporting channels, including the Student Conduct Office, UPD, or anonymous tip lines. Be prepared for a formal university investigation to be launched.
• Engage Legal Counsel: If hazing has resulted in significant harm, loss, or criminal behavior, contact an experienced Texas hazing attorney immediately. Our firm can help you navigate the university’s internal processes, which can be challenging, and protect your legal rights.
• Understand Corps Culture: For Corps members and their families, be aware of the distinct internal communication and command structures. Recognize the difference between legitimate military discipline and abusive hazing.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is arguably the state’s most iconic institution, drawing students from every corner of Texas, including many from Borden County, who aspire to its academic excellence and vibrant “Keep Austin Weird” culture. As a flagship public university, UT Austin boasts a massive student population, a highly active Greek life, and numerous spirit organizations that are central to its identity. These groups, often steeped in tradition, can inadvertently become environments where hazing practices persist, despite the university’s explicit prohibitions and notable efforts toward transparency.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin enrolls over 52,000 students, creating a bustling, intellectually stimulating, and socially dynamic environment. Its culture is fiercely independent and deeply rooted in traditions ranging from “Hook ’em Horns” to numerous student-run organizations. Greek life is robust at UT, featuring a large number of fraternities and sororities involved in social events, philanthropy, and campus leadership. Additionally, UT is home to powerful spirit organizations, like the Texas Cowboys (a group with its own hazing history), whose high profile can sometimes contribute to the perpetuation of dangerous initiation rituals.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin maintains a strong and publicly accessible anti-hazing policy, strictly prohibiting hazing both on and off campus. Their policy aligns with Texas law, defining hazing broadly to include any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for initiation, affiliation, or membership. UT’s policy specifically prohibits:

• Physical abuse or forced physical activity.
• Forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance.
• Psychological harassment, verbal abuse, or undue stress.
• Any act that is intimidating, demeaning, or compromises a student’s personal dignity.

UT is notably one of the more transparent universities in Texas regarding hazing. It operates a dedicated “Hazing Violations” website (hazing.utexas.edu) that publicly lists organizations found responsible for hazing, the specific nature of their misconduct, and the sanctions imposed. This transparency, reinforced by the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, is a critical resource for parents and potential pledges. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students office, the UT Police Department (UTPD), and anonymous reporting systems.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page provides a candid, albeit troubling, record of recurring hazing incidents across various organizations:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This fraternity was sanctioned for hazing involving new members being directed to consume milk and subsequently perform strenuous calisthenics, activities deemed to endanger mental and physical health. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new, enhanced hazing prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers and other Spirit Organizations: These high-profile spirit groups have repeatedly faced sanctions for violations related to forced physical activity, alcohol-related hazing, and other punishment-based practices designed to instill conformity and loyalty. The public nature of these repeat offenses highlights the challenge of eradicating hazing even with active university oversight.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2006): While the national SAE fraternity has a troubled history, a 2006 incident at UT involving a pledge’s death from an alleged fall while intoxicated underscores the dangers when excessive drinking combines with hazing traditions. More recently, in January 2024, a highly publicized lawsuit was filed against a local SAE chapter following an alleged assault on an Australian exchange student during a party, which led to severe injuries including a dislocated leg and broken bones. The chapter was already suspended for prior hazing violations.
• Texas Cowboys (1995 & 2018): This storied spirit group has a history of hazing. In 1995, pledge Gabriel Higgins drowned in the Colorado River following alcohol-related hazing at an initiation party. Years later, in 2018, UT officials acknowledged serious hazing (including sleep deprivation and animal abuse) had occurred within the Texas Cowboys, expelling some members after the death of a “new man” in a pickup truck accident, with parents alleging hazing-induced sleep deprivation contributed to the fatality.

UT’s public logging of these incidents, while commendable for transparency, also clearly illustrates patterns of misconduct and the university’s ongoing struggle to completely stamp out hazing across its diverse student organizations.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Borden County families, a hazing incident at the University of Texas at Austin would typically fall under the jurisdiction of Travis County courts. Criminal charges could be pursued by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, with investigations conducted by the UT Police Department (UTPD) or the Austin Police Department.

In a civil lawsuit, Attorney911 would leverage UT’s own public records, which often detail previous hazing violations, to demonstrate a pattern of misconduct and the university’s knowledge of certain organizations’ propensities. This information is invaluable in building a case based on negligence against the university and national organizations. Potential defendants would include individual perpetrators, the local chapter, the national organization, and the University of Texas itself (navigating potential sovereign immunity protections).

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

If you are a student or parent from Borden County concerned about hazing at the University of Texas at Austin:

• Consult UT’s Hazing Violations Page: Regularly check hazing.utexas.edu for any current or past violations by organizations your child is considering. This is an unparalleled resource for transparency.
• Know UT’s Reporting System: Understand how to report hazing to the Dean of Students Office, UTPD, or anonymously through their “Horns Up, Hazing Down” initiative.
• Document Vigilantly: Preserve all evidence if you suspect hazing – screenshots of communications, photos/videos of incidents or injuries, and a detailed timeline of events.
• Prioritize Safety First: If your child is in danger or needs medical attention, ensure they receive it immediately. UT’s medical amnesty policy is designed to encourage seeking help without fear of code of conduct violations for alcohol use.
• Contact Legal Counsel: For major incidents involving severe harm or those you believe are not being adequately addressed by the university, contact an experienced Texas hazing attorney at Attorney911. Our understanding of UT’s transparency and reporting can be used to your advantage.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University (SMU), a distinguished private university in Dallas, is a popular choice for students seeking a strong academic program coupled with an active social scene. Many families from Borden County, seeking a blend of tradition and top-tier education, look towards SMU. The university is particularly known for its vibrant Greek life, which plays a central role in student social and philanthropic activities. While the private nature of SMU means less public data than state institutions, hazing incidents have still emerged, prompting university intervention.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is home to approximately 12,000 students and is characterized by its beautiful campus, prominent Greek system, and connections to the Dallas metropolitan area. Its culture is often described as spirited, competitive, and community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on leadership and involvement. Greek organizations are a cornerstone of SMU’s social fabric, with a large percentage of students participating. This strong Greek identity, combined with the desire for social standing, can sometimes create an environment where hazing “traditions” are passed down, despite efforts by the university and national organizations to eradicate them.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Southern Methodist University maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that aligns with Texas state law, applying to all student organizations, athletic teams, and groups both on and off campus. SMU’s policy explicitly states that hazing is forbidden and defines it broadly to include any act that:

• Causes or is likely to cause physical, mental, or emotional harm or humiliation.
• Is required for initiation, admission, affiliation, or as a condition for retaining membership.
• Involves forced consumption of alcohol, food, drugs, or other substances.
• Includes physical abuse, psychological abuse, or any activity that compromises a student’s personal dignity.

SMU provides clear reporting channels through the Office of the Dean of Students, the SMU Police Department (SMU PD), and an online reporting form. The university also emphasizes anonymous reporting options to encourage students to come forward without fear of reprisal.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Despite its private status, SMU has publicly dealt with hazing incidents involving its student organizations:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity faced a significant campus investigation after allegations of hazing surfaced, involving new members reportedly being subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter received a multi-year suspension from the university, severely restricting its on-campus activities and recruitment until official recognition was restored (approximately 2021). This incident, among others, prompted SMU to reiterate its commitment to a zero-tolerance hazing policy.
• Lambda Chi Alpha (2018): Following an internal investigation and anonymous tips, Lambda Chi Alpha was suspended by SMU due to hazing violations related to forced activities and alcohol misuse, underscoring that different Greek organizations across the campus continue to struggle with compliance despite explicit university rules.

While SMU’s public-facing documentation of hazing violations may not be as extensive or detailed as that of public institutions like UT Austin (due to different transparency requirements), these documented incidents confirm that hazing is an ongoing concern at the university.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Borden County families, a hazing incident at Southern Methodist University would fall under the jurisdiction of Dallas County courts. Criminal investigations could involve the SMU Police Department (SMU PD) or the Dallas Police Department, depending on the incident’s nature and location (on-campus vs. off-campus).

In a civil lawsuit against SMU or its affiliated organizations, Attorney911 would pursue claims based on negligence, negligent supervision, and failure to enforce policies. As a private university, SMU generally does not have the same sovereign immunity defenses that public Texas universities might assert, which can simplify some aspects of litigation. Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and SMU itself. Our firm’s experience in complex institutional litigation means we are prepared to navigate the legal strategies of a well-resourced private university like SMU.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

If you are a student or parent from Borden County concerned about hazing at Southern Methodist University:

• Review SMU’s Anti-Hazing Resources: Familiarize yourself with the comprehensive materials available through the Office of the Dean of Students regarding prohibited conduct and safety.
• Utilize SMU’s Reporting Tools: Use the university’s online reporting forms, contact the Office of the Dean of Students, SMU PD, or leverage anonymous reporting options like “Real Response” if available.
• Document Every Detail: Meticulously collect and preserve all evidence—text messages, social media content, photos, videos, and a detailed chronological log of events if hazing is suspected.
• Seek Prompt Medical Attention: If your child is injured or experiencing severe distress, prioritize their physical and mental health by seeking immediate professional medical care.
• Consult with Legal Experts: For any hazing incident resulting in serious harm or allegations of criminal behavior, contacting an experienced Dallas-area hazing attorney like Attorney911 can ensure your rights are protected and all avenues for accountability are explored.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a unique position in Texas higher education. It attracts students from Borden County and beyond with its strong academic programs, faith-based mission, and spirited athletic traditions. While Baylor fosters a close-knit community, it has also faced challenges with student conduct, including past high-profile scandals related to athletic programs and sexual assault. These incidents highlight the critical importance of institutional oversight, particularly regarding hazing within its numerous student organizations and athletic teams.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University serves over 20,000 students, offering a distinctive Christian higher education experience. Its culture is deeply influenced by its religious affiliation, emphasizing character development, service, and academic achievement within a vibrant campus community. Baylor has a robust social scene, including a strong Greek presence and highly visible athletic programs, particularly its NCAA Division I sports. This blend of faith, community, and competitive spirit can provide a rich student experience, but it also creates an environment where initiation practices or team-building activities, if not carefully monitored, can deviate into dangerous hazing.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that is consistent with Texas state law and its institutional values. The policy, accessible on Baylor’s student life website, defines hazing as any act that:

• Causes or is likely to cause physical, emotional, or psychological harm.
• Is required for initiation into, affiliation with, or continued membership in an any student organization or group.
• Involves forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, physical abuse, sleep deprivation, or any humiliating or degrading activity.
  Baylor’s policy emphasizes a “zero-tolerance” stance on hazing, reflecting its commitment to student safety and ethical conduct. Reporting channels include the Department of Student Activities, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), and various anonymous reporting systems. Baylor, like other universities, is also subject to the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, which will further mandate transparency in reporting.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor University has, unfortunately, been involved in incidents that underscore the ongoing challenges of hazing and institutional oversight:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): A significant internal investigation at Baylor revealed hazing activities within the university’s baseball program. As a result, 14 baseball players were suspended due to their involvement. The suspensions were carefully staggered to manage the impact on the team’s season, highlighting the efforts required to address serious misconduct at high-profile athletic programs while balancing competitive concerns. This incident brought to light that hazing can occur even within organized, university-sanctioned sports teams.
• Broader Oversight Challenges: While this specific hazing incident was addressed, it occurred in the context of Baylor’s wider scrutiny regarding campus safety and institutional responses to misconduct, particularly in the wake of the highly publicized sexual assault scandal involving its football program in previous years. This history of oversight challenges, while not directly hazing-related, underscores concerns about how deeply certain behaviors might become embedded in student culture and how effectively the university monitors and intervenes.

These incidents demonstrate that even at institutions with strong ethical codes and prominent religious affiliations, hazing can persist. They highlight the ongoing need for vigilance, robust enforcement of anti-hazing policies, and a willingness to confront harmful traditions.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Borden County families, a hazing incident at Baylor University would typically fall under the jurisdiction of McLennan County courts. Criminal investigations could involve the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) or the Waco Police Department, depending on the locality of the incident.

In a civil case, Attorney911 would build a claim based on allegations of negligence, negligent supervision, and failure to protect students from foreseeable harm. As a private university, Baylor generally does not benefit from the same sovereign immunity protections that public Texas universities might, which can streamline certain legal processes. Potential defendants would include individual student perpetrators, the local chapter or team, any relevant national organization, and Baylor University itself. Our firm’s experience in navigating the complexities of institutional liability, particularly with private universities, positions us to effectively pursue accountability on behalf of victims.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

If you are a student or parent from Borden County concerned about hazing at Baylor University:

• Understand Baylor’s Expectations: Familiarize yourself with the university’s “Baylor Standards of Conduct” and specific hazing policies available through the Student Life division.
• Utilize Reporting Systems: Baylor provides multiple ways to report hazing, including contacting the Department of Student Activities, BUPD, or using their anonymous reporting hotlines.
• Preserve Evidence Meticulously: If hazing is suspected, immediately collect and catalog all evidence. This includes screenshots of group chats, recordings or photos of incidents (if safely possible), and detailed written accounts with dates and participants.
• Seek Medical and Counseling Support: Prioritize your child’s well-being. If physical or emotional harm occurs, promptly seek medical care and utilize Baylor’s Student Health & Wellness services for counseling.
• Contact Experienced Legal Counsel: For hazing incidents involving serious injuries, criminal behavior, or profound emotional distress, securing representation from an experienced Texas hazing attorney at Attorney911 is crucial. We can help you navigate Baylor’s internal processes and explore all legal avenues for justice.

6. FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES: CAMPUS-SPECIFIC + NATIONAL HISTORIES

For Borden County families, recognizing the patterns of hazing within specific fraternities and sororities, and their national organizations, is a powerful tool in protecting their children. Many of the peer groups that students join at Texas universities are chapters of larger national or international bodies. While these national organizations often claim a “zero-tolerance” policy on hazing, their own histories frequently tell a different, more troubling story. Understanding these national patterns is crucial because it often forms the basis for legal accountability in civil lawsuits.

Why National Histories Matter

When a student is harmed by hazing at a local chapter, whether at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, the national organization often plays a critical role in potential litigation. Here’s why:

• Policy Makers: National headquarters issue policies, rules, and risk management guidelines that local chapters are supposed to follow. They benefit from their chapters’ presence on campuses through brand recognition, dues, and alumni networks.
• Prior Knowledge (Foreseeability): Most national fraternities and sororities have extensive histories of hazing incidents, injuries, and deaths across their various chapters nationwide. This means they often have prior knowledge that certain types of hazing (e.g., alcohol lineups, physical beatings, degrading rituals) are dangerous and foreseeable within their organization.
• Pattern Evidence: If a local chapter repeats a hazing ritual that has led to a death or serious injury at another chapter of the same national organization, it becomes very difficult for the national body to claim they “didn’t know” or “couldn’t have foreseen” the danger. This pattern evidence is central to claims of negligence and gross negligence against the national organization.
• Financial Resources: National organizations typically carry significant insurance policies and have substantial assets, making them critical defendants in civil lawsuits designed to compensate victims for their extensive medical bills, lost educational opportunities, and severe pain and suffering.

In many civil hazing cases, we argue that the national organization had a duty to effectively train, supervise, and monitor its chapters, and its failure to prevent repeated, foreseeable harm constitutes negligence.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

Here, we provide insights into some fraternities and sororities commonly found at Texas universities and their national hazing histories. This is not an exhaustive list, nor does it imply every chapter has engaged in hazing, but it highlights organizations with a documented national pattern of incidents that families in Borden County should be aware of.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike):

  • Identity: A large national fraternity with chapters at many Texas universities, including UT Austin and Texas A&M.
  • National Hazing History: This fraternity has faced immense scrutiny due to multiple high-profile hazing deaths. Stone Foltz’s death (2021) at Bowling Green State University involved pledges being forced to consume a “handle” of liquor; his family received a $10 million settlement from the national fraternity and the university. Similarly, David Bogenberger’s death (2012) at Northern Illinois University also resulted from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event, leading to a $14 million settlement. These cases demonstrate a recurring pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing. Attorney911 has also seen local chapters sanctioned at Texas A&M in 2023 for hazing resulting in severe rhabdomyolysis and other injuries. This national pattern suggests a foreseeable risk associated with their pledging process.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE):

  • Identity: One of the largest fraternities in the U.S., with numerous active chapters across Texas, including at UT Austin, Texas A&M, and SMU.
  • National Hazing History: SAE earned the unfortunate moniker “America’s deadliest fraternity” from Bloomberg News due to multiple alcohol-related deaths in the 2000s and 2010s, leading the national organization to famously ban pledging in 2014 (a policy not always fully enforced). More recently, a traumatic brain injury lawsuit was filed at the University of Alabama (2023) following hazing allegations. Locally in Texas, SAE chapters have faced severe scrutiny:
    • Texas A&M (2021): Two pledges alleged receiving severe chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit being poured on them during forced strenuous activity. They pursued a $1 million lawsuit.
    • University of Texas at Austin (2024): A lawsuit was filed against a local chapter for over $1 million by an Australian exchange student who alleged severe injuries, including a dislocated leg and broken bones, after an assault by fraternity members at a party. The chapter was already suspended for prior hazing violations.
  • We are NOT claiming the specific Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapters at Texas A&M or UT Austin engaged in these acts outside the publicly documented instances. However, the national organization’s history indicates a serious, foreseeable risk where similar patterns of abuse may occur.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

  • Identity: A prominent national fraternity with chapters at many Texas universities, including UT Austin, Texas A&M, and SMU.
  • National Hazing History: This fraternity is tragically linked to the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana. Max Gruver (18) died in 2017 at LSU after a “Bible study” hazing ritual forced him to consume a lethal amount of alcohol (BAC 0.495%). His family received a $6.1 million verdict. This tragic case led to the creation of one of the country’s strongest anti-hazing laws.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

  • Identity: A national fraternity with a local Beta Nu chapter at the University of Houston, currently involved in our firm’s lawsuit.
  • National Hazing History: Pi Kappa Phi has faced national attention due to hazing deaths, including Andrew Coffey’s death (2017) at Florida State University. Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night,” which led to multiple criminal charges for members. Our firm’s lawsuit against the University of Houston and its Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter alleges another severe hazing incident where Leonel Bermudez suffered life-threatening rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure from forced physical activity and consumption games. Given its history, our law firm posits that the national organization had ample forewarning regarding the potential for severe hazing within its chapters.

• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ):

  • Identity: A large national fraternity with chapters at numerous Texas universities, including Texas A&M and TCU.
  • National Hazing History: Kappa Sigma has a significant national hazing history. Chad Meredith (18) drowned at the University of Miami in 2001 after being pressured by fraternity members to swim across a lake while intoxicated. His family secured a $12.6 million jury verdict, and Florida subsequently passed a law in his name. More recently, allegations of severe rhabdomyolysis from physical hazing at a Texas A&M chapter (2023) are under ongoing litigation. At TCU (2018), a chapter member was arrested for hazing pledges, leading to university sanctions.

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA):

  • Identity: A traditional national fraternity with chapters at schools such as SMU and the University of Texas.
  • National Hazing History: Kappa Alpha Order has a national history of hazing incidents and suspensions. The SMU chapter itself was sanctioned and suspended in 2017 following allegations of paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation. These incidents are a pattern in which pledges are forced to conform through physically and psychologically damaging rituals.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For Borden County families pursuing a hazing claim, connecting local incidents to national patterns is a vital legal strategy. It argues that:

• Foreseeability: The national organization, with its history of similar incidents, could and should have foreseen the potential for harm at its chapters, including those in Texas.
• Negligent Supervision: By failing to adequately control, train, and discipline its local chapters, the national organization may be found negligent in its duty to protect students.
• Increased Liability: This pattern evidence can bolster claims for significant compensation, including punitive damages in some cases, by demonstrating a reckless disregard for student safety.

When an organization’s “anti-hazing policies” are repeatedly violated across multiple chapters, it suggests a profound failure of oversight that legal action can expose. Attorney911 meticulously investigates these connections to build the strongest possible case for our clients.

7. BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY

For families in Borden County, understanding how a hazing case is built—from the critical evidence required to the types of damages that can be recovered—is essential for pursuing justice. At Attorney911, we approach hazing litigation with the same rigor and investigative detail as we would a complex refinery accident or a wrongful death case, focusing on every layer of accountability.

7.1 Evidence: The Foundation of a Strong Hazing Case

In hazing cases, particularly those involving institutional cover-ups or a code of silence, robust evidence collection is paramount. Many of the most powerful forms of evidence are digital, but every detail matters.

• Digital Communications & Social Media: This is often the most critical category of evidence in modern hazing cases. Our firm advises families and victims to preserve every piece of digital information:

  • Group Messaging Apps: Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and fraternity-specific communication apps (e.g., OmegaFi) are treasure troves. They contain messages about planning hazing events, instructions to pledges, degrading comments, and discussions about cover-ups. We meticulously collect screenshots of entire threads, showing sender names and timestamps. (Attorney911 has a video on using your cellphone to document a legal case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs).
  • DMs and Direct Messages: Private conversations between members or with pledges often contain candid admissions, threats, or instructions.
  • Social Media Posts: Instagram stories, Snapchat filters, TikTok videos, Facebook posts, and even X (formerly Twitter) threads can capture hazing in progress, reveal participants, or show the social pressure exerted. We look for photos and videos of events, injuries, humiliating acts, and location tags that pinpoint where hazing occurred.

• Photos & Videos: Beyond social media, direct photo and video evidence can be devastating to hazers’ defenses:

  • Injuries: Clear, timestamped photos of bruises, burns, cuts, and other physical injuries, taken from multiple angles and with markers for scale. These should be documented immediately after the incident and then over several days to show progression (e.g., bruising).
  • Hazing in Progress: If safely obtained, video or photographic evidence of hazing activities, particularly those involving physical abuse or forced consumption, can be irrefutable.
  • Locations & Objects: Photos of the off-campus house, meeting room, or outdoor area where hazing occurred. Pictures of objects used in hazing, such as paddles, bottles, or degrading costumes, are also valuable.

• Internal Organizational Documents: Once a lawsuit is filed, Attorney911 can use discovery tools (subpoenas, requests for production) to obtain:

  • Pledge manuals, “new member education” packets, or initiation scripts.
  • Internal emails, meeting minutes, or texts from officers discussing activities.
  • National fraternity/sorority policies, risk management guidelines, and internal reports of prior incidents at any chapter.

• University Records: Open records requests (for public institutions like UH, Texas A&M, UT) and discovery (for all universities) can uncover:

  • Prior discipline records for the organization (probations, suspensions, warnings).
  • Incident reports filed with campus police or the student conduct office.
  • Emails or internal communications among administrators regarding the organization’s activities or any concerns raised.
  • Clery Act reports, which document campus crime statistics.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the extent of the harm suffered:

  • Emergency room and hospital records detailing diagnoses, treatments, and toxicology results (e.g., blood alcohol content, drug screens).
  • Records from primary care physicians, specialists (e.g., nephrologists for kidney damage, neurologists for head injuries), or physical therapists.
  • Psychological evaluations and therapy notes can document the profound emotional distress, PTSD, depression, or anxiety resulting from hazing.

• Witness Testimony: The accounts of individuals who saw or experienced the hazing are critical:

  • Other pledges or new members (though they may be hesitant to speak initially).
  • Former members who left the organization due to hazing.
  • Roommates, friends, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, or other university staff who observed changes in behavior or overheard discussions.

7.2 Damages: What Victims and Families Can Recover

When a hazing incident results in harm, victims and their families can pursue various types of damages to cover their losses and obtain justice.

• Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses directly resulting from the hazing:

  • Medical Expenses: Past and future costs for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, specialist consultations, physical therapy, medications, and any long-term care plans (like those needed for severe brain or organ damage).
  • Lost Income & Educational Impact: Compensation for lost wages due to time off work (for students or parents acting as caregivers). This also includes reimbursement for missed tuition, lost scholarships, or the diminished future earning capacity if the injuries (physical or psychological) permanently hinder career prospects.
  • Other Direct Costs: Such as property damage (e.g., broken phone, ruined clothing), or relocation expenses if a student must transfer universities due to the trauma.

• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for subjective, non-monetary losses that profoundly impact a victim’s quality of life:

  • Physical Pain & Suffering: For the immediate and ongoing pain caused by injuries, including discomfort from scarring, chronic conditions, or permanent physical limitations.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: Compensation for conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, depression, humiliation, shame, and loss of dignity.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social interactions they once loved, or the general diminished quality of their college experience and personal life.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the tragic event that hazing leads to a fatality, surviving families can seek comprehensive damages:

  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Reimbursement for all expenses related to the deceased’s funeral and burial.
  • Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased would have contributed to family income or supported parents/siblings, economic experts calculate this loss over their projected lifetime.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: This deeply personal category compensates for the profound emotional void and loss of relationship experienced by close family members (parents, children, and often siblings in Texas).
  • Grief and Emotional Suffering: Damages for the overwhelming psychological pain and suffering endured by the grieving family members.

• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct, where defendants acted with extreme recklessness, malice, or a callous indifference to safety, courts may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoers and deter others from similar behavior. Punitive damages are carefully considered in Texas and are often capped, but they can be a powerful tool for accountability, particularly when national organizations ignore repeated warnings about dangerous hazing practices.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Pursuing justice in a hazing case often involves navigating complex legal and insurance landscapes. Many powerful defendants are typically involved, each with their own legal counsel and insurance policies:

• Institutional Defendants: National fraternities, universities, and their governing boards usually have substantial financial resources and are backed by sophisticated legal teams and extensive insurance coverage. Their insurance providers often attempt to deny coverage based on policy exclusions for “intentional acts” or “criminal behavior,” arguing that hazing falls under these categories.
• Local Chapters and Individuals: While local chapters may have some insurance, individual students typically have less, and their personal assets might be limited. However, homeowners’ policies or parental policies sometimes offer unexpected avenues for coverage.

Experienced hazing lawyers at Attorney911 excel in:

• Identifying All Coverage: We meticulously identify every potential layer of insurance coverage—from individual D&O policies (Directors and Officers) for student leaders to local chapter liability, national organization policies, and university umbrella policies.
• Navigating Exclusions: We understand the nuances of insurance policy language and how to challenge wrongful denials of coverage. Even if hazing is an “intentional act,” a national organization’s failure to supervise or enforce policies can be argued as “negligence,” which is typically covered.
• Strategic Litigation: Our firm is adept at overcoming institutional defenses, including sovereign immunity claims by public universities. We understand that even if immunity technically applies, universities often settle to avoid negative publicity and the costs of litigation.

Lupe Peña, an experienced attorney at Attorney911, brings invaluable insight with her background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows the strategies and “playbook” that fraternities and universities use to fight claims and minimize payouts. This insider knowledge gives our clients a distinct advantage in navigating complex insurance disputes and achieving favorable outcomes.

8. PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS

Empowering families in Borden County means not only understanding the legal landscape but also knowing what practical steps to take if hazing is suspected or occurs. The rapid disappearance of evidence and the ingrained culture of silence make immediate, informed action critical.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

As a parent, your intuition is your strongest asset. If something feels off with your child at college, trust that feeling and pay close attention to potential warning signs.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:

  • Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or other injuries they can’t (or won’t) explain, or that come with strange, implausible stories. Pay attention to how often these occur.
  • Extreme Fatigue & Sleep Deprivation: Constant exhaustion, falling asleep in class, or talking about mandatory late-night events that leave them perpetually tired.
  • Drastic Mood Changes: Sudden anxiety, severe stress, irritability, depression, or emotional withdrawal from family and old friends. Your child might seem constantly on edge or fearful.
  • Secretive Behavior: They might become evasive when asked about their organization, using phrases like “It’s a secret,” “I can’t talk about it,” or “What happens here stays here.”
  • Obsessive Phone Usage & Anxiety: Constantly checking their phone for group chat notifications, becoming anxious about perceived slow responses, or receiving calls/texts at odd hours that demand immediate attention.
  • Academic Decline: A sudden drop in grades, missed classes, or difficulty concentrating due to time demands or emotional distress from group activities.
  • Changes in Appearance or Dress: Being forced to wear specific clothing, uniforms, or unusual outfits, sometimes degrading ones, as part of their new member status.
  • Physical Changes: Unexplained weight loss or gain, or signs of dehydration, which could indicate food/water restriction or overexertion.

• How to Talk to Your Child:

  • Choose the Right Time & Place: Find a private, calm moment when you both have time to talk, ideally in person or during a video call where you can see their face.
  • Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of accusations (“Are you being hazed?”), ask questions that invite conversation: “How are things really going with [organization name]? Are you truly enjoying it?” “Are you getting enough sleep and time for your studies?” “Is there anything about the experience that makes you uncomfortable?”
  • Emphasize Safety Over Status: Reassure them that their well-being is your top priority, far above any organizational affiliation. Let them know you will support them no matter what, and that they are not “ruining” anything by speaking up.
  • Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge that the pressure to belong is immense, and it’s okay to feel conflicted or scared.
  • Listen Without Judgment: If they do open up, listen carefully without interrupting or immediately jumping to solutions. Your role is to hear them and create a safe space.

• If Your Child Is Hurt or in Danger:

  • GET IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION: This is your absolute first priority. Call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. Ensure medical providers are aware of how the injuries occurred (e.g., forced physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption) for accurate documentation.
  • Document Everything: While fresh, write down every detail your child shares: dates, times, locations, names of individuals involved, specific hazing acts, and what led to the injury.
  • Preserve Evidence: Take photos of injuries. If your child has digital evidence (text messages, social media posts), screenshot it immediately and back it up.
  • Contact Legal Counsel Immediately: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you suspect criminal activity, contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 without delay. This is crucial for preserving evidence before it disappears.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document All Communications: Keep a meticulous record of every phone call, email, or meeting with university administrators, including dates, times, names, and a summary of the discussion.
  • Ask Direct Questions: Inquire about the university’s knowledge of prior incidents involving the organization, what actions were taken (or not taken), and the specific steps they will take to investigate and protect your child.
  • Refer University Officials to Your Attorney: Once you retain legal counsel, direct all future communications from the university to your attorney. This ensures your rights are protected and information is managed strategically.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer:

  • You should talk to a lawyer experienced in hazing cases if your child has suffered any significant physical or psychological harm.
  • If you feel the university or the organization is being evasive, minimizing the incident, or attempting to suppress information.
  • If you suspect a larger pattern of hazing that the institution has failed to address.
  • If your child is facing any disciplinary action from the university related to the hazing.

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

If you’re a student in Borden County currently involved in a new member process at a Texas university, assessing whether your experience is hazing can be challenging due to the pressure to conform. Here’s a guide to help you recognize hazing and empower you to act with confidence.

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

  • Am I being forced or pressured to do something I genuinely don’t want to do?
  • Would I be doing this activity if there were no social consequences (e.g., being “cut” or making my pledge class look bad) for refusing?
  • Does this activity involve alcohol consumption that I feel pressured to participate in?
  • Does this activity feel dangerous, humiliating, degrading, or abusive in any way?
  • Would my parents, a university administrator, or the general public approve of this activity 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 conceal information about this process from outsiders, including my family or the university?
  • Am I experiencing sleep deprivation, extreme fatigue, or constant anxiety due to required activities?

  If you answered YES to any of these questions, it is likely hazing, and it is illegal. The “consent is not a defense” clause in Texas hazing law directly addresses these situations.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • You Have the Right to Leave: Remember, you have the legal right to quit your new member process or leave any organization at any time, regardless of what anyone tells you.
  • Tell a Trusted Person First: Confide in someone outside the organization (e.g., a parent, a trusted RA, a close friend, or a counselor) immediately. They can help you plan your exit and provide support.
  • Avoid Confrontation: Do not go to “one last meeting” or engage in a direct confrontation with the perpetrators alone, as this could lead to further pressure or an unsafe situation.
  • Report Internally if Possible: Once you are safe, consider reporting to the university’s Dean of Students office or an anonymous hotline. Many schools, like UT Austin, offer protections for good-faith reporters.
  • Texas Law Protects You: In Texas, you cannot be punished for calling 911 or seeking medical help in an emergency, even if underage drinking was involved (medical amnesty laws). Hazing itself is a crime, and you are the victim. Our firm has a video explaining critical mistakes to avoid in your injury case at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

• Evidence Collection (for Students):

  • Digital Forensics: Your phone is the most powerful piece of evidence.
    • Screenshot Everything: Group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, etc.), direct messages, social media posts, and any online content related to hazing. Include timestamps, sender names, and ample context.
    • Record Where Legally Permitted: In Texas, you can legally record conversations you are a party to (one-party consent state). If safe and legal, record meetings or discussions where hazing is discussed or ordered.
  • Photos and Videos:
    • Injuries: Take clear, timestamped photos of any physical injuries from multiple angles immediately after they occur and over several days.
    • Locations & Objects: Photograph where hazing occurred and any unique objects used in the rituals (e.g., paddles, hazing paraphernalia, unusual food items).
  • Medical Documentation: If you receive medical attention, ensure you explicitly state that your injuries were hazing-related so it’s documented in your medical records.
  • Safe Storage: Back up all digital evidence to a cloud service or email it to a trusted family member. Do not delete anything from your phone.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: Breaking the Code of Silence

If you are a former member, or a witness to hazing at a Texas university, you have a critical role to play in preventing future harm and holding perpetrators accountable. We understand the immense pressure to remain silent, but speaking up can save lives and bring justice.

• Your Testimony Matters: Your firsthand account and any evidence you possess can be vital in:

  • Confirming patterns of hazing that institutions may deny.
  • Establishing the foreseeability of harm.
  • Holding individuals and organizations accountable in civil and criminal proceedings.
  • Leading to reforms that protect future students from suffering the same fate.

• Navigating Your Role:

  • Seek Legal Advice: If you are concerned about your own potential liability (especially if you were involved in hazing but were also a victim, or if you witnessed criminal acts), it is crucial to consult with an attorney. An experienced lawyer can explain your rights and obligations, and help protect you. Attorney911 handles criminal defense cases (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) and can advise on both criminal exposure and potential civil roles.
  • Evidence Preservation: If you have digital evidence (screenshots, photos, videos, group chats) or knowledge of documents, preserving these can be invaluable.
  • Anonymity: Many universities and national organizations offer anonymous reporting options. The National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) also provides an anonymous channel for reporting.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

In our decades of experience handling complex litigation, we’ve seen promising hazing cases weakened or destroyed by preventable mistakes. For Borden County families, avoiding these common errors is as crucial as gathering evidence:

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

   • The Misconception: You might think you’re protecting your child from further trouble, or they might be embarrassed by degrading content.
   • The Reality: Deleting evidence (text messages, photos, videos, group chats) can be devastating to a legal case. It can be seen as obstruction of justice or spoliation of evidence, making it incredibly difficult to prove the hazing occurred. Investigators (both university and legal) often expect to see digital conversations. Even embarrassing content is crucial.
   • What to Do Instead: If hazing occurred, preserve everything immediately. Screenshot all pertinent communications, photos, and videos. Back them up to a cloud service or email them to a trusted, secure address. Do not delete ANYTHING. Let your lawyer determine what is relevant and admissible.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority or Perpetrators Directly:

   • The Misconception: You want immediate answers, or you might feel a protective urge to confront those who harmed your child.
   • The Reality: Direct confrontation often triggers an immediate “lockdown” by the organization. Evidence is destroyed, witnesses are coached to lie, and perpetrators may close ranks. This can severely undermine your ability to collect crucial information.
   • What to Do Instead: Document everything privately, then contact Attorney911. Our legal team can initiate formal inquiries through proper channels, ensuring evidence is preserved and witnesses are approached carefully.

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

   • The Misconception: Universities may pressure you to sign documents quickly, promising internal resolution or stating the matter is “being handled.”
   • The Reality: These documents can be waivers of your child’s legal rights to pursue a civil lawsuit, or they may commit you to a resolution that under-compensates the victim or fails to provide true accountability. Settlements offered early by institutions are often far below the actual value of a case.
   • What to Do Instead: Never sign any document from the university, the involved organization, or their insurance companies without first having an independent attorney review it thoroughly.

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Consulting a Lawyer:

   • The Misconception: You want to warn others, or vent your frustration, believing public pressure will help.
   • The Reality: Anything posted publicly can be used by defense attorneys to scrutinize your child’s credibility, argue they’re seeking attention, or create inconsistencies that harm the case. It can also waive your right to privacy regarding the incident.
   • What to Do Instead: Document privately and confidentially. Let your legal team manage any public communication strategy, if and when appropriate.

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

   • The Misconception: The organization might request a meeting to “apologize” or “understand what happened” after your child reports hazing or tries to leave.
   • The Reality: These meetings are often designed to pressure the victim, gather information for the defense, or obtain statements that can later be used against them in legal proceedings. Your child may be intimidated or manipulated.
   • What to Do Instead: If your child is asked to meet with the organization or university officials, politely decline until you’ve consulted with your attorney. All such communications should be handled or advised by your legal counsel.

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

   • The Misconception: You trust the university to conduct a fair and thorough investigation and punish wrongdoers appropriately.
   • The Reality: While universities have Title IX and hazing policies, their primary goal is often to protect their own reputation and minimize liability. Information may be withheld, investigations can be slow or incomplete, and internal sanctions are often inadequate to fully compensate a victim or prevent recurrence. Crucially, precious evidence disappears during this waiting period.
   • What to Do Instead: Consult with Attorney911 immediately. We can launch our own independent investigation while the university conducts its process, ensuring evidence is preserved and your child’s rights are a priority.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without Your Lawyer Present:

   • The Misconception: The adjuster seems friendly and just wants your side of the story to “process the claim.”
   • The Reality: Insurance adjusters work for the fraternity, university, or individual’s insurance company. Their job is to minimize payouts. Any statement you give can be used against you, and they may pressure you into a quick, lowball settlement.
   • What to Do Instead: Refuse to give any recorded statements or sign anything. Politely state, “My attorney will contact you.” All communications should go through your legal counsel.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or UT Austin) often claim sovereign immunity, a legal protection for state entities, but exceptions exist for severe cases involving gross negligence, direct Title IX violations, or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU or Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. The viability of a lawsuit depends heavily on the specific facts of the case, including the university’s prior knowledge, policies, and response. It’s crucial to contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, hazing can be a felony in Texas. While a basic hazing offense is typically a Class B misdemeanor, the penalties escalate significantly if serious harm occurs. It becomes a state jail felony if the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death. Additionally, an organizational officer who fails to report hazing can face Class A misdemeanor charges. This means individuals involved can face serious jail time.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts and legal experts recognize that “consent” given under immense peer pressure, fear of social exclusion, or within a severe power imbalance is not truly voluntary. Our legal system aims to protect individuals, especially young students seeking acceptance, from being victimized by dangerous and illegal rituals.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  In Texas, there are strict deadlines, generally known as the statute of limitations. For most personal injury and wrongful death cases, you have two years from the date of the injury or death to file a lawsuit. However, this period can sometimes be extended under specific circumstances, such as the “discovery rule” (if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known) or for cases involving minors (where the clock might be paused until they reach adulthood). Time is always critical in hazing cases because evidence disappears rapidly. Contact Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to evaluate your specific timeline. Learn more about Texas statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  Location does not eliminate liability. Many seminal hazing cases, including the Pi Delta Psi retreat death of Michael Deng and the Sigma Pi case involving Collin Wiant, occurred off-campus or at “unofficial” houses and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments against both local and national organizations, and sometimes the university. Universities and national organizations can still be held liable if they sponsored the organization, had knowledge of off-campus hazing, or failed to enforce policies that extend to member conduct, regardless of where the incident occurred.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  We understand the sensitivity surrounding hazing incidents and prioritize your family’s privacy. Most hazing cases resolve through confidential settlements before going to trial. Our legal team can work to ensure that details remain as private as legally possible, often requesting sealed court records. While some high-profile cases do attract media attention, many are resolved quietly. We prioritize your child’s well-being and privacy while fiercely pursuing accountability.

9. ABOUT THE MANGINELLO LAW FIRM + CALL TO ACTION

When your family in Borden County faces the devastating impact of hazing, you need legal representation that goes beyond general personal injury law. You need attorneys who understand the intricate cultural dynamics of campus life, the cunning legal strategies employed by powerful institutions, and the complex civil and criminal laws that govern hazing. You need Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, a Houston-based Texas personal injury and complex litigation firm dedicated to fighting for victims of hazing and campus abuse throughout Texas. Our unique qualifications position us as formidable advocates for families seeking justice and accountability.

Why Attorney911 is the Right Choice for Hazing Cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our team includes Lupe Peña, an experienced attorney who previously worked as an insurance defense lawyer for a national firm. This invaluable background means we “know their playbook” because she used to run it. Lupe understands the intricate tactics used by fraternity, university, and individual insurance companies to deny claims, minimize payouts, and delay justice. This insider knowledge gives our clients a distinct edge in negotiating and litigating complex insurance coverage disputes, ensuring all avenues for compensation are aggressively pursued. You can learn more about Lupe Peña at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Powerful Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a decorated career of taking on billion-dollar defendants. His involvement in landmark cases like the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our firm’s capacity and unwavering resolve to confront and defeat well-resourced adversaries. We are not intimidated by national fraternities, major universities, or their sophisticated defense teams. We know how to build a case that demands accountability from the highest levels. Ralph Manginello’s full credentials are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: Hazing too often results in life-altering injuries or tragic fatalities. Our firm has a proven track record of recovering multi-million dollar results for families in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases across Texas. We understand how to quantify not just immediate medical bills and lost income, but also long-term care plans for brain injuries, lifelong psychological trauma, and the immeasurable loss of companionship and future. Our wrongful death claim lawyer page (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/) details this experience.

• Dual Criminal and Civil Expertise: Hazing is often a criminal act, and our firm is equipped to navigate both the civil and criminal justice systems simultaneously. Ralph Manginello’s active membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) ensures we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with your civil lawsuit. This dual expertise is critical for advising victims or witnesses who may face criminal exposure while also pursuing civil compensation. Our criminal defense lawyers page (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) provides more insight.

• Relentless Investigative Depth: Hazing cases are won or lost on evidence. We employ a rigorous investigative approach, working with leading experts in digital forensics to recover deleted messages, medical experts to document every injury, and psychologists to quantify emotional trauma. We know how to subpoena national fraternity records to expose patterns of prior misconduct and utilize public records requests and discovery to uncover critical university files. We investigate with the urgency and precision your child’s future deserves.

We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families across the state, including in Borden County. From our Houston headquarters, we extend our services to all Texas communities, providing a local level of care with a statewide reach. When you call on Attorney911, you’re not just hiring lawyers; you’re gaining advocates who will fight fiercely and empathetically for your child’s well-being and justice.

No Family Faces Hazing Alone: Your Call to Action

If your child, a student from Borden County, has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s the University of Houston, Texas A&M, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, Baylor, or another institution—you don’t have to face this crisis alone. The emotional, physical, and financial costs of hazing can be overwhelming, but Legal Emergency Lawyers™ at Attorney911 are here to help.

Your first step toward justice and healing is a confidential conversation. We invite you to contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen compassionately to your story, explain your legal options under Texas law, and help you determine the best path forward for your family. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Learn how contingency fees work in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

• We will listen without judgment to your detailed account of what happened.
• We will review any evidence you have collected, such as photos, videos, text messages, or medical records.
• We will clearly explain your legal options, including whether to pursue a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and potential challenges in your case.
• We will answer all your questions about our fee structure and the legal process. There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time you need to make an informed decision.

Whether you’re in Borden County or anywhere across the Lone Star State, if hazing has impacted your family, you deserve answers and accountability. Let our experienced legal team investigate and advocate on your behalf.

Contact Attorney911 Today—The Legal Emergency Lawyers™:

• Call Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Cell (24/7): (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com

Hablamos Español:

• For consultation in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly via email at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Don’t let the perpetrators of hazing evade justice. 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