Is Your Child Safe? A Bosque County Guide to Hazing in Texas and Your Legal Options

The air crackles with excitement on a crisp fall night in Bosque County. Your child, a bright-eyed student from Clifton or Meridian, has just received a “bid” to their dream fraternity at a Texas university – perhaps Baylor just up the road in Waco, or one of the larger schools like Texas A&M or UT Austin. They call you, overjoyed, talking about traditions, brotherhood, and a new chapter in their life. But as the weeks turn into the “new member” period, the calls become shorter, the voice a little more tired. They’re secretive about late-night “brotherhood events,” always seem to be driving someone, and are vague about injuries. Then comes the call you dread: a friend found them unresponsive after a mandatory “initiation ritual” at an off-campus house. Now, in the quiet of your Bosque County home, fear sets in. What happened? Was it hazing? And what can you, as a parent, do when your child’s safety is jeopardized by a culture of silence?

This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario for families in Bosque County, across the Lone Star State, or indeed, anywhere else in the nation where collegiate life thrives. It is a recurring nightmare for far too many. We understand the profound fear and anger that accompany the realization that your child, sent off to pursue their dreams, has become a victim of dangerous, illegal, and often deadly hazing.

This guide is for you – parents, students, and families in Bosque County and throughout Texas. We will delve into:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The critical legal framework in Texas and at the federal level that governs hazing.
• How major national hazing cases set precedents that impact Texas universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.
• The specific histories of fraternities and sororities, showing how national organizations are often aware of dangerous patterns of conduct.
• Your legal options as a victim or family member, and how experienced counsel can help you seek accountability and justice.

Whether your child attends school close to home, or at one of the larger universities that draw so many students from Bosque County and Central Texas, the threat of hazing is real. Knowing your rights and options is the first step toward protecting them and holding those responsible accountable.

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 critical first 48 hours:

  • Get medical attention for your child, even if they insist they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it is deleted or disappears:
    • Screenshot all group chats, texts, messages, and social media DMs immediately.
    • Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles and in different lighting.
    • Secure any physical items like damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in hazing activities.
  • Write down everything you know while the events are fresh in your memory (who, what, when, where, and how).
  • Do NOT:
    • Directly confront the fraternity, sorority, or individuals involved, as this can lead to evidence destruction or retaliation.
    • Sign anything presented by the university or an insurance company without legal counsel.
    • Post details of the incident on public social media, as this could compromise a future legal case.
    • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

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

  • Critical evidence often disappears quickly (deleted group chats, destroyed property, coached witnesses).
  • Universities and organizations often move swiftly to control the narrative.
  • We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For families in Bosque County and across Texas, the image of hazing might still be rooted in old movies or sensationalized headlines from decades past. However, modern hazing is far more insidious, adaptable, and often hidden. It’s not just about a silly prank anymore; it’s about power, control, and secrecy, evolving with technology and social dynamics.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing, at its core, refers to any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student.

Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal. When there’s a significant power imbalance, peer pressure, and a fear of exclusion or retribution, consent is often rendered meaningless under the law. We, as your Legal Emergency Lawyers™, understand that the line between a “normal” initiation and illegal hazing is often blurred by those who perpetuate it, but the law looks at the inherent danger and coercive nature of the act.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms, often escalating in severity. Understanding these categories is vital for parents in Bosque County to identify potentially dangerous situations.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the most common and deadliest form of hazing. It involves forcing or strongly coercing new members to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, often in rapid succession. Examples include “lineups” where pledges drink multiple shots, games designed to induce extreme intoxication, or pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances.
• Physical Hazing: This includes direct physical abuse such as paddling, beatings, or forced strenuous exercise (“smokings” or “workouts”) far beyond safe limits, often leading to exhaustion, injury, or even rhabdomyolysis. Other tactics involve sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, or exposure to extreme hot or cold environments as a form of punishment.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are deeply degrading and traumatic. They can range from forced nudity or partial nudity to simulated sexual acts, wearing degrading outfits, or performing sexually suggestive tasks. Such hazing often has racial, sexist, or homophobic undertones, designed to demean certain groups or individuals.
• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but equally damaging, psychological hazing involves verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, isolation, and manipulation. It creates an environment of constant fear and anxiety, forcing new members to participate in activities that interfere with their academic obligations or personal lives.
• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones and social media, hazing has moved into the digital realm. This includes group chat dares, forced participation in humiliating “challenges” on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, and pressure to share compromising images or videos. It also means constant monitoring and demands through group chats, extending the hazing experience far beyond in-person events.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is exclusively a “fraternity problem.” While Greek-letter organizations are frequently at the center of hazing allegations, the reality is far broader. Hazing is a pervasive issue that can occur in nearly any group or organization where there is a hierarchical structure and a desire to “test” or “bond” new members. For Bosque County families, it’s crucial to understand that their child could face hazing in:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes traditional Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council (NPC) organizations, as well as National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) and multicultural Greek-letter organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These organizations, often found at schools like Texas A&M, can have deeply entrenched traditions that, when unchecked, devolve into hazing.
• Athletic Teams: From highly visible varsity sports like football, basketball, and baseball to club sports, hazing can occur as a twisted form of team “bonding.”
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign organizations like marching bands, choirs, or theater groups have faced accusations and sanctions for hazing.
• Other Student Organizations: Spirit squads, academic honor societies (rarely, but possible), cultural groups, and various campus clubs have all, at times, crossed the line into hazing.

The common threads that allow hazing to persist are secrecy clauses, a blind adherence to “tradition,” and a misguided sense of loyalty that prioritizes the group over the individual’s safety and well-being. This harmful culture is often reinforced by older members who themselves endured hazing, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without strong intervention.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Bosque County whose child may have been subjected to hazing, understanding the legal landscape is paramount. Texas has specific laws addressing hazing, but federal regulations and the distinction between criminal and civil cases are equally important. We navigate these complexities to seek justice for victims.

Texas Hazing Law Basics

Texas takes hazing seriously, defining it within the Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This code outlines what constitutes hazing and the potential legal consequences.

Definition: Hazing, under Texas law, is defined as “any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student that… endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student; and… occurs for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are students.”

This broad definition covers acts ranging from physical abuse and forced consumption of substances to severe psychological torment. Importantly, the law considers “reckless acts,” meaning even if the perpetrator didn’t intend harm, acting carelessly in a way that risks a student’s safety can be considered hazing.

Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Misdemeanor: The default penalty for hazing, carrying a potential jail sentence of up to 180 days and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury and requires medical attention, the penalty escalates.
• State Jail Felony: Critically, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a state jail felony, carrying significant prison time.

Additionally, Texas law considers it a misdemeanor to fail to report hazing if you are a student, faculty member, or organizational officer who knew about it. Retaliation against someone who reports hazing is also illegal.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s essential to distinguish between criminal and civil hazing cases, though both may arise from the same incident. We, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, are experienced in managing both tracks to ensure comprehensive accountability.

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (prosecutors) against individuals who commit hazing. The goal is to punish the perpetrator with fines, jail time, or probation. Common hazing-related criminal charges include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and even negligent homicide or manslaughter in fatal cases.
• Civil Cases: These are lawsuits filed by the victim or their surviving family members. The primary goal is to seek monetary compensation for damages suffered due to the hazing. Civil cases typically focus on negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, and premises liability. Unlike criminal cases, which require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, civil cases require a lower standard of proof (preponderance of the evidence).

A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. In fact, many civil hazing cases are resolved without any criminal charges being filed, or before criminal proceedings conclude. The evidence and legal theories may differ, but both avenues can secure accountability. When hazing results in criminal charges, Attorney911’s criminal defense expertise (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we understand both the criminal and civil tracks.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations play a crucial role in campus hazing accountability.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation (effective by approximately 2026) mandates that higher education institutions receiving federal funding must:

  • Publicly report all hazing violations, along with disciplinary actions taken.
  • Provide comprehensive hazing prevention education to students and staff.
  • Maintain accessible, public data on hazing incidents, increasing transparency.

  This act aims to standardize reporting and prevention efforts across the nation, making it easier for families in Bosque County and elsewhere to research university safety records.

• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs receiving federal financial assistance. Hazing can fall under Title IX if it involves:

  • Sexual harassment or sexual assault: This is particularly relevant given the prevalence of sexualized hazing.
  • Gender-based hostility: If hazing disproportionately targets individuals based on their gender or creates a hostile environment for a particular gender identity.
  • When Title IX is triggered, institutions have specific obligations to investigate and address the misconduct, regardless of whether it occurred on or off campus.

• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data, including certain hazing incidents. If hazing involves crimes such as assault, sexual assault, or liquor law violations, these events must be documented in the institution’s annual security report. This statute helps provide parents with crucial safety information when choosing a university.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

One of the complexities of hazing litigation is identifying all potentially liable parties. We, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, diligently work to identify everyone responsible to ensure maximum accountability.

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, encouraged, or performed the hazing acts, or who supplied alcohol/drugs, can be held personally liable.

• Local Chapter / Organization: The collegiate fraternity, sorority, club, or athletic team itself can be sued if it operates as a legal entity and if the hazing occurred in connection with its activities.

• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters often holds significant responsibility. Their liability can stem from their failure to properly supervise local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, or address a known pattern of hazing within their organization. This is particularly true if they profited from the chapter through dues and maintained oversight.

• University or Governing Board: Public universities in Texas (like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin) benefit from sovereign immunity, which can limit their liability. However, this immunity is not absolute. Exceptions exist for:

  • Gross negligence or willful misconduct: Proving the university acted with extreme disregard for student safety.
  • Ministerial duties: Failure to perform specific, non-discretionary duties (e.g., enforcing published anti-hazing policies).
  • Title IX violations: If the hazing involved sex discrimination, this can waive immunity for those aspects of the case.
  • Individual liability: Suing specific university employees (deans, advisors, campus police, coaches) in their personal capacity.

  Private universities (like SMU and Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections and can be sued more directly for negligence in supervising student organizations.

• Third Parties: This can include landlords or owners of off-campus houses where hazing occurred, bars or alcohol vendors who illegally furnished alcohol, or even security companies and event organizers who failed in their duties.

Every hazing case is fact-specific, and the precise combination of liable parties will vary. Our role is to meticulously investigate every aspect of the incident to uncover all responsible entities.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When we discuss hazing in Texas, it’s critical to understand that the challenges faced by families in Bosque County and across the state are part of a larger, national pattern. Major incidents from out-of-state universities serve as precedents, demonstrating the severe consequences of hazing and the legal avenues for accountability. These cases highlight recurring dangers and often lead to significant legal and legislative reforms that impact all campuses.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common, and often most tragic, hazing pattern involves forced or excessive alcohol consumption. These incidents, though geographically diverse, share chilling similarities that underscore the foreseeable risk.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In a case that shocked the nation, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” night involving extreme drinking. Security cameras within the Beta Theta Pi house captured a tormented Piazza falling repeatedly, suffering severe brain injuries. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours, attempting to cover up the incident. Dozens of criminal charges were filed against members, and the Piazza family pursued extensive civil litigation, leading to confidential settlements. Timothy’s death was a catalyst for Pennsylvania’s landmark Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, one of the toughest in the nation. This case showed how a culture of secrecy, extreme intoxication, and delayed medical aid can lead to devastating consequences and widespread legal action.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, an FSU pledge, tragically died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them quickly. The incident led to multiple criminal prosecutions, with members pleading guilty to misdemeanor hazing. Florida State University responded by temporarily suspending all Greek life, initiating policy reforms. Andrew’s death is a stark reminder of how ritualized drinking nights, often disguised as “bonding,” are a repeating script for disaster.
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver died from alcohol toxicity with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered a question incorrectly. Max’s death led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, which upgraded hazing to a felony offense. Multiple members faced criminal charges, with one being convicted of negligent homicide. The Gruver family settled a wrongful death lawsuit, the terms of which remain confidential. This case vividly demonstrated that legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing, impacting how hazing is prosecuted.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, an 18-year-old pledge, died following a “Big/Little” event where he was forced to consume an entire handle of alcohol. Eight fraternity members were charged, and multiple convictions were secured, including some for felony hazing. The Foltz family reached a significant $10 million settlement, with approximately $7 million coming from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. His death inspired Ohio’s Collin’s Law: The Anti-Hazing Act, which escalated hazing penalties. The Foltz case demonstrated that public universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities, and that individual officers can also be held financially liable (Daylen Dunson, the president, was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million).

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing can also lead to severe injury or death, often involving bizarre and degrading acts.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng died after a brutal “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and weighted with a backpack, he was repeatedly tackled. Members delayed calling 911 for over an hour. This case was unique as the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for a decade. Multiple individuals also faced convictions and jail time. The Deng case underscored that off-campus “retreats” are not safe havens for hazing and that national organizations can be held directly liable for their chapters’ conduct, especially when patterns of abuse are evident.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it is a serious issue within athletic programs, even at the highest levels. This is a critical point for Bosque County parents to consider if their child is involved in sports.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): A massive scandal erupted at Northwestern when former football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program spanning multiple years. The allegations included forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, and other degrading rituals. This led to the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially. Multiple players filed civil lawsuits against the university and coaching staff. The Northwestern scandal vividly illustrated that hazing can permeate major athletic programs, raising profound questions about institutional oversight and the responsibility of coaches and university leadership.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies, while not occurring in Bosque County or directly on a Texas campus, illuminate critical common threads and establish powerful precedents that are directly relevant to any family in Texas dealing with hazing:

• Recurring Dangers: Excessive alcohol consumption, physical torment, sexualized degradation, delayed medical care, and systematic cover-ups are not isolated incidents but repeating scripts in hazing incidents across the nation.
• Legal Precedents: The multi-million dollar settlements and successful prosecutions in these cases establish strong legal arguments for foreseeability and the high standard of care expected from universities and national organizations. These judgments demonstrate that juries are willing to award substantial damages for severe hazing.
• Legislative Impact: Incidents like those involving Timothy Piazza and Max Gruver directly led to new, tougher anti-hazing laws, creating a changing legal landscape that gives victims more power. The federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, for instance, requires all universities to be more transparent, a direct response to a pattern of concealment.
• Accountability for All: These cases show that liability extends far beyond individual students. Local chapters, national organizations, and often the universities themselves, can and should be held accountable.

For Bosque County families, these stories are not just headlines; they are warnings and blueprints for seeking justice. When hazing occurs at a Texas university, we draw upon the lessons learned from these cases to build robust arguments that demand accountability from all responsible parties.

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

For families in Bosque County, the safety of their children at Texas’s prominent universities is a paramount concern. From the sprawling campuses of the University of Houston and UT Austin to the traditions of Texas A&M, the private institutions of SMU, and the faith-based community of Baylor, each school presents a unique cultural landscape. However, the risk of hazing remains a pervasive threat across all of them.

We, Attorney911, have meticulously tracked hazing incidents and policies at these critical Texas institutions. Our goal is to provide Bosque County parents with a clear, direct understanding of the issues, tailored to the realities of each university.

University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant and diverse urban campus, serves as a major draw for students from across Texas, including from Bosque County. Its active Greek life plays a significant role in student social circles. It is also the home institution for our firm’s landmark hazing litigation, and as such, we possess particular insight into its environment.

Campus & Culture Snapshot: UH is a large public research university located in the heart of Houston. It boasts a dynamic, multicultural student body, attracting many from the Central Texas region. Greek life at UH is robust, with a mix of Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council (NPC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural fraternities and sororities. The campus culture is energetic, often blending urban opportunities with traditional college experiences.

Hazing Policy & Reporting: The University of Houston explicitly prohibits hazing, articulating clear policies in its Student Handbook. These policies ban hazing both on and off campus, and specifically prohibit forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and activities that cause mental distress for initiation. UH provides various reporting channels, including the Dean of Students office, Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). UH also maintains a public record of organizational integrity, which may contain some hazing violation information.

Selected Documented Incidents & Response:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): At a major incident in 2016, pledges of the UH chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha allegedly endured sleep and food deprivation during a multi-day event. One student involved suffered a lacerated spleen following an alleged physical altercation. The fraternity faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was severely sanctioned by the university.
• Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi (2025): The Manginello Law Firm is actively engaged in a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a University of Houston student who suffered acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis after alleged severe hazing by members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, Beta Nu chapter, in late 2025. This incident involved degrading rituals, forced consumption, and extreme physical exertion at both the chapter house and an off-campus residence. Bermudez was hospitalized for four days with urine the color of “Coca-Cola” and critically high creatine kinase levels—a clear sign of rhabdomyolysis. The lawsuit names multiple defendants, including the University of Houston, the Pi Kappa Phi national organization, and individual members. This case is a stark example of brutal physical hazing that occurred on and off campus. This incident led to the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter surrendering its charter on November 14, 2025, just days after the university suspended the organization following these severe allegations. Attorney Ralph Manginello stated, “His urine was brown… We’re almost in 2026. This has to stop.” Our firm’s Lupe Peña added, “If this prevents harm to another person…Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” (https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/, https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/, https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/)

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed: Given UH’s location in Harris County, an investigation might involve UHPD and/or the Houston Police Department, depending on where the incident occurred. Civil suits would typically be filed in Harris County civil courts. Potential defendants could include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, property owners of off-campus residences, and potentially the university itself, depending on the specifics of their knowledge and actions.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do: Parents from Bosque County with children at UH should carefully review the university’s anti-hazing policies and reporting mechanisms. Should an incident occur, report all concerns to the Dean of Students’ office, UHPD, or utilize online reporting forms. It’s also crucial to contact a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases, as we can quickly uncover prior discipline and internal files that might be relevant to your child’s situation.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a storied institution rooted in tradition, draws many students from Bosque County and across the state. Its unique culture, particularly with the Corps of Cadets, creates a distinct environment where hazing can become intertwined with notions of loyalty and tradition.

Campus & Culture Snapshot: Located in College Station, Texas A&M is renowned for its strong Aggie traditions, military-style Corps of Cadets, and powerful alumni network. While Greek life is active, it exists alongside myriad other student organizations and deeply ingrained campus traditions, including sports and various spirit groups. The emphasis on tradition and loyalty can sometimes create a fertile ground for hazing if not carefully monitored.

Hazing Policy & Reporting: Texas A&M maintains a strong anti-hazing policy that is clearly communicated to students and organizations. It prohibits any behavior that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. The university provides multiple avenues for reporting, including the Division of Student Affairs, specific contacts for the Corps of Cadets, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD).

Selected Documented Incidents & Response:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (around 2021): A disturbing hazing incident came to light involving the Texas A&M chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Two pledges alleged they were forced to engage in strenuous physical activity, during which members poured substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit on their bodies. This resulted in severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries for both students. The fraternity chapter was suspended by the university, and the students pursued civil litigation against the organization.
• Corps of Cadets Hazing (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit in 2023 alleging degrading hazing within the Corps of Cadets. The allegations included being forced to participate in simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in one’s mouth. The cadet sought over $1 million in damages, and Texas A&M stated it addressed the matter through its internal disciplinary processes.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed: Cases originating from Texas A&M would involve UPD and potentially local College Station law enforcement. Civil litigation would typically occur in Brazos County courts. The unique nature of the Corps of Cadets means that hazing investigations may delve into specific military unit structures and their own oversight. Families from Bosque County should be aware that their child’s involvement in any of these traditions warrants close attention.

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do: Parents with students at Texas A&M should engage with the university’s detailed anti-hazing resources. Pay particular attention if your child is part of the Corps or a Greek organization. Document any signs of hazing thoroughly and report them to Student Affairs, UPD, or an experienced attorney immediately.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, the flagship institution of the UT System, attracts a vast number of students from Bosque County and across Texas. Its diverse and large student population presents a complex environment for managing hazing risks. UT Austin is notable for its proactive approach in publicly detailing hazing incidents.

Campus & Culture Snapshot: Located in the vibrant state capital, UT Austin is known for its academic rigor, spirited traditions, and extensive Greek life. Its culture is characterized by a blend of academic excellence, passionate sports fandom, and a dynamic social scene. The sheer size of the student body and the multiplicity of organizations mean that oversight is a continuous challenge.

Hazing Policy & Reporting: UT Austin has one of the most comprehensive and transparent anti-hazing frameworks among Texas universities. Its policy strictly forbids hazing and explicitly outlines penalties for individuals and organizations found in violation. Crucially, UT maintains a publicly accessible Hazing Violations page on its website, which lists organizations, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed. Reporting can be done through the Dean of Students, the Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL), or the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

Selected Documented Incidents & Response:

• Sigma Chi (2023): While not exclusive to UT, hazing allegations followed by a suicide at Sigma Chi illustrate a severe consequence. Separately, in 2024, our firm has included the death by suicide of Sawyer Updike, 18, a student at the University of Texas, Austin. While this case is still developing, his parents, through civil litigation (Ted B. Lyon & Associates, PC.), allege hazing by Sigma Chi caused or aggravated the depression that led to his death. This underscores the profound mental health impact of hazing.
• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The UT chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha was found responsible for hazing after new members were subjected to forced consumption of milk and strenuous calisthenics. The organization was placed on probation and mandated to implement enhanced hazing prevention education.
• Texas Cowboys (2018): This long-standing spirit organization faced sanctions after an incident involving forced alcohol consumption and sleep deprivation. The university’s investigation found multiple hazing violations, leading to suspensions and reforms within the group.

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed: Hazing incidents at UT Austin may involve UTPD and/or the Austin Police Department. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County, utilizing the extensive public records provided by the university itself as evidence of prior issues, foreseeability, and university knowledge of ongoing patterns.

What UT Students & Parents Should Do: Bosque County families with students at UT Austin should regularly check the university’s Hazing Violations page for current and historical incident data. This transparency is a valuable resource. Promptly report any suspected hazing to the Dean of Students or UTPD. Retain thorough documentation of any concerns or incidents, and seek legal counsel early.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a distinguished private institution, attracts students from affluent backgrounds, including those from Bosque County, who often seek its strong academic programs and vibrant social scene. While private, SMU faces similar hazing challenges to public universities, albeit with different mechanisms for accountability.

Campus & Culture Snapshot: SMU is a private, religiously-affiliated university in Dallas, known for its beautiful campus, competitive academic programs, and prominent Greek life. The social culture is often seen as exclusive, with fraternities and sororities playing a central role. This environment, coupled with a strong emphasis on tradition, can sometimes create heightened pressures in new member processes.

Hazing Policy & Reporting: SMU maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that is clearly communicated to all student organizations. As a private institution, SMU can implement its policies and disciplinary actions without the constraints of sovereign immunity. Reporting mechanisms include the Dean of Students office, Student Conduct & Community Standards, and campus police (SMU PD). SMU also champions proactive reporting systems like the “Real Response” platform to encourage anonymous disclosures.

Selected Documented Incidents & Response:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): The SMU chapter of Kappa Alpha Order faced significant sanctions following an investigation into hazing allegations. Pledges were reportedly subjected to physical abuse, including paddling, forced excessive alcohol consumption, and severe sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended for several years, with strict limitations on its ability to recruit or operate on campus until around 2021.
• Multiple Greek suspensions (Ongoing): SMU has consistently disciplined Greek organizations for hazing infractions, often resulting in temporary suspensions, probation, or loss of housing. These instances, though perhaps not always publicly detailed to the same extent as at public universities, indicate an ongoing effort to combat hazing within its Greek system.

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed: As a private institution, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more directly liable in civil litigation for negligent supervision or allowing a dangerous environment to persist. Lawsuits would be filed in Dallas County. The challenge in these cases is often the private nature of internal investigations, which may require legal discovery to uncover prior incidents or institutional knowledge.

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do: Families from Bosque County with students at SMU should be particularly vigilant about the pressures associated with Greek life. Review SMU’s Student Code of Conduct and its hazing policies. Document any changes in your child’s behavior, physical well-being, or academic performance, and report concerns to SMU officials. Consulting with an attorney is advisable early, especially given the private nature of internal disciplinary processes.

Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist institution in Waco, is a popular choice for families seeking a faith-based educational environment, and it is relatively close to Bosque County. The university has faced significant scrutiny over its handling of student safety issues, particularly regarding sexual assault, which has shaped its approach to other forms of campus misconduct like hazing.

Campus & Culture Snapshot: Baylor is the largest Baptist university in the world, known for its strong Christian identity, robust academic programs, and passionate athletic teams. Its campus culture fosters a close-knit community but has also grappled with complex transparency and accountability issues stemming from past scandals. Greek life is present but may operate differently than at purely secular institutions.

Hazing Policy & Reporting: Baylor has a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding hazing, which is clearly articulated in its student policies. As a private university, it emphasizes its commitment to student well-being and a safe campus environment. Reporting pathways are available through the Student Conduct office, the Title IX Office (if applicable), and the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD).

Selected Documented Incidents & Response:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): A significant incident involved the Baylor baseball team, where 14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation. The suspensions were staggered to impact the team over the early season, indicating the seriousness of the violations. While specific details of the hazing were not widely publicized, university officials confirmed that the conduct violated Baylor’s anti-hazing policies.
• Alpha Phi Alpha (2021): The Baylor chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha was reportedly investigated for hazing in 2021, leading to disciplinary action. This illustrates that hazing continues to be a concern across various student groups, even within faith-based institutions.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed: Similar to SMU, hazing lawsuits against Baylor University would not be complicated by sovereign immunity, potentially allowing more direct litigation against the institution for negligent supervision or creating an unsafe environment. Cases would be filed in McLennan County. Baylor’s history of managing high-profile misconduct has led to a heightened awareness of institutional responsibility, which could factor into how hazing allegations are addressed.

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do: Bosque County families whose children attend Baylor should be diligent in monitoring their student’s well-being, especially if they join any organizations. Familiarize yourself with Baylor’s policies and reporting processes. Do not hesitate to report concerns, and consider consulting with an attorney experienced in campus litigation to understand your legal standing.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Understanding hazing in Texas means looking beyond just the local chapters at schools like Baylor, SMU, UT Austin, Texas A&M, and UH. It means recognizing that most of these chapters are part of larger national organizations—entities that often have extensive, documented histories of hazing incidents across the country. For Bosque County families, this crucial context highlights why hazing at a local chapter is rarely an isolated incident.

Why National Histories Matter

National fraternities and sororities (like Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Alpha Order, etc.) are complex, multi-state enterprises. They establish policies, collect dues, provide training, and often have oversight roles over their local chapters. Because of this, when a hazing incident occurs at a Texas chapter, a key part of our investigation at Attorney911 is to examine the national organization’s history.

• Pattern of Foreseeability: National HQs often have thick anti-hazing manuals and risk policies because they have faced numerous lawsuits, deaths, and catastrophic injuries in the past. They know the script: forced drinking nights, degrading rituals, physical torment, and efforts to conceal these acts. When a Texas chapter replicates a hazing scenario that has already led to injury or death at another chapter in a different state, it strengthens the argument that the national organization had prior notice of the danger and failed to prevent it. This establishes foreseeability, a critical element in proving negligence.
• Enforcement (or Lack Thereof): We investigate whether the national organization truly enforced its anti-hazing policies, or if those policies were mere “paper shields” used to deflect blame after a tragedy. Did they adequately train local leaders? Did they swiftly and appropriately discipline previous violations? A history of lax enforcement can be powerful evidence of negligence.
• Legal Precedent: Multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts against national organizations in other states serve as a powerful precedent. They demonstrate that courts and juries agree that these national entities bear significant responsibility for the culture and conduct of their chapters. This aids us in building strong cases for Bosque County families in Texas courts.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

While we cannot list every single chapter at every Texas university, we can highlight major organizations present on these campuses that have notable national hazing histories. This is not to allege that every chapter of these organizations engages in hazing, but that the national entities have, in the past, faced scrutiny for hazing-related incidents.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

• Presence: Chapters at universities like Baylor, UT Austin, and Texas A&M.
• National History: Pi Kappa Alpha nationally has a tragic history of alcohol-related hazing incidents. The death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021 (alcohol poisoning from forced drinking) resulted in a $10 million settlement and multiple criminal convictions. Another notable incident includes the death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University in 2012, also from alcohol poisoning during a pledging event. This pattern highlights predictable risks when chapters engage in similar alcohol-fueled rituals.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

• Presence: Chapters at universities like UH, UT Austin, Texas A&M, and SMU.
• National History: Sigma Alpha Epsilon has been infamously dubbed “America’s deadliest fraternity” by Bloomberg, primarily due to a string of documented hazing-related deaths over several decades. Incidents like the tragic death of Carson Starkey at Cal Poly in 2008 from alcohol poisoning underscore this pattern. More recently, in Texas, lawsuits have alleged severe injuries, such as chemical burns from substances poured on pledges at Texas A&M. There was also a lawsuit filed in 2023 alleging a traumatic brain injury from hazing at the University of Alabama, and in January 2024, an exchange student sued the UT Austin chapter for over $1 million after an alleged assault.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• Presence: Chapters at universities like UH, Baylor, UT Austin, and Texas A&M.
• National History: Phi Delta Theta has also faced severe consequences for hazing, most notably the death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2017. Gruver died from extreme alcohol toxicity during a forced drinking game. This incident led to the enactment of Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, making felony hazing a crime, and subsequent multi-million-dollar civil settlements.

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• Presence: Chapters at universities like UH, UT Austin, and Texas A&M.
• National History: Pi Kappa Phi is directly relevant to Bosque County families due to the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit (2025), where Attorney911 represents the victim of alleged severe hazing resulting in acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis. Nationally, Pi Kappa Phi was involved in the tragic death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017, also due to alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night,” which led to criminal charges against members.

Kappa Alpha Order (KA)

• Presence: Chapters at universities like UT Austin, Texas A&M, and SMU.
• National History: Kappa Alpha Order has faced numerous hazing accusations across the country. Its SMU chapter, for instance, was suspended in 2017 due to allegations of paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation. While not as many high-profile deaths, the pattern of physical and alcohol-related hazing is consistently documented across its chapters.

Sigma Chi (ΣΧ)

• Presence: Chapters at universities like UT Austin, Texas A&M, and Baylor.
• National History: Sigma Chi has encountered significant hazing allegations, including reports from the University of Texas at Austin. A particularly impactful case in 2024 resulted in the family receiving over $10 million in damages from the organization following allegations of physical beatings, forced consumption of drugs and alcohol, and psychological torment at its College of Charleston chapter.

We are NOT claiming that every specific Texas chapter of these organizations has engaged in hazing. However, the nationwide patterns highlight a systemic issue within the national organizations that students’ families, including those in Bosque County, should be aware of.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

Understanding these national histories is not just for awareness; it’s a critical component of aggressive legal strategy:

• Establishing Foreseeability: When a national organization has a history of hazing incidents involving alcohol, physical abuse, or other dangerous acts, it becomes nearly impossible for them to argue that a similar incident at a Texas chapter was “unforeseeable.” We can argue that they knew, or should have known, about the dangers.
• Challenging “Rogue Chapter” Defenses: Nationals often claim that a hazing incident was the work of a “rogue chapter” or “bad apples.” By presenting evidence of widespread hazing patterns within that same national organization, we can dismantle this defense, arguing that the national entity failed in its duty to supervise, train, and enforce its own policies.
• Impacting Settlement and Litigation: The sheer financial and reputational cost of past hazing cases pressures national organizations to take new allegations seriously. This can influence their willingness to settle fairly and expedite justice for victims. The ability to present a compelling case based on national patterns strengthens our negotiating position dramatically. The Manginello Law Firm leverages this knowledge to fight for families across Texas who have experienced the devastating impact of hazing.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

If your child from Bosque County has been a victim of hazing, building a robust legal case requires meticulous evidence collection, a deep understanding of recoverable damages, and a clear legal strategy. We, Attorney911, specialize in precisely this, turning your family’s trauma into a powerful demand for justice and accountability.

Evidence

In hazing cases, evidence is everything. It’s often transient, digital, and subject to immediate destruction, making rapid preservation critical.

• Digital Communications: In 2025, group chats and direct messages are the single most important source of evidence. Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage, and even fraternity-specific apps are where plans are made, instructions are given, and coercion often takes place. We seek to preserve:
  • Full chat histories with timestamps, participants, and context.
  • Deleted messages: Our digital forensics experts can often recover messages that perpetrators believe are permanently gone.
  • Social media content: Screenshots of Instagram stories, Snapchat activities, TikTok videos, or Facebook posts—even those shared in private groups—can reveal hazing in action or admissions of guilt.
  • Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.
• Photos & Videos: Beyond what’s in chat logs, direct photos or videos of events, injuries, or individuals involved are crucial. This includes:
  • Footage taken by participants.
  • Security camera footage (from houses, university buildings, or nearby businesses).
  • Dashcam or doorbell camera footage from nearby residences (e.g., if a pledge was dropped off or picked up).
• Internal Organization Documents: These can lay bare the systemic nature of hazing. We seek:
  • Pledge manuals, “tradition” documents, or initiation scripts.
  • Emails or texts from officers or older members instructing on new member activities.
  • National organization risk management policies, handbooks, and historical incident logs.
• University Records: Open records requests or legal discovery can unlock invaluable institutional knowledge:
  • Prior conduct violations for the offending organization or even individual members.
  • Campus police incident reports related to the organization.
  • Clery Act reports and hazing violation disclosures required by Texas law or the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the precise nature and extent of the harm:
  • Emergency room and hospitalization reports, including toxicology screens (for alcohol/drugs) and lab results (e.g., creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis).
  • Surgical records, physical therapy notes, and long-term care plans.
  • Psychological evaluations documenting PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health impacts.
• Witness Testimony: The accounts of other pledges, former members, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, or even bystanders are vital. While many may be reluctant to speak initially due to fear of retaliation, their testimony can corroborate the victim’s account and expose the hazing culture.

Damages

Hazing causes profound and multifaceted harm. Our goal at Attorney911 is to ensure that victims and their families in Bosque County are fully compensated for every aspect of this damage. Attorney911’s video on calculating fair compensation for pain and suffering (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG07vbB4cdU) offers further insight into how these subjective harms are valued. For a general understanding of case value, Attorney911’s video “How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onBzdkIWadY) discusses the components of a claim.

• Medical Bills & Future Medical Costs: This includes all costs related to physical and psychological recovery. From initial emergency care and hospital stays to ongoing therapy, rehabilitation, medications, and, in severe cases, lifelong care plans for victims of catastrophic injuries like brain damage or permanent organ system damage (as in the Leonel Bermudez case).
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This covers wages lost if the victim, or a parent caring for them, couldn’t work. More significantly, it includes tuition and fees for semesters missed, lost scholarships, delayed graduation, and the profound impact on future earning capacity if the injuries result in permanent disability or psychological trauma that hinders career progression.
• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the invisible but deeply felt harms, including:
  • Physical pain and suffering: From the initial moment of injury through to any chronic pain.
  • Emotional distress and psychological harm: Including PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, humiliation, and the long-term trauma of the hazing experience.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in activities once cherished, the withdrawal from social life, and the loss of the normal college experience.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In the most tragic cases, where hazing leads to a student’s death, surviving family members (parents, spouses, children) can seek compensation for:
  • Funeral and burial expenses.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and emotional support.
  • Loss of financial contributions the deceased would have provided.
  • The grief and mental anguish suffered by the surviving family members.
  • Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases, including those involving BP Texas City explosion litigation.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness, malice, or gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the defendants and deter similar conduct in the future.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

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

• Insurance Policies: National fraternities, universities, and sometimes even local chapters carry various insurance policies (e.g., general liability, directors & officers policies). These policies are designed to cover the costs of litigation and potential settlements. However, insurers frequently try to avoid paying by arguing that hazing, as an “intentional act” or “criminal conduct,” falls under policy exclusions.
• Navigating Insurance Disputes: This is where our expertise becomes critical. Attorney Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) is crucial for identifying all potential insurance coverage and aggressively fighting against unfair denials. We know their “playbook” because she used to write it. We identify all potential coverage sources, challenge exclusions, and relentlessly pursue the maximum available compensation. This includes looking for coverage under individual members’ homeowner policies, chapter policies, national policies, and university umbrella policies.

Strategy

Our strategy at Attorney911 is multifaceted and aggressive, designed to achieve maximum accountability.

1. Rapid Evidence Preservation: Our first step is always to secure and preserve all available evidence, often deploying digital forensic experts immediately.
2. Comprehensive Investigation: We leave no stone unturned, investigating the local chapter’s history, the national organization’s pattern of hazing, and the university’s knowledge and oversight (or lack thereof).
3. Expert Collaboration: We work with a network of experts—medical professionals, economists, digital forensic specialists, and psychologists—to fully document injuries, calculate damages, and establish liability.
4. Navigating Defenses: We anticipate and dismantle common defenses, such as claims of “consent,” “rogue members,” or “off-campus incidents,” leveraging legal precedents and our deep understanding of hazing dynamics. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs)
5. Pursuing All Liable Parties: We are relentless in identifying and holding all responsible parties accountable, from individual students to national organizations and institutions.
6. Ethical Advocacy: We approach every case with empathy for the victim and a commitment to preventing future tragedies. Our focus extends beyond monetary compensation to securing institutional reforms that protect other students.

Building a case takes time, resources, and unwavering dedication. Attorney911 has the experience and resolve to stand by Bosque County families through this challenging process.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family in Bosque County, immediate, practical guidance is essential. Knowing what to watch for, how to react, and who to trust can make a profound difference in protecting a student and ensuring justice.

For Parents

Parents are often the first to notice subtle changes in their child’s behavior. Trust your instincts, and use this guide to navigate a difficult situation.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:

  • Physical: Unexplained bruises, scratches, cuts, or burns. Chronic exhaustion, extreme sleep deprivation, or sudden weight loss/gain. Frequent illness, signs of alcohol poisoning, or reports of “accidents” that don’t add up.
  • Behavioral/Emotional: Increased secrecy around group activities (“I can’t talk about it,”). Withdrawal from old friends or activities. Sudden mood swings, irritability, anxiety, or depression. Fear of “getting in trouble” or letting the group down. Changes in personal hygiene or appearance (often disheveled or forced dress codes).
  • Academic: Drop in grades, missed classes, or difficulty concentrating. Prioritizing mandatory group events over academics.
  • Financial: Unexplained requests for money, excessive expenses, or fines associated with the group.
  • Digital: Constantly checking phone for group messages, anxiety over pings, or deleting messages/history.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Start by expressing concern: “I’ve noticed you seem tired lately, how are things really going?” Emphasize their safety and well-being are your top priority. Reassure them you will support them no matter what, and that they are not to blame for anything happening to them. Ask open-ended questions like “What does a typical week look like for new members?” or “Is there anything about the initiation process that makes you uncomfortable?”

• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize medical care immediately. Document everything: take clear photos of injuries, screenshot any relevant messages, and write down exactly what your child tells you, including names, dates, and locations. Resist the urge to confront the organization directly, as this can destroy crucial evidence.

• Dealing with the University: Document all communications with university administrators. Inquire about the university’s prior hazing reports for the organization and ask about their specific intervention plans. Remember, the university’s internal process is separate from a legal claim, and an attorney can help ensure your rights are protected.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: Contact Attorney911 immediately if your child has sustained significant physical or psychological harm or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened. Early legal intervention is critical for evidence preservation and strategic guidance.

For Students / Pledges

We know the pressure to “fit in” or “earn your place” can be immense. But your safety and well-being are non-negotiable.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? If you feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced, it is hazing. If you’re forced to consume substances, endure physical pain, are deprived of sleep, or asked to do anything you hide from family or university officials, it’s hazing. These “traditions” are often illegal.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The law understands that you might “agree” to something under immense peer pressure, fear of exclusion, or the desire to belong. This isn’t true consent. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave any organization at any time, without penalty. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation and seek help. Report incidents confidentially to the Dean of Students, campus police, or the national Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293).
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Texas law and many university policies protect students who call for help in an emergency, even if underage drinking was involved. Your safety is more important than fear of minor disciplinary action.

For Former Members / Witnesses

We understand the complex emotions you may feel: guilt, fear, and a desire to help. Your perspective and testimony can be invaluable in creating accountability and preventing future harm.

• Your Role in Accountability: You may possess critical information or evidence that can expose hazing and protect other students. Coming forward can be a courageous act that breaks the cycle of abuse.
• Seek Legal Advice: If you are a witness or former member, you may have legal questions about your own potential exposure or how to provide information safely. We can offer confidential guidance on your rights and help you navigate the process without inadvertently jeopardizing your own situation. Your attorney can act as a buffer between you and the institution or other individuals.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

In the aftermath of a hazing incident, families often act with emotion or with incomplete information, inadvertently hindering their own legal recourse. We’ve seen firsthand how these common missteps can severely weaken a case or even destroy it entirely. Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) offers more insight.

1. Allowing Your Child to Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence: Parents, out of a desire to “protect” their child from further trouble, sometimes encourage the deletion of phone messages, photos, or social media posts.
   • Why it’s wrong: This is actively destroying evidence. It can lead to accusations of obstruction, severely damages credibility, and makes proving the hazing exponentially harder. Deleted evidence can often be forensically recovered, but any knowing destruction will taint the case.
   • What to do instead: Preserve and back up everything digitally, even if it seems embarrassing or incriminating. It’s evidence of what happened.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: Parents’ natural instinct is often to immediately confront those responsible for harming their child.
   • Why it’s wrong: Direct confrontation will alert the perpetrators, giving them time to destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses. It also puts your child at risk of retaliation.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in secret, then call a lawyer to strategize before any direct communication with the organization.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms Without Legal Review: Universities may try to fast-track internal resolutions or offer small concessions in exchange for signing waivers or agreements.
   • Why it’s wrong: These documents almost always include clauses that waive your rights to take further legal action, including filing a civil lawsuit. The terms offered are typically far below the true value of your child’s damages.
   • What to do instead: Absolutely do NOT sign anything from the university or any other party without an attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer: The desire for public awareness or emotional release can lead families to share details on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
   • Why it’s wrong: Opposing defense attorneys will screenshot every post. Inconsistencies or emotional language can be used to attack your child’s credibility. It can also inadvertently waive legal privileges or compromise the investigation.
   • What to do instead: Document privately for your attorney. Let your legal counsel guide any public messaging.
5. Letting Your Child Go Back for a “Clean-Up” or “One Last Meeting”: Organizations often pressure victims or witnesses to participate in meetings or tasks in an attempt to control the narrative or extract favorable statements.
   • Why it’s wrong: This is a classic tactic to pressure, intimidate, or get statements that can be used against your child. It puts them back in a potentially dangerous or coercive environment.
   • What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication from your child to the organization must cease and be redirected through your attorney.
6. Waiting to “See How the University Handles It”: Universities often promise a thorough internal investigation, urging families to let them “handle it.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Internal investigations are often slow, lack subpoena power, and can prioritize the university’s reputation over the victim’s full recovery. Crucial evidence can disappear while you wait, and the statute of limitations continues to run.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence immediately and consult a lawyer. The university’s internal process and a legal claim are separate, and pursuing a lawsuit offers a different path to accountability.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: Insurance adjusters, whether for the school or the organization, may contact you under the guise of “just needing your statement.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you give can be used against you. Early settlement offers are almost always lowball.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and inform them that your attorney will contact them. Do not sign anything or accept any payments without legal counsel.

Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities in Texas (like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin) benefit from limited sovereign immunity under state law. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, and certain constitutional or Title IX violations. Private universities (such as SMU and Baylor) typically do not have sovereign immunity, making legal action more direct. Every case has unique facts, so it’s best to contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis tailored to your family’s situation.
• “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, it elevates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who witness hazing and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges. This means that engaging in or concealing severe hazing carries grave legal risks under Texas law.
• “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. The law recognizes that true, voluntary consent is impossible when a student is subjected to a significant power imbalance, peer pressure, threats of exclusion, or a coercive environment. Therefore, any “agreement” or “consent” given during a hazing ritual is legally invalid.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  In Texas, a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit generally has a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the injury or death. However, this period can sometimes be extended by the “discovery rule” if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent. For minors, the clock may not start until they reach adulthood. It’s crucial to understand that time is always of the essence in hazing cases because crucial evidence can quickly disappear, and witness memories fade. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to ensure your rights are protected. Attorney911’s video on “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) provides more details.
• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate legal liability for responsible parties. Major hazing lawsuits, including those involving multi-million-dollar judgments (like the Michael Deng case, where a pledge died at an off-campus retreat), consistently hold national organizations and sometimes universities liable even if the incident occurred away from campus grounds. Liability can arise from organizations’ sponsorship, control, knowledge of dangerous practices, and foreseeability of harm under similar circumstances.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  The vast majority of hazing lawsuits in civil court are resolved through confidential settlements before going to trial. While the initial filing of a lawsuit is public record, the terms of settlement are typically kept private. We prioritize your family’s privacy interests while strategically pursuing accountability. We can discuss options for requesting sealed court records and ensuring settlement terms remain confidential.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the profound trauma of a hazing incident, you need more than just a general personal injury lawyer. You need dedicated Legal Emergency Lawyers™ who understand the intricate dynamics of campus culture, who are undeterred by powerful institutional defendants, and who know precisely how to build a case that demands accountability.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we bring a specialized blend of experience, insight, and tenacity to hazing litigation that few firms can match. We are profoundly familiar with the landscape of Texas universities, from the University of Houston to Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, as well as the national organizations that govern Greek life and other student groups.

Our unique qualifications for hazing cases begin with our team. Lupe Peña, an Associate Attorney at our firm, brings invaluable “insurance insider” knowledge. As a former insurance defense attorney for a national law firm, she understands exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies evaluate (and undervalue) hazing claims. She knows their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their settlement strategies—because she used to run that playbook. This insight is critical in maximizing your family’s recovery.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, leads a firm built on a foundation of taking on formidable adversaries. Ralph’s extensive experience in complex litigation includes being one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. This background demonstrates our capability to litigate against billion-dollar corporations and their defense teams, making us undaunted by national fraternities, major universities, or their legal resources. Our federal court experience through the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, further equips us for cases that may involve multi-state organizations and federal statutes. Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) also provides us with a nuanced understanding of how criminal hazing charges intersect with civil litigation, allowing us to provide comprehensive guidance. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

We understand that hazing cases are not just about legal technicalities; they are about profound personal tragedy. We approach each case with empathy for the victim and their family, combined with an aggressive pursuit of truth and accountability. Our firm has a proven track record in obtaining multi-million-dollar wrongful death and catastrophic injury results, understanding how to value not just immediate medical costs but also long-term care needs, lost earning capacity, and immense pain and suffering. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) is crucial for navigating fraternity and university insurance coverage disputes. Attorney911’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@Manginellolawfirm) features educational videos on personal injury law, wrongful death, and client rights.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Bosque County and surrounding regions like Bosqueville, Valley Mills, and Whitney. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families across every community in our state. We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face, and our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We pursue thorough investigations and real accountability.

Call to Action

If you or your child has experienced the devastating impact of hazing at any Texas campus – whether it’s near your home in Bosque County or at a university across the state – we want to hear from you. Families in Bosque County and throughout Central Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story, review any evidence you may have, explain your legal options, and help you understand the best path forward for your family. There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; our priority is to provide you with the information you need. Attorney911’s video explaining contingency fees (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc) clarifies how we work—we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Our video “Will You Keep Me Updated on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JrQowOLv1k) further highlights our commitment to client communication.

Call Attorney911 today for your confidential consultation:

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

Hablamos Español: For consultation in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly: lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Whether you’re in Bosque County, anywhere else in Texas, or even out-of-state but dealing with a Texas university, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
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