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Our community in Brown County, Texas, prides itself on deep-rooted values, strong community ties, and a commitment to family and education. Many of our children grow up dreaming of attending prestigious Texas universities like UT Austin, Texas A&M, or Baylor, carrying with them the hopes and dreams of our families. However, beneath the surface of campus life, a dangerous and often hidden threat can tragically alter these dreams: hazing.

Imagine this: a student from Brownwood or Early, bright-eyed and full of promise, arrives at a new campus, perhaps the sprawling grounds of Texas A&M. They’ve found a group — a fraternity, a sports team, maybe even a spirit organization — that promises camaraderie and belonging. But soon, the “challenges” begin. Late-night “activities” leave them sleep-deprived and disoriented. They’re pressured to consume excessive alcohol, endure degrading rituals, or face physical torment, all under the guise of “tradition” or “earning your place.” When someone inevitably gets sick or injured, a code of silence descends, fueled by fear of getting “the chapter shut down” or personal repercussions. The student, caught between loyalty to their new group and their own safety, feels utterly trapped.

This scenario isn’t just a hypothetical fear for Brown County families; it’s a stark reality that unfolds with tragic frequency across Texas campuses. Hazing is a pervasive issue that can turn the college experience into a nightmare, with consequences ranging from severe physical injury and psychological trauma to, in the worst cases, wrongful death.

This comprehensive guide serves as a vital resource for families in Brown County and throughout Texas who need to understand the insidious nature of modern hazing. We will delve into:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes to expose its subtle and digital forms.
• The Texas legal framework governing hazing, including both criminal and civil liabilities.
• How major national hazing cases have shaped our understanding and set crucial precedents, with specific relevance to Texas families.
• The chilling patterns of hazing behavior documented at prominent Texas institutions such as the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University.
• How the national histories of fraternities and sororities contribute to a cycle of repeated misconduct, influencing legal accountability.
• Your legal options if hazing has impacted your family, and how to build a robust case supported by evidence.

Please note: This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm offers confidential consultations to evaluate individual cases based on their unique facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including those right here in Brown County.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

• In the first 48 hours:

  • Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
    • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
    • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
    • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity/sorority
    • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
    • Post details on public social media
    • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

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

  • Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
  • Universities move quickly to control the narrative
  • We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

HAZING IN 2025: WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE

For Brown County families who may recall hazing as nothing more than a few harmless pranks, twenty-first-century hazing is far more insidious, dangerous, and technologically advanced. It’s a complex ecosystem of coercion, intimidation, and abuse that often uses social dynamics and digital tools to maintain secrecy and control. Understanding modern hazing is the first step toward combating it.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

At its core, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, and occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students. Simply put, if someone makes you do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that is hazing under Texas law.

It is crucial to understand that “I agreed to it” or “it was voluntary” does not automatically make it safe or legal. In environments marked by intense peer pressure, social hierarchy, and the deep desire for belonging, true consent is often impossible. The law and university policies recognize this power imbalance and the coercive nature of these situations.

Main Categories of Hazing

Modern hazing manifests in various forms, often escalating in severity and complexity. We classify it across three tiers, from subtle psychological manipulation to overt violence:

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing
These are behaviors that emphasize power imbalances and often set the stage for more severe acts. They exploit the desire to belong and the need for acceptance.

• Deception / Secrecy Oaths: New members are often forced to lie to parents, university officials, or outsiders about the organization’s activities. This creates an immediate wedge, isolating the new member and making them complicit in the secrecy.
• Assigning Derogatory Names or Identities: Requiring pledges to answer to demeaning nicknames or be treated as sub-human. This strips individuality and reinforces their lower status.
• Servitude and Errands: New members are often required to perform duties for older members at all hours, such as acting as designated drivers, cleaning rooms, doing laundry, or running errands. The “pledges are on call 24/7” mentality is a classic example.
• Social Isolation: New members might be told to cut off contact with non-members, or require permission to socialize outside the group, further isolating them and increasing dependence on the organization.
• Deprivation of Privileges: Not being allowed to speak unless spoken to, sit in certain seats, or use certain doors. These are petty acts that reinforce hierarchy and control.
• Academic Interference: Requiring attendance at events that interfere with academics, such as mandatory late-night meetings during exam periods, which can jeopardize a student’s academic standing.
• “Scavenger Hunts” or “Tasks”: Seemingly harmless, these are often designed to humiliate, pressure, or even endanger new members (e.g., stealing items, performing public stunts).

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing
This tier involves activities that cause emotional or physical discomfort, creating a hostile and abusive environment. While not always physically injurious, the psychological toll can be immense.

• Verbal Abuse: Subjecting new members to yelling, screaming, insults, degrading language, or threats. This erodes self-esteem and creates a constant state of anxiety.
• Sleep Deprivation: Mandatory late-night meetings, tasks, or wake-up calls at all hours. Multi-day events with minimal sleep are common and dangerous.
• Food / Water Restriction: Limiting access to food or water, or forcing the consumption of unpleasant substances like spoiled food, hot sauce, or excessive amounts of bland items like milk or bread until vomiting.
• Forced Physical Activity: Requiring strenuous calisthenics (“smokings”), forced runs, or other “workouts” that are punitive rather than genuinely athletic, pushing individuals beyond safe limits.
• Public Humiliation: Forcing pledges to perform embarrassing acts in public, such as singing, dancing, wearing degrading costumes, or enduring “roasts” where members verbally attack them.
• Exposure to Discomfort: Forcing pledges into filthy spaces, or covering them in food, condiments, eggs, or other non-harmful but humiliating substances.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing
These are the most dangerous forms of hazing, involving activities with a high potential for severe physical injury, sexual assault, or even death.

• Forced Alcohol Consumption: This is the most common cause of hazing deaths. It includes “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” reveal nights with handles of hard liquor, or “Bible study” games where incorrect answers mandate excessive drinking.
• Forced Drug Use: Coercing pledges to consume illegal drugs, prescription pills, or unknown substances.
• Physical Beatings: Paddling, punches, kicks, or slaps. This can also include “branding” or other physical markings like burns or cuts.
• Dangerous Physical “Tests”: Activities like the “glass ceiling” where blindfolded pledges are tackled, forced fights, jumping from excessive heights, or swimming while intoxicated.
• Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, or sexual assault. This is a severe criminal offense and deeply traumatizing.
• Discriminatory Hazing: Acts that are racist, homophobic, or sexist, including the use of slurs or forced role-playing of degrading stereotypes.
• Kidnapping / Restraint: Abducting pledges, transporting them blindfolded, or physically restraining them (e.g., binding them in a “roasted pig” pose).
• Extreme Exposure: Locking pledges in freezing rooms, leaving them outdoors in extreme weather, or denying access to bathrooms for extended periods.

For Brown County families, particularly those whose children may be considering joining college organizations, recognizing these categories is crucial. Hazing is often cloaked in tradition and secrecy, making it difficult for outsiders to detect.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not exclusive to “frat boys” featured in movies. While fraternities and sororities, both Interfraternity Council (IFC) and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapters, often come to mind, the problem is far more widespread:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-style Groups: These organizations, with their emphasis on discipline and hierarchy, can sometimes foster environments where hazing is mistaken for character-building.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to cheerleading and club sports, athletes are frequently subjected to hazing rituals.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign groups can have hidden initiation practices involving humiliation or physical duress.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Groups focused on campus pride or history can, unfortunately, include hazing in their “rituals.”
• Other Student Organizations: Even academic, service, or cultural groups can fall prey to hazing, exploiting new members’ enthusiasm and desire to contribute.

The common thread among these diverse groups is that hazing often thrives on social status, tradition, and secrecy. University administrators, national organization leaders, and even parents may be genuinely committed to preventing hazing, but the deep-seated culture within some groups allows it to persist and evolve. As we navigate the college landscape, Brown County families must be aware that hazing can appear in unexpected places and under many guises.

LAW & LIABILITY FRAMEWORK (TEXAS + FEDERAL)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing is crucial for any Brown County family affected by these acts. Texas law, alongside federal regulations, provides mechanisms for both criminal prosecution and civil recourse, holding individuals and institutions accountable.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear, explicit anti-hazing provisions primarily found in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This statute defines hazing broadly, making it illegal to engage in or knowingly permit hazing activities.

Hazing 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, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Let’s break down what this means in plain English for Brown County families:

• Broad Scope: Hazing isn’t just severe physical abuse. It includes acts that harm a student’s mental health, such as extreme humiliation, psychological manipulation, or intimidation.
• Intent Doesn’t Have to Be Malicious: Someone doesn’t have to intend to cause severe injury. If they acted “recklessly” – meaning they were aware of the risk but disregarded it – that’s enough for a hazing charge.
• Location Doesn’t Matter: The law explicitly states hazing can occur on or off campus. This means activities at private residences, off-campus venues, or even remote retreats are covered.
• “Consent” Is Not a Defense: A critical aspect of Texas law (Texas Education Code § 37.155) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. This means even if a student “agreed” to participate, or says they “voluntarily” did so, it does not absolve the perpetrators or organizations of liability. The law recognizes that true, uncoerced consent is often absent in power-imbalanced hazing scenarios.

Criminal Penalties:
Individuals who commit hazing can face criminal charges in Texas. The severity of these penalties depends on the level of harm caused:

• Class B Misdemeanor: The baseline charge for hazing, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury, the charges escalate, carrying up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, perpetrators can face state jail felony charges, leading to up to two years in state jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000.

Additionally, Texas law imposes criminal penalties for failing to report hazing. Any person who has knowledge of hazing and fails to report it can face misdemeanor charges. This provision aims to break the toxic “code of silence.”

Organizational Liability:
Under Texas Education Code § 37.153, organizations can also be held criminally liable for hazing. This occurs if the organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer or member acting in their official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it. Penalties for organizations can include fines of up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can also revoke their recognition, effectively banning them from campus. This is a crucial distinction as it holds the group, not just individuals, accountable.

Reporter Protections:
Texas Education Code § 37.154 offers a measure of protection for those who step forward. A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to police or university officials is immune from civil or criminal liability that might arise from such a report. Furthermore, many university policies and state laws offer amnesty for students who call 911 or seek medical help in an emergency (often referred to as Good Samaritan laws), even if underage drinking or other minor offenses were involved. These protections are designed to prioritize student safety and encourage reporting.

Criminal vs Civil Cases

It’s vital for Brown County families to understand that a hazing incident can lead to two distinct, yet often intertwined, types of legal action: criminal cases and civil cases.

Criminal Cases:

• Purpose: To punish individuals for violating state laws.
• Initiated by: The state (district attorney or prosecutor).
• Outcome: Convictions can result in jail time, fines, probation, or community service.
• In Hazing: Criminal charges might include hazing offenses (as outlined above), assault, battery, furnishing alcohol to minors, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in cases of death.

Civil Cases:

• Purpose: To seek monetary compensation for victims or their families for the harm suffered.
• Initiated by: The victim or their family (known as the plaintiff).
• Outcome: Financial awards (damages) to cover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
• In Hazing: Civil lawsuits typically allege negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, or premises liability against individuals and institutions.

Crucially, a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The standards of proof are different: criminal cases require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt,” while civil cases require proof by a “preponderance of the evidence” (meaning it is more likely than not that the claim is true). This means a family can pursue a civil lawsuit even if criminal charges are never filed or do not result in a conviction. Often, criminal proceedings can provide valuable evidence that strengthens a civil claim.

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

Beyond state laws, several federal provisions also address hazing, particularly concerning universities that receive federal funding.

The Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates greater transparency and accountability from colleges and universities across the U.S. By around 2026, institutions receiving federal aid will be required to:

• Publicly report all hazing incidents and related disciplinary actions on a centralized website. This significantly enhances transparency, allowing prospective students and parents (including those in Brown County) to research a school’s hazing record.
• Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs, ensuring they reach a wider audience and are more effective.
• Maintain comprehensive, publicly accessible data on hazing violations, providing a clearer picture of the problem nationwide.

Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. While Hazing often involves general abuse, if hazing includes sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based bullying, or creates a hostile environment based on sex, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities have a duty to investigate and respond promptly and effectively to such allegations, regardless of whether they occurred on or off campus. Failure to do so can lead to severe penalties, including loss of federal funding.

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 often overlap with categories reportable under Clery, especially when they involve:

• Assaults: Physical hazing resulting in injury.
• Alcohol or Drug Violations: Forced consumption of substances.
• Sexual Offenses: Hazing that includes sexual harassment or assault.

By reporting these crimes, universities provide a clearer picture of campus safety. Families in Brown County can use Clery Act data, along with information from the Stop Campus Hazing Act, to make more informed decisions about college choices.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

When a student is harmed by hazing, multiple parties can potentially be held accountable in a civil lawsuit. Identifying all responsible parties is a complex process but crucial for ensuring full compensation and accountability.

• Individual Students: The students who directly planned, carried out, or even passively allowed the hazing to occur can be held personally liable. This includes “big brothers” or “big sisters,” pledge educators, and chapter officers.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be sued if it is legally recognized (e.g., as a non-profit corporation) and if the hazing was conducted under its name or auspices.
• National Fraternity / Sorority: Most local chapters are affiliates of national organizations. These national bodies often set policies, provide training, collect dues, and exert a degree of control over local chapters. If a national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (either within that specific chapter or across its network) and failed to take adequate preventive or corrective action, it can be held liable. Many multi-million dollar settlements have been paid by national fraternities.
• University or Governing Board: Colleges and universities have a duty to provide a safe educational environment. Their liability can arise from:
  • Negligent Supervision: Failing to adequately oversee student organizations, faculty advisors, or campus activities.
  • Failure to Enforce Policies: Having anti-hazing policies but consistently failing to enforce them, especially after prior warnings or incidents.
  • Indifference: If the university was aware of hazing activities and demonstrated deliberate indifference, allowing them to continue.
  • Specific Duties: Special duties could apply if the hazing occurred on university property, involved university employees, or violated specific federal mandates like Title IX.
• Third Parties: Depending on the circumstances, others might also bear responsibility:
  • Property Owners: If the hazing occurred at a private residence or venue (e.g., an Airbnb, a member’s family home), the property owner might be liable if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Alcohol Providers: Bars, stores, or even individuals who illegally furnish alcohol to minors that leads to injury can face liability under dram shop laws or social host liability statutes.
  • Security Companies / Event Organizers: If an event was paid for or contracted with outside groups, they may have a duty of care.

For Brown County families seeking justice, understanding this web of potential liability is key. An experienced attorney can meticulously investigate the facts to identify all responsible parties, ensuring a comprehensive legal strategy.

NATIONAL HAZING CASE PATTERNS (ANCHOR STORIES)

While every hazing incident is a personal tragedy, national cases reveal chilling patterns and the severe legal and financial consequences for those responsible. These anchor stories provide crucial context for families in Brown County, demonstrating foreseeability and the high stakes involved in hazing litigation across the country, which absolutely impacts Texas campuses.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced or excessive alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing fatalities. These cases illustrate the deadly combination of peer pressure, a culture of silence, and dangerously delayed medical care.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died from severe traumatic brain injuries after a “bid acceptance” night involving extreme alcohol consumption. Fraternity security cameras captured him falling down stairs and struggling for hours while brothers delayed calling for help. The tragic negligence led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and the creation of Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This case underscores that delayed medical care and cover-ups dramatically worsen outcomes and increase liability.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. Despite his collapse, medical help was tragically delayed. The incident led to criminal hazing charges against multiple members, a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU, and a state-wide anti-hazing movement in Florida. Coffey’s death is a stark reminder that formulaic drinking rituals are a repeated script for disaster.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old pledge, died with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.495% (nearly six times the legal driving limit) after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink heavily as punishment for incorrect answers. Gruver’s death led to criminal charges, including a conviction for negligent homicide for one member, and spurred the passage of Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing law. Max’s family received a $6.1 million verdict in a wrongful death suit against a fraternity member, and confidential settlements with others. This shows how public outrage and clear evidence can lead to significant legislative change and civil awards.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol as part of a “Big/Little” night initiation. He tragically died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple fraternity members were convicted of hazing-related charges, and his family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million coming from the Pi Kappa Alpha national organization and an additional sum from BGSU. The incident led to the strengthening of Ohio’s anti-hazing laws. This case highlights that universities, along with fraternities, can face significant financial and reputational consequences.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and psychologically damaging rituals also lead to severe injuries and deaths.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a pledge, was subjected to a brutal blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Members repeatedly tackled him while he was weighted down with a backpack. He suffered a fatal traumatic brain injury, and help was delayed for over an hour. This case resulted in multiple criminal convictions for members, and, critically, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years and fined over $110,000. This landmark case illustrates that off-campus “retreats” are often used to hide dangerous hazing and that national organizations can face severe sanctions for pervasive, known hazardous practices.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue in athletic programs, military organizations, and other student groups.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Multiple lawsuits were filed by former football players alleging widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over many years. This scandal resulted in the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later reached a confidential settlement in his wrongful-termination suit against the university. The incident led to a public reckoning for Northwestern, demonstrating that hazing can infiltrate prestigious athletic programs and raise serious questions about institutional oversight and responsibility.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national stories, though from other states, paint a clear picture for Brown County families:

• Common Threads of Tragedy: Forced drinking, humiliation, physical violence, dangerously delayed medical care, and concerted cover-up attempts are recurring elements in hazing incidents.
• Accountability Through Litigation: Significant reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often only follow public exposure and aggressive litigation by victims and their families. This cycle of tragedy and subsequent legal action is central to holding institutions accountable.
• Foreseeability: The consistent recurrence of these dangerous patterns establishes foreseeability. National organizations cannot credibly claim ignorance when similar incidents have befallen their chapters across the country.
• Texas is No Exception: Whether at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, Texas students are susceptible to the same dangerous hazing dynamics seen elsewhere. Families in Brown County facing hazing on these campuses are not alone; they are confronting a problem with national implications, and there are established legal paths to justice.

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

For Brown County families, understanding the specific landscape of hazing at prominent Texas universities is invaluable. While our children may attend a school far from Brownwood or Early, hazing affects students across the state. This section focuses on five major Texas institutions, highlighting their cultures, hazing policies, past incidents, and how legal cases might proceed. Where geographically relevant, we’ll note implications for Brown County families.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston is a diverse, sprawling urban public university. Families from Brown County who opt for an urban academic experience often find themselves part of its dynamic campus life. With a significant population of students, UH’s Greek life is active and varied, encompassing a wide range of fraternities and sororities, alongside numerous other student organizations and sports clubs.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH serves a large and diverse student body, making it a vibrant academic hub. Its Greek life is a prominent feature, with Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council, and National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations. While these groups often promote community service and leadership, like any large university system, they face the ongoing challenge of combating hazing traditions. Brown County families whose children choose UH need to be aware of the social pressures that can arise in such a large, active environment.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy. Their official stance, emphasized across their student handbooks and Greek life guides, unequivocally prohibits hazing, articulating that such acts are unlawful and violate university policy whether they occur on-campus or off-campus. The policy explicitly forbids forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and acts causing mental distress as a prerequisite for membership or affiliation. UH provides clear reporting channels through the Dean of Students’ office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). UH also generally provides a hazing statement and some disciplinary information on its website, though the level of detail regarding specific incidents can vary.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

One significant incident demonstrating UH’s encounter with hazing occurred around 2016 involving the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity. Pledges were reportedly subjected to multi-day events involving sleep deprivation and insufficient food and water. One student allegedly sustained a lacerated spleen after being violently slammed onto a surface. This incident led to misdemeanor hazing charges and a university suspension for the chapter. Attorney911 is currently representing client Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi, among others, alleging severe hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure in late 2025. This shows that UH, despite its policies, has faced serious hazing incidents which Attorney911 has directly litigated.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at the University of Houston can involve multiple agencies. Depending on the location of the incident, the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) or the Houston Police Department (HPD) could be involved in criminal investigations. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. Brown County families understand the court system may be intimidating, but our firm navigates these complex jurisdictions regularly. Potential defendants in a lawsuit could include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the university itself, including the UH System Board of Regents, and property owners.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand the Policies: Familiarize yourself with UH’s anti-hazing policies and reporting procedures beforehand.
• Document Everything: If you suspect hazing, immediately gather any evidence: screenshots of messages, photos of injuries, and detailed notes (dates, times, names).
• Report Discreetly: Utilize UH’s anonymous reporting options if you are a student, or contact the Dean of Students as a parent.
• Seek Legal Counsel Immediately: If physical or psychological harm has occurred, contact a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases. Attorney911 can help preserve evidence, which disappears quickly, and ensure your rights are protected.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station holds a special place in the hearts of many Texans, including those in Brown County. Known for its rich traditions, the Aggie Spirit, and the Corps of Cadets, it attracts students from all corners of the state. Brown County families frequently send their children to Texas A&M, expecting a challenging yet rewarding academic and social experience. However, the university’s strong emphasis on tradition and group identity, while often positive, can sometimes create an environment where hazing is difficult to detect and eradicate.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its traditions, most notably the Corps of Cadets, a uniformed leadership development program with military roots. Greek life also thrives, with a substantial number of fraternities and sororities contributing to student life. This combination of tradition-bound organizations and a large, passionate student body can unfortunately provide fertile ground for hazing. For Brown County families, the allure of the Aggie Spirit is strong, but they must also recognize the potential for coercive practices disguised as “tradition” in this unique milieu.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M University unequivocally prohibits hazing, adhering strictly to Texas law. Their policies clearly state that hazing is illegal, violates university rules, and will not be tolerated. The prohibitions cover physical, mental, and emotional abuse, as well as forced consumption of substances, occurring both on and off campus. Texas A&M encourages reporting through its Student Conduct Office, the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMU PD), and various anonymous reporting hotlines. They also outline procedures for investigating allegations and imposing sanctions on individuals and organizations found responsible.

5.2.3 Example Incident & Response

Texas A&M has faced multiple high-profile hazing incidents, underscoring the persistent challenges.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): This case involved allegations of severe physical hazing where pledges were reportedly covered in various substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This resulted in severe chemical burns for at least two pledges, requiring emergency skin grafts. The SAE chapter was suspended by the university, and lawsuits were filed against the fraternity, alleging profound injuries and negligence.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and physical hazing during his time in the Corps. His claims included simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. Although Texas A&M stated they handled the matter under their internal rules, the lawsuit brought public attention to the alleged hazing traditions within the Corps.
  Previously, in 1984, Corps of Cadets member Bruce Dean Goodrich died from heatstroke during strenuous exercises at 2:30 a.m. Three cadets pleaded guilty to hazing, and one was expelled for tampering with evidence. These incidents, spanning decades and different organizations, illustrate a recurring struggle against dangerous traditions at A&M.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Due to Texas A&M’s location in College Station (Brazos County), criminal investigations might involve TAMU PD or the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. Civil cases would generally be filed in Brazos County courts. For Brown County families, securing counsel who understands Brazos County’s legal landscape can be crucial. Given the university’s vast resources and legal team, hazing cases against Texas A&M or its affiliated organizations often require experienced litigators. Cases may focus not only on Greek life but also on the unique traditions present within the Corps of Cadets.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Scrutinize Traditions: Be critically aware of “traditions” that may cross into hazing, especially within the Corps or Greek life.
• Report Concerns: Utilize TAMU’s anonymous reporting systems (e.g., Speak Up) or the Student Conduct Office.
• Document Everything: As with any hazing incident, meticulous documentation of communication, injuries, and witness accounts is paramount.
• Seek Experienced Counsel: If hazing has resulted in harm, contact a Texas attorney with a proven track record against large institutions to navigate the complexities of a case against Texas A&M or its associated organizations.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the state’s flagship institutions, a bustling epicenter of academics, culture, and spirited rivalries. For Brown County families, sending a child to UT Austin is often a point of immense pride. The campus’s vibrant Greek life and numerous student organizations create a powerful social draw, but also a complex environment where hazing unfortunately persists despite significant efforts by the university to combat it.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin boasts a large, diverse, and highly engaged student body. Greek life is robust, with a wide array of fraternities and sororities, alongside influential student groups like spirit organizations and clubs. The university has a long history of deeply ingrained traditions, some of which have unfortunately included hazing over the decades. This rich, tradition-laden environment, for all its positives, has consistently presented challenges in eradicating hazing.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin has an explicit and stern anti-hazing policy, clearly defining hazing in accordance with Texas law. This policy strictly prohibits any acts of hazing on or off campus and applies to all recognized student organizations. UT’s policies detail disciplinary actions for individuals and organizations found responsible, ranging from probation to expulsion for individuals and suspension or permanent loss of recognition for organizations. What sets UT apart is its publicly available Hazing Violations page on its website, which transparently lists organizations, dates of incidents, a summary of the conduct, and the disciplinary actions taken. This commitment to transparency is a crucial resource for prospective students and Brown County parents.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

UT Austin’s transparency page details numerous hazing violations.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Incident reports describe new members being directed to consume large quantities of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, activities clearly falling under hazing definitions. The chapter was placed on probation and mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Cowboys (Spirit Organization, 2018): This highly visible spirit organization faced sanctions after hazing violations, including alcohol-related misconduct leading to the death of a member (see below).
• Other Incidents: The UT website lists recurring issues across various Greek and non-Greek organizations, with penalties ranging from short suspensions to loss of recognition, for offenses spanning forced alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, and physical duress. Sadly, the Texas Cowboys has a long history of tragic hazing incidents; in 1995, Gabriel Higgins drowned in the Colorado River after participating in drinking games, and in 2018, a “New Man” (pledge) died in a pickup truck accident the university attributed to fatigue during pledging activities. Also in 1998, Jack L. Ivey of Phi Kappa Sigma died of alcohol poisoning at 0.40 BAC during a drinking game. In 2006, Tyler Cross of Sigma Alpha Epsilon died in a fall while under the influence of alcohol, with police citing hazing as a possible factor.

These documented incidents, publicly displayed by UT Austin, are potent. They indicate a consistent problem despite university enforcement, and they provide valuable evidence for civil claims, demonstrating a pattern of neglect or ineffective oversight. Our firm recently noted the 2024 death of Sawyer Updike, a suicide blamed on hazing at the University of Texas Austin Sigma Chi and five members.

5.1.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

Criminal investigations for hazing at UT Austin can involve the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) or the Austin Police Department (APD), depending on the incident’s location. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts within Travis County. For Brown County families, the public nature of UT’s hazing violation site provides a strong starting point for establishing a pattern of misconduct by specific organizations. Evidence of repeated violations at UT can be crucial in proving foreseeability and negligence in a civil suit, laying a foundation for holding both the perpetrators and the institution accountable.

5.1.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

• Review UT’s Public Record: Before joining any organization, consult UT’s Hazing Violations page to research its history.
• Prioritize Safety Over Secrecy: If you or your child encounters hazing, prioritize safety and well-being over “loyalty” or keeping secrets.
• Document and Report: Use UT’s robust reporting channels, including anonymous options if needed. Crucially, screenshot or photograph any evidence.
• Engage Legal Professionals: Given UT’s proactive stance on documenting hazing, an experienced attorney can leverage this public information, combined with private discovery, to build a powerful case. Attorney911 understands how to utilize such institutional transparency to a client’s advantage.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, located in Dallas, carries a reputation for academic excellence and a vibrant social scene, often attracting students from affluent backgrounds, including some Brown County families seeking a private university experience. Its Greek life is particularly prominent, often serving as a central pillar of social engagement. This creates a powerful draw for incoming students, but also a context where hazing rituals, driven by exclusivity and tradition, can take root.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private university with a strong Greek system that plays a significant role in campus social life. Many student organizations flourish here, and the competitive environment can unfortunately contribute to the perpetuation of hazing as a means of “earning” acceptance. For Brown County families considering SMU, understanding the intensity of social pressures and the prevalence of Greek life is key to recognizing potential hazing risks.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains explicit anti-hazing policies that align with Texas state law, prohibiting any physical or mental discomfort, harassment, or humiliation associated with initiation or membership. They emphasize that hazing is unacceptable and contrary to the university’s values. SMU provides reporting mechanisms through its Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, as well as an anonymous “SMU Aware” reporting system. As a private institution, SMU’s internal disciplinary records typically have less public transparency than those of public universities, which operate under different public information laws.

5.4.3 Example Incident & Response

SMU has taken action against various organizations for hazing violations over the years.

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity chapter was suspended after reports surfaced of new members being subjected to physical abuse, including paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and prolonged sleep deprivation. The university imposed significant sanctions on the chapter, which included a suspension of activities and restrictions on recruiting for several years.
• Other Incidents: While SMU’s public-facing record of specific hazing incidents might be less detailed than UT’s, the university has periodically disciplined other fraternities and sororities for various hazing infractions, often related to alcohol misuse, forced activities, and psychological intimidation during new member processes.

These incidents underscore that even at private institutions with robust student conduct frameworks, hazing remains a persistent challenge that requires continuous vigilance from both the university and parents.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

As a private university, SMU exercises considerable autonomy in its internal investigations and disciplinary processes. Criminal investigations would involve the SMU Police Department or the Dallas Police Department, depending on the location of the incident. Civil lawsuits against SMU or its affiliated organizations would typically be filed in Dallas County courts. For Brown County families, the lack of public transparency regarding SMU’s internal disciplinary actions means that a civil lawsuit’s discovery phase is often critical for uncovering a pattern of misconduct, prior warnings, and the university’s response (or lack thereof). Experienced attorneys can help compel the disclosure of such internal records.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Be Proactive: Engage with SMU’s anti-hazing resources and understand the specific rules and expectations for Greek life.
• Use Anonymous Reporting: If hazing is suspected, SMU Aware offers an avenue for reporting that can protect a student’s identity.
• Document and Preserve: Maintain meticulous records of any suspicious activities, communications, or injuries.
• Consult Legal Counsel: Should hazing result in harm, particularly given the less public nature of private university disciplinary actions, legal counsel is essential to navigate the process, compel information disclosure, and build a strong civil case. Attorney911 has the expertise to secure such sensitive documentation from private institutions.

5.5 Baylor University

Nestled in Waco, Baylor University is a private Christian institution with a strong emphasis on community and values. For Brown County families, Baylor represents a revered option for higher education, often chosen for its spiritual foundation and close-knit atmosphere. However, like any university, Baylor is not immune to hazing, and its institutional history reveals a complex narrative of striving to uphold its values while addressing serious misconduct.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University cultivates a distinctive culture, blending academic rigor with a faith-based environment. Greek life and numerous other student organizations are highly active, playing a significant role in student social and leadership development. The university’s commitment to its Christian mission influences its approach to student conduct, often emphasizing community responsibility and integrity. Despite these values, the desire for belonging and the pressures within student groups can unfortunately lead to hazing, sometimes camouflaged by calls for “discipline” or “bonding.”

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, articulating a zero-tolerance policy that aligns with Texas state law and its own institutional values. Their policies clearly define hazing acts, covering everything from physical abuse and forced consumption to psychological manipulation and activities that interfere with a student’s academic or personal well-being. Baylor encourages reporting through its Dean of Students’ office, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), and its confidential “EthicsPoint” hotline. The university also emphasizes educational programs aimed at fostering a culture of respect and preventing hazing.

5.5.3 Example Incident & Response

Baylor’s institutional history, particularly its recent past, highlights a significant period of scrutiny over campus safety issues, including highly publicized controversies related to football and mishandling of sexual assault allegations. These broader challenges have cast a light on the intricate relationship between institutional oversight and student well-being, even if not directly hazing-related in every instance.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An internal investigation by Baylor revealed hazing within the baseball program. While specific details were kept private due to student privacy concerns, the incident resulted in disciplinary action against multiple players, with 14 being suspended. These suspensions were staggered across the early season, impacting team dynamics and underscoring that hazing, even when less violent, leads to serious consequences.
  Prior incidents have also emerged from Baylor’s background; specifically, in 1967, John E. Clifton died after choking on a foul concoction requested during an initiation to the Baylor Chamber of Commerce, a social club. The death was ruled accidental, and a president initially denied hazing occurred, before reversing his stance.

Such events underscore the ongoing need for vigilance and robust enforcement of anti-hazing policies, demonstrating that even a values-driven institution like Baylor must continuously reinforce its commitment to student safety.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

As a private university, Baylor, like SMU, maintains internal disciplinary records that are not typically subject to public records laws. Criminal investigations involving hazing would be handled by BUPD or the Waco Police Department, and civil lawsuits would generally be filed in McLennan County courts. For Brown County families pursuing a case against Baylor, discovery in a civil lawsuit would be essential to obtain internal communications, past incident reports, and evidence of the university’s responses to prior hazing allegations. Given Baylor’s experience with high-stakes litigation, legal counsel with a deep understanding of discovery tactics against private institutions is paramount.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand Baylor’s Values and Actions: While Baylor emphasizes strong values, it’s crucial to evaluate how effectively these translate into practice regarding student safety and hazing prevention.
• Utilize Reporting Systems: Students and parents should not hesitate to use Baylor’s reporting systems, including the confidential EthicsPoint hotline if they suspect or experience hazing.
• Prioritize Confidentiality: Given the private nature of much of Baylor’s conduct records, securing evidence and maintaining confidentiality with legal counsel is particularly important.
• Engage Specialized Attorneys: If hazing results in significant harm, Brown County families should seek attorneys experienced in navigating the unique legal and ethical landscape of private, faith-based universities. Attorney911 is prepared to challenge powerful defendants, regardless of their institutional status.

FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES: CAMPUS-SPECIFIC + NATIONAL HISTORIES

For Brown County families whose children attend or plan to attend Texas universities, understanding the dual nature of Greek organizations—the local chapters and their powerful national organizations—is critical. While a local chapter at UH or Texas A&M might seem like an independent student group, it operates under the umbrella of a national body, whose history of hazing, accountability, and reform can significantly impact a hazing case.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

Most Greek fraternities and sororities with chapters at Texas universities (including UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor) are part of vast, IRS-registered national organizations. These national headquarters are not merely symbolic; they set policies, provide training, collect dues, recognize chapters, and have a responsibility to oversee their local affiliates. Many prominent national organizations have developed extensive anti-hazing policies, risk management manuals, and “pledge-free” initiatives precisely because they have faced repeated hazing incidents, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful deaths across their chapters nationwide.

This extensive history creates a crucial legal concept: foreseeability. When a Texas chapter of a national organization repeats a hazing “script” (like an alcohol-fueled “Big/Little” night or intense physical torment) that has previously resulted in injury, death, or severe disciplinary action at another chapter in a different state, the national organization can rarely claim ignorance. They had prior warnings, or “notice,” that these dangerous practices existed within their network. This pattern of knowledge strengthens arguments for negligence or gross negligence against national entities and can significantly influence settlement leverage, insurance coverage disputes, and potential punitive damages in civil litigation.

6.2 Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Here’s a look at some of the national fraternities and sororities that have faced significant hazing issues, many with chapters operating at Texas universities:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): This national fraternity has faced multiple high-profile hazing cases involving alcohol. The tragic 2021 death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University, after being forced to drink an entire bottle of alcohol, led to a $10 million settlement from the national organization. David Bogenberger’s death in 2012 at Northern Illinois University also resulted in a $14 million settlement. Pike’s history demonstrates a pattern of dangerous “Big/Little” alcohol hazing rituals that have proven deadly across campuses.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Often cited nationally for numerous hazing deaths and severe injuries, SAE proactively banned traditional pledging in 2014—an admission of a pervasive problem. Despite this, incidents persist. A University of Alabama chapter is currently facing a lawsuit for a pledge who allegedly suffered a traumatic brain injury during hazing. Closer to home, a Texas A&M chapter faced a $1 million lawsuit around 2021 when pledges suffered severe chemical burns from substances poured on them. The University of Texas at Austin’s SAE chapter has also faced scrutiny, and nationally, the organization has a documented history of alcohol-related tragedies causing great trauma and multiple families pursuing litigation.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): This fraternity has been linked to numerous hazing incidents, including the tragic 2017 death of Max Gruver at Louisiana State University due to extreme alcohol consumption, which led to a $6.1 million verdict and a new state law. Their patterns suggest a history of dangerous alcohol-related initiation rituals.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): This national fraternity, like others, has a history of severe hazing. The 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University after forced heavy drinking during a “Big Brother Night” led to criminal prosecution of members. Attorney911 is currently representing Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi, among others, alleging severe hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure at their Beta Nu chapter in late 2025. This shows a clear pattern of dangerous alcohol-related hazing across chapters.
• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): While promoting chivalry and tradition, this fraternity has faced its share of hazing allegations, including the previously mentioned 2017 incident at SMU involving paddling and forced drinking. Their national presence means local chapter actions are scrutinized within a broader historical context.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): This fraternity came under national scrutiny following the catastrophic 2021 hazing of Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri, which resulted in severe, permanent brain damage. His family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants, reportedly for multi-million dollar sums. This case highlighted the devastating and lifelong consequences of extreme alcohol-related hazing.
• Pi Delta Psi (ΠΔΨ): This Asian-American interest fraternity gained national notoriety after the 2013 hazing death of Chun “Michael” Deng at Baruch College. The national organization was not only banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years but was also criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, a rare instance of a national fraternity facing criminal charges, and illustrating the liability for violent, physical hazing.

This is not an exhaustive list, and many other national fraternities and sororities, including Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Sigma, Lambda Phi Epsilon, and Sigma Pi, have national histories involving hazing injuries or deaths. These organizations’ repeated encounters with hazing demonstrate that the problem is systemic, not merely isolated incidents by “bad apples.”

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For Brown County families, the national history of a fraternity or sorority is not just historical trivia; it’s a critical component of a legal strategy. Here’s why:

• Foreseeability: A history of similar hazing incidents across a national organization’s chapters can establish that the national body (and often the university) had foreseeable knowledge of the risks involved. They cannot credibly claim surprise when a local chapter engages in behaviors that have repeatedly caused harm elsewhere.
• Pattern Evidence: Presenting evidence of consistent hazing patterns within a national organization strengthens arguments that current incidents are not isolated, but rather part of a larger, systemic problem that national leaders failed to adequately address or prevent.
• Legal Leverage: Knowledge of a national organization’s problematic history can significantly enhance a family’s leverage in settlement negotiations, as it increases the national body’s exposure to significant financial and reputational damages if the case proceeds to trial.
• Insurance Coverage: Previous judgments and settlements against a national organization can influence how insurance carriers view and defend against new claims, sometimes leading to more favorable outcomes for victims.

When a family in Brown County faces hazing, an experienced legal team will meticulously research the full history of the involved organization, local chapter, and university. This comprehensive approach is essential to holding all responsible parties accountable.

7. BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY

Successfully pursuing a hazing case in Texas, whether in Brown County or across the state, requires a meticulous approach to evidence collection, a deep understanding of potential damages, and a robust legal strategy. These cases are rarely straightforward, often involving powerful institutional defendants and complex evidentiary challenges. Our firm’s experience against formidable opponents, from billion-dollar corporations to major universities, underscores the importance of this strategic depth.

7.1 Evidence

In hazing cases, securing and preserving evidence is paramount, as perpetrators often try to destroy it. Modern hazing leaves a digital footprint that is often key to building a case. Our firm leverages this:

• Digital Communications & Social Media:

  • Group Chat Platforms: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even fraternity-specific apps are fertile ground for evidence. Messages among members planning, discussing, or executing hazing activities are invaluable. We look for explicit directives, coded language, or even threats related to hazing.
  • Social Media: Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok often host posts, stories, or comments that unknowingly document hazing. Location tags, hashtags, and the content itself can provide crucial context, showing who was present, what was happening, and who was involved.
  • Preservation is Key: Deleted messages are not always gone forever. Digital forensics experts can often recover wiped data. However, immediate screenshots (with timestamps and participant names) before deletion attempts are gold-standard evidence.

• Photos & Videos:

  • Injuries: Photographs of physical injuries (bruises, burns, cuts) taken immediately after the incident and then consistently over several days to show progression are vital. Scaling objects (like a coin or ruler) can illustrate severity.
  • Event Documentation: Increasingly, participants film hazing for their own amusement, unaware they are creating incriminating evidence. This footage, even if intended for private group sharing, is critical. Security camera footage (at houses, dorms, campus facilities, or public venues) can place individuals and confirm timelines.
  • Locations & Objects: Photos of the hazing location, as well as any objects used (paddles, masks, alcohol bottles, specific costumes), can corroborate testimony.

• Internal Organization Documents:

  • Pledge Manuals & Rituals: Chapters often have “pledge manuals” that outline acceptable or “traditional” activities. These, along with internal documents detailing initiation scripts, rituals, or membership requirements, can expose coercive practices.
  • Communications: Emails or texts among officers planning activities, discussing compliance, or addressing concerns about new members can reveal intent and knowledge of hazing.
  • National Policies: The written anti-hazing policies and risk management materials from national fraternities are key. If they were not properly enforced, it can indicate negligence.

• University Records:

  • Prior Violations: Universities, especially public institutions like UT Austin, often maintain records of prior conduct violations, including past hazing incidents, probation periods, or suspensions for specific organizations. These records are invaluable for establishing a pattern of non-compliance and foreseeability.
  • Incident Reports: Campus police reports, student conduct office reports, or letters of warning related to hazing allegations are crucial.
  • Clery Act Reports: These annual disclosures can show broader patterns of alcohol/drug-related offenses or assaults on campus.

• Medical and Psychological Records:

  • Emergency & Hospital Records: Detailed documentation of medical treatment, diagnoses, lab results (e.g., blood alcohol levels, toxicology, creatine kinase levels for rhabdomyolysis), and discharge summaries are essential.
  • Ongoing Treatment: Records from long-term physical therapy, psychological counseling, or psychiatric treatment demonstrate the lasting physical and emotional toll of hazing.
  • Expert Testimony: Medical experts and forensic psychologists can testify on the extent of physical injuries, toxicological effects, and the psychological impact, such as PTSD or extreme anxiety.

• Witness Testimony:

  • Other Pledges/Members: Testimonies from other new members, former members (especially those who left due to hazing), or even current members who are willing to speak out are powerful.
  • Bystanders: Campus residents, RAs, coaches, or other students who observed suspicious activities can provide corroborating evidence.
  • Former Members/Insiders: Individuals who have left the organization but have direct knowledge of hazing practices can offer critical insights.

7.2 Damages

In Texas, victims of hazing and their families can claim various types of damages in a civil lawsuit, aiming to compensate for all losses suffered. These include:

• Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses.

  • Medical Expenses: Covering past bills (ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, therapies) and projecting future costs (ongoing treatments, long-term physical or psychological care, specialized equipment). For catastrophic injuries like permanent brain damage (seen in cases like Danny Santulli), this can include lifetime care plans.
  • Lost Earnings/Educational Impact: Reimbursing lost wages if the victim or a parent had to miss work. Critically, it includes compensating for lost educational opportunities (missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation) and diminished future earning capacity if the hazing results in permanent disability or severe psychological trauma that affects career prospects.
  • Other Costs: Property damage (destroyed phone, clothing) or relocation expenses if a student must transfer schools due to the trauma.

• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for non-financial, subjective losses but are highly compensable under Texas law.

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: This covers immediate and ongoing pain caused by injuries.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: Victims often suffer severe psychological consequences, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and fear. Expert psychological evaluations are used to document this profound mental anguish, humiliation, and loss of dignity.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This accounts for the victim’s reduced ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed, the withdrawal from social life, and the profound disruption to their college experience and personal relationships.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): If hazing leads to a student’s death, surviving family members (parents, children, and sometimes siblings in Texas) can claim:

  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Direct expenses related to the death.
  • Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the financial contributions the deceased would have made to their family over their lifetime.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: This deeply personal category accounts for the profound grief, emotional suffering, and loss of the unique bond shared with the deceased.
  • Loss of Guidance and Counsel: Especially significant for younger siblings who lose an older role model.

• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct, particularly reckless or malicious behavior, Texas courts may award punitive damages. These are not merely compensatory; their purpose is to punish the defendants and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are often sought when defendants (individuals or institutions) had prior warnings, showed callous indifference to known risks, or attempted to cover up the hazing. Note that Texas has statutory caps on punitive damages in many personal injury cases, but exceptions exist for certain intentional torts.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

The complexity of hazing litigation often involves multiple layers of defendants and intricate insurance coverage disputes.

• Multiple Defendants, Multiple Paths to Justice: A comprehensive legal strategy identifies every potential defendant, from the individual students to the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and any third-party property owners or alcohol providers. Each defendant may hold a piece of the liability.
• The Insurance Factor: National fraternities, universities, and sometimes even individual members or property owners carry various insurance policies. These policies are designed to cover certain liabilities. However, insurers frequently try to deny coverage or “refuse duty to defend” by arguing that hazing or intentional acts are excluded from coverage. This is where Attorney911’s unique advantage comes into play. Lupe Peña, with her background as a former insurance defense attorney, understands precisely how insurance companies operate, their exclusion arguments, and their tactics for minimizing payouts. Her experience allows our firm to anticipate their moves, force them to the table, and secure coverage that might otherwise be denied.
• Beyond the Money: Catalyzing Change: While monetary compensation is vital for victims and their families, a successful hazing lawsuit often achieves more than just financial recovery. It can compel institutional reform, stricter enforcement of anti-hazing policies, and a deeper commitment to student safety, creating a tangible legacy of change.

For Brown County families seeking justice, understanding this intricate legal ecosystem is essential. An experienced hazing attorney acts as both investigator and advocate, meticulously uncovering evidence, skillfully navigating complex legal and insurance battles, and tirelessly fighting for the accountability and compensation your family deserves.

8. PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS

Navigating the aftermath of a hazing incident can feel overwhelming for Brown County families. Feelings of confusion, anger, and betrayal are common. This section provides direct, actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses, empowering them with the information they need to protect themselves and seek justice.

8.1 For Parents

For parents, recognizing hazing can be challenging, as students are often coached to hide it. Here’s what to look for and how to respond:

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be alert for changes that seem out of character.

  • Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, cuts, burns, or “accidents” that don’t quite add up. Pay attention to specific body areas often targeted, like the buttocks (paddling) or limbs (forced exercise).
  • Extreme Fatigue: Consistent exhaustion, sleep deprivation, or suddenly falling asleep at unusual times or places.
  • Emotional & Behavioral Changes: Increased anxiety, irritability, depression, withdrawal from family or previous friends, secrecy, or defensiveness when asked about activities.
  • Obsessive Phone Use: Constant checking of group chats, anxiety when the phone pings, or taking calls/texts at odd hours.
  • Academic Decline: Falling grades, missed classes, or a sudden lack of interest in academics.
  • Financial Red Flags: Unusual requests for money, unexplained expenses, or being forced to buy things for older members.
  • Code Phrases: Phrases like “I can’t talk about it,” “what happens here stays here,” or “it’s tradition” are classic red flags.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment.

  • Listen Actively: Create a safe space for them to speak without fear of blame.
  • Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of “Are you being hazed?”, try “How are things really going with the fraternity/team?”, “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”, or “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?”
  • Prioritize Safety: Clearly state that their safety and well-being are your top priorities, far above any group affiliation. Reassure them you will support any decision they make.

• If Your Child is Hurt:

  • Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Do not delay. Get them to an emergency room, urgent care, or a trusted medical professional. Ensure the medical staff know that hazing was involved so it’s documented in their records.
  • Document Everything Meticulously: Take photos of injuries from multiple angles immediately, and document how they heal over time. Screenshot all relevant texts, group chats, or social media posts. Write down a detailed narrative of what happened, including dates, times, locations, and names of individuals involved. Keep any physical evidence like damaged clothing.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document Communications: Keep a precise record of all interactions with university officials, including who you spoke to, when, and what was discussed.
  • Ask Specific Questions: Inquire about the university’s knowledge of prior incidents involving the organization, and what actions were taken. Use their policies and procedures to guide your questions.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm due to hazing, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, it’s time to contact an experienced hazing attorney. The sooner you act, the better.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

If you are a student in Brown County or attending college in Texas and you’re experiencing or witnessing hazing, remember that your safety and well-being come first.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?

  • If you feel unsafe, humiliated, threatened, or coerced; if you’re forced to drink past your limit or endure physical pain; if the activity is hidden from the public or administrators – it is almost certainly hazing. True traditions promote positive outcomes, not fear or degradation.
  • Refer to the Three-Tier Classification System from Section 2. If it falls into Tier 1, 2, or 3, it’s hazing.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story:

  • You might feel like you “agreed” to participate, but if you felt pressured, feared exclusion, or were made to believe you wouldn’t gain membership otherwise, your “consent” was likely coerced. Texas law, colleges, and courts often recognize this. You are not to blame for being hazed.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • Immediate Danger: If you are in immediate physical danger, call 911 or campus police. Your life takes precedence over any group loyalty or fear of “trouble.” Many Good Samaritan laws protect you from minor legal repercussions if you’re seeking help in an emergency.
  • Leaving the Group: You have the absolute right to leave any organization at any time. Inform a trusted adult (parent, advisor, resident assistant) outside the group. Send an email or text (if safe) to the chapter president stating your resignation. Do not attend any “exit meetings” alone where you might be pressured or intimidated.
  • Reporting: Utilize your university’s anonymous reporting options (online forms, hotlines) or contact the Dean of Students. The National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE is an anonymous, 24/7 resource. For legal guidance, a confidential consultation with Attorney911 is crucial.

• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and laws in Texas and nationally offer protections for students who report hazing or seek help in an emergency. These policies encourage calling for help without fear of disciplinary action for minor violations (like underage drinking).

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were once involved in hazing, either as a victim or a participant, your unique perspective can be invaluable in preventing future harm and holding those responsible accountable.

• Breaking the Silence: It’s understandable to feel guilt, fear of retaliation, or loyalty to former friends. However, your testimony and any evidence you possess could be the key to saving another student’s life or preventing them from suffering severe trauma.
• Preventing Future Harm: Your decision to speak out is an act of courage and conscience. It actively contributes to creating a safer environment and can lead to vital institutional changes that protect future generations of students.
• Legal Protections: While you may fear repercussions, immunity provisions exist for good-faith reporting in Texas. An attorney can help you understand your rights and potential liabilities, guiding you through the process of providing information safely and strategically. We help individuals navigate complex situations, offering advice on how cooperation can be a step toward accountability, both for others and potentially for themselves.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Hazing cases are frequently complicated by the immediate actions (or inactions) of victims and their families. Avoiding these critical mistakes is paramount for preserving your legal rights and options:

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

   • Why it’s wrong: While the instinct to protect your child from getting “in trouble” is understandable, deleting digital evidence (texts, photos, group chats) is a severe mistake. It can be seen as obstruction, weakens your case significantly, and is incredibly difficult to recover later.
   • What to do instead: Immediately screenshot and back up all digital communications, even if they are embarrassing. This evidence is crucial.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • Why it’s wrong: Directly confronting the organization or its members will almost certainly lead them to immediately destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses, making it much harder to build a case.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in private, then contact a hazing attorney before any direct communication with the perpetrators or organization.

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms:

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities may pressure families into signing agreements or internal “resolutions” that could waive your right to pursue a lawsuit. These agreements often provide minimal benefits while protecting the institution.
   • What to do instead: Never sign any document from the university or an involved organization without having an attorney review it first.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: While the urge to share your story is natural, posting details publicly can damage your legal case. Defense attorneys will scrutinize every word, exploit inconsistencies, and use it against you.
   • What to do instead: Document privately for your legal team. Let your attorney advise on any public statements or online activity.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Once you are considering legal action, any further communication with the organization, especially without legal counsel, can expose your child to pressure, intimidation, or attempts to extract statements that could harm your case.
   • What to do instead: All communication should go through your lawyer once you’ve engaged one.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: University disciplinary processes are internal and often prioritize the school’s reputation over a victim’s full compensation. Evidence can disappear, witnesses graduate, and legal deadlines (statutes of limitations) can expire while you wait for an internal resolution that may never come.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence now and consult with a lawyer immediately, even if you still plan to cooperate with the university’s investigation. These processes are distinct.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters represent the interests of the defense, not yours. Any statement you make, even seemingly harmless, can be used to minimize your claim or deny compensation. Early settlement offers are almost always lowball.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with adjusters. Inform them your attorney will contact them.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) benefit from some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions allow lawsuits for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or against individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is unique and depends on specific facts. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

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

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes, absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts and state law recognize that “agreement” made under intense group pressure, fear of exclusion, or a desire for belonging is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be “tolled” (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and records are destroyed. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Watch our video explaining the statute of limitations at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability for individuals, organizations, or universities. Major hazing cases have been won even when incidents occurred at off-campus rentals or private residences. Universities and national fraternities/sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge of activities, and the foreseeability of hazing occurring.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  We prioritize your family’s privacy. Most hazing cases settle confidentially before ever going to trial. We can request sealed court records and negotiate confidential settlement terms. Our goal is accountability and compensation while protecting your child from further public exposure.

ABOUT THE MANGINELLO LAW FIRM + CALL TO ACTION

When your family faces the devastation of a hazing incident, especially at a prominent Texas university, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a powerful advocate who understands the intricate landscape of institutional liability and is unafraid to challenge well-resourced defendants. The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, stands ready to be that advocate for Brown County families.

We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with a proven track record in serious injury, wrongful death, and complex litigation against formidable institutions. Our expertise is particularly suited to the unique challenges of hazing cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney for a national firm. She knows their playbook because she used to run it. This insider knowledge is invaluable, allowing us to anticipate how fraternity and university insurance companies will try to deny or lowball claims, navigate exclusions, and force them to the settlement table.
• Complex Litigation Against Powerful Defendants: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has taken on billion-dollar corporations in cases like the BP Texas City explosion litigation. We are not intimidated by national fraternities, major Texas universities, or their aggressive defense teams. We have the federal court experience and resources to fight for justice on your behalf.
• Multi-Million Dollar Results in Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury: We are committed to securing meaningful accountability. This means meticulously valuing all damages, including medical bills, lost educational opportunities, lifelong care for catastrophic injuries, and profound emotional distress. We build comprehensive cases that demand the full measure of justice your family deserves. Our wrongful death practice is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Dual Criminal and Civil Expertise: When hazing leads to criminal charges, our firm’s experience, including Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), allows us to advise on how these two legal tracks interact. We understand the nuances of both criminal hazing laws and their civil implications, offering holistic guidance.
• Investigative Depth: We utilize a network of top experts—digital forensics specialists to recover deleted evidence, medical and psychological experts to document harm, and economists to calculate long-term losses. Our relentless investigation uncovers hidden evidence, from secret group chats to buried university records, because we believe answers and accountability are non-negotiable.

Families in Brown County and throughout Texas send their children to college with dreams, not dread. When those dreams are shattered by hazing, you don’t have to face it alone. We understand the profound emotional and financial toll hazing takes. Our job is to get you answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and fight to ensure this doesn’t happen to another family.

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or right here in Brown County from another institution—we want to help. Families in Brown County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to a thorough investigation and full accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options under Texas law, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. There is no pressure; we simply provide personalized advice based on your specific situation.

Here’s what to expect in your free consultation:

• We’ll listen to your story empathetically and without judgment.
• We’ll review any evidence you have collected (photos, texts, medical records) and advise you on further preservation.
• We’ll explain your legal options, discussing whether to pursue a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, or both, and what each path entails.
• We’ll provide realistic timelines and explain our contingency fee basis – meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• We’ll answer your questions clearly and honestly.

Whether you’re in Brown County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Let us be your Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

Call us today.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911

• Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Hablamos Español: Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

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

COMPLETE TEXAS UNIVERSITY DIRECTORY

Attorney911 tracks every higher education institution in Texas. For reference:

• Abilene Christian University | Abilene, Taylor County | Private Non-Profit
• Amberton University | Garland, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Med | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• American InterContinental University-Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• Amberton University | Garland, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Angelo State University | San Angelo, Tom Green County | Public
• Arlington Baptist University | Arlington, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• AOMA Graduate School of Integrative Medicine | Austin, Travis County | Private For-Profit
• Austin Community College District | Austin, Travis County | Public
• Austin Graduate School of Theology | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Baptist Health System School of Health Professions | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private For-Profit
• Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary | Jacksonville, Cherokee County | Private Non-Profit
• Baptist University of the Americas | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Baylor College of Medicine | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Baylor University | Waco, McLennan County | Private Non-Profit
• Brazosport College | Lake Jackson, Brazoria County | Public
• Brite Divinity School | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• Chamberlain University-Texas | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• Christ Mission College | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Dallas | Richardson, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Collin County Community College District | McKinney, Collin County | Public
• College of Biblical Studies-Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• College of the Mainland | Texas City, Galveston County | Public
• Concordia University Texas | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Criswell College | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Dallas Baptist University | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Dallas Christian College | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Dallas College | Dallas, Dallas County | Public
• Dallas Theological Seminary | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Del Mar College | Corpus Christi, Nueces County | Public
• DeVry University-Texas | Irving, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• East Texas Baptist University | Marshall, Harrison County | Private Non-Profit
• Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Galen Health Institutes-Austin Campus | Austin, Williamson County | Private For-Profit
• Galen Health Institutes-Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• Galen College of Nursing-San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private For-Profit
• Galveston College | Galveston, Galveston County | Public
• Gemini School of Visual Arts & Communication | Austin, Williamson County | Private For-Profit
• Grace School of Theology | Conroe, Montgomery County | Private Non-Profit
• Grayson College | Denison, Grayson County | Public
• Hallmark University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Hardin-Simmons University | Abilene, Taylor County | Private Non-Profit
• Howard Payne University | Brownwood, Brown County | Private Non-Profit
• Houston Baptist University | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Houston Graduate School of Theology | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Huston-Tillotson University | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Jarvis Christian University | Hawkins, Wood County | Private Non-Profit
• Lamar University | Beaumont, Jefferson County | Public
• Laredo College | Laredo, Webb County | Public
• LeTourneau University | Longview, Gregg County | Private Non-Profit
• Lone Star College System | The Woodlands, Montgomery County | Public
• Lubbock Christian University | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Private Non-Profit
• McMurry University | Abilene, Taylor County | Private Non-Profit
• Midland College | Midland, Midland County | Public
• Midwestern State University | Wichita Falls, Wichita County | Public
• North American University | Stafford, Fort Bend County | Private Non-Profit
• Oblate School of Theology | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Odessa College | Odessa, Ector County | Public
• Our Lady of the Lake University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Parker University | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Paul Quinn College | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Prairie View A & M University | Prairie View, Waller County | Public
• Remington College-Dallas Campus | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Remington College-Fort Worth Campus | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• Remington College-North Houston Campus | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Rice University | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Saint Edward’s University | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena, Harris County | Public
• San Antonio College | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public
• Schreiner University | Kerrville, Kerr County | Private Non-Profit
• South Plains College | Levelland, Hockley County | Public
• South Texas College | McAllen, Hidalgo County | Public
• South Texas College of Law Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Southern Methodist University | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Southwestern Adventist University | Keene, Johnson County | Private Non-Profit
• Southwestern Assemblies of God University | Waxahachie, Ellis County | Private Non-Profit
• Southwestern University | Georgetown, Williamson County | Private Non-Profit
• Stephen F Austin State University | Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County | Public
• Strayer University-Texas | Farmers Branch, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• Sul Ross State University | Alpine, Brewster County | Public
• Tarleton State University | Stephenville, Erath County | Public
• Texas A & M International University | Laredo, Webb County | Public
• Texas A & M University-Commerce | Commerce, Hunt County | Public
• Texas A & M University-Kingsville | Kingsville, Kleberg County | Public
• Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, Brazos County | Public
• Texas A & M University-System Office | College Station, Brazos County | Public
• Texas A&M University-Central Texas | Killeen, Bell County | Public
• Texas A&M University-San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public
• Texas Chiropractic College Foundation Inc | Pasadena, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas College | Tyler, Smith County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas Health and Science University | Austin, Travis County | Private For-Profit
• Texas Lutheran University | Seguin, Guadalupe County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas Southern University | Houston, Harris County | Public
• Texas State University | San Marcos, Hays County | Public
• Texas Tech University | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Public
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Public
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso | El Paso, El Paso County | Public
• Texas Tech University System Administration | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Public
• Texas Woman’s University | Denton, Denton County | Public
• The Art Institute of Austin | Bastrop, Bastrop County | Private For-Profit
• The Art Institute of Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• The Art Institute of San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private For-Profit
• The College of Health Care Professions-Northwest | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• The King’s University | Southlake, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• The Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, Tarrant County | Public
• The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, Travis County | Public
• The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, Dallas County | Public
• The University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, El Paso County | Public
• The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | Houston, Harris County | Public
• The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public
• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center | Houston, Harris County | Public
• The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston | Galveston, Galveston County | Public
• The University of Texas Permian Basin | Odessa, Ector County | Public
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, Hidalgo County | Public
• The University of Texas System Office | Austin, Travis County | Public
• The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public
• The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston | Galveston, Galveston County | Public
• The University of Texas Permian Basin | Odessa, Ector County | Public
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, Hidalgo County | Public
• The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center | Dallas, Dallas County | Public
• Trinity University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Trinity Valley Community College | Athens, Henderson County | Public
• Tyler Junior College | Tyler, Smith County | Public
• University of Dallas | Irving, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• University of Houston | Houston, Harris County | Public
• University of Houston-Clear Lake | Houston, Harris County | Public
• University of Houston-Downtown | Houston, Harris County | Public
• University of Houston-System Administration | Houston, Harris County | Public
• University of Houston-Victoria | Victoria, Victoria County | Public
• University of Mary Hardin-Baylor | Belton, Bell County | Private Non-Profit
• University of North Texas | Denton, Denton County | Public
• University of North Texas at Dallas | Dallas, Dallas County | Public
• University of North Texas Health Science Center | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Public
• University of North Texas System | Dallas, Dallas County | Public
• University of Phoenix-Texas | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• University of St Thomas | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• University of the Incarnate Word | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• The University of Texas at Tyler | Tyler, Smith County | Public
• Wade College | Dallas, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• Wayland Baptist University | Plainview, Hale County | Private Non-Profit
• Weatherford College | Weatherford, Parker County | Public
• West Coast University-Dallas | Richardson, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• West Texas A & M University | Canyon, Randall County | Public
• Western Technical College | El Paso, El Paso County | Private For-Profit
• Western Technical College | El Paso, El Paso County | Private For-Profit
• Wiley College | Marshall, Harrison County | Private Non-Profit

COMPLETE TEXAS GREEK ORGANIZATION DIRECTORY

Attorney911 tracks every IRS-registered fraternity and sorority in Texas:

• UPSILON ZETA BUILDING ASSOCIATION OF CHI OMEGA | EIN: 75-2290669 | Amarillo, TX
• IOTA ALPHA CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 51-0225632 | Arlington, TX
• KAPPA EPSILON CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-1727080 | Arlington, TX
• LAMBDA ETA CHAPTER CHI ETA PHI SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 75-2273565 | Arlington, TX
• OMICRON GAMMA GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 75-2819136 | Arlington, TX
• BUILDING CORPORATION OF DELTA CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA PI | EIN: 74-6047117 | Austin, TX
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-0555581 | Austin, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 46-3831593 | Austin, TX
• LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 74-1130606 | Austin, TX
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 85-1262394 | Austin, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY INC | EIN: 74-6084912 | Austin, TX
• SIGMA LAMBDA ALPHA SORORITY INC | EIN: 90-0956019 | Austin, TX
• TEJAS FOUNDATION | EIN: 74-6062730 | Austin, TX
• ALPHA OMEGA EPSILON | EIN: 56-2652714 | Beaumont, TX
• SOUTH TEXAS COTILLON INC | EIN: 26-2378154 | Brownsville, TX
• FRANK HEFLIN FOUNDATION | EIN: 20-3507402 | Canyon, TX
• NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL NORTH DALLAS SUBURBIA | EIN: 26-4080411 | Carrollton, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-2525354 | College Sta, TX
• ETA ALPHA HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA DELTA SORORITY | EIN: 74-2930349 | College Sta, TX
• GENTLEMEN OF AGGIE TRADITION | EIN: 88-0537463 | College Sta, TX
• TEXAS NU-PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 81-4123811 | College Sta, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 90-0293166 | College Station, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 13-3048786 | College Station, TX
• SIGMA NU CORPORATION OF OKLAHOMA | EIN: 73-6098935 | Colleyville, TX
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY ZETA ETA | EIN: 75-6060974 | Commerce, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY | EIN: 75-2609909 | Commerce, TX
• LAMBDA NU GAMMA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 93-2103520 | Conroe, TX
• LAMBDA OMEGA EPSILON SORORITY INC | EIN: 86-1854073 | Conroe, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA | EIN: 83-3053639 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA ALPHA CHI CHAPTER | EIN: 86-3999517 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA ALPHA PSI CHAPTER | EIN: 87-4252223 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 82-3971493 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 20-2203769 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 20-1237505 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 81-4575228 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 26-0805977 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 90-0657756 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 32-0217610 | Corinth, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 46-0766525 | Corinth, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 83-1418972 | Corpus Christi, TX
• AGGIE ADPI FAMILY CLUB | EIN: 93-2357531 | Cypress, TX
• CHI EPSILON SIGMA INC | EIN: 45-1677063 | Dallas, TX
• DELTA ALPHA SIGMA MULTICULTURAL SORORITY | EIN: 36-4806998 | Dallas, TX
• DELTA PHI CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY ALUMNI HOUSING | EIN: 90-0239693 | Dallas, TX
• FRIENDSHIP-WEST MIZPAH FOUNDATION | EIN: 27-1863731 | Dallas, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 52-1278573 | Dallas, TX
• ZETA SIGMA HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-2620706 | Dallas, TX
• ALPHA EPSILON PI FRATERNITY | EIN: 26-2025321 | Denton, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 26-3170920 | Denton, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 87-2222906 | El Paso, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 38-3742830 | El Paso, TX
• DENTON-LEWISVILLE GUIDE RIGHT FOUNDATION | EIN: 86-1205340 | Flower Mound, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 74-2911848 | Fort Worth, TX
• EPSILON MU CHAPTER OF THE SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6203190 | Fort Worth, TX
• FIRST COMMAND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION | EIN: 75-1973894 | Fort Worth, TX
• FORT WORTH ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 75-2755600 | Fort Worth, TX
• GAMMA PHI DELTA CHRISTIAN FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 74-2893931 | Fort Worth, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6067776 | Fort Worth, TX
• PSI ZETA CHAPTER OF ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 52-1345182 | Fort Worth, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY TEXAS GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 91-1981478 | Fort Worth, TX
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 74-1380362 | Fort Worth, TX
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 46-2267515 | Frisco, TX
• ETA KAPPA CHAPTER OF SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA HOUSE CORPORATION | EIN: 75-2935462 | Frisco, TX
• FRISCO TX ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI INCORPORATED | EIN: 92-0575785 | Frisco, TX
• KAPPA THETA PI – MU CHAPTER CORPORATION | EIN: 33-1294470 | Frisco, TX
• ARLINGTON-GRAND PRAIRIE ALUMNI CHAP OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRAT INC | EIN: 23-2452759 | Grand Prairie, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5370943 | Houston, TX
• BETA LAMBDA CHAPTER – ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 99-0483761 | Houston, TX
• DELTA PHI UPSILON FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 80-0209640 | Houston, TX
• HELLENIC PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF TEXAS | EIN: 74-2020182 | Houston, TX
• LELAND COLLEGE PREP PTO | EIN: 47-2160315 | Houston, TX
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 74-6084905 | Houston, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON NEW YORK CHI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC | EIN: 26-2710856 | Houston, TX
• SOCIETY OF HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS INC | EIN: 76-0221936 | Houston, TX
• SOUTHWESTERN REGION OF IOTA PHI LAMBDA SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 51-0194762 | Houston, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED – SIGMA GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 39-2352450 | Houston, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 92-1490845 | Huntsville, TX
• ONE CHAPTER ONE SHIELD | EIN: 92-1743777 | Iowa COLONY, TX
• OMICRON GAMMA SIGMA ALUMNI CHAPTER OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY | EIN: 92-1672050 | Irving, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 83-1418666 | Kingsville, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 61-1562040 | Lewisville, TX
• ALPHA OMEGA EPSILON-BETA ALPHA CHAPTER | EIN: 47-3967233 | Lubbock, TX
• EPSILON NU HOUSING CORPORATION | EIN: 23-7359384 | Lubbock, TX
• FARM HOUSE FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-1565336 | Lubbock, TX
• GAMMA PHI HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA ALPHA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-1283953 | Lubbock, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 82-0644459 | Lubbock, TX
• TKE OP HOUSING | EIN: 47-5033161 | Lubbock, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA – MU GAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 27-3662583 | Lufkin, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 45-3325054 | Mansfield, TX
• ALPHA DELTA | EIN: 81-2724215 | McAllen, TX
• GULF COAST ALUMNI ET OF OX INC | EIN: 45-2717861 | Mexia, TX
• PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 37-1768785 | Missouri City, TX
• ALPHA TAU OMEGA HOUSING CORPORATION OF ETA IOTA CHAPTER | EIN: 30-0517788 | Nacogdoches, TX
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6041410 | Nacogdoches, TX
• EPSILON TAU CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6053083 | Nacogdoches, TX
• PHI KAPPA PSI TEXAS EPSILON CHAPTER | EIN: 45-2729519 | Nacogdoches, TX
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-6064445 | Nederland, TX
• TEXAS EPSILON UPSILON CHAPTER | EIN: 76-0366414 | Needville, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 52-1345951 | Nolanville, TX
• ZETA OMICRON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC | EIN: 90-0949447 | Ponder, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 23-7279532 | Prairie View, TX
• ZETA BETA CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 23-7098953 | Prairie View, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON TEXAS ETA | EIN: 82-4398421 | Richmond, TX
• EPSILON PI PHI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HONOR SOCIETY | EIN: 47-4643399 | Round Rock, TX
• 9THD BROTHERS KEEPER | EIN: 93-4008573 | Rowlett, TX
• ZETA XI PEARLS EDUCATIONAL FUND INC | EIN: 88-3484848 | Rowlett, TX
• ALPHA EPSILON DELTA | EIN: 52-1850764 | San Antonio, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-5229133 | San Antonio, TX
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 90-0927378 | San Antonio, TX
• PHI UPSILON ZETA OF LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-1016658 | San Antonio, TX
• UTSA SIGMA CHI | EIN: 84-2643090 | San Antonio, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5381060 | San Marcos, TX
• SIGMA ALPHA EPSILON – TEXAS SIGMA INCORPORATED | EIN: 88-2755427 | San Marcos, TX
• TEXAS BETA PSI CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA KAPPA SORORITY INC | EIN: 74-6088185 | Shavano Park, TX
• THE ETHEL HEDGEMON LYLE FOUNDATION OF TEXAS | EIN: 76-0592907 | Spring, TX
• RHO DELTA CHI NATIONAL BOARD | EIN: 93-4247450 | Sugar Land, TX
• GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 16-1675890 | The Woodlands, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 35-2335400 | Tyler, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 90-0293167 | Victoria, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY | EIN: 36-4091267 | Waco, TX
• TEXAS RHO CHAPTER OF THE SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-1942292 | Waco, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED NU IOTA CHAPTER BAYLOR UNIVERSITY | EIN: 52-1346485 | Waco, TX
• BETA ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF ALPHA SIGMA KAPPA WOMEN IN TECHNICAL STUDIES | EIN: 73-1568644 | Weatherford, TX
• GAMMA IOTA CHAPTER OF GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 75-1225585 | Wichita Falls, TX
• REDWINE HONORS PROGRAM STUDENT COUNCIL | EIN: 84-5090974 | Wichita Falls, TX