Navigating the Shadows: A Dallam County Family’s Guide to Hazing and Accountability in Texas

The silence can be deafening. Imagine receiving a call, late at night, not from your child, but from an emergency room, detailing injuries from an unexplained incident. Or perhaps your son or daughter comes home from their Texas university—be it the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor—different. Withdrawn, anxious, maybe even bearing unexplained bruises or talking vaguely about “traditions” they “just had to get through.” This isn’t just a story; it’s a chilling reality for too many families across Texas, including our neighbors here in Dallam County. You thought college was about academic growth and healthy social experiences, not secret rituals and potential harm.

We understand the fear, the confusion, and the anger you might be feeling. The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911 brings you this comprehensive guide because families in Dallam County and throughout the Lone Star State deserve to understand the truth about hazing, its devastating consequences, and the legal pathways available for holding those responsible accountable.

This guide is your resource to understand:

• What modern hazing truly looks like, far beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The intricate web of Texas and federal laws designed to combat hazing.
• Critical national cases that have shaped our understanding of institutional liability.
• The specific hazing challenges faced at prominent Texas universities, including the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University.
• How the national and local histories of Greek organizations intertwine with campus safety.
• The essential steps for building a strong legal case, from evidence collection to pursuing rightful damages.
• Practical, actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses caught in the grip of hazing.

While this article provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice, our goal is to empower you with knowledge. We serve families throughout Texas, from Houston to Dallam County, ensuring that those affected by hazing have a powerful advocate in their corner.

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.” Insist on transparent medical reporting.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
    • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately. This includes any planning messages, instructions, or humiliating content.
    • Photograph injuries from multiple angles, noting the date and time.
    • Save physical items (clothing, receipts for forced purchases, objects used in hazing activities).
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where, and what was said).
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity/sorority or individuals involved. This can lead to evidence destruction or accusations against your child.
    • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel.
    • Post details on public social media. This can compromise your legal case.
    • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence of any kind, even if they are embarrassed.

• 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 Dallam County families who may remember hazing as harmless horseplay or a minor inconvenience, the reality in 2025 is far grimmer. Modern hazing rituals are often dangerous, psychologically damaging, and can have lifelong consequences or even be fatal. It has evolved beyond crude physical acts to include sophisticated digital coercion and psychological manipulation, often cloaked in secrecy and demands for “loyalty.”

Clear, modern definition of hazing

Hazing, in plain English, refers to any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person alone or with others, directed against a student. This act occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students. Crucially, the act must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student.

This definition is vital for several reasons:

• “I agreed to it” is not a defense: Under Texas law and federal guidelines, consent is often invalid when given under duress, coercion, or within a power imbalance. The desire to belong or fear of exclusion can strip away true consent.
• Mental health matters: Hazing isn’t just about physical injury. Emotional distress, psychological manipulation, and forced isolation are recognized harms.
• Recklessness is enough: The perpetrators don’t need malicious intent. If they acted recklessly, ignoring obvious risks, it can still be hazing.

Main categories of hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms. While not all are immediately visible, each category can inflict severe damage:

• Alcohol and substance hazing: This is statistically the most dangerous form of hazing and a leading cause of hazing deaths. It often involves:

  • Forced or coerced drinking: Initiates are pressured to consume large quantities of alcohol in a short period. This can happen through “lineup” drinking games, mandatory “big/little” events, or specific rituals where they must “chug” or “finish the bottle.”
  • Chugging challenges or games: These activities intentionally escalate alcohol consumption to dangerous levels.
  • Consumption of unknown substances: Participants may be pressured to consume concoctions that are not clearly identifiable or are intentionally made disgusting.
  • Forced drug use: Students might be coerced into consuming illegal or prescription drugs.

• Physical hazing: This includes any act that causes physical discomfort, pain, or injury.

  • Paddling and beatings: This can range from verbal threats of physical violence to actual physical assaults with hands, paddles, or other objects.
  • Extreme calisthenics or “workouts”: These are often presented as “bonding” or “conditioning” but involve physically demanding exercises (hundreds of push-ups, squats, forced runs) that exceed safe limits, especially after minimal rest or hydration.
  • Sleep deprivation: Initiates are kept awake for extended periods, sometimes days, through late-night “meetings,” mandatory tasks, or constant interruptions.
  • Food/water deprivation: Restricting access to meals or water. Conversely, forced excessive eating or consumption of foul substances can also occur.
  • Exposure to extreme elements: Forcing individuals into cold weather in minimal clothing, or in hot environments without hydration, can lead to hypothermia or heatstroke.
  • Dangerous rituals: This includes activities like forced falls, “glass ceiling” rituals (where members fall onto pledges), or dangerous stunts involving heights or speed.

• Sexualized and humiliating hazing: These acts are designed to degrade and embarrass, often through sexual overtones.

  • Forced nudity or partial nudity: Stripping initiates or forcing them to parade in revealing attire.
  • Simulated sexual acts: Requiring participants to engage in or observe mock sexual activities, often involving degrading poses like “roasted pig” or “elephant walk.”
  • Acts with racial, sexist, homophobic, or ableist overtones: These are intended to isolate, demean, and reinforce harmful stereotypes.
  • Public humiliation: Forcing initiates to wear embarrassing costumes, perform degrading acts in public, or endure verbal abuse and ridicule.

• Psychological hazing: While not leaving physical scars, psychological hazing can inflict deep, lasting trauma.

  • Verbal abuse and intimidation: Constant yelling, screaming, insults, threats, and demeaning language erode self-esteem.
  • Isolation and exclusion: Deliberately ostracizing initiates from social activities or communication channels.
  • Manipulation and coercion: Pressuring individuals to make difficult choices that benefit the group at their personal expense.
  • Forced confessions or self-incrimination: Extracting personal information under duress.
  • Constant monitoring: Requiring initiates to check in frequently, respond instantly to calls or messages, creating a sense of being perpetually surveilled.

• Digital/online hazing: The rise of digital communication has introduced new, insidious forms of hazing.

  • Group chat dares and coercion: Initiates are given mandatory assignments or challenges in constantly monitored group chats.
  • Social media humiliation: Forcing individuals to post embarrassing content on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, or to participate in humiliating online “challenges.”
  • Sharing of private information: Threatening to release sensitive personal details if demands are not met.
  • 24/7 digital surveillance: Requiring pledges to share their live location, respond to messages at all hours, or keep their phones on loud constantly.
  • Digital shaming: Creating memes or threads that mock or degrade specific individuals within private group messages.

Where hazing actually happens

Hazing is not confined to stereotypical “frat boy” antics depicted in movies. It can and does occur in a wide array of student organizations, driven by misguided notions of tradition, camaraderie, and power dynamics:

• Fraternities and sororities: This includes those affiliated with the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic organizations, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek councils.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups: These organizations often emphasize hierarchy and tradition, which can sometimes be twisted into hazing rituals disguised as “discipline” or “team building.”
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs: Groups like cheerleading teams, dance teams, or campus spirit organizations (e.g., the Texas Cowboys or Aggie Muster organizers) can engage in hazing to foster group identity or test commitment.
• Athletic teams: Hazing is prevalent in many sports, from high school to college, across football, basketball, baseball, soccer, swimming, and more. It often manifests as physical endurance tests, forced consumption, or social degradation.
• Marching bands and performing arts groups: Even seemingly artistic or academic groups can be breeding grounds for hazing, especially involving sleep deprivation, strenuous physical activities, or demanding excessive time commitments.
• Service, cultural, and academic organizations: Any group with a hierarchical structure and notions of “earning your way in” can be susceptible to hazing.

The common threads in all these environments are social status, intense peer pressure, a desire for belonging, and a culture of secrecy. These factors create fertile ground for hazing practices to develop and persist, even when participants know deep down that the activities are inappropriate or illegal.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial for Dallam County families. Our state, like many others, has laws aimed at deterring these dangerous practices and holding perpetrators accountable. Navigating this framework requires expertise, as the lines between criminal offenses and civil liability can be complex.

Texas hazing law basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear anti-hazing laws primarily outlined in the Texas Education Code, specifically Chapter 37, Subchapter F. These provisions apply to acts both on and off campus, ensuring broad coverage for students wherever they may be subjected to hazing.

§ 37.151. Definition

Under Texas law, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person alone or with others, directed against a student. This act is considered hazing if it is done for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students, and it endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student.

Plain English: Whether someone means to cause harm or is simply reckless about the risks involved, if they make a student do something dangerous or degrading to join or stay in a school-affiliated group, that’s hazing.

Key points of Texas hazing law:

• Location does not matter: Hazing can occur on campus, off campus, in a private residence, or at a remote location.
• Harm is broadly defined: It explicitly covers both mental and physical harm, recognizing the profound psychological impact of hazing.
• Reckless acts are sufficient: You don’t need to prove malicious intent. If the act was done with reckless disregard for a student’s safety, it qualifies.
• “Consent” is invalid: As per § 37.155, it is not a defense that the person being hazed consented to the activity. The law understands that true consent cannot exist in coercive environments.

§ 37.152. Criminal Penalties

Texas law also carries criminal penalties for hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Most hazing offenses that do not result in serious injury fall under this category, carrying potential fines and jail time.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring immediate medical attention.
• State Jail Felony: Hazing that leads to serious bodily injury or death can be prosecuted as a state jail felony, carrying significant prison sentences and fines.

Additionally, individuals who know about hazing and fail to report it may face misdemeanor charges, as can those who retaliate against someone who reports hazing.

§ 37.153. Organizational Liability

Under Texas law, organizations themselves can face criminal prosecution if they:

• Authorized or encouraged hazing activities.
• Had an officer or member acting in their official capacity who knew about the hazing and failed to report it.

Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities have the power to revoke official recognition and ban the organization from campus. This is a crucial aspect for civil cases, as it establishes a legal precedent for organizational accountability.

Criminal vs Civil Cases

The legal system provides parallel avenues for addressing hazing: criminal and civil. While distinct in their goals and processes, both can be pursued to achieve justice and accountability.

• Criminal cases: These are initiated by the state (prosecutors) to punish illegal acts. In hazing scenarios, charges can range from misdemeanor hazing to serious felony offenses like assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in cases resulting in death. The focus is on determining guilt and imposing penalties like jail time, fines, or probation.
• Civil cases: Filed by victims or their families, civil lawsuits seek monetary compensation for damages suffered due to hazing. These cases often leverage legal theories such as negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, and premises liability. Unlike criminal cases, which require proof “beyond a reasonable doubt,” civil cases operate on a “preponderance of the evidence” standard, meaning it is more likely than not that the defendant caused the injury. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for a civil hazing lawsuit to succeed.

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

Beyond state laws, federal regulations and initiatives also play a significant role in addressing hazing, particularly at institutions receiving federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark legislation aims to enhance transparency and prevention efforts nationwide. It mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal assistance publicly report hazing incidents, fatalities, and serious injuries. Institutions must also strengthen their hazing education and prevention programs and make hazing data publicly accessible, with phased-in implementation expected by 2026. This act will provide greater accountability and information for families across the country, including those in Dallam County.
• Title IX: This federal civil rights law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or creates a sexually hostile environment, it falls under Title IX’s purview. This can trigger university obligations to investigate, mediate, and take corrective action, sometimes overriding state-level sovereign immunity defenses for public universities.
• 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 involving assault, sexual offenses, or alcohol/drug violations intersect with Clery Act reporting requirements, contributing to a broader understanding of campus safety issues.

Who can be liable in a civil hazing lawsuit

Determining liability in hazing cases can be complex, involving multiple parties that directly or indirectly contributed to the harm. An experienced attorney evaluates all potential defendants to ensure full accountability and maximum recovery.

• Individual students: Those directly involved in planning, carrying out, or covering up the hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes students who supplied alcohol, physically assaulted a victim, or coerced participation.
• Local chapter/organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team can be sued as a distinct legal entity. This includes their local leadership (e.g., the chapter president, social chair, or new member educator) if they authorized, encouraged, or failed to prevent the hazing.
• National fraternity/sorority: National organizations, which oversee hundreds or thousands of chapters, can be held liable. This often hinges on whether they had knowledge of previous hazing incidents (either at the same chapter or others), failed to enforce their anti-hazing policies, or provided inadequate oversight. Their national policies often explicitly forbid hazing, but a failure to act on known violations can create liability.
• University or governing board: Public universities (like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or UT Austin) and their governing boards (e.g., the Board of Regents) may be liable under theories of negligence or, in some cases, for civil rights violations. Private universities (such as SMU or Baylor) typically face fewer sovereign immunity protections. Liability often depends on whether the university knew or should have known about hazing, had inadequate policies, failed to investigate complaints, or exhibited “deliberate indifference” to known risks.
• Third parties: Other entities may bear responsibility, including:
  • Landlords or property owners: If hazing occurred on their property and they had knowledge of the activities or should have taken steps to prevent them.
  • Alcohol providers: Bars, stores, or individuals who illegally furnished alcohol to minors.
  • Security companies or event organizers: If they were contracted to ensure safety but failed to do so.

Each case is unique, and the specific facts determine which parties may ultimately be held liable. Pursuing all potential avenues is critical for ensuring comprehensive justice and compensation for victims and their families.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic stories of hazing victims across the nation reveal chilling patterns that underscore the persistent danger of these rituals. These landmark cases, while occurring in other states, profoundly influence how hazing is understood and litigated in Texas. They serve as stark reminders of the high stakes involved and the devastating clarity that emerges when secrecy fails.

Alcohol poisoning & death pattern

The most common and lethal form of hazing involves forced or coerced alcohol consumption. Repeatedly, students have died from acute alcohol poisoning at “initiation” or “new member” events, often with their supposed “brothers” or “sisters” delaying critical medical intervention.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most publicized hazing cases in U.S. history, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” event. Forced to consume massive amounts of alcohol rapidly, he suffered multiple falls, including down a flight of stairs. Despite suffering obvious, severe injuries, fraternity members delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours, capturing his deteriorating condition on surveillance video. More than a dozen fraternity members faced criminal charges, and the Piazza family’s civil litigation prompted the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, significantly stiffening penalties for hazing. This case is a stark example of how delay in calling for help and efforts to cover up are common, and how such behavior can prove fatal.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, also 19, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” where pledges were given bottles of liquor and pressured to consume them. His death led to a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU and several fraternity members were charged with hazing. Coffey’s death, tragically, echoed similar patterns of forced drinking at “Big/Little” events seen in other national Pi Kappa Phi chapters.

• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died after a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to drink heavily when they answered questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was nearly 0.50, a lethal level. Gruver’s death led to criminal convictions and the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, which made hazing a felony offense. This case powerfully demonstrated how seemingly innocuous “games” can turn deadly due to extreme peer pressure.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, 20, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume a liter of whiskey during a “Big/Little” pledge event. Prosecutors filed numerous charges, resulting in multiple criminal convictions against fraternity members for offenses including hazing and reckless homicide. Civil litigation included a substantial settlement with Bowling Green State University (nearly $3 million) and separate agreements with the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Foltz’s death ultimately led to the passage of Collin’s Law: The Anti-Hazing Act in Ohio, significantly enhancing penalties for hazing that involves alcohol or drugs. This case underscores that both universities and national fraternities face severe consequences.

Physical & ritualized hazing pattern

While alcohol is frequently present, hazing can also involve direct physical violence, extreme physical exertion, and degrading rituals that inflict severe physical and psychological harm.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, 19, died during a fraternity “retreat” in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. He was blindfolded, forced to carry a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled by fraternity brothers during a “glass ceiling” ritual. Despite suffering a traumatic brain injury, fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours while attempting a cover-up. Ultimately, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a landmark ruling holding the organization directly responsible. Several individual members also faced charges and jail time. The fraternity was subsequently banned from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years.

Athletic program hazing & abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life. High-profile incidents have shown it is deeply embedded in some athletic programs, where notions of team bonding can be warped into abusive practices.

• Northwestern University football (2023–2025): A massive scandal erupted when former football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the prestigious program, extending over multiple years. Allegations included forced sexual acts, racial discrimination, and physical abuse. The fallout led to the firing of the head coach, Pat Fitzgerald (who later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially), and multiple civil lawsuits against Northwestern and its coaching staff. This case brought national attention to the pervasive nature of hazing beyond Greek life, even in elite athletic programs, and raised serious questions about institutional oversight.

What these cases mean for Texas families

The patterns emerging from these national tragedies are undeniable:

• Forced alcohol consumption is a recurring cause of death and severe injury.
• Delaying medical help and actively covering up incidents are common, escalating the severity of harm and the legal consequences.
• National organizations often face significant liability when their chapters repeat hazing behaviors that have led to harm at other campuses, demonstrating a pattern of negligence or failure to enforce policies.
• Legislative action and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow public outcry, civil litigation, and criminal prosecutions, pushing for greater accountability and prevention.

For Dallam County families sending their children to Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, these national lessons are critically important. They form the backdrop against which any local hazing incident must be viewed, demonstrating the foreseeable risks and the potential for extensive legal and financial accountability when institutions and individuals fail to protect students.

Universities: Dallam County and Texas

The threat of hazing casts a long shadow over college campuses nationwide, and Texas universities are no exception. For Dallam County residents, understanding the specific environments and histories of these institutions is paramount, particularly for schools where many Texas students, including children from our community, pursue their higher education. While Dallam County itself does not host large universities, families here send their students to prominent institutions across the state.

Dallam County

Dallam County, located in the far northwest corner of the Texas Panhandle, is largely rural, and its students typically matriculate to a wide range of universities throughout the state. While there are no large universities within Dallam County itself, families here are acutely aware of the importance of campus safety and the reputation of the institutions their children attend. The closest institutions of higher learning, often community colleges, provide local educational pathways, but for four-year degrees, students travel across Texas. This guide is tailored to help Dallam County families navigate the landscape of hazing at major Texas universities, recognizing that the safety of their children extends far beyond local borders.

University of Houston (UH)

As a major urban university, the University of Houston is a significant destination for students from across Texas, including those from Dallam County seeking a vibrant metropolitan educational experience.

Campus & culture snapshot

The University of Houston, located in the heart of Houston, is a diverse and expansive public research university serving over 47,000 students. Its campus reflects the city’s multicultural fabric, offering a wide array of academic programs and student life opportunities. Greek life is active at UH, with chapters from numerous Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural fraternities and sororities. Beyond Greek organizations, UH boasts a rich tapestry of student clubs, sports teams, and spirit groups, all contributing to a dynamic but sometimes complex social ecosystem.

Official hazing policy & reporting channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy outlined in its Student Handbook and various university compliance documents. UH explicitly prohibits hazing, whether it occurs on or off campus. The policy broadly defines hazing to include any intentional or reckless act contributing to the mental or physical endangerment of a student for initiation, affiliation, or membership. UH’s policy specifically prohibits forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or food, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, branding, or activities that create mental distress.

Reporting channels at UH typically include:

• The Dean of Students Office, which oversees student conduct and complaints.
• The UH Department of Public Safety (UHPD) for incidents involving criminal behavior.
• An online reporting form available through the university’s official website.
• The Student Life office and Greek Life advisors.

Example incident & response

The University of Houston has faced its share of hazing challenges, demonstrating the persistent nature of such issues even with stated policies.

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: In a significant incident, a pledge of the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity chapter at UH allegedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface during hazing activities. The activities reportedly involved pledges being deprived of adequate food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges, and the university initiated an investigation that led to sanctions and eventual suspension of the chapter.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: UH’s publicly available disciplinary records (though less centralized than some other Texas universities) have referenced other instances of fraternity and sorority policies being violated where behavior was deemed “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort.” These incidents, which often involved alcohol misuse and other policy infractions, led to varying degrees of suspension or probation for the chapters involved.

These incidents highlight UH’s commitment to addressing hazing through disciplinary measures, but also underscore the continued risks students face within some campus organizations.

How a UH hazing case might proceed

For Dallam County families navigating a hazing incident at the University of Houston, understanding the jurisdictional aspects is key. Texas hazing cases at UH typically fall under the purview of:

• Houston Police Department (HPD) and/or UHPD: If the incident occurs on campus, UHPD is the primary responding agency. If it occurs off-campus within the city limits of Houston, HPD would likely be involved.
• Harris County Courts: Civil lawsuits arising from hazing at UH would generally be filed in the state or federal courts within Harris County, where Houston is located. This would involve a civil lawsuit potentially against individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and potentially the University of Houston itself, depending on the facts.

An experienced legal team would initiate discovery processes from Houston, gathering evidence from both university and police records, and potentially digital forensics.

What UH students & parents should do

• Familiarize yourselves with UH’s policies: Access the University of Houston Student Handbook online for detailed anti-hazing rules.
• Utilize official reporting channels: Report any suspected hazing to the Dean of Students Office or UHPD immediately. If it’s a criminal matter, HPD should also be contacted.
• Document all communications: Keep records of any interactions with university officials, including dates, names, and summaries of discussions.
• Preserve evidence diligently: Screenshot all digital communications, photograph injuries, and save any relevant physical evidence.
• Seek local legal counsel: For Dallam County families, contacting a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases is crucial. Attorney911 operates from Houston and understands the local legal landscape, which can be invaluable for accessing prior disciplinary records, internal university files, and navigating the Houston/Harris County court system.

Many Dallam County families also send their children to Texas A&M University in College Station, a school known for its deep-rooted traditions and a strong, unique campus culture.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a cornerstone institution for many Texan families, particularly those from rural backgrounds and agricultural communities like Dallam County, presents a distinct environment for student life, dominated by the enduring legacy of its Corps of Cadets.

Campus & culture snapshot

Texas A&M University in College Station is one of the largest public universities in the U.S., famous for its strong traditions, close-knit Aggie network, and the historic Corps of Cadets. A&M fosters a unique culture emphasizing loyalty, duty, and tradition. Students from Dallam County often find a strong sense of community here. Both Greek life and the Corps are prominent on campus. The Corps of Cadets, a military-style organization steeped in tradition, and numerous fraternities and sororities contribute significantly to student life. While these organizations offer valuable leadership development and social connections, their emphasis on tradition can, unfortunately, sometimes provide a breeding ground for hazing.

Official hazing policy & reporting channels

Texas A&M has robust anti-hazing policies, detailed in its Student Rules and specifically within the Corps of Cadets regulations. The university clearly prohibits any activity that could be considered hazing, making it a violation of student conduct and potentially a criminal offense. Their policy covers physical, mental, and digital forms of hazing and applies to all student organizations, on or off campus.

Reporting channels at Texas A&M include:

• The Department of Student Life, which oversees all student organizations and conduct.
• The Aggie Honor System Office.
• The University Police Department (UPD) for criminal matters.
• A “Report Hazing” online portal, designed to encourage anonymous reporting.

Example incident & response

Texas A&M’s rich traditions, particularly within the Corps of Cadets and Greek life, have unfortunately led to documented hazing incidents:

• 2021 Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) lawsuit: In a particularly disturbing case, two pledges of the SAE chapter at Texas A&M alleged severe hazing that led to serious physical injuries. They claimed they were forced to endure strenuous physical activity while industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit were poured over them. This resulted in severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity. The university responded by suspending the SAE chapter for two years. This case highlights the extreme physical and chemical hazing that can occur.
• 2023 Corps of Cadets lawsuit: A cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing within the Corps of Cadets, which included forced physical exertion, simulated sexual acts, and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The cadet sought over $1 million in damages. The university stated it handled the matter under its internal rules, underscoring the complexities of addressing hazing accusations within highly traditional organizations.

These incidents illustrate that despite stringent anti-hazing policies, the allure of tradition and group cohesion can foster environments where dangerous hazing persists.

How a Texas A&M hazing case might proceed

For Dallam County families, a hazing incident at Texas A&M would involve:

• College Station Police Department (CSPD) and/or UPD: Depending on the location of the hazing, either CSPD or the university’s UPD would be the primary law enforcement agency.
• Brazos County Courts: Civil lawsuits would typically originate in state or federal courts within Brazos County, where College Station is located. This would involve a legal team initiating discovery, subpoenaing records from Texas A&M and any involved Greek nationals.

The unique structure of A&M, particularly the Corps, adds layers of complexity, as internal military-style justice systems operate alongside university conduct protocols, with Texas state laws.

What Texas A&M students & parents should do

• Understand the “Aggie Code of Honor”: Emphasize that reporting hazing aligns with genuine Aggie values of integrity and respect.
• Utilize specific A&M reporting tools: The university’s online “Report Hazing” portal is a key resource. Contacting the Department of Student Life or UPD directly is also vital.
• Seek counsel familiar with Texas A&M’s structure: For Dallam County families, a lawyer experienced in hazing litigation would understand how to navigate the institutional hierarchy of both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets, which has its own chain of command and traditions that can complicate investigations.
• Document Corps-specific hazing: If the hazing involves the Corps, detailed documentation of the specific “traditions” or “exercises” involved is particularly important.

From West Texas, many students also look to the state capital to attend the University of Texas at Austin, a prominent flagship institution with a large Greek community.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution for the state and a draw for students, including those from Dallam County, is known for its academic rigor, vibrant campus life, and extensive Greek system.

Campus & culture snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is a massive public research university and a powerhouse within the state. Its campus culture is dynamic, marked by strong academic programs, fierce school spirit embodied by the “Longhorn Nation,” and a pervasive presence of Greek life. UT’s Greek system is one of the largest in the country, encompassing numerous fraternities and sororities from various national councils. Beyond Greek life, UT is home to a multitude of student organizations, athletic teams, and spirit groups like the Texas Cowboys. This complex environment, while offering diverse opportunities, also necessitates vigilant oversight regarding student safety.

Official hazing policy & reporting channels

The University of Texas at Austin has publicly committed to combating hazing with a comprehensive anti-hazing policy rigorously enforced under its Student Conduct Code. The policy defines hazing broadly, encompassing any intentional or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or membership within any student organization, on or off campus.

UT Austin is notable for its transparency regarding hazing. Key reporting channels and resources include:

• The Dean of Students Office, which leads investigations into student organization misconduct.
• The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) for criminal offenses.
• An easily accessible online hazing report form.
• A public-facing “Hazing Violations” webpage (hazing.utexas.edu) that details hazing incidents, involved organizations, violation dates, and sanctions.

Example incident & response

UT Austin’s transparency around hazing reveals a consistent pattern of violations across its student organizations, despite preventative efforts. The university’s hazing database provides critical insights for families in Dallam County:

• 2023 Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) case: The UT chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha was found responsible for hazing after new members were reportedly instructed to consume large quantities of milk and engage in strenuous calisthenics on multiple occasions. These activities were deemed to endanger the mental health of pledges and were characterized as a violation of UT’s anti-hazing policy. As a result, the chapter faced disciplinary actions, including probation and mandatory hazing-prevention education.
• Ongoing spirit organization incidents: UT Austin’s records also show disciplinary actions against various spirit organizations, not just Greek life. Incidents have included forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and other punishment-based practices designed to “test” new members. This demonstrates the broad scope of hazing across different types of student groups.

These public records are invaluable, as they establish a documented history of hazing, which can be critical evidence in any future civil lawsuits, demonstrating a pattern of behavior and the university’s knowledge of such occurrences.

How a UT Austin hazing case might proceed

For Dallam County families, a hazing incident at UT Austin would typically involve:

• UTPD and/or Austin Police Department (APD): Depending on the location of the incident (on-campus vs. off-campus within Austin city limits), investigations would be conducted by either UTPD or APD.
• Travis County Courts: Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in state or federal courts located in Travis County, where Austin is the county seat. The specific facts of the case would determine the defendants, which could include individuals, the local chapter, the national organization, and potentially the University of Texas System.
• Public Records Access: UT’s public hazing database (hazing.utexas.edu) offers a crucial starting point for any investigation, providing verified information about prior violations.

What UT Austin students & parents should do

• Review UT’s “Hazing Violations” page: Regularly check hazing.utexas.edu for public records of disciplinary actions against student organizations. This is an unparalleled resource for Dallam County families.
• Understand UT’s reporting process: The Dean of Students Office and UTPD are the primary contacts for reporting. The online form allows for discreet reporting.
• Prioritize evidence collection: Given the prevalence of digital evidence, students should screenshot immediately and continually.
• Consult with an attorney: A legal team experienced with hazing cases at UT Austin would understand how to leverage the university’s public records and navigate the Travis County legal system effectively, particularly for Dallam County students seeking to live and learn in the state capital.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

For Dallam County families considering private universities, Southern Methodist University in Dallas often emerges as a top choice. SMU’s distinct environment, influenced by its private status and strong Greek tradition, warrants close attention regarding hazing prevention.

Campus & culture snapshot

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private research university located in Dallas, Texas. Known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and vibrant social scene, SMU is a popular destination for students seeking a more intimate educational experience. Greek life plays a particularly prominent role at SMU, with a high percentage of students participating in fraternities and sororities. This strong Greek presence, combined with a reputation for spirited social events, can sometimes create an environment where hazing may flourish, despite the university’s explicit prohibitions.

Official hazing policy & reporting channels

SMU maintains a comprehensive anti-hazing policy, detailed within its Student Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. As a private institution, SMU can often implement and enforce policies with a different degree of autonomy than public universities. The university’s policy strictly forbids any form of hazing that could endanger the physical or mental well-being of a student, whether occurring on or off campus, or related to any recognized or unregistered student organization.

Reporting channels at SMU include:

• The Dean of Students Office, which oversees student conduct.
• The SMU Police Department (SMU PD) for criminal matters on or adjacent to campus.
• Online reporting forms for hazing, often found within the student affairs or Greek life websites.
• Dedicated hazing prevention resources, including anonymous reporting systems like those offered by “Real Response” if utilized.

Example incident & response

Hazing incidents at private institutions like SMU, while subject to internal disciplinary processes, may not always be as publicly transparent as those at state universities. However, documented cases highlight ongoing challenges:

• 2017 Kappa Alpha Order incident: The Kappa Alpha Order (KA) chapter at SMU faced severe disciplinary action following allegations of significant hazing. Reports indicated new members were subjected to physical abuse, forced excessive alcohol consumption, and prolonged sleep deprivation. The investigation led to the suspension of the chapter, imposing restrictions that limited its operations and recruitment for an extended period. This incident specifically underscored the aggressive physical and alcohol hazing that can sometimes characterize pledging processes.
• Ongoing compliance challenges: SMU’s internal records, though not always public-facing, suggest a continuing need for vigilance across its Greek system, with various chapters facing sanctions for alcohol violations, off-campus misconduct, and other behaviors often associated with hazing activities.

These cases suggest that even at institutions with strong anti-hazing stances, the cultural dynamics within certain student organizations can present persistent challenges.

How an SMU hazing case might proceed

For Dallam County families dealing with hazing at SMU, the legal process would be:

• Dallas Police Department (DPD) and/or SMU PD: Criminal investigations would fall to SMU PD for incidents on campus. For off-campus hazing within Dallas, DPD would be involved.
• Dallas County Courts: Civil lawsuits would be filed in state or federal courts within Dallas County. As a private institution, SMU typically does not enjoy the same sovereign immunity protections as public universities in Texas, making civil actions against the university itself potentially more straightforward.

A legal team would focus on securing internal SMU records, Greek council documents, and digital evidence from all involved parties to build a comprehensive case.

What SMU students & parents should do

• Scrutinize SMU’s official reports: While SMU’s hazing transparency differs from public institutions, families should still review available conduct reports.
• Understand the implications of private institution status: SMU’s policies and disciplinary actions fall under its discretion as a private entity.
• Prioritize early legal consultation: Due to potentially less public information, consulting with a lawyer experienced in Dallas hazing cases is particularly critical. Attorney911 operates across Texas, with deep knowledge of how to investigate hazing at institutions like SMU that are not as transparent with public records.
• Emphasize immediate documentation: Without a public database to reference, collecting and preserving all personal evidence (photos, texts, medical records) becomes even more crucial for Dallam County students.

SMU provides a different legal and cultural landscape compared to public universities, and navigating its specific nuances requires a nuanced understanding of private university governance and local Dallas legal proceedings. Just a short drive south from Dallas, Baylor University also presents a unique context.

Baylor University

Baylor University in Waco, while a private institution, holds a unique place in the hearts of many Texas families, including those from Dallam County, due to its faith-based mission and strong community ties.

Campus & culture snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, Texas, is a private Baptist university and the oldest continuously operating university in Texas. It prides itself on a Christian mission and a strong sense of community. Baylor attracts students who often value its faith-based education and vibrant campus life, which includes a robust Greek system and numerous athletic programs. The university’s commitment to its values, however, has sometimes faced scrutiny in the past regarding how it responded to student misconduct, providing a complex backdrop for discussions around hazing and accountability.

Official hazing policy & reporting channels

Baylor University’s anti-hazing policy is stringent, reflecting its commitment to protecting student welfare and upholding its values. The policy, accessible through the Baylor Student Policies and Procedures, explicitly prohibits any form of hazing as a violation of both university regulations and Texas state law. Baylor’s definition of hazing broadly covers any act that endangers the mental, physical, or spiritual well-being of a student for initiation, affiliation, or membership.

Reporting channels at Baylor include:

• The Dean of Students Office, which handles alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
• The Baylor Police Department (BUPD) for criminal incidents.
• A “Report It” online system for anonymous or direct reporting of violations, including hazing.
• The Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life, which provides direct oversight and resources.

Example incident & response

Baylor University has, in recent years, faced significant scrutiny over its response to student misconduct, particularly in high-profile cases involving its athletics department and Title IX violations. This history informs how hazing allegations are handled:

• 2020 Baylor baseball hazing: In a notable incident, 14 players from the Baylor baseball team were suspended following an internal investigation into hazing allegations. The university implemented staggered suspensions over the early season to address the misconduct, which reportedly involved various rituals and behaviors deemed to violate the university’s anti-hazing policy. While specific details of the hazing were not fully publicized, the broad nature of the suspensions indicated a serious breach of conduct.
• Historical Context: Baylor’s past challenges, including a major Title IX scandal related to mishandled sexual assault cases, have put the university under immense pressure to demonstrate rigorous enforcement of its student conduct policies, including those addressing hazing. This history ensures that hazing incidents, if proven, tend to result in substantial internal disciplinary action.

These examples illustrate Baylor’s firm stance against hazing, yet also show the persistent challenges inherent in managing student group behavior even within a value-driven institutional framework.

How a Baylor hazing case might proceed

For Dallam County families facing a hazing incident at Baylor, the legal process would likely involve:

• Baylor Police Department (BUPD) and/or Waco Police Department (WPD): BUPD would handle on-campus incidents, while WPD would address off-campus hazing within Waco city limits.
• McLennan County Courts: Civil lawsuits would be filed in state or federal courts within McLennan County, where Waco is located. As a private institution, Baylor does not shield itself with sovereign immunity in the same way public universities do, potentially simplifying legal actions against the university itself.

A legal team would particularly focus on Baylor’s internal investigation processes, records related to prior misconduct, and communications within the specific student organization involved.

What Baylor students & parents should do

• Understand Baylor’s specific reporting system: Utilize the “Report It” online system or engage directly with the Dean of Students Office or BUPD.
• Recognize Baylor’s institutional commitment: While past scandals have cast a shadow, Baylor has redoubled efforts to enforce policies; use this to your advantage in reporting incidents.
• Document evidence meticulously: As with any case, comprehensive documentation of all digital communications, injuries, and witness accounts is essential.
• Seek experienced counsel: Attorney911 works across Texas and understands the unique dynamics of private universities like Baylor. Our firm is equipped to navigate the institutional response and pursue legal remedies in McLennan County.

COMPLETE TEXAS UNIVERSITY DIRECTORY

Attorney911 recognizes that Texas families, including those from Dallam County, send their children to a wide array of educational institutions across the state. For comprehensive reference and to underscore our understanding of the entire Texas higher education landscape, here is every four-year degree-granting university in the state:

• 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 College | Sherman, Grayson County | Private Non-Profit
• Austin Community College District | Austin, Travis County | Public University
• 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 University
• Brite Divinity School | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• Chamberlain University-Texas | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Dallas | Richardson, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Christ Mission College | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• College of Biblical Studies-Houston | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Collin County Community College District | McKinney, Collin County | Public University
• 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 University
• Dallas Theological Seminary | Dallas, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• Del Mar College | Corpus Christi, Nueces County | Public University
• 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 University
• 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 University
• Hallmark University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Hardin-Simmons University | Abilene, Taylor County | Private Non-Profit
• Houston Baptist University | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Houston Graduate School of Theology | Houston, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Howard Payne University | Brownwood, Brown County | Private Non-Profit
• Huston-Tillotson University | Austin, Travis County | Private Non-Profit
• Jarvis Christian University | Hawkins, Wood County | Private Non-Profit
• Laughlin Air Force Base | Del Rio, Val Verde County | Public University
• Laredo College | Laredo, Webb County | Public University
• LeTourneau University | Longview, Gregg County | Private Non-Profit
• Lone Star College System | The Woodlands, Montgomery County | Public University
• Lubbock Christian University | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Private Non-Profit
• LSC-Kingwood | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• LSC-Montgomery | Conroe, Montgomery County | Public University
• LSC-North Harris | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• LSC-Tomball | Tomball, Harris County | Public University
• Lamar University | Beaumont, Jefferson County | Public University
• McMurry University | Abilene, Taylor County | Private Non-Profit
• Midwestern State University | Wichita Falls, Wichita County | Public University
• Midland College | Midland, Midland County | Public University
• 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 University
• 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 University
• 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
• RCCGNA Seminary | Greenville, Hunt County | Private Non-Profit
• San Antonio College | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public University
• San Jacinto Community College | Pasadena, Harris County | Public University
• Schreiner University | Kerrville, Kerr County | Private Non-Profit
• Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, Walker County | Public University
• South Texas College | McAllen, Hidalgo County | Public University
• 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
• St. Mary’s University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Stephen F Austin State University | Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County | Public University
• Strayer University-Texas | Farmers Branch, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• Tarleton State University | Stephenville, Erath County | Public University
• Texas A&M University-Central Texas | Killeen, Bell County | Public University
• Texas A & M University-College Station | College Station, Brazos County | Public University
• Texas A & M International University | Laredo, Webb County | Public University
• Texas A & M University-Kingsville | Kingsville, Kleberg County | Public University
• Texas A&M University-San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public University
• Texas A & M University-System Office | College Station, Brazos County | Public University
• Texas Chiropractic College Foundation Inc | Pasadena, Harris County | Private Non-Profit
• Texas Christian University | Fort Worth, Tarrant 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 University
• Texas Tech University | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Public University
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Public University
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center-El Paso | El Paso, El Paso County | Public University
• Texas Tech University System Administration | Lubbock, Lubbock County | Public University
• Texas Woman’s University | Denton, Denton County | Public University
• Texas Wesleyan University | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Private Non-Profit
• 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 Health Science Center at Houston | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public University
• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston | Galveston, Galveston County | Public University
• The University of Texas Permian Basin | Odessa, Ector County | Public University
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Edinburg, Hidalgo County | Public University
• The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington, Tarrant County | Public University
• The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, Travis County | Public University
• The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, Dallas County | Public University
• The University of Texas at El Paso | El Paso, El Paso County | Public University
• The University of Texas at San Antonio | San Antonio, Bexar County | Public University
• The University of Texas at Tyler | Tyler, Smith County | Public University
• The University of Texas System Office | Austin, Travis County | Public University
• Trinity University | San Antonio, Bexar County | Private Non-Profit
• Trinity Valley Community College | Athens, Henderson County | Public University
• Tyler Junior College | Tyler, Smith County | Public University
• University of Dallas | Irving, Dallas County | Private Non-Profit
• University of Houston | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of Houston-Clear Lake | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of Houston-Downtown | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of Houston-System Administration | Houston, Harris County | Public University
• University of North Texas | Denton, Denton County | Public University
• University of North Texas at Dallas | Dallas, Dallas County | Public University
• University of North Texas Health Science Center | Fort Worth, Tarrant County | Public University
• University of North Texas System | Dallas, Dallas County | Public University
• 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
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center | Dallas, Dallas County | Public University
• University of Houston-Victoria | Victoria, Victoria County | Public University
• University of Phoenix-Texas | Houston, Harris County | Private For-Profit
• Wade College | Dallas, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• Wayland Baptist University | Plainview, Hale County | Private Non-Profit
• Weatherford College | Weatherford, Parker County | Public University
• West Coast University-Dallas | Richardson, Dallas County | Private For-Profit
• West Texas A & M University | Canyon, Randall County | Public University
• Western Technical College | El Paso, El Paso County | Private For-Profit
• Western Technical College | El Paso, El Paso County | Private For-Profit

Greek Organizations: Dallam County and Texas

The presence of Greek organizations (fraternities and sororities) on Texas campuses profoundly influences student social life. For Dallam County families, it’s essential to understand that these local chapters are typically extensions of larger national organizations, many of which have extensive, and sometimes troubling, histories of hazing. Our firm tracks every IRS-registered Greek organization in Texas to understand the full landscape of potential liability and to advocate effectively for our clients.

Dallam County Greek Organizations

Given Dallam County’s rural nature and the absence of a major university within its immediate borders, there are no IRS-registered Greek organizations with physical addresses directly within Dallam County itself. This does not mean families in Dallam County are unaffected by Greek life, but rather that their interaction typically occurs with chapters active at universities across the state where their children attend college.

Our firm’s focus for Dallam County families is to provide comprehensive support for incidents occurring at the major Texas universities where many students from our community matriculate. The strength of our approach is in our comprehensive understanding of the state’s entire Greek ecosystem.

Greek Life at Regional Universities

While Dallam County students attend universities across Texas, many often find themselves in academic environments where Greek life plays a significant role in campus culture. These institutions, many of which are popular choices for Texas families, often host numerous fraternity and sorority chapters, all affiliated with larger national bodies.

For example, at the University of Houston, Greek life includes a mix of IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural organizations, offering diverse social and leadership opportunities. The campus has seen several hazing incidents, such as the 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case resulting in a pledge’s lacerated spleen, underscoring the ongoing challenges in student safety. Likewise, at Texas A&M University, Greek life, alongside the prominent Corps of Cadets, is a central part of student identity. Chapters like those of Sigma Alpha Epsilon have faced lawsuits for severe hazing, including chemical burns, illustrating how “tradition” can be distorted.

Students from Dallam County also frequently attend the University of Texas at Austin, which boasts one of the largest Greek systems nationally. UT’s public hazing database (hazing.utexas.edu) documents repeated violations, such as those by Pi Kappa Alpha, highlighting recurring issues despite university transparency. Private institutions like Southern Methodist University (SMU), with its strong emphasis on Greek social life, have experienced serious hazing incidents, such as the 2017 Kappa Alpha Order suspension for physical abuse. Similarly, at Baylor University, despite its faith-based mission, athletic teams and Greek chapters have faced hazing investigations, as seen with the 2020 baseball team suspensions.

These examples underscore that regardless of the university’s specific culture or location relative to Dallam County, the risks associated with certain Greek and student organizations are a statewide concern, and Dallam County families should be aware of the national histories tied to these local chapters.

COMPLETE TEXAS GREEK ORGANIZATION DIRECTORY

Attorney911 meticulously tracks every IRS-registered fraternity and sorority in Texas. This extensive list demonstrates our commitment to understanding the full scope of Greek life across the state, ensuring that Dallam County families and all Texans have access to comprehensive information if hazing impacts their student.

• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-2525354 | College Station, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5370943 | Houston, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 92-1490845 | Huntsville, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 83-1418666 | Kingsville, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-3967233 | Lubbock, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-5229133 | San Antonio, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5381060 | San Marcos, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 83-1418972 | Corpus Christi, TX
• ALPHA OMEGA EPSILON | EIN: 56-2652714 | Beaumont, TX
• ALPHA OMEGA EPSILON-BETA ALPHA CHAPTER | EIN: 47-3967233 | Lubbock, TX
• ALPHA TAU OMEGA HOUSING CORPORATION OF ETA IOTA CHAPTER | EIN: 30-0517788 | Nacogdoches, TX
• ALPHA BETA BETA CHAPTER | EIN: 03-0422161 | Harlingen, TX
• ALPHA DELTA | EIN: 81-2724215 | McAllen, TX
• ALPHA CHI PHI | EIN: 87-2222906 | El Paso, TX
• AGGIE ADPI FAMILY CLUB | EIN: 93-2357531 | Cypress, TX
• AGGIE SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHAPTER | EIN: 85-3053639 | College Station, TX
• ARLINGTON-GRAND PRAIRIE ALUMNI CHAP OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRAT INC | EIN: 23-2452759 | Grand Prairie, TX
• BETA LAMBDA CHAPTER – ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 99-0483761 | Houston, TX
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 46-2267515 | Frisco, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 74-2911848 | Fort Worth, TX
• BUILDING CORPORATION OF DELTA CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA PI | EIN: 74-6047117 | Austin, TX
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-0555581 | Austin, TX
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6041410 | Nacogdoches, TX
• CHI EPSILON SIGMA INC | EIN: 45-1677063 | Dallas, TX
• DENTON-LEWISVILLE GUIDE RIGHT FOUNDATION | EIN: 86-1205340 | Flower Mound, TX
• DELTA ALPHA SIGMA MULTICULTURAL SORORITY | EIN: 36-4806998 | Dallas, TX
• DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER OF PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 37-1768785 | Missouri City, TX
• DELTA PHI CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY ALUMNI HOUSING | EIN: 90-0239693 | Dallas, TX
• DELTA PHI UPSILON FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 80-0209640 | Houston, TX
• EPSILON MU CHAPTER OF THE SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY| EIN: 75-6203190 | Fort Worth, TX
• EPSILON NU HOUSING CORPORATION | EIN: 23-7359384 | Lubbock, TX
• EPSILON TAU CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6053083 | Nacogdoches, TX
• ETA KAPPA CHAPTER OF SIGMA SIGMA SIGMA HOUSE CORPORATION | EIN: 75-2935462 | Frisco, TX
• ETA ALPHA HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA DELTA SORORITY | EIN: 74-2930349 | College Station, TX
• FARM HOUSE FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-1565336 | Lubbock, TX
• FIRST COMMAND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION | EIN: 75-1973894 | Fort Worth, TX
• FRIENDS OF ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: XX-XXXXXXX | Amarillo, TX
• FRIENDSHIP-WEST MIZPAH FOUNDATION| EIN: 27-1863731 | Dallas, TX
• FRISCO TX ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI INCORPORATED| EIN: 92-0575785 | Frisco, TX
• GAMMA PHI DELTA CHRISTIAN FRATERNITY INC| EIN: 74-2893931 | Fort Worth, TX
• GAMMA PHI HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA ALPHA THETA FRATERNITY| EIN: 75-1283953 | Lubbock, TX
• GAMMA IOTA CHAPTER OF GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 75-1225585 | Wichita Falls, TX
• GENTLEMEN OF AGGIE TRADITION | EIN: 88-0537463 | College Station, TX
• GULF COAST ALUMNI ET OF OX INC | EIN: 45-2717861 | Mexia, TX
• HELLENIC PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF TEXAS | EIN: 74-2020182 | Houston, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI| EIN: 46-3831593 | Austin, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI| EIN: 90-0293166 | College Station, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI| EIN: 26-3170920 | Denton, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI| EIN: 38-3742830 | El Paso, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI| EIN: 82-0644459 | Lubbock, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI| EIN: 90-0293167 | Victoria, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI| EIN: 35-2335400 | Tyler, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI| EIN: 36-4074256 | Laredo, TX
• IOTA ALPHA CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 51-0225632 | Arlington, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-1727080 | Arlington, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 52-1278573 | Dallas, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-2755600 | Fort Worth, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 45-3325054 | Mansfield, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 23-7279532 | Prairie View, TX
• KAPPA BETA GAMMA INTERNATIONAL INC | EIN: 33-1294470 | Frisco, TX
• KAPPA EPSILON CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-1727080 | Arlington, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6067776 | Fort Worth, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 13-3048786 | College Station, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA – MU GAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 27-3662583 | Lufkin, TX
• LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 74-1130606 | Austin, TX
• LAMBDA ETA CHAPTER CHI ETA PHI SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 75-2273565 | Arlington, TX
• LAMBDA NU GAMMA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 93-2103520 | Conroe, TX
• LAMBDA OMEGA EPSILON SORORITY INC | EIN: 86-1854073 | Conroe, TX
• LELAND COLLEGE PREP PTO | EIN: 47-2160315 | Houston, TX
• NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL NORTH DALLAS SUBURBIA | EIN: 26-4080411 | Carrollton, TX
• OMICRON GAMMA GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 75-2819136 | Arlington, TX
• OMICRON GAMMA SIGMA ALUMNI CHAPTER OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY | EIN: 92-1672050 | Irving, TX
• ONE CHAPTER ONE SHIELD | EIN: 92-1743777 | Iowa Colony, 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
• PHI KAPPA PSI TEXAS EPSILON CHAPTER | EIN: 45-2729519 | Nacogdoches, TX
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-6064445 | Nederland, TX
• PI KAPPA PHI DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER BUILDING CORPORATION | EIN: 37-1768785 | Missouri City, TX
• PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 46-2267515 | Frisco, TX
• PI DELTA KAPPA INTERNATIONAL INC | EIN: 74-1942292 | Waco, TX
• PONDER ZETA OMICRON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC | EIN: 90-0949447 | Ponder, TX
• REDWINE HONORS PROGRAM STUDENT COUNCIL | EIN: 84-5090974 | Wichita Falls, TX
• RHO DELTA CHI NATIONAL BOARD | EIN: 93-4247450 | Sugar Land, TX
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 85-1262394 | Austin, TX
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 82-4946243 | Westchester, PA
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY EPSILON XI CHAPTER | EIN: 74-6084905 | Houston, TX
• SIGMA CHI FRATERNITY ZETA ETA | EIN: 75-6060974 | Commerce, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY | EIN: 74-6084912 | Austin, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY | EIN: 75-2609909 | Commerce, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY | EIN: 36-4091267 | Waco, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON NEW YORK CHI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC | EIN: 26-2710856 | Houston, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY TEXAS GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 91-1981478 | Fort Worth, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON TEXAS ETA | EIN: 82-4398421 | Richmond, 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
• SIGMA LAMBDA ALPHA SORORITY INC | EIN: 90-0956019 | Austin, TX
• SOCIETAY OF HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS INC | EIN: 76-0221936 | Houston, TX
• SOUTHWESTERN REGION OF IOTA PHI LAMBDA SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 51-0194762 | Houston, TX
• SOUTH TEXAS COTILLON INC | EIN: 26-2378154 | Brownsville, TX
• TEJAS FOUNDATION | EIN: 74-6062730 | Austin, TX
• THE ETHEL HEDGEMON LYLE FOUNDATION OF TEXAS | EIN: 76-0592907 | Spring, TX
• THETA CHI ALUMNI ASSN | EIN: 75-6053083 | Nacogdoches, TX
• ZETA BETA CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 23-7098953 | Prairie View, TX
• ZETA OMICRON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC | EIN: 90-0949447 | Ponder, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED – SIGMA GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 39-2352450 | Houston, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 61-1562040 | Lewisville, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 52-1345951 | Nolanville, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED NU IOTA CHAPTER BAYLOR UNIVERSITY | EIN: 52-1346485 | Waco, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 52-1345182 | Fort Worth, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 99-0483761 | Houston, TX
• ZETA XI PEARLS EDUCATIONAL FUND INC | EIN: 88-3484848 | Rowlett, TX
• ZETA SIGMA HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-2620706 | Dallas, TX

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

If you or your child in Dallam County has been affected by hazing at a Texas university, pursuing accountability requires a rigorous, evidence-driven legal approach. The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911 specializes in meticulously building these cases, understanding that every piece of evidence, every detail, contributes to a complete picture of the harm caused. Our extensive experience in complex litigation, drawing from multi-million dollar results against powerful defendants, uniquely positions us to fight for your family.

Evidence

Modern hazing cases are often won or lost based on the quality and breadth of preserved evidence. Unlike traditional incidents, digital footprints are now paramount. As Ralph Manginello emphasizes in our video, “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), your phone is your most powerful tool for evidence collection.

• Digital communications: This is the bedrock of most hazing cases today. Group chats on platforms like GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, Discord, and even fraternity-specific apps are invaluable. They often contain direct orders, humiliating memes, planning discussions, and threats. Screenshots must capture the full thread, including names, timestamps, and context. Social media (Instagram stories, Snapchat, TikTok videos) can show hazing in action or reveal planning discussions. Any direct messages or private texts exchanged before, during, or after hazing events are crucial. Even seemingly deleted messages can often be forensically recovered, but immediate screenshotting is always best practice.
• Photos & videos: Beyond digital chats, actual images or videos taken during hazing events are incredibly powerful. Even footage meant to be humorous or quickly deleted can be critical. Photos revealing injuries, the layout of a hazing location, or objects used in rituals (paddles, excessive alcohol bottles) provide undeniable proof. Security camera footage from houses or event venues, if available, can also corroborate accounts.
• Internal organization documents: Accessing these typically requires legal discovery (subpoenas in a lawsuit). They can include pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, past disciplinary records, and communications between local chapters and national headquarters. These documents often expose patterns, official instructions (or lack thereof), and how policies were (or were not) enforced.
• University records: These offer critical insights into an institution’s knowledge and response to hazing. These records can reveal prior incidents involving the same organization, sanctions imposed, campus police reports, or internal memos about hazing. At Texas public universities, some of these may be accessible through Public Information Act (FOIA) requests, or through subpoenas during litigation.
• Medical and psychological records: Documentation of injuries is fundamental. This includes emergency room reports, hospitalization records, lab results (e.g., blood alcohol content, toxicology, or muscle enzyme levels for conditions like rhabdomyolysis), and imaging scans. Equally vital are psychological records documenting conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation that directly result from hazing. These records substantiate the physical and mental harm suffered.
• Witness testimony: The accounts of other pledges, current or former members, roommates, resident assistants (RAs), coaches, and even bystanders are essential. While many witnesses may be reluctant to come forward due to fear of retaliation, their testimony can provide crucial details and corroboration.

Damages

Hazing can cause catastrophic and lifelong harm, and the legal system aims to compensate victims for these losses. The types of damages recoverable reflect the comprehensive nature of this harm, as discussed in our Appendix E: Damages & Recovery Framework.

• Medical bills & future care: This covers all costs, from emergency services and initial hospitalization to ongoing therapies (physical, occupational, psychological), long-term medication, and potential future surgeries. For victims with catastrophic injuries, such as brain damage or organ failure, it includes the cost of a “life care plan” to provide necessary care for their lifetime.
• Lost earnings / educational impact: Hazing can disrupt a student’s education, leading to missed semesters, delayed graduation, or even withdrawal from college. This translates into lost tuition, housing costs, and delayed entry into the workforce. For permanent injuries, it can include a significant reduction in lifetime earning capacity.
• Non-economic damages: This category accounts for the subjective, intangible harms that hazing inflicts, including:
  • Physical pain and suffering: From the immediate injuries and any chronic pain.
  • Emotional distress: Including severe psychological trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and the enduring mental anguish of humiliation.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life as before, and the diminished quality of life.
• Wrongful death damages: In the most tragic cases, families can seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and loss of companionship, love, and guidance. Texas law specifies which family members can bring these claims, and our firm has extensive experience in wrongful death cases, as detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

Role of different defendants and insurance coverage

Hazing lawsuits often involve multiple defendants, each with their own legal counsel and insurance coverage. National fraternities and universities, in particular, typically carry substantial liability insurance policies designed to cover such incidents. However, their insurers may aggressively argue that:

• Hazing falls under policy exclusions for “intentional acts” or “criminal conduct.”
• The specific policy does not cover certain individuals or entities involved.

Our firm, backed by Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), understands these tactics. We can strategically identify all potential insurance coverage, challenge unwarranted exclusions, and leverage our insights into the defense playbook to maximize your family’s recovery. This deep understanding of how insurance companies operate allows us to anticipate their moves and build a case that rigorously defends your child’s rights.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing strikes, families in Dallam County and across Texas need clear, actionable guidance. Knowing what to do, what to look for, and who to trust can make all the difference in protecting your child and pursuing justice. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge to act decisively and effectively.

For parents

As a parent, your child’s well-being is paramount. Being attuned to subtle changes can help you recognize hazing early.

• Warning signs of hazing: Your child may exhibit unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, cuts), or repeatedly claim “accidents.” Sudden and extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, or drastic changes in mood (anxiety, depression, withdrawal from family/friends) are major red flags. Notice if they’re constantly glued to their phone for group chats, seem terrified of missing a “mandatory” event, or have sudden, unexplained financial demands.
• How to talk to your child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with your group?” or “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?” Reassure them that their safety is your priority and you will support them, no matter what. Listen more than you speak.
• If your child is hurt: Prioritize immediate medical care. Insist on a thorough examination and ensure medical professionals document everything. As soon as possible, document everything your child tells you, taking pictures of injuries and screenshots of any relevant digital communications. Save every detail: names, dates, times, locations.
• Dealing with the university: Document all interactions with university officials. Ask direct questions about the institution’s response, prior incidents involving the organization, and how policies are truly enforced. Do not accept vague answers.
• When to talk to a lawyer: If your child suffers significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident, immediate legal consultation is critical. Our legal team can help you navigate these complex situations.

For students / pledges

If you’re a student facing hazing, remember: your safety and well-being come first. You always have the right to leave.

• Is this hazing or just tradition?: Ask yourself: Does this make me feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Am I forced to drink or endure pain? Is it a secret from outsiders or the university? If the answers are yes, it is hazing, regardless of how others label it. The law doesn’t care if they call it “bonding” if it endangers you.
• Why “consent” isn’t the end of the story: You may feel pressured to go along with it to “fit in” or because “everyone else did it.” But true consent cannot be given under duress or within a power imbalance. The law recognizes this, protecting you as a victim even if you felt you had to “agree.”
• Exiting and reporting safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you fear retaliation for leaving, inform campus authorities or local police. There are anonymous reporting options available, such as the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) mentioned at the end of this guide.
• Good-faith reporting and amnesty: Many schools and Texas law provide immunity for individuals who report hazing or seek medical help in good faith for an emergency, even if substance use was involved. Your health is more important than fear of punishment.

For former members / witnesses

If you witnessed hazing or participated in it in the past, your conscience may be urging you to act. Your testimony and evidence can be pivotal in preventing future harm.

• Your experience can help provide justice for victims and prevent other students from suffering. While you might fear repercussions, legal counsel can help you understand your rights and potential protections. You may even be granted immunity if you come forward with information about past hazing events.

Critical mistakes that can destroy your case

Protecting a hazing victim’s rights requires swift, informed action. Unfortunately, common mistakes, often made with good intentions, can severely undermine a case. Ralph Manginello frequently highlights these pitfalls, emphasizing the importance of legal guidance. We also urge you to watch our video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY).

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence:

   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Deleting evidence can be viewed as obstruction, destroy crucial proof, and make building a case nearly impossible. Digital forensics can recover some data, but original, intact evidence is always best.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content. Screenshot relentlessly and back up data.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly:

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This immediately puts the organization on alert. They will likely lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses against you.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in secret, then call a lawyer before any direct confrontation.

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms:

   • What universities do: They may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements, often to avoid legal action.
   • Why it’s wrong: You could inadvertently waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, and any settlement offered by the university directly is often far below your case’s actual value.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or an insurance company without an attorney reviewing it first.

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer:

   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys will screenshot every post. Any inconsistencies, even minor ones, can be used to discredit your child. It can also waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document privately for your legal team. Let your lawyer control public messaging strategically.

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”:

   • What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic.”
   • Why it’s wrong: These meetings are often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can be used against your child in a legal proceeding.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication with the organization should go through your lawyer.

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

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.”
   • Why it’s wrong: The university’s process is often about protecting its own reputation and avoiding liability. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and valuable time runs on the statute of limitations. The university’s process is not designed to get you compensation.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence now. Consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s internal process rarely leads to real accountability or adequate compensation for the victim.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer:

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are often used against the victim, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball attempts to minimize payouts.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or UT Austin) often claim sovereign immunity, which can limit direct lawsuits against the institution itself. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, civil rights violations (e.g., Title IX), or for claims against individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (such as SMU or Baylor) typically have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific—contact Attorney911 (1-888-ATTY-911) for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While general hazing offenses are typically Class B misdemeanors, hazing that causes serious bodily injury or death is classified as a state jail felony under Texas law. Additionally, individuals who knowingly fail to report hazing can face misdemeanor charges.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing offenses. The law recognizes that true consent is absent in situations involving intense peer pressure, power imbalances, and fear of exclusion. You cannot consent to an illegal act.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  In Texas, the general statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is two years from the date of injury or death. However, this can sometimes be extended by the “discovery rule” if the injury or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving deliberate concealment or fraud, the statute may be “tolled” (paused). Time is of the essence; evidence disappears, and witnesses’ memories fade quickly. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to discuss your specific timeline, as explained in our video, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (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 necessarily prevent legal action. Universities and national fraternities/sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, knowledge of off-campus activities, and duties of supervision. Many prominent hazing cases, including fatal ones, have occurred at off-campus houses, retreats, or other private venues.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While high-profile cases can attract media attention, most hazing lawsuits are resolved through confidential settlements negotiated before trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and works to achieve accountability discreetly while protecting your child’s identity.

Attorney911: Why We Fight Hazing

When hazing leaves a scar on your family, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a legal emergency team that understands the gravity of the situation and the intricate legal battles ahead. The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, is a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with a statewide reach, dedicated to representing families impacted by hazing and campus abuse. For Dallam County families facing such a crisis, we offer not just legal expertise, but a commitment to justice that transcends the ordinary.

Why Attorney911 for hazing cases?

We’ve built our reputation on taking on powerful institutions and winning. We are not intimidated by national fraternities, well-funded universities, or their aggressive defense teams because we understand their playbook inside and out. Our unique qualifications position us as leaders in this challenging field:

• The Insurance Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña, one of our accomplished attorneys (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), previously worked as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. This experience grants us an unparalleled understanding of how fraternity and university insurance companies value (or undervalue) hazing claims. We know their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their settlement strategies because we used to be on their side. “We know their playbook because we used to run it.”
• Complex Litigation Against Goliath Defendants: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), possesses a distinguished background in complex litigation, including his involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. This experience taking on multi-billion-dollar corporations in federal court equipped us to handle institutional defendants, whether they are national fraternities, university systems, or their powerful legal teams. “We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.”
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience: Hazing too often leads to wrongful death or catastrophic injuries like brain damage and rhabdomyolysis. Our firm has a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar results for families in these devastating cases, collaborating with economists and medical experts to accurately assess lifetime care needs and future losses. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force genuine accountability. Our successful record with wrongful death cases is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise: Hazing can lead to both civil lawsuits and criminal charges. Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) ensures that we understand the intricate interplay between criminal prosecutions and civil litigation. We can advise clients on both fronts, providing comprehensive guidance even if criminal charges are involved, as outlined on our criminal defense page (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/).
• Unrivaled Investigative Depth: We leverage a network of medical, digital forensics, and psychological experts. Our experience in complex cases means we know how to obtain hidden evidence, from deleted group chats and social media content to subpoenaing national fraternity records and university internal files. We investigate with the thoroughness your child’s future deserves.

For Dallam County families, dealing with hazing at a Texas university means engaging with institutions and organizations that operate far from home. Our Houston base, with strong connections across Texas, ensures that you have access to top-tier legal representation capable of handling cases throughout the state. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Dallam County and across the region, and we are prepared to bring our resources to your cause.

We recognize the immense pain and confusion a family faces after a hazing incident. Our team approaches each case with empathy and a fierce commitment to victim advocacy. Our job is to seek answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and work tirelessly to prevent similar tragedies from befalling another family. Hear more about our firm’s origins in our video, “How Did the Manginello Law Firm Start?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td7IDrGNNdQ).

Call to Action

If you or your child, whether from Dallam County or anywhere across Texas, experienced hazing at any Texas campus—be it the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or another institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Dallam County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, accountability, and justice.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911 today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story without judgment, explain your legal options clearly, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. There’s no pressure to hire us, and everything you share is confidential. Our contingency fee model means we don’t get paid unless we win your case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).

You don’t have to face this alone.

Contact Attorney911 today:

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

Hablamos Español: Contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. We are ready to assist our Spanish-speaking families with the same dedicated and compassionate service.

Whether you’re in Dallam County seeking justice for a loved one, or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, turn to the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. Call us today.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com