Standing Against Hazing: A Texas Family Guide for Bailey County

The sun sets over Muleshoe, painting the endless Texas sky with hues of orange and purple. A pickup truck rumbles down US 84, carrying a high school senior from Bailey County, dreaming of college life at a Texas university. Perhaps it’s the University of Houston, or Texas A&M, or the vast campus of UT Austin. They envision camaraderie, academic challenge, and the vibrant social scene. But what if that dream turns into a nightmare? What if the “traditions” of a new organization demand more than dedication—they demand dignity, safety, or even life itself?

When our children leave the familiar landscapes of Bailey County for college, we trust they’ll be safe. We believe their universities and new organizations will foster growth, not gratuitous risk. Yet, across Texas campuses, a dangerous reality persists: hazing. It’s often hidden, evolving, and far more pervasive than the outdated stereotypes. For families in Bailey County and throughout Texas, understanding this hidden world is crucial.

This comprehensive guide is for you—parents, students, and community members in Bailey County—seeking to understand the complex issue of hazing. We’ll explore:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond old clichés to reveal its modern, insidious forms.
• The legal landscape in Texas, clarifying state and federal laws that govern these dangerous practices.
• The profound lessons from major national hazing cases, demonstrating patterns of abuse and the fight for accountability experienced across universities.
• A focused look at significant Texas institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University, examining their specific challenges and responses to hazing.
• The critical link between local chapters and their national organizations’ histories of hazing, revealing patterns of repeated misconduct.
• How to build a successful legal case, identifying crucial evidence, understanding potential damages, and strategizing for justice.
• Practical guides and FAQs for parents and students to recognize, respond to, and prevent hazing effectively.

Whether your child is attending a university near Bailey County or across the state, this information is vital. It’s designed to empower you with knowledge and clarity in confronting a serious issue that impacts Texas families every year.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

• In the first 48 hours:

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

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

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The word “hazing” often conjures outdated images from movies or old reports—forced calisthenics, silly costumes, or awkward rituals. But for Bailey County families with children heading to Texas universities today, the reality of hazing in 2025 is far more insidious, dangerous, and often hidden. It’s a spectrum of abuse, from subtle psychological manipulation to life-threatening physical assaults, all designed to assert dominance and control over new members.

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students. Importantly, “consent” to such acts is not a legal defense; the law recognizes the immense pressure that turns “voluntary” participation into coercion.

The Dynamics of Coercion: Why “Consent” Doesn’t Matter

In hazing, the idea of “consent” is a false one. Students rarely freely choose to be humiliated, endangered, or abused. Instead, they operate under immense pressure, driven by:

• The desire to belong: College is a time for finding community. The promise of friendship, social status, and future networking is a powerful draw.
• Fear of exclusion: Refusal often means being ridiculed, socially isolated, or “cut” from the group, losing the very thing they sought to gain.
• Power imbalance: Older members, especially those in leadership roles, wield significant power over new members, creating an environment where challenging demands feels impossible.
• Secrecy and isolation: New members are often told “what happens here stays here,” cutting them off from external support systems like parents or university officials who might intervene.

When these factors are at play, any “agreement” to participate is inherently coerced, and that’s why Texas law, and the laws of many states, do not accept consent as a defense against hazing. This reality is crucial for Bailey County parents to understand, as your child may feel compelled to participate even if they know it’s wrong or dangerous.

Main Categories of Hazing: Beyond Stereotypes

Modern hazing takes many forms, often blending different tactics to maximize control and psychological impact while minimizing the apparent risk to outsiders.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is, tragically, the most common and often fatal form of hazing. It goes far beyond routine social drinking.

  • Forced or Coerced Drinking: Pledges are often pressured to consume dangerously large quantities of alcohol in short periods. This can involve “lineups” where multiple shots are consumed, “bottle exchanges” where pledges must finish entire bottles of spirits, or drinking games where “losers” are forced to ingest excessive amounts.
  • Unknown Substances: Pledges may be told to drink concoctions of various alcohols or even non-alcoholic but foul liquids, sometimes until they vomit.
  • Drug Use: Pressure to consume illicit drugs during initiation rituals is also a growing concern.

• Physical Hazing: This category involves acts designed to exert physical dominance or cause pain.

  • Paddling and Beatings: Despite official bans, physical assaults, including paddling with wood or other objects, or punches and slaps, can still occur, often in hidden locations.
  • Extreme Calisthenics or “Workouts”: Pledges are forced into prolonged, strenuous physical activities, often for hours on end, without adequate rest, food, or water. This can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and serious medical conditions like rhabdomyolysis.
  • Sleep, Food, and Water Deprivation: Pledges may be woken up repeatedly, kept awake for days, or denied sufficient food and water, leading to extreme fatigue, cognitive impairment, and physical collapse.
  • Exposure to Extremes: Forcing individuals into cold water, leaving them in extreme temperatures, or denying access to proper hygiene is also a form of physical hazing.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are highly degrading and often carry long-lasting psychological trauma.

  • Forced Nudity or Simulated Sexual Acts: Pledges may be forced to strip, perform simulated sexual acts, or engage in other sexually explicit behaviors.
  • Degrading Costumes or Public Humiliation: Requiring pledges to wear embarrassing outfits in public, perform demeaning acts for entertainment, or endure public verbal abuse contributes to profound emotional distress.
  • Racist, Sexist, or Homophobic Acts: Targeting individuals based on their identity with slurs, stereotypes, or humiliating role-playing games.

• Psychological Hazing: Often subtle, but deeply damaging, these tactics aim to break down an individual’s self-esteem and independence.

  • Verbal Abuse and Threats: Constant yelling, insults, belittling, and threats of social exclusion or physical harm.
  • Isolation and Manipulation: Cutting pledges off from outside contact, instilling paranoia, or manipulating their emotions to achieve control.
  • Blindfolds and Disorientation: Used to increase vulnerability and fear, often during “drop-offs” or secret rituals.

• Digital/Online Hazing: A newer, but rapidly growing form of hazing that leverages technology for round-the-clock control and humiliation.

  • Group Chat Monitoring and Abuse: Pledges are required to be constantly available in group chats, often for demeaning tasks or instant responses at all hours, leading to sleep deprivation and anxiety. Messages can also be used for explicit threats or humiliation.
  • Social Media Dares and Shaming: Forcing pledges to post embarrassing content on TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat, or publicly shaming them in online forums.
  • Location Tracking: Requiring pledges to share their live location via apps like Find My Friends, allowing older members to monitor their movements.

Where Hazing Actually Happens: It’s Not Just Fraternities

For Bailey County residents, it’s vital to recognize that hazing is not confined to one sector of campus life. While fraternities and sororities (IFC, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Panhellenic, and multicultural Greek-letter organizations) are frequently associated with hazing, the problem is far broader.

• Fraternities and Sororities: These groups represent a significant portion of campus hazing incidents due to their structured pledging processes and emphasis on tradition.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC: Military-style organizations, with their hierarchical structures and demands for discipline, can sometimes foster environments where hazing is disguised as “training” or “toughening up.”
• Athletic Teams: From high school football to college-level sports, hazing can manifest as initiation rituals, forced physical abuse, or humiliating acts dressed up as “team bonding.”
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly harmless artistic or musical ensembles can fall prey to hazing, with new members subjected to degrading tasks or excessive demands.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Groups tied to school spirit or long-standing campus traditions often rely on “what’s always been done” as justification for abusive initiation rites.
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: While less common, any group with a hierarchical structure and initiation process can be susceptible to hazing if not properly monitored and educated.

At its core, hazing thrives in environments where social status, unquestioning loyalty, and secrecy are prioritized over individual safety and dignity. For families in Bailey County, understanding this pervasive and evolving nature of hazing is the first step in protecting your children.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

When hazing occurs, it’s not simply a “student conduct” issue. It’s often a violation of criminal law, and it can open the door to significant civil lawsuits against individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and even universities. For families in Bailey County who may be navigating these painful circumstances, understanding the dual nature of criminal prosecution and civil litigation is critical.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear statutory prohibitions against hazing, primarily outlined in the Texas Education Code. These laws define prohibited conduct, establish criminal penalties, and define who can be held liable.

Under the Texas Education Code, hazing is defined as an intentional, knowing, or reckless act occurring on or off campus by one person alone or with others, directed against an individual. For it to be legally classified as hazing, this act must be for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are predominantly students, AND it must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student.

This definition is deliberately broad, encompassing psychological harm as well as physical injury. For example, extreme humiliation, prolonged public shaming, or intense social isolation, if it significantly harms a student’s mental well-being, falls under this definition just as much as physical beatings or forced excessive drinking.

• Criminal Penalties:
  • Class B Misdemeanor: Most hazing incidents, if they do not result in serious injury, are classified as a Class B misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of jail time up to 180 days and/or a fine up to $2,000.
  • Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical attention, the offense is elevated to a Class A misdemeanor. This carries potential jail time up to one year and/or a fine up to $4,000.
  • State Jail Felony: Critically, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, the offense becomes a state jail felony in Texas. This carries potential imprisonment from 180 days to two years in a state jail facility, plus fines up to $10,000.

Beyond direct participation, the law also imposes criminal penalties for those who fail to act:

• Failure to Report: Any student who is aware of hazing and fails to report it may also face misdemeanor charges.

• Retaliation: Individuals who retaliate against someone for reporting hazing can also face misdemeanor charges, underscoring the legal protections for whistleblowers.

• Organizational Liability: The law extends criminal liability beyond individuals to the organizations themselves. A fraternity, sorority, or club can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

  • The organization authorized or condoned the hazing activity.
  • An officer or member, acting in their official capacity, knew about the hazing and failed to report it.

Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000, and potentially the loss of university recognition, effectively banning them from campus.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Two Paths to Justice

It’s important for Bailey County families to understand that a hazing incident can lead to two distinct, yet often intertwined, legal processes: criminal prosecution and a civil lawsuit.

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (through local prosecutors, like the District Attorney in Bailey County or the county where the university is located). The goal of a criminal case is to punish individuals (or sometimes organizations) for violating public laws. Common charges in hazing contexts include hazing offenses, assault, charges related to providing alcohol to minors, or, in tragic cases, manslaughter or negligent homicide. The burden of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” a high standard.

• Civil Cases: These are initiated by the victims or their families. The goal of a civil lawsuit is to seek monetary compensation for the harm suffered (damages) and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil cases often involve claims such as negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision by a university or national organization, or premises liability. The burden of proof in a civil case is typically “a preponderance of the evidence,” meaning it’s more likely than not that the defendants are responsible, which is a lower standard than in criminal cases.

A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for a civil lawsuit. Many times, criminal cases end with plea bargains or even acquittals, but the victim’s family can still pursue a civil case successfully for financial compensation and institutional change. Attorney911’s criminal defense experience means we handle both aspects of Texas hazing cases.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also play a significant role in shaping the environment around hazing, particularly for colleges and universities that receive federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates greater transparency and prevention efforts from colleges and universities. By around 2026, it will require institutions to:
  • Publicly report hazing incidents in a centralized, easily accessible manner.
  • Implement comprehensive hazing prevention programs.
  • Provide clear definitions of hazing and disciplinary actions taken.

This act aims to create more accountability for institutions and provide crucial data to prospective students and their families from Bailey County and elsewhere, allowing them to make informed decisions about campus safety.

• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex discrimination in educational programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. When hazing involves sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender-based humiliation, or retaliation for reporting such acts, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities are legally required to investigate promptly and effectively and to take steps to prevent further discrimination. A school’s failure to do so can lead to liability.

• Clery Act: Under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, colleges and universities must disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents often intersect with Clery reportable crimes, particularly if they involve assaults, alcohol- or drug-related offenses, or sexual misconduct. While hazing itself is not a specific Clery category, the underlying criminal acts that often accompany it are.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

In a civil hazing lawsuit, a broad range of individuals and entities can be held accountable for injuries, damages, or wrongful death. Identifying all potentially liable parties is critical for ensuring full compensation and driving systemic change.

• Individual Students: Those who actively plan, participate in, or directly inflict hazing acts can be held personally responsible for their actions. This can include members who supplied alcohol, physically assaulted pledges, or coerced participation.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, or student group that directly conducted the hazing can be sued. This includes the chapter as a legal entity and potentially its officers or leaders who oversaw the new member process.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, particularly for Greek-letter organizations, often holds significant power and responsibility over their local chapters. They can be held liable if it can be shown they:
  • Failed to adequately supervise the chapter.
  • Knew, or should have known, about the hazing (e.g., through prior complaints, warnings) and failed to intervene.
  • Had a history of similar hazing incidents across their chapters, demonstrating a foreseeable risk.
  • Failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies.
• University or College: Institutions of higher education can face liability for hazing that occurs on their campus or under their purview. Claims against universities often center on:
  • Negligent Supervision: Failure to adequately monitor student organizations or enforce anti-hazing policies.
  • Deliberate Indifference: Knowing about hazing or a pattern of misconduct and failing to take appropriate action.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on university property and the institution failed to provide a safe environment.
  • Breach of Contract: If the university failed to uphold promises made in student handbooks or policies regarding safety and hazing.
  • Title IX Violations: If hazing involved sex-based discrimination or harassment.
    For public universities in Texas (like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, or UT Austin), sovereign immunity presents a defense, though exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or certain federal claims like Title IX. Private universities (like SMU or Baylor) generally do not have this sovereign immunity protection.
• Third Parties: Depending on the specifics of the incident, other entities might also bear responsibility:
  • Property Owners/Landlords: If hazing occurred at an off-campus house where the owner knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Alcohol Providers: Bars, restaurants, or even individuals who illegally furnished alcohol to minors if that contributed to injuries or death (under “dram shop” laws).
  • Advisors: Faculty, alumni, or volunteer advisors to student organizations who were aware of hazing and failed to stop it.

For families in Bailey County who have been affected by hazing, identifying all potential sources of liability and avenues for compensation requires experienced legal assessment.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

Studying national hazing cases is not just about understanding past tragedies; it’s about recognizing patterns, establishing foreseeability, and highlighting the severe legal consequences that can arise from these dangerous traditions. For Texas families, these cases provide a crucial context, demonstrating that the dangers seen at universities across the country are relevant to what happens in Bailey County and at Texas campuses.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: A Repeating Tragedy

The most prevalent and deadly hazing pattern involves forced alcohol consumption. Time and again, institutions and organizations are sued, and individuals face criminal charges, because of rituals designed to make new members drink to excess.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): This case shocked the nation with its horrific details. During a new member “bid acceptance” night, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza was coerced into consuming a dangerous amount of alcohol. Security camera footage, later critical evidence, captured Piazza falling multiple times, suffering severe head injuries. Fraternity members allegedly delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours, attempting to cover up the incident. Piazza ultimately died from traumatic brain injuries. The aftermath saw dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, civil lawsuits that resulted in confidential settlements, and the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case underscored how extreme intoxication, a delay in seeking medical help, and a pervasive culture of silence can lead to devastating loss and severe legal repercussions.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Just months after Piazza’s death, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were allegedly given bottles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them rapidly. The incident led to criminal hazing charges against multiple members, a university-wide suspension of all Greek life at FSU, and a renewed push for anti-hazing legislation in Florida. Coffey’s death, like Piazza’s, highlighted that “traditional” drinking events within Greek organizations are a dangerous, repeating script for catastrophe.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old freshman, died with a blood-alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. During this ritual, pledges were forced to consume alcohol if they answered questions incorrectly. This tragic death led to criminal convictions, including negligent homicide against one fraternity member, and spurred Louisiana to enact the Max Gruver Act, significantly strengthening its felony hazing statute. The case became a national example of how seemingly innocuous “games” can turn deadly, and how legislative change often follows public outrage fueled by clear evidence of hazing.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): The death of 20-year-old Stone Foltz sent shockwaves through the Greek community. Pledges were forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol as part of a “Big/Little” tradition. Foltz died from alcohol poisoning. In the aftermath, several fraternity members faced criminal convictions for hazing-related offenses. Critically, Foltz’s family pursued civil litigation, resulting in a $10 million settlement split between the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and Bowling Green State University. This case, and the subsequent $6.5 million judgement against the chapter president, clearly demonstrated the immense financial liability faced by both organizations and individuals, and led to Ohio’s Collin’s Law: The Anti-Hazing Act, making hazing a second-degree misdemeanor and a third-degree felony when involving drugs or alcohol causing physical harm.

These cases, though from other states, establish a clear pattern of knowledge for national organizations. They show that dangers from forced alcohol consumption are foreseeable risks that national fraternities and universities in Texas like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor should be acutely aware of.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern: Beyond Drinking

While alcohol-related incidents dominate national headlines, physical and ritualized hazing, often involving extreme physical demands or humiliating acts performed under duress, also claim lives and cause severe injuries.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. He was blindfolded, weighted down with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled by fraternity members during a ritual known as the “glass ceiling.” The pledges were also ordered to lie in the snow without coats. After sustaining a fatal brain injury, fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for crucial hours, moving his body and attempting a cover-up. This case resulted in multiple criminal convictions against individual members, and the national fraternity itself was found criminally guilty of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter – a landmark decision. The fraternity was subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for a decade and faced substantial fines. This case tragically illustrated that off-campus “retreats” are often chosen precisely to conceal hazing, and that national organizations bear a heavy responsibility for the actions of their chapters, regardless of location.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse: Not Just Greek Life

Hazing is unfortunately not exclusive to Greek-letter organizations. It plagues various student groups, including sports teams, demonstrating that shared identity and hierarchical structures can create environments ripe for abuse.

• Northwestern University Athletic Hazing Scandal (2023–2025): Recent allegations rocked Northwestern’s highly visible athletic programs. Former football players came forward with claims of widespread sexualized and racist hazing practices within the program over many years. One player described rituals involving forced nudity and explicit acts. These revelations sparked multiple civil lawsuits against the university and its coaching staff, leading to the termination of long-time head football coach Pat Fitzgerald, who then filed his own wrongful-termination suit (later settled confidentially). This scandal vividly demonstrated that hazing can permeate major athletic departments, often hidden by a code of silence or dismissed as “locker room talk,” raising serious questions about institutional oversight and the duty of universities to protect their athletes.

These national patterns provide a stark warning and critical legal context for families in Bailey County. They demonstrate the inherent dangers of hazing, the severe physical and psychological tolls it takes, and the increasing legal and financial risks faced by individuals, chapters, national organizations, and educational institutions alike.

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

For families in Bailey County, understanding the specific environments at Texas’s major universities is paramount. Each institution has its own culture, policies, and history of addressing—or sometimes failing to address—hazing. While Bailey County may be geographically diverse from these major campuses, many of our local students aspire to attend these schools, and the patterns of hazing here directly impact our community. Knowing these specifics can help you navigate these campuses and understand the legal landscape should hazing unfortunately occur.

University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus less than 400 miles southeast of Bailey County, attracts many students from across Texas, including our own. Its diverse student body of over 47,000, combined with a significant Greek life presence, makes understanding its hazing landscape particularly relevant.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a large, public research university deeply integrated into the city of Houston. It caters to a diverse student population, with a mix of commuter and residential students. The university fosters an active Greek life, comprising chapters from the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek councils. Beyond Greek life, UH boasts numerous student organizations, including cultural associations, academic societies, and sports clubs, all of which contribute to the campus’s dynamic social fabric.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that is explicitly communicated to all student organizations. It broadly prohibits hazing, making it clear that such acts are not tolerated whether they occur on or off campus, or are sanctioned by the university or not. The policy covers forced consumption of alcohol or substances, physical mistreatment, sleep deprivation, and any activity that could cause mental or physical distress. Students and parents are encouraged to report suspected hazing through the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, or the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). UH also provides an online reporting form and emphasizes that reports can be made anonymously. The university typically posts a public statement regarding hazing prevention and some, though not all, disciplinary actions on its website.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

The University of Houston has tragically faced multiple hazing incidents involving its student organizations. One notable example from 2016 involved a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter. Pledges allegedly faced sustained sleep deprivation and extreme physical demands during a multi-day “pledge retreat.” One student reportedly sustained a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface during the event. This incident led to misdemeanor hazing charges against some individuals and university suspension of the chapter. More recently, in late 2025, Attorney911 filed a significant $10 million lawsuit against the university, its regents, and the Pi Kappa Phi national fraternity, along with 13 individuals, on behalf of Leonel Bermudez. He reportedly suffered acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis after severe hazing that included forced physical exertion, degrading rituals, and forced consumption of substances until vomiting. This critical case underscores the ongoing challenges UH faces in ensuring student safety. These incidents highlight UH’s willingness to suspend chapters, but also the persistent nature of hazing despite policies.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

A hazing case originating from the University of Houston would typically begin with an internal university investigation by the Dean of Students or Student Conduct offices. Simultaneously, depending on the severity and nature of the hazing, the incident might be reported to the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) or the Houston Police Department (HPD) if it occurred off-campus or involved significant criminal elements. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in the appropriate court within Harris County, where Houston is located. Potential defendants could include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority (if applicable), and potentially the University of Houston and its Board of Regents, as seen in the Bermudez case. Property owners where off-campus hazing occurred may also be included.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For students attending UH or families in Bailey County who send their children there, proactive measures are vital:

• Familiarize yourself with UH’s hazing policy: Understand what constitutes hazing and what the university’s official reporting channels are.
• Document everything immediately: If hazing is suspected or occurs, photograph injuries, screenshot digital communications, and record details while fresh. This is explained extensively in Attorney911’s video on documenting evidence, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.
• Utilize reporting channels: Contact the Dean of Students Office or UHPD. If you prefer anonymity, use the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) or the university’s anonymous reporting options.
• Seek legal counsel early: An experienced hazing lawyer familiar with Houston-based cases can help navigate university investigations, preserve critical evidence, and assess potential civil remedies. The stakes are increasingly high, as shown by the $10 million lawsuit currently being handled by The Manginello Law Firm on behalf of Leonel Bermudez. Our firm, conveniently located in Houston, is adept at uncovering prior discipline, internal files, and building a strong case against powerful institutions.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station, approximately 300 miles southeast of Bailey County, is a flagship institution renowned for its strong traditions, the Corps of Cadets, and a deeply loyal Aggie network. For many Bailey County families, Texas A&M symbolizes pride and excellence. However, this strong emphasis on tradition can, at times, inadvertently create environments where hazing is condoned or overlooked.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is one of the largest universities in the United States, with a student body exceeding 74,000 across its College Station and satellite campuses. The university is famous for its unique culture, epitomized by the Corps of Cadets, a military-style program that fosters leadership and discipline. Beyond the Corps, Texas A&M has a significant Greek life presence with over 60 fraternities and sororities, plus countless other student organizations, clubs, and athletic programs. “Aggie traditions” are deeply ingrained and cherished, which can be both a source of strength and, occasionally, a vulnerability to hazing.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M has a comprehensive anti-hazing policy that is clearly articulated in its student rules and regulations. This policy strictly prohibits any form of hazing, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, and applies to all student organizations, including Greek life, athletic teams, and the Corps of Cadets. Reporting channels include the Department of Student Life, the Office of the Dean of Students, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). The university also emphasizes the importance of reporting through its “Code of Conduct” and provides anonymous reporting options. Texas A&M, like all Texas public universities, is required to publish details of hazing violations as part of state law.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Despite its clear policies, Texas A&M has faced multiple hazing scandals, often highlighting the challenges of balancing strong traditions with student safety.

• In 2021, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chapter faced allegations of severe hazing. Two pledges claimed they were subjected to strenuous physical activity and then doused with an array of substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended for two years by the university. These claims led to a substantial lawsuit against the fraternity, underscoring the extreme dangers of physical and chemical hazing. This incident occurred at the same national fraternity that one of our Founding Partners, Ralph Manginello, is currently litigating against in a major traumatic brain injury hazing case at the University of Alabama.
• The Corps of Cadets has also faced allegations. In 2023, a federal lawsuit was filed by a former cadet alleging degrading hazing, including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. While Texas A&M affirmed its anti-hazing stance, such allegations highlight the need for vigilance even within highly structured, tradition-bound groups.
• Historically, the 1999 Aggie Bonfire collapse, which killed 12 students, while not a traditional hazing incident in its cause, underscored the dangers of student-led “traditions” and the institutional responsibilities involved. It led to millions in settlements and a lasting impact on university oversight of student activities.

These incidents demonstrate that Attorney911 and other family advocates must remain vigilant, and that traditional activities, whether social or military-based, require constant oversight to prevent them from devolving into hazing.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing investigations at Texas A&M often involve the Department of Student Life, which oversees student organizations, and the UPD or local College Station police. Civil lawsuits would be filed in Brazos County courts. Due to its status as a public university, Texas A&M can assert sovereign immunity, making it more challenging to sue the institution directly. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence or willful misconduct, and individual wrongdoers (students, chapter leaders) can still be sued. Cases often target the national fraternity/sorority and individuals, leveraging national patterns of similar hazing to establish foreseeability.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For students from Bailey County attending or considering Texas A&M, or their parents:

• Investigate the “traditions”: Understand the nature of new member activities in any organization, including the Corps. Ask specific questions about time commitments, physical demands, and secrecy.
• Recognize the signs of rhabdomyolysis: Given the history of extreme physical hazing at A&M, parents should be aware of symptoms like brown urine, severe muscle pain, and extreme fatigue—which could indicate a life-threatening condition.
• Report concerns to Student Life or UPD immediately: Texas A&M’s anonymous reporting options are available.
• Contact Attorney911 without delay: Early legal intervention is crucial for preserving evidence, especially with the intricate dynamics of Corps and Greek life. Our firm has a deep understanding of Texas hazing laws and the tactics used by large institutions to defend against claims. We can help families from Bailey County navigate the complexities of a case against a Texas public university, ensuring all liable parties, including national organizations and individuals, are held accountable.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, the intellectual and cultural heart of the state and less than 350 miles southeast of Bailey County, is a top destination for academic and athletic talent. With a sprawling campus and a vibrant Greek scene, it represents a crossroads where tradition, academic rigor, and social pressures can converge, sometimes leading to hazing.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Texas, with an enrollment exceeding 52,000 students. It boasts a thriving Greek community, a fiercely proud athletic program, and hundreds of student organizations. The campus culture is defined by its iconic traditions, spirited student body, and a strong sense of identity as “Longhorns.” This environment, while fostering immense pride, also creates a unique context for understanding hazing.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin maintains a clear and comprehensive anti-hazing policy, explicitly defining prohibited acts and their consequences. Its policy goes beyond physical harm to include psychological and emotional abuse, as well as forced alcohol or substance consumption. UT Austin is notable for its commitment to transparency regarding hazing. The university’s website (hazing.utexas.edu) features a publicly accessible database of hazing violations, detailing sanctioned organizations, dates of incidents, the nature of the misconduct, and the disciplinary actions taken. This platform is an invaluable resource for parents in Bailey County and across Texas to research an organization’s history before their child pledges. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the UT Austin Police Department (UTPD), along with anonymous reporting options.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public database of hazing violations provides a stark look at the ongoing challenges the university faces:

• In 2023, a Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE) chapter was sanctioned for new members being “directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics.” The university found this constituted hazing, placing the chapter on probation and requiring hazing-prevention education. This incident echoes patterns seen in national PIKE cases involving forced consumption and physical exertion.
• The Texas Wranglers, a well-known spirit organization, has faced multiple sanctions over the years for hazing involving substance use, sleep deprivation, and physical duress. Their repeated appearances on the violation log underscore how deeply hazing can be embedded even in highly visible, “traditional” student groups.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), whose national organization faces numerous hazing lawsuits, has been cited at UT Austin for incidents including alcohol-related hazing and general policy violations. In a recent incident in January 2024, an Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at a party, sustaining severe injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and a broken nose. This prompted a lawsuit for over $1 million, filed against the SAE chapter, which was already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations.
• Historically, the Texas Cowboys, another storied spirit organization, has been involved in several hazing-related incidents, including the tragic 1995 drowning death of Gabriel Higgins during an alcohol-fueled initiation event in the Colorado River.

The transparency of UT Austin’s log is commendable, but the recurring nature of listed violations demonstrates that despite deterrence efforts, hazing remains a persistent problem that requires ongoing vigilance from Bailey County families.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

A hazing case at UT Austin would typically involve an investigation by the Office of the Dean of Students or Student Conduct. If criminal acts occurred, the UTPD or the Austin Police Department would also be involved. Civil lawsuits would be filed in Travis County, where Austin is located. As a public institution, UT Austin relies on sovereign immunity, though exceptions can be argued through various legal statutes including federal claims such as Title IX. Legal actions would likely target the individual students involved, the local chapter, and the national Greek-letter organization. UT Austin’s public hazing log provides valuable “pattern evidence,” demonstrating that the university may have had prior knowledge of an organization’s propensity for hazing, which can strengthen a civil claim for negligence against the institution.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For Bailey County students attending UT Austin:

• Check the Hazing Violations Log: Before committing to any organization, consult UT’s public hazing database (hazing.utexas.edu) to review its history of misconduct.
• Understand alcohol policies: Be aware of the university’s strict rules regarding underage drinking and alcohol at student events, as violations often accompany hazing.
• Photograph the physical evidence: If physical hazing or alcohol abuse occurs, taking photos of injuries and any visual evidence (bottles, objects, soiled clothing) is crucial.
• Preserve digital evidence: Given the prevalence of digital hazing, securing screenshots of texts, group chats, and social media posts is paramount.
• Contact Attorney911 for strategic legal advice: Our experienced hazing lawyers understand how to leverage UT’s hazing log, navigate sovereign immunity defenses, and build a case against all responsible parties. We can help families from Bailey County secure evidence, protect their student’s rights, and pursue accountability across all levels.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private institution nestled in an affluent Dallas neighborhood (approximately 380 miles northeast of Bailey County), is known for its strong academic programs, vibrant social scene, and prominent Greek life. Its private status sets it apart from public Texas universities in terms of liability and transparency regarding hazing.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private, religiously affiliated university with a student population of around 12,000. The campus culture is often characterized by strong social traditions, particularly within its extensive Greek system, which attracts a significant portion of the undergraduate student body. SMU’s location in a metropolitan hub like Dallas also contributes to a dynamic social environment. The university emphasizes academic excellence and leadership development.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains a clear zero-tolerance policy against hazing, which applies to all student organizations. The university’s policy outlines a broad definition of hazing, covering physical, mental, emotional, and social abuse, as well as forced consumption of alcohol or substances. SMU encourages reporting through various channels, including its Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Student Conduct, and the SMU Police Department. Anonymous reporting options are also available through platforms like Real Response, a third-party service designed to help students report sensitive issues, including hazing, while maintaining anonymity. Unlike public universities, SMU is not legally required to make its hazing violations publicly accessible in the same manner as UT Austin, though it does release information regarding sanctions to the campus community.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has faced its share of hazing incidents, often leading to significant organizational sanctions:

• In 2017, the university investigated its Kappa Alpha Order chapter for allegations of severe hazing, including paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended for several years, with strict limitations on its return to campus life that lasted until at least 2021.
• Other SMU fraternities and sororities have periodically faced suspensions or probation for hazing incidents involving alcohol misuse, physical duress, and inappropriate new member activities, as reported through campus announcements and local news outlets. While SMU strives for transparency, the available public record of specific incidents might be less detailed than what is found at Texas’s public universities.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing investigations at SMU are typically conducted by the Office of Student Conduct. If criminal activity is involved, the SMU Police Department and/or the Dallas Police Department would take action. Civil lawsuits against SMU, unlike those against public universities, would not face the barrier of sovereign immunity. This means that allegations of negligence or misconduct by the institution itself can be pursued more directly in Dallas County courts. Potential defendants in an SMU hazing case include individual students, the local chapter, and the national fraternity or sorority. Because SMU is a private institution, the discovery process in civil litigation could compel the release of internal documents and records that might not be readily available through public information requests at state universities.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For students from Bailey County attending SMU or their parents:

• Utilize anonymous reporting tools: SMU’s Real Response system or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) can be crucial for safely reporting concerns without immediate fear of identification.
• Document details meticulously: Even without a public log, keeping personal records of dates, times, acts, and participants is vital evidence if a legal case becomes necessary.
• Seek immediate medical attention for injuries: Prioritize health, and ensure medical records accurately reflect that injuries were hazing-related.
• Consult an attorney experienced with private university liability: Navigating a hazing claim against a private institution requires specific legal expertise. Attorney911 understands the nuances of such cases, including how to challenge institutional defenses and expose organizational negligence. We serve families across Texas, including those from Bailey County with connections to SMU, ensuring comprehensive accountability.

Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, approximately 270 miles southeast of Bailey County, combines a strong religious identity with a rich tradition of student life. Its commitment to faith-based education and community values shapes its approach to student protection, including its stance against hazing.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas, with a student body exceeding 20,000. It is deeply rooted in its Baptist heritage, emphasizing service, leadership, and community. Student life at Baylor revolves around academics, a spirited athletic program (the “Baylor Bears”), and numerous student organizations. While Greek life is present, it operates within a broader, faith-infused framework that prioritizes “Covenant” values. This unique cultural context heavily influences how hazing is perceived and addressed on campus.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University maintains a strong anti-hazing policy, emphasizing its incompatibility with the university’s mission and values. The policy clearly prohibits any activity that could endanger a student’s safety, mental well-being, or academic performance, or that is demeaning, humiliating, or forced. Baylor encourages students, faculty, and staff to report hazing through its Student Conduct Administration, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), or through anonymous reporting systems and hotlines. The university regularly educates its community on hazing prevention and the consequences of engaging in such acts, aligning these efforts with its faith-based ethical principles.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s commitment to its values is continually tested by hazing incidents, demonstrating that even faith-based institutions are not immune to these issues:

• The Baylor baseball program faced significant scrutiny in 2020 when 14 players were suspended for hazing violations. The incident involved allegations of inappropriate initiation rituals, though specific details of the hazing were not fully disclosed by the university, citing student privacy. This large-scale team suspension underscored the university’s commitment to enforcing its anti-hazing policies, even within high-profile athletic programs.
• Historically, Baylor has had to grapple with hazing within its social clubs (similar to fraternities/sororities in some respects), leading to disciplinary actions and, in some cases, removal of recognition for violating university codes of conduct.
• Of particular relevance is the 1967 death of John E. Clifton, a student who died during a hazing ritual of the Baylor Chamber of Commerce. He choked on a foul concoction and laxatives requested by members. This tragic incident, which was initially dismissed as not hazing by the university president, was later acknowledged as hazing, leading to the banning of “physical” hazing activities.

These incidents, particularly the baseball team suspensions, illustrate that Baylor takes hazing seriously, but also that hazing persists even in environments with strong ethical frameworks, necessitating constant vigilance from Bailey County families.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing investigations at Baylor University typically fall under the Student Conduct Administration, often working in conjunction with the BUPD for criminal matters. Civil lawsuits against Baylor, as a private institution, would not be shielded by sovereign immunity in the same way that Texas’s public universities might be. Cases would be filed in McLennan County courts, where Waco is located. Potential defendants include individual students, the specific chapter or organization, and Baylor University itself, depending on evidence of institutional negligence or deliberate indifference. Given Baylor’s past Title IX challenges and its institutional commitment to student welfare, all aspects of its oversight and enforcement of policies would likely be scrutinized in any civil litigation.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For students from Bailey County attending Baylor or their parents:

• Prioritize the “Covenant’s” spirit: Encourage your child to challenge any activity that feels demeaning or unsafe by appealing to Baylor’s stated values of respect and community.
• Document any physical or emotional toll: Given how hazing often manifests through physical exhaustion or psychological stress, keeping detailed records of these impacts is crucial. Medical documentation, even for seemingly minor issues, can be vital.
• Leverage Baylor’s reporting systems: Advise your student to use official reporting channels, including anonymous options if they fear retaliation.
• Seek legal advice with specific insight into private religious universities: Attorney911 possesses the expertise to analyze claims against institutions like Baylor. Our deep understanding of private university liability, combined with our experience in complex litigation, ensures that families from Bailey County and elsewhere across Texas can pursue justice. We work diligently to hold all responsible parties accountable, upholding the principle that no institution, regardless of its mission, is above the law when it comes to student safety.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Understanding that hazing is a systemic issue, rather than isolated incidents, is crucial for Bailey County parents. The organizations present on Texas campuses—whether at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor—are often part of larger national structures. The hazing history of a national fraternity or sorority can be highly relevant to a local incident, providing key insights into foreseeability, organizational knowledge, and a pattern of misconduct.

Why National Histories Matter: Foreseeability and Accountability

When a chapter in Texas engages in hazing that causes injury or death, a critical question in a civil lawsuit is foreseeability. Did the national organization, and by extension the university, know or should they have known that such a risk existed?

• Pattern of Knowledge: National fraternities and sororities, despite their often robust anti-hazing policies, have extensive internal records of past incidents across their chapters nationwide. When similar hazing activities (e.g., forced alcohol consumption at “Big/Little” events, physical challenges during initiation) lead to injury or death repeatedly, it establishes a pattern. This pattern demonstrates that the national organization had prior knowledge of the danger, making future incidents foreseeable.
• Duty to Supervise and Enforce: With this knowledge comes a legal duty to adequately supervise local chapters, enforce anti-hazing policies, and intervene effectively. A national organization cannot simply claim ignorance if its chapters continuously engage in similar dangerous activities.
• Impact on Liability: A well-documented national hazing history can significantly strengthen a civil lawsuit, providing grounds to argue negligence or gross negligence against the national entity, and potentially influencing damages, including punitive damages. It’s no coincidence that many multi-million dollar hazing settlements and verdicts involve national organizations with a history of similar incidents.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

Here, we explore some prominent fraternities and sororities with chapters at Texas universities, noting their national hazing histories. It’s crucial to state, without making specific allegations against all local chapters, that the mere presence of these national organizations underscores the potential for hazing patterns that mirror incidents elsewhere.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (PIKE): This fraternity is present at many Texas campuses, including UT Austin and Texas A&M. Nationally, Pi Kappa Alpha has a tragic history of hazing, prominently illustrated by the Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after a forced bottle exchange during a “Big/Little” event. This incident led to criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement against the national fraternity and the university. Another significant case involved David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (2012), who died from alcohol poisoning after a fraternity event, resulting in a $14 million settlement for his family. These cases highlight PIKE’s pattern of alcohol hazing, which means the national organization has a heightened duty to prevent similar incidents at its Texas chapters.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): SAE has a significant presence in Texas Greek life, including chapters at Texas A&M and UT Austin. Nationally, SAE has been involved in multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries. In 2014, in response to a pattern of deaths, SAE famously announced it was eliminating its traditional pledge process. Despite this, incidents continued. A lawsuit filed in 2023 against SAE at the University of Alabama alleged a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during hazing. Closer to home, at Texas A&M University, two pledges in 2021 alleged they suffered severe chemical burns after being doused with industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit during hazing. This led to a lawsuit and chapter suspension. In January 2024, an SAE chapter at the University of Texas at Austin faced a substantial lawsuit after an exchange student alleged severe assault and injuries at a fraternity party, occurring while the chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing violations. These incidents demonstrate a concerning national and regional pattern of misconduct.

• Phi Delta Theta (FIJI): Chapters of Phi Delta Theta operate at several Texas universities, including Texas A&M. Nationally, Phi Delta Theta was at the center of the tragic Maxwell “Max” Gruver death at Louisiana State University (2017). Gruver died from acute alcohol poisoning after a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers. This led to criminal convictions and the enactment of Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act. This case is a clear reminder of the dangers embedded in seemingly innocuous “games” and the national organization’s ongoing responsibility to prevent such abuse.

• Pi Kappa Phi (PKP): PKP has chapters across Texas campuses, including the University of Houston, where Attorney911 is currently pursuing a $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez for severe hazing injuries. Nationally, Pi Kappa Phi gained notoriety for the Andrew Coffey death at Florida State University (2017), where a pledge died of acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night,” leading to criminal charges and a campus-wide Greek life suspension. The similarities between the alleged hazing in the Bermudez case and national patterns underscore a concerning consistency in dangerous rituals within this fraternity.

• Kappa Sigma (KΣ): Kappa Sigma is active at many Texas universities, including Texas Christian University (TCU) and Texas A&M. Nationally, Kappa Sigma was involved in the tragic Chad Meredith drowning at the University of Miami (2001), where a pledge drowned after being influenced by fraternity members to swim across a lake, resulting in a $12.6 million jury verdict against the fraternity and leading to Florida’s anti-hazing law in Meredith’s honor. Closer to home, Kappa Sigma at Texas Christian University faced an incident in 2018 where a member was arrested for allegedly hazing pledges. Allegations of hazing resulting in severe injuries (rhabdomyolysis) at a Texas A&M University Kappa Sigma chapter in 2023 further link this national organization to ongoing hazing concerns in Texas.

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA): With chapters at SMU and other Texas universities, Kappa Alpha Order has also faced hazing allegations. Its SMU chapter was suspended in 2017 for hazing involving paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation. Nationally, KA chapters have periodically faced sanctions for hazing violations in different states, indicating a pattern of similar misconduct.

• Other Organizations: The list above is not exhaustive, and many other fraternities, sororities, and organizations, both Greek and non-Greek, have national histories that bear scrutiny. National anti-hazing activist Eileen Stevens, who lost her son Chuck Stenzel to alcohol hazing at Alfred University in 1978, has dedicated her life to cataloging hazing deaths, often involving organizations with repeated incidents.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy: Proving Foreseeability

For families in Bailey County exploring legal options after a hazing incident, understanding these national histories is paramount:

• Proving Foreseeability: When a national organization has been sued multiple times for a specific type of hazing (e.g., forced alcohol consumption) and that very pattern occurs again in a Texas chapter, it becomes much harder for the national to claim they “didn’t know” or “couldn’t foresee” the danger. This directly strengthens claims of negligence and gross negligence.
• Challenging “Paper Policies”: While national organizations all have anti-hazing policies, their history often reveals inconsistencies between written rules and actual enforcement. Repeated incidents suggest that policies are merely “paper policies” and not effectively implemented.
• Influencing Damages: Evidence of repeated similar hazing and a failure to act can increase the likelihood of securing significant compensatory damages and, in some cases, punitive damages (designed to punish egregious behavior and deter future misconduct).
• Insurance Implications: National hazing histories also play a role in insurance coverage disputes. A pattern of behavior makes it harder for insurers to deny coverage based on “unforeseen circumstances” or “rogue actors.”

For families impacted by hazing, connecting a local incident to a national pattern is critical for establishing full accountability and achieving justice. Our experience at Attorney911 allows us to meticulously research these histories and build comprehensive cases.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

When the unthinkable happens and your child is a victim of hazing, the path to justice can seem daunting. Institutions and organizations often deploy sophisticated legal defenses. However, an experienced hazing lawyer knows that a strong case is built on meticulous evidence collection, a clear understanding of recoverable damages, and a strategic legal approach. For families in Bailey County, knowing what to expect and how to prepare is the first step toward accountability.

The Power of Evidence: Digital Forensics and Institutional Records

In today’s hazing landscape, evidence is everywhere, but it also disappears quickly. Meticulous collection and preservation are paramount.

• Digital Communications (The #1 Source of Proof):

  • Group Chats & DMs: Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, and Instagram are now the primary planning and communication hubs for hazing. These apps reveal instructions, threats, jokes about hazing, plans for cover-ups, and the names of participants. Attorney911’s video on using your cellphone to document evidence https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.
  • Social Media Posts: Photos, videos, and comments on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Snapchat (even disappearing stories if captured quickly) can document explicit hazing acts, humiliation, or injuries.
  • Emails: Official or unofficial emails can reveal instructions, warnings, or discussions related to hazing activities.

• Photos & Videos:

  • Injuries: Immediate and sequential photos of bruises, burns, cuts, or signs of extreme exhaustion are vital. Date- and time-stamped images of physical trauma help establish causation.
  • Hazing in Progress: Any discreetly captured video footage of the hazing itself, or audio recordings (Texas is a one-party consent state, meaning you can record a conversation if you are a party to it), can be incredibly powerful.
  • Locations & Objects: Visuals of the scene (e.g., a dirty house, bottles of alcohol, specific objects used in rituals) provide context.

• Internal Organization Documents:

  • Pledge Manuals & Initiation Scripts: While hazing is often unofficial, some groups have “pledge manuals” that, even if sanitized, hint at expectations.
  • Chapter Bylaws & National Policies: These documents prove the rules that were supposed to be followed, and often contain anti-hazing clauses used to demonstrate negligence if unenforced.

• University Records:

  • Prior Discipline: University student conduct files documenting previous hazing violations, probation, or suspensions for the same chapter are critical for demonstrating a pattern of misconduct and institutional knowledge. These are particularly valuable in a public university like UT Austin, where such records are often publicly accessible.
  • Campus Police Reports: Incident reports related to the organization or individuals can reveal other patterns of misbehavior.
  • Clery Act Reports: These annual disclosures of campus crime statistics can sometimes corroborate a pattern of alcohol- or assault-related incidents in proximity to hazing events.

• Medical and Psychological Records:

  • Emergency & Hospital Records: Document physical injuries, treatments, diagnostic test results (e.g., blood alcohol levels, kidney function tests for rhabdomyolysis), and cause of death.
  • Psychological Evaluations: Records from therapists or counselors documenting conditions like PTSD, anxiety, depression, or severe emotional distress are crucial for establishing non-economic damages.

• Witness Testimony:

  • Other Pledges/Members: Testimonies from fellow new members or current/former members can provide firsthand accounts. While often difficult to obtain due to fear of retaliation, their statements are indispensable.
  • Bystanders/Observers: Any individuals who witnessed the hazing or its immediate aftermath.

Damages: Recovering from the Full Scope of Harm

A civil hazing lawsuit aims to recover damages for all harm suffered, both economic and non-economic. For families in Bailey County, understanding these categories is essential to comprehending the scope of a potential recovery.

• Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

  • Medical Expenses: This includes past medical bills (ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescriptions), and crucial future medical expenses مثل ongoing physical therapy, psychiatric care, specialized therapies for brain injuries, and long-term care plans for catastrophic injuries.
  • Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Compensation for wages lost due to injury or recovery, as well as the long-term impact on a student’s ability to earn a living if permanent disabilities result. This also covers lost educational opportunities, such as forfeited scholarships or delayed graduation, affecting entry into the workforce.

• Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Losses):

  • Physical Pain & Suffering: Compensation for the physical agony endured by the victim, both acute and chronic.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: This category covers severe mental anguish, humiliation, anxiety, depression, and conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stemming from the hazing. Psychological evaluations are critical here.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life that the victim once enjoyed, and the overall reduced quality of life due to the hazing-related injuries.
  • Reputational Harm: If the hazing incident became public, victims may experience social stigma or difficulty in future academic or professional pursuits.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the tragic event of a hazing death, surviving family members (parents, spouses, children) can seek compensation for:

  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Direct expenses related to the death.
  • Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased would have contributed financially to the family over their lifetime.
  • Loss of Companionship, Guidance, and Comfort: Damages for the profound emotional and relational loss experienced by the family. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience, as detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

• Punitive Damages (When Applicable): These are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the defendants for egregious, reckless, or malicious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. They are often sought when organizations or individuals show a callous disregard for student safety, especially after prior warnings or incidents.

Strategy: Standing Up to Powerful Institutions

Hazing cases are complex. They involve multiple defendants, often powerful institutions with deep pockets and aggressive legal teams. A successful strategy requires foresight, a deep understanding of litigation, and unwavering commitment.

• Navigating Institutional Defenses: Defendants will often claim consent, lack of knowledge, or sovereign immunity (for public universities). An experienced hazing lawyer knows how to counter these defenses by establishing coercion, demonstrating a pattern of prior misconduct, proving negligent supervision, or finding exceptions to immunity.
• Targeting All Responsible Parties: Identifying and pursuing claims against individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and the university maximizes the chances of full compensation and sends a strong message for accountability.
• Challenging Insurance Denials: It’s common for insurance companies (for fraternities, universities, and individuals) to initially deny coverage, claiming hazing is an “intentional act” exclusion. Legal counsel skilled in insurance litigation, such as our team with former insurance defense experience, knows how to fight these denials to unlock critical settlement funds.
• Protecting the Victim: A key part of the strategy is protecting the victim from retaliation, further harassment, or character assassination by defense teams. This includes managing media exposure and ensuring their privacy and well-being.
• Leveraging Public Pressure: In some cases, bringing media attention to the issue, while carefully managed, can increase pressure on institutions to settle or take stronger action.
• Settlement vs. Trial: While many cases settle (often confidentially), a prepared legal team is ready to go to trial. Often, the threat of trial—and the negative publicity and large jury verdicts that can accompany it—is what compels defendants to offer fair settlements. Our video, “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc explains how we can pursue these complex cases without upfront costs to you.

For Bailey County families seeking justice after hazing, the expertise of Attorney911 is invaluable. Our firm’s experience in complex cases against powerful defendants, combined with our strategic approach to evidence and damages, positions us to advocate vigorously for your rights.

Practical Guides & FAQs

Hazing is a problem that requires a multifaceted approach. For families in Bailey County, this means not only understanding the legal ramifications but also having practical, actionable advice. Whether you’re a parent concerned about red flags, a student facing peer pressure, or a witness to a dangerous act, knowing what to do—and what not to do—can make all the difference.

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

As parents, our instincts often tell us when something is wrong. Trusting those instincts and knowing how to act can protect your child.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be attuned to changes in your child’s physical and emotional state, as well as their habits:

  • Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or indications of extreme exhaustion (like chronic fatigue or frequent napping at odd hours). Look for odd explanations for “accidents.”
  • Sudden Secrecy or Withdrawal: Your child might become reserved, evasive when asked about their organization’s activities, or pull away from family and old friends. Phrases like “I can’t talk about it” are major red flags.
  • Drastic Changes in Mood or Personality: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, unusual aggression, or a sudden loss of interest in activities they once loved.
  • Obsessive Phone Use: Constant checking of group chats, responding to demands at all hours, or extreme anxiety when their phone receives notifications. This often leads to sleep deprivation.
  • Academic Decline: Grades dropping, missing classes, or struggling with coursework due to excessive mandatory obligations.
  • Changes in Appearance: Unkempt appearance, significant weight loss or gain, or wearing specific clothes against their usual style.
  • Financial Red Flags: Unexplained requests for money, excessive spending on others in the group, or unusual financial strain.

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

  • Create a Safe Space: Let them know you’re there to listen without judgment.
  • Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of “Are they hazing you?”, try “How are things going with [Organization Name]? Are you truly enjoying it, or is anything making you uncomfortable?”
  • Emphasize Safety Over Status: Reinforce that their well-being is your top priority, not their membership in any group. Let them know they can always exit a situation without shame.
  • Reassure Confidentiality: If they share something with you, assure them you will respect their privacy and collaborate on next steps.

• If Your Child Is Hurt or Hiding Hazing:

  • Prioritize Medical Care: If there are injuries or signs of severe distress, seek medical attention immediately. Ensure the medical staff are aware it might be hazing-related for accurate documentation.
  • Document Everything Thoroughly: This cannot be overstressed. Take photos of injuries, screenshots of all digital communications (texts, group chats, social media), and make detailed notes of what your child tells you, including dates, times, and names.
  • Save All Associated Evidence: Keep any items that might be linked—clothing, receipts from forced purchases, or unusual objects.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Understand Reporting: Universities have processes, but they may prioritize protecting the institution’s reputation. Document every interaction with university officials, including names, titles, dates, and what was discussed.
  • Ask Specific Questions: Inquire about an organization’s history of prior incidents and what the university did in response.
  • Seek Legal Counsel Promptly: If you feel the university is minimizing the issue, or if the harm is significant, consult a hazing lawyer. “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY is an important video to watch.

For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

If you’re a student in Bailey County, or attending a Texas university, and you’re questioning the activities you’re experiencing, trust your instincts.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?

  • The “Unsafe, Uncomfortable, or Humiliating” Test: If an activity makes you feel physically unsafe, mentally uncomfortable, or deeply humiliated, it’s likely hazing.
  • The “Secrecy Test”: If you’re told to keep secrets, lie to outsiders, or hide activities from university officials or your parents, it’s hazing.
  • The “Power Test”: If older members are making new members do things they themselves don’t have to do, or if there’s an imbalance of power used to coerce participation, it’s hazing.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: It’s hard to say no when you’re desperate to belong. Remember, the law understands that “consent” under pressure is not true consent. You are not to blame for being coerced.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely: Your safety is paramount.

  • Immediate Danger: If you or someone else is in immediate physical danger, call 911 immediately. Good-faith reporting laws in Texas and most universities offer protections, even if you’re underage or involved in prohibited activities.
  • Plan Your Exit: If you want to leave an organization due to hazing, talk to a trusted friend, family member, or university administrator outside the group first. Avoid “one last meeting” where you might be pressured or intimidated.
  • Use Anonymous Channels: The National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) can provide a safe way to report concerns.
  • Document Everything: Every text, photo, and memory is critical evidence. Attorney911’s video on using your cell phone to document a legal case, found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs, offers essential guidance.

For Former Members / Witnesses: Doing the Right Thing

If you’ve witnessed hazing, or participated and now regret it, your decision to come forward can save lives and prevent future harm.

• Your Role in Accountability: Your testimony can be the missing piece of evidence needed to hold individuals and institutions accountable. It can prevent other students, like those from Bailey County, from facing the same trauma.
• Navigating Legal Risks: You might worry about your own past involvement. Attorneys can help you understand your rights and potential legal protections as a witness or someone who comes forward. In Texas, good-faith reporting offers some immunity.
• Support Services: Many universities provide counseling services for students who are ready to speak about hazing or who are experiencing guilt or trauma from their past involvement.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For families from Bailey County and throughout Texas, the aftermath of a hazing incident is fraught with emotional pain and confusion. It’s easy to make missteps that can jeopardize a potential legal claim. Understanding and avoiding these critical mistakes is vital.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

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

   • Why it’s wrong: While your child might fear getting in more trouble or being embarrassed, deleting evidence (text messages, group chats, photos, videos) can severely undermine a legal case. It can make it look like a cover-up, weaken your credibility, and makes proving what actually happened much harder. In some instances, it could even be considered obstruction of justice.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, no matter how embarrassing or incriminating it seems. Screenshots, saved videos, and downloaded chat histories are invaluable.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • Why it’s wrong: Your initial instinct might be to confront the individuals or the organization responsible. However, this often backfires. They will immediately become defensive, destroy evidence, coach witnesses on what to say, and start preparing their legal defense, all before you’ve even consulted an attorney.
   • What to do instead: Document everything, then contact an experienced hazing lawyer before any direct confrontation. Your attorney can advise on the best approach and manage communications.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities often try to resolve incidents internally, sometimes presenting families with forms that waive their rights to further legal action. These internal “settlements” typically offer minimal compensation and can prevent you from pursuing a full civil lawsuit.
   • What to do instead: Never sign any document from the university or organization without having an independent hazing attorney review it first.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: While understandable to want to share your story or expose injustice, highly emotional social media posts can be used against you. Defense attorneys meticulously monitor social media for inconsistencies, admissions, or statements that can undermine your case. It can also waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document privately for your legal team. Let your lawyer guide any public statements or media engagement.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: The organization may try to pressure, intimidate, or manipulate your child into making statements that hurt their own case or help the organization’s defense. They might even try to coerce them into denying hazing occurred.
   • What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication with the organization should typically go through your lawyer. Your child’s safety and well-being are paramount.

6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It” Before Consulting an Attorney:

   • Why it’s wrong: University “investigations” are often slow, lack transparency, and are designed primarily to protect the institution, not solely the victim. While you wait, critical evidence can disappear, witnesses graduate or become uncooperative, and the statute of limitations continues to run.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence immediately and consult a lawyer. A university investigation is a process separate from your legal rights to pursue a civil claim for damages.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer Present:

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters, whether for the organization, individuals, or the university, are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you give can be used against you, and they may offer quick, lowball settlements that don’t cover the full extent of damages.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with adjusters directly and refer them to your attorney.

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 assert sovereign immunity, which can make it challenging to sue the institution directly. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or certain federal claims like Title IX. Private universities (like SMU or Baylor) generally do not have this sovereign immunity protection. Every case depends on its specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, it can be. While hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony in Texas if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who fail to report known hazing can also face misdemeanor charges. Our criminal defense experience means Attorney911 understands how criminal charges interact with civil claims.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes, in Texas, consent is explicitly not a defense to hazing. Texas Education Code § 37.155 states this clearly. Courts and juries recognize that “agreement” under duress, peer pressure, or fear of social exclusion is not truly voluntary consent. This is a critical point that the defense often tries to exploit, but we actively refute it.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death in Texas for personal injury and wrongful death claims. However, the exact timeline can vary based on specific circumstances, such as when the harm was discovered (the “discovery rule”) or if there was an active cover-up (fraudulent concealment). Time is of the essence in hazing cases because evidence disappears rapidly. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to discuss the specific timeline for your situation. You can learn more about this 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 hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held responsible if they had a duty to supervise, had knowledge of off-campus activities, or if hazing off-campus was foreseeable. Many major hazing cases resulting in multi-million-dollar judgments have occurred at off-campus houses or retreats.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Many hazing cases resolve confidentially, especially through settlements. While filing a lawsuit makes court documents public, we often aim to keep settlement terms and other sensitive information private. We prioritize your family’s privacy interests and work to minimize unwanted exposure while still advocating for accountability. Our firm can advise you on strategies to manage publicity.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. This is where The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, stands apart. While families in Bailey County may feel isolated when confronted with the complexities of hazing litigation, our Houston-based firm extends its expertise across all of Texas, serving clients like you who seek justice from afar.

Attorney911 is not just another law firm; we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. Our unique qualifications are specifically tailored to the challenges of hazing cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney at a national law firm. She knows the adjusters’ playbooks, their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and how they value—or undervalue—hazing claims from the inside. This specialized knowledge gives us a critical edge when fighting for the compensation you deserve. You can explore Lupe Peña’s profile at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record in complex litigation against some of the largest entities. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation and possesses extensive federal court experience, particularly in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This background means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, multi-billion-dollar universities, or their formidable defense teams. We’ve taken on powerful corporations and won.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: Our firm has consistently achieved significant results in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, including securing multi-million dollar outcomes. We possess the expertise to work with economists and medical experts to accurately value not just immediate costs, but also long-term care needs for brain injuries, permanent disabilities, and the profound emotional impact of hazing. Our goal is never a “quick settlement” but a comprehensive recovery that reflects the true cost of the harm your family has endured. You can learn more about our wrongful death practice at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

• Dual Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: With Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), our firm understands the intricate interplay between criminal hazing charges and civil litigation. We can provide sophisticated counsel that addresses potential criminal exposure for individuals involved, while simultaneously building a robust civil claim for damages. Our criminal defense page at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/ offers more insight.

• Unmatched Investigative Depth: Winning hazing cases in 2025 demands cutting-edge investigative techniques. We leverage digital forensics experts to recover deleted group chats, social media evidence, and other critical digital footprints. We meticulously subpoena national fraternity records to uncover patterns of prior incidents and utilize public records requests to reveal university files and internal communications. Our investigation is as thorough as if your child’s life depended on it—because it truly does.

We understand that you don’t face this alone. Families in Bailey County who send their children to Texas A&M in College Station, UT Austin, or the University of Houston, and those whose students attend SMU in Dallas or Baylor in Waco, rely on experienced counsel. We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face, and our approach is built on empathy, unwavering advocacy, and a commitment to achieving not just compensation, but genuine accountability. Our focus is on getting answers, holding the right people responsible, and helping to prevent such tragedies from happening to another family in Texas. Our video, “Will You Keep Me Updated on My Case?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JrQowOLv1k, highlights our commitment to client communication.

Call to Action: Your Next Step Towards Justice

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus, from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast, including those attended by many Bailey County families, we want to hear from you. You don’t have to face this incredibly difficult situation alone.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will diligently listen to your story, explain your legal options under Texas and federal law, and help you determine the best path forward for your family. There is no pressure to hire us, and everything you share with us is held in strict confidence.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We’ll listen to your unique story without judgment.
• We’ll review any evidence you’ve gathered—photos, texts, medical records.
• We’ll explain your legal options, whether it’s a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, or both, and the implications of each.
• We’ll discuss realistic timelines and manage your expectations for the process.
• We’ll answer your questions about costs. Our contingency fee model means we don’t get paid unless we win your case, minimizing your financial risk. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

Whether you’re in Bailey County, or anywhere across the Lone Star State, if hazing has impacted your family, you have rights. Let us stand with you.

Contact Attorney911 today:

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

Se Habla Español: We proudly offer Spanish language services. Please contact Lupe Peña directly for a consultation in Spanish at lupe@atty911.com.

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