The Silent Standoff: When Hazing Hits Home in Bexar County and Across Texas

A late-night call jolts you awake. On the other end, your child’s voice, strained and barely audible, whispers about a “mandatory event.” They’re somewhere far from the San Antonio River Walk, away from Bexar County’s familiar neighborhoods, perhaps in a dingy off-campus house near a university they now call home. Pledges are being made to drink until they can barely stand, perform degrading acts, or endure physical exhaustion. The air is thick with tension, fear, and a twisted sense of belonging. Others are filming, but no one is calling for help. Your child, caught between loyalty to a new group and their own safety, feels trapped.

This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s a stark reality for too many Texas families. Whether your student attends the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) right here in Bexar County, or a larger state flagship like the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Texas A&M University, the University of Houston (UH), Southern Methodist University (SMU), or Baylor University, the risk of hazing is a pervasive and dangerous undercurrent in campus life.

This guide is for you: the parents, students, and families in Bexar County and across Texas who are grappling with the terrifying reality of hazing. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, no-nonsense overview of what hazing looks like in 2025, how Texas and federal laws address it, and what lessons we can draw from national tragedies and local incidents. Most importantly, we’ll outline your legal options and how an experienced Texas hazing lawyer can help you pursue accountability and justice.

The Manginello Law Firm understands that hazing deaths and injuries impact families right here in Bexar County, often sending their children to universities across the state. We’ll delve into specific hazing concerns at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, demonstrating that while each campus has its unique culture, the patterns of hazing and the fight for accountability remain tragically similar.

This article provides general information. Every case is unique, and for personalized legal advice, we urge you to contact an experienced attorney.

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 common perception of hazing is often outdated: a group of young men in togas forcing pledges to swallow a goldfish. The reality of hazing in 2025, particularly at universities favored by Bexar County students and parents, is far more insidious, sophisticated, and dangerous. It’s often hidden behind a veil of secrecy, loyalty oaths, and digital manipulation, evolving faster than campus administrators can keep up. For Bexar County families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or collegiate team dynamics, understanding the true nature of hazing is the first step toward prevention and protection.

Hazing, in its essence, is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. This definition broadens the scope significantly, moving beyond mere physical abuse to encompass psychological and digital torment that can be just as damaging. Critically, saying “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and a profound power imbalance.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Hazing offenses can be broadly classified into three escalating tiers, each presenting unique dangers and challenges:

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing

Often dismissed as “harmless fun” or “tradition,” subtle hazing undermines trust and personal autonomy, setting the stage for more severe abuse. It emphasizes power imbalances and ensures new members learn their “place.”

• Deception and Secrecy: Pledges are instructed to lie to parents, university officials, or outsiders about the group’s activities. They might be told, “What happens here, stays here,” or made to participate in “loyalty oaths” where secrecy is paramount.
• Forced Servitude: Requiring new members to perform menial or demeaning tasks for older members, such as acting as a designated driver at all hours, cleaning rooms, doing laundry, or running personal errands. This establishes a subservient role often disguised as “earning your keep.”
• Social Isolation/Control: Restricting interaction with non-members, dictating who pledges can socialize with, or requiring permission to attend outside events. This isolates new members and reinforces dependence on the group.
• Deprivation: Denying new members typical college privileges, access to common spaces, or the right to speak unless addressed. This aims to break down individuality and instill obedience.
• Academic Interference: Scheduling mandatory late-night meetings, study hours, or other activities that conflict with academic responsibilities, particularly during critical periods like exams.
• Digital Manipulation: Monitoring group chats for instant replies at all hours, imposing “phone bans” during specific times, or demanding location sharing through apps like Find My Friends. Failure to comply can result in punishment or social exclusion.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing

This tier introduces behaviors that cause emotional or physical discomfort, often creating a hostile and abusive environment. While not always physically injurious, the psychological damage can be profound.

• Verbal Abuse: Subjecting new members to yelling, screaming, insults, degrading language, or threats. This constant barrage erodes self-esteem and creates a climate of fear.
• Sleep Deprivation: Orchestrating back-to-back mandatory events, late-night “meetings,” or early-morning wake-up calls designed to keep pledges constantly exhausted and disoriented, impairing judgment.
• Food/Water Restriction: Limiting access to food or water, or forcing the consumption of unpleasant or excessive substances (spoiled food, hot sauce, large quantities of milk or bland items) until sickness.
• Excessive Physical Activity: Implementing “smokings” or extreme calisthenics (hundreds of push-ups, squats, wall sits until collapse) that exceed safe limits. These “workouts” are punitive, not designed for genuine fitness.
• Public Humiliation: Forcing pledges to perform embarrassing or demeaning acts in public, wear degrading costumes, or endure “roasting” sessions where they are verbally attacked by older members.
• Uncomfortable Situations: Deliberately exposing pledges to disgusting conditions, covering them in messy but non-harmful substances like food or raw eggs, or forcing them to lie in vomit.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing

This is the most dangerous form of hazing, carrying a high potential for physical injury, sexual assault, or death. These acts are illegal and often constitute criminal offenses.

• Forced Alcohol/Drug Consumption: This is the most common and deadliest form of hazing. “Lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little reveal” nights with handles of hard liquor, “Bible study” (where wrong answers mean forced drinking), or coerced consumption of unknown substances can lead to alcohol poisoning, organ damage, or death. Bexar County families should be especially wary of any activity involving rapid, forced alcohol intake.
• Physical Beatings: Paddling, punching, kicking, or slapping pledges. This can include “branding” or other physical markings that leave permanent scars.
• Dangerous Physical Tests: Blindfolded tackle rituals, forced fights (“gladiator” matches), jumping from heights, or dangerous driving while intoxicated. These put lives at immediate risk.
• Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (e.g., “elephant walk,” “roasted pig”), or actual sexual assault. This is a severe crime and deeply traumatic.
• Exposure to Extremes: Leaving pledges in freezing temperatures, denying access to bathrooms for extended periods, or “dropping off” pledges in unfamiliar, remote locations without adequate clothing or communication devices.
• Chemical Hazing: Pouring, spraying, or rubbing pledges with harmful chemicals. Past cases have involved industrial cleaners or other caustic substances.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

While fraternities often dominate headlines, hazing is not exclusive to Greek life. Students in Bexar County can encounter hazing risks in a surprising variety of collegiate groups:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This remains the most visible context, encompassing Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek organizations.
• Corps of Cadets/ROTC: Military-style groups, including the prestigious Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, can sometimes harbor cultures of “ratting” or severe initiation rituals disguised as traditional training.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to club sports, cheerleading, and swimming, teams sometimes enforce “veteran-newcomer” hierarchies through hazing rituals.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous organizations like college marching bands, theater groups, or dance troupes can engage in hazing under the guise of “bonding” or “tough love.”
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Groups: At many universities, highly visible spirit or tradition organizations (“Cowboys,” “Wranglers,” “Knights”) maintain rituals that cross the line into hazing.
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Even groups with positive missions can fall prey to hazing practices in their pursuit of exclusivity or “tradition.”

The common thread is not the type of organization, but the presence of social status, secrecy, and tradition, which powerful group leaders exploit to perpetuate dangerous activities, even when all participants “know” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial for Bexar County families seeking accountability. Texas law, combined with federal regulations and emerging civil legal precedents, provides a powerful framework for addressing hazing and holding responsible parties liable.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has a specific legal framework to combat hazing, primarily outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This law applies to all public and private secondary and higher education institutions in the state, including the universities Bexar County students often attend.

The law broadly defines hazing as: any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, and occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

Plain English: If someone forces or pressures a student to do something dangerous, harmful, humiliating, or degrading in order to join or remain part of a group, and they knew or should have known there was a risk of harm, that’s hazing under Texas law.

Key aspects of Texas hazing law:

• Broad Scope: Hazing can occur on or off campus, and can involve mental or physical harm. The location of the incident, such as an off-campus house near UTSA, does not remove the legal protection.
• “Consent” is Not a Defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. This is critical because it acknowledges the power imbalance inherent in hazing.
• Criminal Penalties:
  • Most hazing offenses are Class B misdemeanors (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000).
  • However, if the hazing causes serious bodily injury, it escalates to a Class A misdemeanor.
  • If the hazing results in death, it becomes a state jail felony (punishable by 180 days to two years in a state jail facility, plus fines).
• Organizational Liability: Under § 37.153, organizations themselves (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be held criminally responsible and fined up to $10,000 if they authorized, encouraged, or knew about hazing and failed to report it. Universities can also revoke recognition of such organizations.
• Reporter Protections: A person who reports hazing in good faith to school officials or law enforcement is generally immune from civil or criminal liability for making that report. Additionally, Texas law, like many university policies, often provides amnesty for students who call 911 in an alcohol-related emergency, even if they are underage or were involved in drinking.

Criminal vs. Civil Hazing Cases

It’s important to understand the distinct legal avenues for hazing:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated and prosecuted by the state (e.g., the Bexar County District Attorney’s office or the Attorney General). Their primary goal is to punish offenders through fines, incarceration, or probation. Criminal charges related to hazing can include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and even negligent homicide or manslaughter in cases of severe injury or death.
• Civil Cases: These are brought by the victims or their surviving family members (plaintiffs). Their purpose is to obtain monetary compensation for the harm suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil claims often involve allegations of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision by institutions, or premises liability.

Both criminal and civil cases can proceed simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil lawsuit. An experienced attorney can guide Bexar County families through both processes.

Federal Overlay: Strengthening Accountability

Beyond Texas state law, several federal regulations and initiatives enhance the legal framework around hazing:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant piece of federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding must publish more transparent hazing data. By around 2026, institutions are expected to publicly report hazing violations and the actions taken against individuals and organizations. This aims to increase transparency, improve prevention efforts, and provide families with critical information about the hazing history of groups on campus.
• Title IX: If hazing involves elements of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based discrimination, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 can be triggered. This federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Universities have specific obligations to investigate and address such complaints, regardless of whether they occur on or off campus.
• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. While not directly aimed at hazing, incidents related to hazing often involve crimes (e.g., assault, alcohol violations, sexual offenses) that trigger Clery reporting requirements, further contributing to institutional accountability and transparency.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining who is responsible for hazing-related harm is a complex but crucial step in a civil lawsuit. Bexar County families exploring legal options should understand the range of potential defendants:

• Individual Students: The students who actively participated in, ordered, or facilitated the hazing acts can be held personally liable for their actions. This includes those who supplied alcohol, physically assaulted a pledge, or coerced others.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be named as a defendant if it operates as a legal entity. Chapter officers, “pledge educators,” and other leaders can also be held responsible.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters of Greek-letter organizations holds significant power and responsibility. They set anti-hazing policies, provide training, supervise local chapters, and collect dues. If a national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (even at other chapters), or failed to adequately enforce its own policies, it can be held liable. This is a critical area where national hazing history becomes highly relevant.
• University or Governing Board: Universities have a duty to protect their students. They can be held liable if they were negligent in supervising organizations, failed to enforce anti-hazing policies, ignored prior warnings, or demonstrated “deliberate indifference” to known hazing risks. Public universities in Texas, such as UT, Texas A&M, and UH, may invoke sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for certain types of negligence or civil rights violations. Private institutions like SMU and Baylor generally have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties:
  • Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses or owners of private venues where hazing occurred can be liable if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Alcohol Providers: Bars, liquor stores, or even individuals who illegally furnish alcohol to minors that contributes to a hazing injury or death can face dram shop liability.
  • Security Companies/Event Organizers: If present, these entities may bear responsibility for failing to prevent harm.

Every hazing case is fact-specific, and the potential defendants vary depending on the circumstances. An experienced attorney can meticulously investigate to identify all parties who bear responsibility.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic narrative of hazing is underscored by a series of high-profile incidents across the country. These anchor stories serve not only as cautionary tales but also as legal precedents, shaping hazing legislation, university policies, and the strategies for successful civil litigation. For Bexar County families, understanding these national patterns makes the local risk at Texas universities all the more palpable. As we’ve seen at schools like the University of Houston, these patterns are not isolated to distant campuses.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: The Most Lethal Form of Hazing

Forced and excessive alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing fatalities. These cases demonstrate a recurring script: pressure to drink, severe intoxication, delayed medical help, and a subsequent effort to cover up.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most extensively documented hazing deaths, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after consuming an extreme amount of alcohol during “bid acceptance” night. Surveillance cameras in the fraternity house captured Piazza falling repeatedly and suffering severe head injuries over many hours, while members delayed calling for help due to fear of repercussions. The aftermath led to the filing of over 1,000 criminal charges against 18 fraternity members, significant civil litigation, and the enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, which strengthened penalties and university obligations. This case underscores how a culture of silence and delayed medical intervention can turn tragic.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Just months after Piazza’s death, 20-year-old Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them quickly. The incident resulted in multiple criminal prosecutions, with members pleading guilty to misdemeanor hazing. Florida State temporarily suspended all Greek life activities in response, sparking a statewide movement for tougher anti-hazing laws. The case highlights the recurring “tradition” of forced drinking as a common recipe for disaster.
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died after a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to consume excessive alcohol for incorrect answers. His blood alcohol content was dangerously high. This tragedy led to the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony and increasing penalties. Max’s family received a $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity manager and chapter, plus additional confidential settlements. This case is a powerful testament to how legislative change and substantial accountability can follow clear evidence of hazing.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a “Big/Little” pledge night, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey. He died shortly thereafter from alcohol poisoning. The incident led to multiple criminal convictions for hazing-related charges against fraternity members. In 2023, Stone’s family reached a $10 million settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national and ~$3M from BGSU). This case demonstrates that both private fraternity organizations and public universities can face massive financial and reputational consequences for hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern: Beyond Alcohol

While alcohol is a significant factor, physical abuse and degrading rituals also appear as dangerous patterns.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, 19, died during a fraternity “retreat” in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and wearing a heavy backpack, he was repeatedly tackled in a ritual called “the glass ceiling.” When he became unresponsive, fraternity members delayed medical attention for hours. Multiple members were criminally convicted, and the national fraternity itself was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, fined over $110,000, and banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This landmark case established a precedent for organizational criminal liability and proved that “off-campus” hazing does not shield perpetrators or organizations from severe consequences.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse: A Broader Problem

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it infiltrates other campus organizations, including prestigious athletic programs.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a scandal that rocked collegiate athletics, former Northwestern football players alleged widespread sexualized, racist, and physically abusive hazing within the program over multiple years. Allegations included forced sexual acts, racial discrimination, and physical punishments. Multiple lawsuits were filed against Northwestern and its coaching staff, leading to the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later settled a confidential wrongful-termination suit). This case powerfully demonstrates that systemic hazing can occur at the highest levels of collegiate sports and highlights the ongoing need for institutional oversight beyond Greek organizations.

What These National Cases Mean for Texas Families

The common threads in these national tragedies are undeniable: extreme alcohol consumption, physical abuse under the guise of “tradition,” degrading rituals aimed at breaking down individuality, and a pervasive culture of secrecy and delayed medical intervention. Whether it’s a student from Bexar County attending Texas A&M, UT, UH, SMU, or Baylor, these dynamics can play out with devastating consequences.

These cases show that significant financial settlements and verdicts can be achieved, and, critically, they often force legislative change and institutional accountability. When a Texas chapter repeats a dangerous practice seen in a national tragedy, it makes a compelling argument for foreseeability and negligence in a civil suit. Families in Bexar County should know that their fight for justice is supported by a growing body of precedent against powerful institutions.

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

For families in Bexar County, the decision of where to send their children for higher education is often guided by reputation, academic programs, and proximity. Many students from our community attend the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) or make their way to the state’s flagship campuses: the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University. While each institution boasts a unique culture, they unfortunately share a common vulnerability to hazing. Below, we examine the hazing landscape at these prominent Texas universities.

University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus right here in the Greater Houston area, is a popular choice for many Bexar County families, especially those seeking opportunities in a major metropolitan center. UH’s diverse student body and active Greek life, along with numerous student organizations and sports clubs, create a dynamic environment.

• Campus & Culture Snapshot: With over 47,000 students, UH is a sprawling campus with a mix of residential and commuter students. Its Greek life, encompassing Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, and National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations, is deeply integrated into student life and often serves as a significant social hub.
• Official Hazing Policy & Reporting: UH has a clear anti-hazing policy that prohibits hazing both on and off campus. This policy explicitly forbids forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, mental distress, and any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Students and families can report incidents through the Dean of Students Office, the Student Conduct Office, or the UH Police Department. UH also maintains a public statement regarding hazing and periodically releases disciplinary information.
• Example Incident & Response: In 2016, the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at UH faced severe allegations. Pledges were reportedly deprived of food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event, leading to significant health risks. One student allegedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being physically assaulted. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and a university suspension. This incident highlights UH’s willingness to take strong action against chapters involved in hazing, though it also demonstrates the serious injuries that can result. More recently, the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi case involving alleged severe hazing resulting in acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis highlights ongoing challenges and the severe consequences for students. This $10 million lawsuit, filed by Attorney911 on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, implicates the university, national fraternity, and individual members for alleged practices that included forcing Mr. Bermudez to carry a humiliating “pledge fanny pack,” being hosed down “like waterboarding,” forced consumption until vomiting, and extreme physical exertion leading to brown urine and a four-day hospitalization. This ongoing case is a stark reminder of the devastating personal cost of hazing.
• How a UH hazing case might proceed: Due to UH’s location in Houston, cases often involve the UH Police Department and/or the Houston Police Department, depending on where the incident occurred. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Harris County courts. Potential defendants in such cases could include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the University of Houston itself, along with any property owners involved.
• What UH students & parents should do: If you suspect hazing at UH, report it to the Dean of Students Office or UHPD. Document any past incidents the chapter may have, even if not publicly available. For Bexar County families, knowing that experienced lawyers who understand the Houston legal environment can help navigate these complex issues is key. Attorney911 is uniquely positioned with its headquarters in Houston to investigate thoroughly.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, particularly its renowned Corps of Cadets, is a destination for many tradition-minded Bexar County families. The university’s strong emphasis on tradition, loyalty, and service creates a unique and sometimes challenging environment. A&M is located in College Station, a significant distance from Bexar County, making it crucial for parents to understand campus dynamics.

• Campus & Culture Snapshot: Located in College Station, Texas A&M boasts a proud and deeply traditional campus culture, perhaps best exemplified by its Corps of Cadets — a highly disciplined, military-style program that draws heavily on tradition. Fraternity and sorority life is also robust, alongside numerous other student organizations.
• Official Hazing Policy & Reporting: Texas A&M explicitly prohibits hazing and provides comprehensive policies through its Student Rules. Hazing is defined broadly to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Reporting can be made through the Office of Student Conduct, the University Police Department, or anonymous hotlines.
• Example Incident & Response: In a particularly disturbing 2021 case, the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at Texas A&M faced allegations of severe hazing. Two pledges claimed they were subjected to strenuous physical activity and then doused with substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, resulting in severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended for two years by the university, and the pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit. This incident highlights the extreme and dangerous forms physical hazing can take. Additionally, a 2023 lawsuit brought sensational allegations against members of the Corps of Cadets. A former cadet alleged degrading hazing rituals, including forced simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. While A&M stated it handled the matter under its internal rules, such allegations underscore the potential for hazing within even highly structured, tradition-rich organizations outside of Greek life.
• How a Texas A&M hazing case might proceed: Cases at Texas A&M would typically involve the Texas A&M University Police Department and might be heard in Brazos County courts. Bexar County families should note that bringing a case against a large public entity like Texas A&M can be challenging due to sovereign immunity, though exceptions can be argued as discussed in Section 3.
• What Texas A&M students & parents should do: It is crucial to understand the distinct cultures of both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. Report concerns to the Office of Student Conduct or UPD. For Bexar County parents, understanding that the firm has successfully pursued cases against large state institutions makes the vast distances between home and school less daunting.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is the state’s flagship public university and a top choice for academics for many Bexar County high school graduates. Its large, diverse campus and vibrant student life, including a prominent Greek system, attract students from all over Texas and beyond.

• Campus & Culture Snapshot: Located in the state’s capital, UT Austin is known for its rigorous academics, extensive research, and dynamic social scene. Its Greek system is one of the largest in the state, and numerous spirit and tradition organizations (e.g., Texas Cowboys, Texas Wranglers) are integral to campus identity.
• Official Hazing Policy & Reporting: UT Austin maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that aligns with Texas state law. The Dean of Students Office oversees reporting and investigations of hazing, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) handles any criminal aspects. Critically, UT is one of the more transparent universities, publishing its Hazing Violations online, detailing sanctioned organizations, the nature of violations, and resulting penalties.
• Example Incident & Response: UT’s public Hazing Violations page lists numerous incidents showcasing ongoing challenges. For example, in 2023, the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter was found responsible for hazing after new members were directed to consume excessive milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. The chapter was placed on probation and mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education. Other tradition groups, like the Texas Wranglers, have also faced sanctions for alcohol misuse, forced sleep deprivation, and physical endurance challenges, often framed as “team bonding.” These public records demonstrate the repetitive nature of certain hazing behaviors and the university’s response.
• How a UT Austin hazing case might proceed: Cases at UT Austin could involve UTPD or the Austin Police Department and would typically be heard in Travis County courts. While a public university, exceptions to sovereign immunity (e.g., claims of gross negligence or Title IX violations) may allow for litigation. Mr. Bermudez’s case against the University of Houston, another public university, exemplifies Attorney911’s strategy of pursuing accountability from public institutions despite the challenges posed by sovereign immunity.
• What UT Austin students & parents should do: Regularly check UT’s public Hazing Violations page if your student is considering joining an organization. This transparency is a valuable tool for assessing risk. Report concerns to the Dean of Students Office or UTPD. The detailed public logs on UT’s website can be critical evidence in any legal action.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private institution, often attracts students from Bexar County seeking a smaller, more intimate campus experience with a strong collegiate identity. SMU’s vibrant Greek life is a central part of its social fabric.

• Campus & Culture Snapshot: Located in University Park, a suburb of Dallas, SMU is known for its beautiful campus, strong academic programs, and a prominent Greek life that often influences social dynamics. Its private status allows for some differences in governance and student life compared to public universities.
• Official Hazing Policy & Reporting: SMU has clear anti-hazing policies that align with state law, strictly prohibiting any activities that endanger student well-being. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office and the SMU Police Department. SMU also offers confidential reporting mechanisms, recognizing the fear students often have about coming forward.
• Example Incident & Response: SMU has a documented history of addressing hazing. In 2017, the Kappa Alpha Order chapter was suspended after allegations surfaced of pledges being paddled, forced to consume alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter faced a multi-year suspension and severe restrictions on recruitment upon its eventual return. While private universities typically do not have public hazing logs like UT Austin, such incidents often become known through student newspapers or internal university communications. More recently in 2023, multiple SMU fraternities were put on probation or suspended for various hazing violations, including forced drinking and calisthenics, demonstrating ongoing challenges.
• How an SMU hazing case might proceed: As a private institution, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more accessible for civil litigation for Bexar County families. Cases would likely be filed in Dallas County courts.
• What SMU students & parents should do: Utilize SMU’s confidential reporting systems if you or your child needs to report. Be aware that private institutions may not have the same level of public transparency as state universities, making legal discovery even more crucial to uncover information about prior incidents.

Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, draws many Bexar County students seeking a faith-based educational environment. Baylor’s history includes significant challenges related to campus safety and athlete misconduct that provide context for its approach to hazing.

• Campus & Culture Snapshot: Located in Waco, Baylor is defined by its Christian mission, strong academic programs, and active student organizations. It has a significant Greek life presence, though unique in its emphasis on faith-based values. Baylor’s well-publicized issues with its football program and Title IX compliance in the mid-2010s have brought intense scrutiny to its institutional oversight and student safety protocols.
• Official Hazing Policy & Reporting: Baylor explicitly prohibits hazing and outlines its policies within its Student Conduct Code. Reporting mechanisms are centralized through the Department of Student Conduct and Community Standards, as well as the Baylor Police Department. Baylor’s strong statements on “zero tolerance” against misconduct often stand in contrast to recurring allegations of hazing or similar behavioral issues.
• Example Incident & Response: In 2020, the Baylor baseball team faced a hazing scandal that resulted in the suspension of 14 players. The suspensions, which were staggered over the early season, followed an internal investigation into hazing allegations. While the specific nature of the hazing was not fully disclosed, it demonstrated that hazing can occur across different student groups, including prominent athletic teams, despite a university’s stated “zero tolerance” policy. This incident highlights the ongoing struggle many institutions, including Baylor, face in translating policy into consistent practice, especially in organizations with strong internal cultures.
• How a Baylor hazing case might proceed: As with SMU, Baylor’s private status means Bexar County families would not face sovereign immunity defenses in civil litigation. Cases would likely be filed in McLennan County courts. Baylor’s past experiences with major institutional misconduct claims mean it has significant legal resources, emphasizing the need for experienced counsel.
• What Baylor students & parents should do: Emphasize open communication about group activities. Be diligent in reviewing how Baylor transparently addresses misconduct reports. Given Baylor’s history, understanding how to navigate its internal systems, and when to seek external legal counsel, is particularly important.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Bexar County families considering Greek life at universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, it’s essential to look beyond the local chapter and understand the national landscape. Most fraternities and sororities proudly tout their national affiliations, but this connection means that a local chapter’s behavior can sometimes mirror—or be influenced by—patterns seen across the country, especially concerning hazing.

Why National Histories Matter: The Foreseeability Argument

National organizations operate as large, interconnected networks of chapters, bound by shared rituals, governance, and anti-hazing policies. While nationals invest heavily in risk management and education, their sheer size and decentralized nature mean that hazing traditions can unfortunately persist or reappear.

When a local chapter at a Texas university engages in hazing that causes injury or death, a critical legal question arises: Did the national organization know, or should it have known, that such hazing was a foreseeable risk? If the national has a history of similar incidents at other campuses—especially if those incidents resulted in severe injury or death—it strengthens the argument that the national contributed to the local chapter’s conduct, even if indirectly. This concept of “foreseeability” can be pivotal in civil litigation, supporting claims of negligence or even gross negligence against national entities.

Powerful national headquarters maintain comprehensive anti-hazing manuals and risk policies precisely because they have faced deaths and catastrophic injuries in the past. These manuals, ironically, often document the very patterns of hazing—forced drinking, paddling, humiliating rituals—that attorneys use to show a national organization’s prior knowledge and the foreseeability of a particular hazing incident.

Common Organizations with Repeated National Hazing Histories

While we cannot allege specific misconduct for every chapter across Texas without verified legal findings, certain national organizations have unfortunately garnered repeated attention for hazing incidents at various campuses. When a chapter of these organizations operates at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, it brings with it a national legacy that Bexar County families should be aware of:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity has a disturbing record of severe alcohol hazing. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021, where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after forced consumption, stands out. His family secured a $10 million settlement from the national fraternity and university. Earlier, the 2012 death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University, also due to alcohol poisoning, also led to a significant $14 million settlement. These repeated alcohol-related incidents highlight a dangerous national pattern.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Often referred to as “America’s deadliest fraternity” by some media outlets, SAE has a history marred by numerous hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide involving both alcohol and physical abuse. Lawsuits include a traumatic brain injury case at the University of Alabama (2023), allegations of chemical burns at Texas A&M (2021), and an alleged assault at UT Austin (2024). These cases collectively paint a picture of an organization that has struggled to control dangerous practices across its chapters.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): This fraternity was at the center of the infamous Max Gruver hazing death at Louisiana State University in 2017. Gruver died from alcohol toxicity during a forced drinking game. The case led to landmark criminal convictions and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): The death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017 from alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event brought national scrutiny to Pi Kappa Phi. Closer to home for Bexar County, the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston case (2025), filed by Attorney911, alleges severe hazing by a UH chapter of Pi Kappa Phi resulting in acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis. This highlights a national organization facing ongoing hazing challenges across different campuses.
• Kappa Alpha Order (KA): This historically Southern fraternity has faced numerous hazing allegations and suspensions across its chapters, including a notable incident at SMU in 2017, where new members were reportedly paddled, forced to drink, and sleep-deprived.
• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): Historically Black fraternities, including Omega Psi Phi, have also faced hazing allegations. A recent federal lawsuit (2023) against a University of Southern Mississippi chapter by a former student alleged severe beatings with a wooden paddle during “Hell Night,” requiring emergency surgery.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): The catastrophic brain injury suffered by Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri in 2021, due to forced excessive alcohol consumption, resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements with 22 defendants. This case is a stark example of the potential for permanent, life-altering harm from hazing and the significant financial liability involved.
• Pi Delta Psi (ΠΔΨ): This Asian-American fraternity gained national attention after the 2013 death of Chun “Michael” Deng at a pledge retreat. The national organization was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, demonstrating that national bodies can be held directly responsible.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): A case involving a College of Charleston chapter (2024) resulted in reports of a $10 million-plus settlement for a pledge who alleged physical beatings and forced substance consumption. Another incident at the University of Texas at Arlington (2020) involved a pledge hospitalized with alcohol poisoning.

Tying National Patterns to Legal Strategy

The documented history of hazing within a national fraternity or sorority is often critical to a successful civil lawsuit in Texas. Our legal strategy involves:

• Establishing Foreseeability: By demonstrating a pattern of similar incidents within the national organization, we can argue that the national body knew, or should have known, about the inherent dangers of specific “traditions” or initiation rituals. This makes the local incident not a “freak accident” but a foreseeable consequence of systemic issues.
• Uncovering Policy-Enforcement Gaps: While national organizations have anti-hazing policies, our investigations often reveal a significant gap between policy and practice. We examine whether the national meaningfully enforced its policies, adequately supervised local chapters, or ignored prior warnings about problematic behavior.
• Leveraging Prior Rulings and Settlements: Past multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts against national organizations serve as strong indicators of the potential financial liability and reinforce the gravity of hazing.

For Bexar County families whose children attend or are considering attending universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor—knowing that hazing patterns extend far beyond local chapters highlights the need for vigilance and experienced legal an Attorney911 can provide.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

The process of building a hazing case is complex, requiring meticulous investigation, legal acumen, and a deep understanding of institutional dynamics. For families in Bexar County, understanding how a case is constructed provides clarity and confidence in seeking justice.

The Power of Evidence in Modern Hazing Cases

Hazing, by its very nature, thrives in secrecy. However, the digital age has inadvertently provided powerful tools for victims to capture and preserve crucial evidence. For Bexar County families, securing these pieces of evidence immediately is paramount.

• Digital Communications: In 2025, group chats and direct messages are the single most critical source of hazing evidence. Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage/SMS, Discord, and even social media DMs often contain explicit instructions, threats, humiliating photos, or directives related to hazing. These communications reveal planning, intent, participant involvement, and show what was said before, during, and after an incident. Even deleted messages can often be recovered by digital forensics experts, but original, timestamped screenshots are invaluable. Attorney911’s video on using your cellphone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving this digital trail.
• Photos & Videos: The prevalence of smartphones means that visual evidence of hazing, even if taken by others, is increasingly common. This can include:
  • Content filmed by members during events.
  • Footage shared in private group chats or accessible on social media.
  • Photos of injuries (bruises, burns, swelling) taken immediately after an incident and documented over several days for progression (with a ruler or coin for scale).
  • Images/videos of props, alcohol, or specific locations associated with hazing.
• Internal Organization Documents: These can reveal official policies versus actual practices. Accessing pledge manuals, initiation scripts, official (or unofficial) “tradition” documents, emails from officers, or communications about event planning can demonstrate knowledge and intent.
• University Records: Through formal legal discovery if a lawsuit is filed, or sometimes via public records requests (especially for public universities like UT, Texas A&M, UH), we can uncover:
  • Prior conduct files: Records of past hazing violations, probations, and suspensions against the same chapter or individuals.
  • Incident reports: Documentation from campus police or student conduct offices related to the organization.
  • Clery Act reports: Annual crime statistics that may reflect hazing-related offenses.
  • Internal emails: Communications between administrators about the organization’s behavior.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These provide objective proof of harm. Emergency room reports, hospitalization records, lab results (e.g., blood alcohol content, toxicology, indicators of rhabdomyolysis or organ damage), imaging scans (X-rays, CTs), and ongoing treatment notes are crucial. Psychological evaluations (documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other trauma-related conditions) establish mental and emotional damages.
• Witness Testimony: The accounts of other pledges, current or former members, roommates, Resident Assistants (RAs), coaches, or other bystanders who observed the hazing are essential. While witnesses may be hesitant due to fear of retaliation, their testimony can be compelled.

Understanding Damages: What Can Families Recover?

When hazing causes injury or death, the legal system aims to compensate victims and their families for the full extent of their losses. These are generally categorized as economic and non-economic damages.

• Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):
  • Medical Expenses: This covers all past and future medical costs, including ambulance transport, emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation (physical, occupational, speech therapy), and psychological counseling. For catastrophic injuries (like those suffered by Danny Santulli), this can include lifetime care plans.
  • Lost Income & Earning Capacity: If the victim missed work (or a parent missed work to care for them), these lost wages are recoverable. For severe, permanent injuries that impact a student’s ability to complete their education or work in the future, economists calculate “diminished future earning capacity.” This also includes lost tuition or fees for missed semesters and lost scholarships.
  • Property Damage: Costs for any personal property damaged or destroyed during the hazing incident.
• Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Losses, Yet Legally Compensable):
  • Physical Pain & Suffering: Compensation for the actual physical pain endured from injuries.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: This category addresses the profound mental anguish, humiliation, fear, anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and loss of dignity. Expert testimony from psychologists and psychiatrists is key 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.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In cases of fatality, close family members (spouses, children, parents, sometimes siblings in Texas) can recover:
  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Direct expenses related to the death.
  • Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the income and financial contributions the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: This is for the profound emotional loss experienced by surviving family members.
  • Grief and Mental Anguish: Compensation for the deep emotional suffering of the family.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where defendants acted with extreme recklessness, malice, or gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not intended to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. Texas law allows for punitive damages but often places caps on them, except in certain intentional tort cases.

Strategy: Unveiling Institutional Culpability

The Manginello Law Firm’s strategy in hazing cases focuses on holding not just the individual perpetrators, but also the institutions that enabled or allowed the hazing, accountable. This means identifying all potential defendants and understanding their unique vulnerabilities:

• Challenging “Rogue Chapter” Defenses: National fraternities often claim hazing was a “rogue chapter” acting against national policy. We counter this by showing patterns of similar hazing at other chapters nationally, demonstrating foreseeability, and arguing negligent supervision if the national ignored previous warnings or failed to enforce its policies.
• Overcoming Sovereign Immunity: Public Texas universities (like UT, Texas A&M, UH) often assert sovereign immunity. However, we explore exceptions, such as cases of gross negligence, Title IX violations, or suing individual administrators/staff in their personal capacity for willful or grossly negligent acts. Cases like Leonel Bermudez’s lawsuit against the University of Houston demonstrate this approach.
• Navigating Insurance Complexities: Fraternity, university, and individual insurance policies are almost always involved. Insurers frequently try to deny coverage by arguing hazing is an “intentional act” or falls under exclusion clauses. Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge as a former insurance defense attorney, specializes in challenging these denials, proving that while the hazing itself may be intentional, the institution’s failure to prevent it (negligent supervision) is a covered event.
• Focusing on Prevention: Beyond monetary damages, a key goal in many hazing lawsuits is to force meaningful change. This can involve court-ordered policy reforms, mandatory educational programs, or requirements for organizations to increase oversight and transparency. Many families find significant closure in knowing their case contributed to preventing future tragedies.

For Bexar County families, selecting an attorney who understands these complex layers—from evidence collection to nuanced legal arguments against powerful institutions and their insurers—is paramount. Attorney911 operates with the investigative depth and legal experience necessary to build strong, impactful hazing cases.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family in Bexar County, the emotional toll can be overwhelming. The Manginello Law Firm believes in empowering families with practical knowledge and actionable steps. Whether you’re a parent suspicious of changes in your child, a student facing immense pressure, or a witness haunted by what you’ve seen, this guide offers concrete advice.

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Vigilance is your first line of defense. Here’s what Bexar County parents should look for and how to respond:

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed

• Physical Signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries for which descriptions don’t add up. Signs of extreme fatigue, chronic sleep deprivation, noticeable weight loss or gain, or unusual changes in hygiene. Look for symptoms of alcohol poisoning or drug use that are out of character.
• Behavioral & Emotional Changes: A sudden increase in secrecy about group activities (“I can’t talk about it,” “It’s a secret for new members”). Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities. Uncharacteristic changes in personality, such as increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or anger. They may become overly defensive when asked about the organization or show an obsessive need to please older members. Phrases like “I just have to get through this” are red flags.
• Academic Red Flags: A sudden drop in grades, missing classes or assignments for “mandatory” group events, or being constantly drowsy in class.
• Financial Red Flags: Unexpected requests for money, seemingly arbitrary “fines,” excessive dues beyond what was advertised, or forced purchases of unusual items for older members.
• Digital/Social Behavior: Constant phone checking for group chat demands, anxiety around their phone, quickly deleting messages, or obsessive clearing of browser history. They might be forced to install location-tracking apps (like “Find My Friends”) by older members.

Questions to Ask (Non-Confrontationally)

If you notice any warning signs, approach your child with empathy, not accusation:

• “How are things going with [fraternity/sorority/team] life? Are you enjoying it?”
• “Are they being respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
• “What sorts of things are new members asked to do?”
• “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
• “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
• “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”
• “Are they asking you to keep secrets from me or the university?”

Listen without judgment. If they shut down, don’t force it, but continue to monitor and be prepared to act.

What to Do If You Suspect Hazing

• Immediate Safety: If your child is in immediate physical danger (severely intoxicated, injured, or threatened), call 911 or campus police without delay. Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
• Document Everything: Write down dates, times, and everything your child tells you. If they show you digital evidence, screenshot everything immediately (texts, group chats, photos, videos). Take photos of any visible injuries, always with a time/date stamp if possible. Save any physical items related to the hazing.
• Reporting:
  • Campus Authorities: Contact the Dean of Students office, Office of Student Conduct, or campus police.
  • Local Police: If the hazing involved criminal acts (assault, sexual assault, providing alcohol to minors), file a report with city or county law enforcement (e.g., San Antonio Police Department for incidents within the city, or Bexar County Sheriff’s Office for county-wide incidents).
  • National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (anonymous, 24/7).
• Legal Consultation: Contact a lawyer experienced in hazing cases early. An attorney can help preserve evidence, navigate complex university processes, advise on criminal versus civil options, and protect your child from retaliation.

For Students: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

If you’re a student at UTSA, or another Texas university, and you suspect you’re being hazed, remember: you are not alone, and help is available.

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide

Ask yourself:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t truly want to do?
• Would I do this truly voluntarily if there were no social consequences or fear of being cut from the group?
• Is this activity dangerous, demeaning, or illegal?
• Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any of these, it’s likely hazing. Texas law (and most university policies) classify even “subtle” or “harassment” hazing as prohibited behavior.

How to Exit Safely and Report

• Immediate Danger: If your safety is at risk, call 911 or campus police immediately. Good-faith reporting laws often provide immunity for seeking help in emergencies, even if alcohol or drugs are involved.
• Quitting/De-pledging: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. Do not feel obligated to attend a “final meeting” where you might be pressured or intimidated. Inform someone outside the organization (a trusted friend, RA, or family member) of your decision.
• Protecting Yourself: Document any threats or harassment (screenshots, saved messages). Report fears of retaliation to the Dean of Students and campus police. Harassment and stalking are crimes under Texas law; formal reports can lead to protective orders.

Evidence Collection (For Students)

Attorney911 has detailed this in our video on using your cellphone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs).

1. Screenshots: Capture full group chats, DMs, and texts with timestamps and participant names. Do it immediately, especially for disappearing messages (Snapchat, Instagram vanish mode).
2. Voice Memos/Recordings: Texas is a “one-party consent” state, meaning you can legally record conversations you are a party to without informing others. Use this to record meetings or interactions where hazing is discussed or ordered.
3. Photos/Videos: Take photos of any injuries, locations, or objects used in hazing.
4. Medical Documentation: If you seek medical care, explicitly tell providers you were hazed to ensure it’s documented in your records.
5. Save Everything Digital: Do not delete messages or activity. Back up everything to cloud storage or email yourself.

For Former Members / Witnesses

If you participated in hazing, witnessed it, or were involved and feel remorse or guilt, your perspective is crucial for justice and prevention.

• Your Role in Accountability: Your testimony and evidence can help prevent future harm and save lives. This can also be an important step in processing your own involvement.
• Seeking Legal Advice: You may want to consult your own attorney, especially if you fear criminal exposure. An attorney can help you understand your rights and obligations as a witness.
• Confidentiality: Discuss options for reporting anonymously or confidentially.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Time is of the essence in hazing cases. Making the wrong moves in the initial hours and days can severely jeopardize your ability to seek justice. For Bexar County families, avoiding these critical mistakes is paramount. Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) offers more in-depth guidance.

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence: What parents might think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.” Why it’s wrong: Deleting evidence looks like a cover-up, can be obstruction of justice, and makes proving a case nearly impossible. What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: What parents might think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.” Why it’s wrong: Direct confrontation almost always triggers a defensive reaction, leading to evidence destruction, witness coaching, and the immediate preparation of legal defenses. What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any direct engagement.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms: What universities might do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements quickly. Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, and early settlements offered are often far below the true value of lifetime damages. What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or an insurance adjuster without an attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer: What families might think: “I want people to know what happened.” Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything to find inconsistencies. Public posts can damage the credibility of your child’s testimony and complicate the legal strategy. What to do instead: Document everything privately; let your lawyer advise on any public statements.
5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”: What organizations might say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic.” Why it’s wrong: These meetings are frequently used to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt a potential legal case. What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”: What universities might promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.” Why it’s wrong: Evidence rapidly disappears, witnesses graduate, and university “justice” often prioritizes the institution’s reputation over true accountability. The statute of limitations for civil lawsuits is running. What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult a lawyer immediately.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: What adjusters might say: “We just need your statement to process the claim.” Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Recorded statements will be used to minimize your claim, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball. What to do instead: Politely decline to talk and inform them that your attorney will contact them.

Short FAQ

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities here in Texas, such as the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) in Bexar County, or other state schools like UT Austin, Texas A&M, and UH, have some sovereign immunity protections, making lawsuits more challenging. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, civil rights violations (like Title IX), or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities, such as SMU and Baylor, have fewer immunity protections. Every case hinges on its specific facts; contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It absolutely can be. While basic hazing is often a Class B misdemeanor, it escalates to a state jail felony under Texas law if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who fail to report hazing can also face misdemeanor charges.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes, they can. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that “consent” given under immense peer pressure, power imbalance, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
Generally, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. However, legal nuances like the “discovery rule” can extend this period if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute of limitations may be “tolled,” or paused. Time is always critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Don’t delay; call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Check our video on the statute of limitations here: 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/sororities can still be held accountable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge of activities, and the foreseeability of harm. Many major hazing cases nationally—such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat death documented in Pennsylvania, or cases involving “unofficial” off-campus housing—occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments against responsible parties.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
We understand concerns about privacy. Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial, and we can often request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. Our priority is to pursue justice while respecting your family’s privacy.

Attorney911: Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Fighting Hazing in Texas

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. At The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ dedicated to holding universities, national fraternities and sororities, and individual perpetrators accountable for hazing injuries and deaths across Texas. We serve families from Bexar County to Houston, Austin, and beyond.

From our Houston offices, we serve families throughout Texas, including Bexar County and surrounding areas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Bexar County and across the region, where your children may attend UTSA or other colleges across the state.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases?

Our firm brings a unique blend of experience and strategic advantages to the complex world of hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage with Lupe Peña: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), offers an unparalleled advantage. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, Lupe knows exactly how fraternity, sorority, and university insurance companies analyze (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusions, and their settlement playbooks because she used to run them. This insider knowledge is invaluable when we face off against well-funded defense teams.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions with Ralph Manginello: Ralph Manginello (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), our Managing Partner, brings over 25 years of experience in high-stakes litigation. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, demonstrating our capability to take on billion-dollar corporations and win. Our federal court experience—including in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas—means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their formidable defense teams. We don’t just fight; we know how to fight powerful defendants effectively.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. This includes working with economists to calculate full lifetime damages for brain injuries, permanent disabilities, and lost earning potential. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force genuine accountability and secure the resources needed for victims’ long-term care. Our wrongful death practice area information is available at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Dual Criminal & Civil Expertise: Hazing can involve both civil liability and criminal charges. Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA)—and our experience in criminal defense (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/)—means we understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. We can advise not only victims but also worried witnesses or former members who might face criminal exposure themselves.
• Investigative Depth & Digital Forensics: Success in hazing cases hinges on uncovering hidden evidence. We work with a network of experts, including digital forensics specialists, to recover deleted group chats, private social media content, and other digital trails. We employ medical and psychological experts to fully document physical and emotional harm. “We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.”
• Empathy & Advocacy: We know that discovering your child has been hazed, or worse, has suffered injury or death, is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our approach is rooted in empathy and a fierce dedication to victim advocacy. Our job is not just to win a case, but to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family.

Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Consultation

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it was UTSA right here in Bexar County, or a university across the state—we want to hear from you. Families in Bexar County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. There is no cost for this initial consultation, and we operate on a contingency fee basis; as our video explains (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc), we don’t get paid unless we win your case.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We’ll listen to your story without judgment.
• Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records).
• Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect.
• Answer your questions about costs.
• No pressure to hire us on the spot—take time to decide.
• Everything you tell us is confidential.

Whether you’re in Bexar County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

Contact Attorney911: Legal Emergency Lawyers™

• HOTLINE: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com

Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for a confidential consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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

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

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