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It’s late on a Friday night in College Station, the air thick with the murmur of a thousand conversations, the distant echo of “Gig ‘Em” from a nearby establishment. Your child, a new student at Texas A&M, is somewhere in the heart of it, pledging to a fraternity. They’ve been pulling all-nighters, not for studies, but for grueling “brotherhood events.” You call, and their voice is raspy, exhausted, full of a strange mix of fear and forced enthusiasm. They mention a “social event” that involved a little too much “bonding” and a demand to keep it all a secret. Then the line goes dead. Your heart lurches. You wonder, “Is this just ‘tradition,’ or is my child in danger?”

This scenario, while fictional, captures the very real anxieties of families across Texas, including those right here in Brazos County. Whether your student is at Texas A&M in our own backyard, or at the University of Houston, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, the pressure to conform, to earn acceptance, can push young people into dangerous situations. Hazing isn’t a relic of the past; it’s a modern, evolving threat that often goes unseen until tragedy strikes.

This guide is for you—parents, students, and concerned community members in Brazos County and throughout Texas—who seek to understand the complex, often hidden, world of hazing. We will explore what hazing truly looks like in 2025, delve into the Texas and federal laws designed to combat it, examine the national cases that have shaped legal precedents, and provide specific insights into hazing patterns at Texas’s premier universities. Most importantly, we will arm you with practical advice and highlight the legal options available if you or your family are impacted. We aim to equip you with the knowledge to protect your loved ones and seek accountability from those responsible.

While this article offers comprehensive general information, it is not a substitute for specific legal advice tailored to your situation. Hazing cases are complex, involving powerful institutions and intricate legal frameworks. If you suspect hazing or if your child has been harmed, consulting with an attorney experienced in Texas hazing law is a critical first step. The Manginello Law Firm is here to help families in Brazos County and across Texas navigate these challenging waters.

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

Hazing has evolved far beyond the stereotypical “pranks” of old movies. In 2025, it is a sophisticated, often hidden, and deeply dangerous practice that leverages psychological manipulation, social pressure, and digital technology to coerce students into activities that endanger their physical and mental health. For Brazos County families, understanding these modern forms of hazing is the first step in protecting their children.

CLEAR, MODERN DEFINITION OF HAZING

At its core, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person or a group, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any student organization, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student.

It’s crucial to understand that:

• “I agreed to it” is not a defense. The law and courts recognize that true consent is impossible when there’s a power imbalance, social pressure, and fear of exclusion or humiliation.
• Hazing doesn’t have to cause physical injury to be illegal. Emotional and psychological harm are just as devastating.
• It is often carried out in secret, with new members pressured to lie to parents, faculty, and law enforcement.

MAIN CATEGORIES OF HAZING

Modern hazing takes many forms, often blending categories to maximize control and minimize detection.

ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE HAZING

This remains the most common and deadliest form of hazing. It involves:

• Forced or coerced drinking: Requiring pledges to consume large amounts of alcohol in a short period, often in “line-ups,” during “drinking games,” or as part of a “big/little” reveal.
• “Bottle exchanges” or “pledge bottle” rituals: New members are given or forced to find bottles of liquor that they must consume. This was a direct factor in the death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University and Matthew Ellis at Texas State University.
• Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances: New members may be tricked or forced to drink concoctions that contain dangerous amounts of alcohol or other substances.
• Forced drug use: Coercing pledges to use marijuana, pills, or other illegal drugs as part of initiation.

PHYSICAL HAZING

While seemingly old-fashioned, physical hazing remains prevalent and dangerous:

• Paddling, beatings, and physical assaults: Direct physical violence, often inflicted with paddles, hands, or other objects.
• Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings”: Forced exercises that exceed physical limits, leading to exhaustion, injury, or severe muscle breakdown like rhabdomyolysis (a risk seen in hazing allegations at Texas A&M University).
• Sleep deprivation: Mandatory late-night activities, early morning wake-ups, or continuous events that rob new members of essential sleep. This can impair judgment and lead to accidents, as alleged by the parents of a “New Man” in the Texas Cowboys whose death was blamed on sleep deprivation.
• Food/water deprivation or forced consumption: Denying food or water, or forcing pledges to eat disgusting substances or excessive amounts of food.
• Exposure to extreme environments or dangerous conditions: Leaving pledges in remote or dangerous locations (drop-offs), or forcing them into cold or hot environments. Armando Villa at Cal State Northridge died after being left barefoot in the mountains during a drop-off.

SEXUALIZED AND HUMILIATING HAZING

This category inflicts severe mental and emotional distress, often with lasting psychological scars:

• Forced nudity or partial nudity: Requiring new members to be naked or partially clothed in front of others.
• Simulated sexual acts: Forcing pledges to perform or participate in degrading sexual acts. This was alleged in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets hazing lawsuit where a cadet claimed he was forced into simulated sexual acts.
• Wearing degrading costumes or outfits: Publicly shaming new members by making them wear embarrassing attire.
• Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones: Using slurs, role-playing stereotypes, or forcing members of minority groups to perform degrading acts. These were alleged in the Northwestern University athletic hazing scandal.

PSYCHOLOGICAL HAZING

Often overlooked but deeply damaging, psychological hazing seeks to break down a new member’s sense of self and control:

• Verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation: Constant yelling, insults, and threats of social exclusion or physical harm.
• Social isolation: Forcing new members to cut off contact with friends, family, or other non-Greek activities.
• Manipulation and forced confessions: Coercing pledges to reveal personal secrets or engage in self-blame.
• Public shaming: Humiliating individuals in front of others, often captured on social media.

DIGITAL/ONLINE HAZING

The rise of digital platforms has given hazing a new, pervasive dimension:

• Constant group chat demands: New members may be required to respond instantly to group messages at all hours, face “punishments” for slow replies, or be monitored for their online activity.
• Social media dares and humiliation: Pressuring pledges to post embarrassing content on TikTok, Instagram, or Snapchat, or to participate in humiliating online “challenges.”
• Geo-tracking and location sharing: Requiring pledges to share their live location via apps like Find My Friends, creating a constant sense of surveillance.
• Evidence destruction: Commanders or older members often instruct pledges to delete messages, photos, or videos that document hazing activities, attempting to cover their tracks.

WHERE HAZING ACTUALLY HAPPENS

Hazing is not confined to one type of organization or campus. While often associated with traditional fraternities, it can be found in a wide variety of student groups:

• Fraternities and sororities: This includes those affiliated with the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Association, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and various multicultural Greek organizations.
• Corps of Cadets/ROTC/Military-style groups: Groups like the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, with their emphasis on tradition, hierarchy, and physical discipline, have faced hazing allegations.
• Athletic teams: From varsity sports to club teams (football, basketball, baseball, track, swim, etc.), hazing can be used as a perverse form of “team building.” The Northwestern University athletic hazing scandal brought widespread attention to this issue.
• Spirit squads/Tradition clubs: University spirit organizations, cheerleading squads, and long-standing tradition clubs like the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin have histories of hazing.
• Marching bands and performance groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups like bands, dance teams, and theater troops can have hazing traditions, as tragically illustrated by the death of Robert Champion in Florida A&M’s marching band.
• Other organizations: Some service clubs, cultural associations, and even academic honor societies can develop hazing rituals.

The common threads that allow hazing to persist across these diverse groups are social status, tradition, peer pressure, and a powerful culture of secrecy. New members are made to feel that enduring these trials is the only path to acceptance and belonging, creating an environment where dangerous behaviors are normalized and rarely reported.

LAW & LIABILITY FRAMEWORK (TEXAS + FEDERAL)

Understanding the legal landscape around hazing in Texas begins with recognizing that it’s not just a university policy violation; it can be a criminal offense with serious penalties, and it can also lead to civil lawsuits that hold responsible parties accountable for damages. For Brazos County families navigating a hazing incident, knowing this framework is crucial.

TEXAS HAZING LAW BASICS

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions within the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. A clear understanding of these laws is essential for anyone involved in a hazing incident.

Texas Education Code § 37.151. Definition of Hazing
Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

What this means:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing can happen anywhere—in a fraternity house, an off-campus apartment, a park, or even online.
• Intent is broad: You don’t have to intend to cause severe injury. If you act “recklessly” (meaning you knew there was a risk of harm and did it anyway), it still counts.
• Mental or physical harm: Hazing isn’t just about broken bones. Psychological torture, humiliation, and extreme stress are also illegal hazing.
• “Consent” is not a defense: It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. This is explicitly stated in Texas Education Code § 37.155. This is critical because new members are often coerced into “voluntary” participation.

Texas Education Code § 37.152. Criminal Penalties
Hazing is a criminal offense in Texas:

• Class B Misdemeanor (default): This applies to hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury, carrying potential penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical attention.
• State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This carries a penalty of 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and a fine up to $10,000.

Additionally, under Texas Education Code § 37.152:

• Failing to report hazing is a misdemeanor if you are a student or school employee who witnesses hazing or has knowledge of it and fails to report it.
• Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Texas Education Code § 37.153. Organizational Liability
Not just individuals, but organizations themselves can be held criminally responsible for hazing:

• An organization can be fined up to $10,000 for a hazing violation if it authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer or active member, acting in an official capacity, knew about the hazing and failed to report it.
• Universities can also revoke recognition for offending organizations, effectively banning them from campus.

Texas Education Code § 37.154. Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting
A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university officials or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise arise from the report. This provision is designed to encourage reporting without fear of reprisal. Furthermore, Texas law, like many state laws, generally provides amnesty or immunity for individuals who call 911 in a medical emergency related to alcohol or drugs, preventing them from being charged with an alcohol offense if they are seeking help.

CRIMINAL VS CIVIL CASES

It’s important to understand these two distinct legal avenues for accountability that can arise from hazing.

• Criminal Cases:

  • Initiated by the State: These cases are brought by state prosecutors (District Attorneys) on behalf of the public.
  • Purpose: To punish individuals and/or organizations for violating Texas hazing laws.
  • Outcomes: Penalties include fines, jail time, probation, and community service.
  • Burden of Proof: “Beyond a reasonable doubt” – a very high standard.

• Civil Cases:

  • Initiated by Victims/Families: These lawsuits are filed by the injured student or their family.
  • Purpose: To obtain monetary compensation for the harm suffered and to achieve accountability from responsible parties.
  • Outcomes: Financial awards (damages) to cover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses.
  • Burden of Proof: “Preponderance of the evidence” (more likely than not) – a lower standard than criminal cases.

A significant hazing incident often leads to both criminal investigations and civil lawsuits. For example, in the Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University, multiple fraternity members faced criminal charges, while his family pursued civil litigation that resulted in a $10 million settlement with the fraternity and university. Attorney911 operates in both spheres, understanding the interplay between criminal and civil proceedings to best advocate for our clients. Our criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) is invaluable for navigating cases where hazing involves criminal charges.

FEDERAL OVERLAY: STOP CAMPUS HAZING ACT, TITLE IX, CLERY

While Texas law provides the primary legal framework, federal laws also have an impact on hazing accountability.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funds (which is virtually all of them) implement stricter hazing prevention measures. By around 2026, it will require:

  • Transparent reporting: Universities must publicly disclose all hazing violations and disciplinary actions.
  • Hazing prevention education: Programs and resources for students to understand and prevent hazing.
  • Comprehensive definitions: Consistent definitions of hazing across institutions.
    This act aims to standardize reporting and prevention efforts nationwide, including at Texas universities.

• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based humiliation, or gender-based hostility, it can trigger Title IX obligations for the university. This law requires schools to investigate and respond promptly and effectively to such allegations, regardless of where they occurred.

• Clery Act: This federal law requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents that involve assault, sexual assault, alcohol violations, or other criminal acts often fall under Clery reporting requirements. This means universities must classify and report these incidents in their annual security reports, providing another layer of transparency. For concerned families, looking at a university’s Clery report can sometimes reveal patterns of misconduct.

WHO CAN BE LIABLE IN A CIVIL HAZING LAWSUIT

In civil hazing lawsuits, identifying all potentially liable parties is critical to maximizing accountability and recovering damages. The nature of hazing often involves multiple actors and institutions.

• Individual Students: Those who planned, encouraged, participated in, or failed to intervene in hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes “pledge masters,” chapter officers, and any members directly involved in the harmful behavior. As seen in the Stone Foltz case, a court ordered the chapter president to personally contribute a significant portion of the settlement.

• Local Chapter/Organization: If the local fraternity, sorority, or student group is a legally recognized entity (e.g., a non-profit corporation), it can be sued directly for its role in authorizing, condoning, or failing to prevent hazing within its ranks.

• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national organization often has significant influence and oversight over its local chapters. They can be held liable for:

  • Negligent supervision: Failing to adequately train, monitor, or discipline local chapters.
  • Failure to enforce policies: Knowing about a chapter’s hazing history but failing to take decisive action.
  • Pattern of incidents: When multiple chapters across the country engage in similar hazing, it demonstrates the national organization’s knowledge of the risk.

• University or Governing Board: While public universities in Texas (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) benefit from some level of sovereign immunity, exceptions exist. This immunity typically protects governmental entities from lawsuits unless they specifically consent to be sued or the Legislature has waived that immunity. However, a university may still be liable if:

  • There is evidence of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
  • The hazing involves Title IX violations (sex discrimination).
  • University employees acted negligently in their individual capacities.
  • Private universities (like SMU and Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections and can be more readily sued for negligence, negligent supervision, or premises liability.

• Third Parties: Other entities may also bear responsibility:

  • Property owners: Landlords who rent properties to fraternities if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Event venues/bars: If they served alcohol to minors or contributed to an unsafe environment that facilitated hazing.
  • Advisors: Faculty or alumni advisors who had a duty to supervise but were negligent.

Every hazing case is unique, and the specific facts determine who can be held liable. An experienced hazing attorney can thoroughly investigate to identify all responsible parties and pursue a comprehensive strategy for accountability.

NATIONAL HAZING CASE PATTERNS (ANCHOR STORIES)

The landscape of hazing litigation has been dramatically shaped by a series of tragic national cases that highlight recurring patterns of abuse, negligence, and institutional failure. These “anchor stories” not only illustrate what can go wrong but also set precedents that inform today’s legal strategies, including those applicable to Brazos County families and Texas universities.

ALCOHOL POISONING & DEATH PATTERN

Forced alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing-related deaths. These cases demonstrate how organizations prioritize “tradition” over safety, often with fatal consequences.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017):

  • What Happened: During a “bid acceptance” event, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza was forced to consume a dangerous amount of alcohol. After falling repeatedly, suffering severe head and internal injuries, fraternity members delayed calling for medical help for nearly 12 hours. His agonizing deterioration was captured on the fraternity’s basement security cameras.
  • Legal Actions: This case led to over 1,000 criminal charges against 18 fraternity members and the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, significantly strengthening penalties. Civil litigation resulted in confidential settlements with multiple parties.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: The Piazza case underscored the danger of delayed medical care and cover-ups, which are common in hazing incidents across the country. It also highlighted the foreseeability of severe harm when forced drinking is present, making it harder for organizations to claim ignorance.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017):

  • What Happened: 20-year-old Andrew Coffey died of acute alcohol poisoning during a Pi Kappa Phi “Big Brother Night” in an off-campus home. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to drink them rapidly.
  • Legal Actions: This incident led to multiple criminal prosecutions of fraternity members and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU. His family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, with terms of settlement remaining confidential.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: The Coffey case illustrates the deadly “bottle exchange” or “big/little reveal” hazing ritual, a pattern seen nationally and alleged in other hazing deaths, including Matthew Ellis at Texas State University. It reinforces that off-campus location does not absolve the fraternity or university of responsibility.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

  • What Happened: During a “Bible study” hazing ritual, 18-year-old Max Gruver was forced to participate in a drinking game where incorrect answers to questions about the fraternity resulted in mandatory alcohol consumption. His blood alcohol content reached 0.495—nearly six times the legal driving limit—and he died of acute alcohol intoxication.
  • Legal Actions: Several fraternity members faced criminal charges, with one convicted of negligent homicide. The civil lawsuit resulted in a $6.1 million verdict against the fraternity and individuals, and the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making felony hazing easier to prosecute.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: The Gruver case is a potent example of how hazing disguises itself as innocent “games” and how easily it can turn fatal. It sparked legislative action that serves as a model for states like Texas to strengthen their own anti-hazing laws.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021):

  • What Happened: 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to consume an entire handle of bourbon during a Pi Kappa Alpha “Big/Little” night off campus. He was found unconscious and died three days later of alcohol poisoning. Fraternity members left him in a room and delayed getting help, believing he was just “too drunk.”
  • Legal Actions: Multiple fraternity members were convicted of hazing-related offenses. The Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with approximately $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and ~$3 million from Bowling Green State University. Ohio’s anti-hazing law, Collin’s Law, was strengthened as a direct result.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: The Foltz settlement demonstrates that universities can be held financially liable for hazing, even if they claim sovereign immunity (as public universities in Texas might). It also reinforces that individual officers, like chapter president Daylen Dunson, can face massive personal liability, ordered to pay millions from their own assets.

PHYSICAL & RITUALIZED HAZING PATTERN

Hazing can also involve extreme physical abuse, often disguised as “tradition” or “toughness.”

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
  • What Happened: During a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, 19-year-old Michael Deng was blindfolded, weighted down with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled by fraternity members in a ritual known as “glass ceiling.” He suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and died after fraternity members waited more than an hour before taking him to a hospital.
  • Legal Actions: This case resulted in multiple criminal convictions of individual members, and notably, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity itself was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter—a rare instance of an organization facing criminal liability. The fraternity was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years and faced substantial fines.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: The Deng case proves that hazing incidents occurring at off-campus “retreats” or private residences can still lead to severe criminal and civil consequences for both individuals and the national organization. It underscores the concept of organizational criminal liability, establishing a powerful precedent.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM HAZING & ABUSE

Hazing is endemic across college campuses, extending far beyond Greek life into other student groups.

• Northwestern University Athletic Hazing Scandal (2023–2025):
  • What Happened: Former football players came forward alleging a widespread pattern of sexualized and racist hazing within the prestigious football program spanning many years. Allegations included forced sexual acts, often involving current players on new members.
  • Legal Actions: The scandal led to the firing of head football coach Pat Fitzgerald, who subsequently filed a wrongful-termination lawsuit (which was confidentially settled). Multiple players filed lawsuits against the university and other staff members.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: This high-profile case serves as a stark reminder that hazing is pervasive in varsity athletics and can involve deeply disturbing sexual and racial elements. It challenges the common misconception that hazing is solely a Greek life issue and puts universities like Texas A&M and UT Austin (with their massive athletic programs) on notice for greater institutional oversight.

WHAT THESE CASES MEAN FOR BRAZOS COUNTY FAMILIES

These national anchor stories paint a sobering picture of hazing in American higher education. They demonstrate:

• Predictability of Harm: The repetitive nature of specific hazing rituals (forced drinking, physical abuse, delayed aid) across different organizations and campuses establishes a pattern of “foreseeability.” This means that when a chapter’s hazing mirrors past incidents, a defense of “we didn’t know this could happen” is increasingly difficult to sustain.
• High Stakes: The multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts awarded to families in many of these cases—such as $10 million in the Foltz case or $6.1 million in the Gruver case—reflect the severe, often catastrophic, nature of the harm caused by hazing and society’s demand for accountability.
• Legal Evolution: Each tragedy has spurred legislative action, creating increasingly tougher anti-hazing laws. The Stop Campus Hazing Act at the federal level, coupled with existing strong state laws in Texas, means that the legal tools to fight hazing are stronger than ever.

For Brazos County families, these national lessons resonate deeply. Whether their child attends Texas A&M just miles away or another major Texas university, the underlying dynamics of hazing and the legal mechanisms for addressing it are shaped by these precedents. If a hazing incident occurs at a Texas campus, the defense strategies employed by organizations and universities will inevitably be measured against the outcomes of these pivotal national cases. Our Legal Emergency Lawyers™ at Attorney911 understand these patterns and leverage national precedents to fight for accountability in Texas.

TEXAS FOCUS: TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON, UT AUSTIN, SMU, AND BAYLOR

Brazos County is home to one of Texas’s largest universities with a deep-rooted history and traditions—Texas A&M University. Therefore, we will begin our localized focus there. Many Brazos County families also send their children to other major Texas universities like the University of Houston, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University. This section explores the unique hazing landscapes at these institutions, providing crucial insights for families in our community and across the state.

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

Texas A&M University in College Station, just minutes from much of Brazos County, is renowned for its traditions, close-knit campus culture, and the highly esteemed Corps of Cadets. Brazos County families have a strong connection to A&M, often having generations attend. However, any institution with strong traditions can face hazing challenges. Texas A&M is no exception, with incidents reported in both its Greek life and the Corps.

CAMPUS & CULTURE SNAPSHOT

Texas A&M boasts a proud and storied history, with a strong emphasis on tradition, loyalty, and community. With over 70,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in the nation. The Corps of Cadets, a leadership program steeped in military tradition, is a defining feature of the university, attracting students who seek discipline and structure. Greek life also thrives, offering a range of social and service fraternities and sororities. The Aggie Spirit is powerful and unique, but like any environment with strong hierarchies and traditions, it can unfortunately be susceptible to hazing.

OFFICIAL HAZING POLICY & REPORTING CHANNELS

Texas A&M’s Student Rules clearly prohibit hazing, whether on or off campus, and define it in accordance with Texas law. The policy prohibits acts that endanger mental or physical health, such as forced consumption of substances, sleep deprivation, physical activity beyond reasonable limits, and coercion.

Reporting channels include:

• Dean of Student Life: Handles violations of student rules and offers support services.
• University Police Department (UPD): For criminal acts or immediate threats.
• Hazing Reporting Form: An online form for anonymous or identified reporting.
• Hazing and New Member Education website: Provides policies, resources, and a list of organizations under investigation or disciplinary sanction (which often lags public knowledge or formal complaints).

SELECTED DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS & RESPONSES

Texas A&M has faced its share of hazing allegations and incidents across various organizations:

• Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging severe, degrading hazing within a Corps outfit. The lawsuit claimed he was subjected to simulated sexual acts, forced into a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth, placed in a trash can, and forced to consume large amounts of alcohol. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages, and the university stated it addressed the matter through its internal processes, though details remain confidential. This incident highlights that hazing in traditional military-style organizations can be as damaging as in Greek life.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Incident (around 2021): Reports emerged of pledges in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter being subjected to brutal physical and chemical abuse. Pledges alleged they were forced to endure strenuous activities while substances like industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit were poured on them. This reportedly resulted in severe chemical burns requiring emergency medical care and skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended by the university, and at least one lawsuit was filed seeking significant damages. This case bears similarities to other highly dangerous instances of physical hazing seen nationally.
• Phi Gamma Delta Death (1997): Trey Walker (listed in earlier cases as Brian T. Sanders under CA, but Texas roots are strong), a member of Phi Gamma Delta at Texas A&M, died from an asthma attack following hazing activities. While not directly alcohol-related, the incident underscored the dangers of physical and psychological stress during pledging.

HOW A TEXAS A&M HAZING CASE MIGHT PROCEED

For Brazos County families involved in a Texas A&M hazing case, legal proceedings would typically center around Brazos County courts. Criminal charges would be filed by the Brazos County District Attorney’s office. Civil lawsuits could be filed in Texas state courts within Brazos County or in federal court if federal laws (like Title IX or the Clery Act) are implicated.

Potential defendants in a civil case involving Texas A&M could include: individuals (students, advisors), the local chapter, the national organization (if Greek life), and potentially Texas A&M University or the Texas A&M University System. Due to A&M’s status as a public university, sovereign immunity would be a factor, but gross negligence by individuals or specific policy failures could allow for civil remedies.

WHAT TEXAS A&M STUDENTS & PARENTS SHOULD DO

• Document Everything: If you suspect hazing, immediately gather and preserve all evidence, including screenshots of group chats (like GroupMe, common in the Corps and Greek life), photos of injuries, and accounts of what happened. Our video on using your phone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) provides essential guidance.
• Prioritize Safety: If in immediate danger, call 911 or the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) at (979) 845-2345.
• Report Internally: Use the official A&M hazing reporting form or contact the Dean of Student Life. Keep records of who you spoke with and when.
• Seek Legal Counsel: Early consultation with an attorney experienced in Texas hazing law is vital. They can help preserve evidence, navigate university investigations, and advise on legal options against individuals, the local chapter, national organizations, and the university. Attorney911 understands the nuances of A&M’s campus culture and the legal challenges involved.

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus a manageable drive from Brazos County for many families, is a cornerstone of higher education in Texas. Like any large university, its dynamic student body and active organizations, including a significant Greek life presence, necessitate robust policies against hazing. UH’s commitment to addressing hazing is evident, but challenges remain, as underscored by the very real cases that have emerged.

CAMPUS & CULTURE SNAPSHOT

The University of Houston is a sprawling, diverse institution with over 47,000 students, offering a blend of commuter and residential experiences in the heart of the nation’s fourth-largest city. Its Greek life is robust, encompassing numerous fraternities and sororities from various councils. Beyond Greek organizations, UH boasts a wide array of student clubs, athletic teams, and cultural groups that contribute to its dynamic campus environment. This blend of urban energy and diverse student life creates a vibrant, but sometimes complex, social landscape.

OFFICIAL HAZING POLICY & REPORTING CHANNELS

The University of Houston maintains a strong anti-hazing policy, explicitly prohibiting any hazing activity, whether on or off campus, in connection with any student organization. The policy broadly defines hazing to include acts that endanger mental or physical health or safety, forced consumption of substances, sleep deprivation, and any activity that could be perceived as humiliating or abusive.

Key reporting mechanisms at UH include:

• Dean of Students Office: Serves as a central point for student conduct issues, including hazing investigations.
• University of Houston Police Department (UHPD): For incidents involving criminal behavior or immediate threats to safety.
• Online Hazing Report Form: Available on the Dean of Students website, allowing for anonymous or identified submissions.
• Department of Fraternity and Sorority Life: Works with Greek organizations to educate on anti-hazing policies.

SELECTED DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS & RESPONSES

The University of Houston has a history of addressing hazing incidents within its organizations:

• Pi Kappa Phi Hazing and Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit (late 2025): This case, currently litigated by Attorney911, stands out significantly. Leonel Bermudez, a pledge to the Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu chapter at UH, allegedly suffered acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis after weeks of severe hazing activities. Allegations include:
  • Required carrying of a “pledge fanny pack” with degrading contents.
  • Forced physical exertion, including more than 100 push-ups and 500 squats in a single night at Yellowstone Boulevard Park.
  • Hose spraying “like waterboarding” and threats of actual waterboarding at a former member’s residence.
  • Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints.
  • Being made to lie in vomit-soaked grass.
  • Sustaining brown urine and four-day hospitalization, with ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage.
  • Attorney911 (Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña) represents Bermudez in a $10 million lawsuit against UH, its Board of Regents, the national Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, its housing corporation, and 13 individuals. The chapter was suspended and ultimately surrendered its charter. Media outlets like Click2Houston (https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/), ABC13 (https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/), and Hoodline (https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/) have covered this extensively. As Ralph Manginello stated, “His urine was brown… We’re almost in 2026. This has to stop.”
• Pi Kappa Alpha Incident (2016): Prior to the Bermudez case, a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at UH also faced severe sanctions. Pledges were allegedly deprived of food, water, and sleep during prolonged events, leading to a student sustaining a lacerated spleen after being violently slammed onto a table. This incident led to misdemeanor hazing charges and a university suspension.

HOW A UH HAZING CASE MIGHT PROCEED

Given the University of Houston’s location, criminal hazing cases would typically be prosecuted by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. Civil lawsuits, like the Leonel Bermudez case, would be filed in Harris County civil courts or in federal court, given the potential for multi-state defendants (national fraternities) or federal claims.

Defendants could include individual UH students, the local chapter, the national fraternity, potentially the University of Houston and its Board of Regents, and any third-party property owners. As a public university, UH benefits from some sovereign immunity, but exceptions may apply in cases of gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when individual university employees are sued in their personal capacity.

WHAT UH STUDENTS & PARENTS SHOULD DO

Families in Brazos County whose children attend the University of Houston and suspect hazing should take these steps:

• Know the Bermudez Case: This ongoing lawsuit provides concrete proof of the severe hazing that can occur at UH and the legal avenues available. Use its details to recognize red flags.
• Report Immediately: Contact the UH Dean of Students Office or UHPD. Report any physical abuse, forced consumption, or severe psychological torment.
• Document Everything: The Bermudez case relies heavily on documentation. Screenshot every message, photograph every injury, and preserve any physical evidence. Our video on using your cellphone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) is a vital resource.
• Seek Legal Counsel: Given the complexity highlighted by the Pi Kappa Phi lawsuit, engaging an attorney experienced with Houston hazing cases, like Attorney911, is critical. Attorney911 is actively litigating a major hazing case against UH and Pi Kappa Phi, demonstrating our direct, current experience with these defendants in this specific jurisdiction.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution located in the state’s capital, a popular choice for many Brazos County students seeking diverse academic and social opportunities. UT has been notably proactive in publicly reporting hazing incidents, providing a transparent, albeit sometimes alarming, insight into the ongoing challenges of campus safety.

CAMPUS & CULTURE SNAPSHOT

The University of Texas at Austin is the intellectual and cultural heart of the state. With a massive student body, a fiercely competitive academic environment, and a vibrant social scene, it draws students from across Texas and beyond. Its Greek system is one of the largest and most influential in the state, alongside numerous influential spirit organizations and long-standing traditions. This dynamic atmosphere, while exciting, also brings a heightened risk of hazing incidents within various student groups.

OFFICIAL HAZING POLICY & REPORTING CHANNELS

UT Austin has a strict policy against hazing, clearly defined in its institutional rules and aligned with Texas state law. The university’s policy broadly prohibits any act that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership.

Critically, UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations page on its website (hazing.utexas.edu), which lists:

• The names of organizations found responsible for hazing.
• The specific conduct that constituted hazing.
• The dates of the incidents and the sanctions imposed.

Reporting mechanisms:

• Dean of Students Office/Student Conduct: For all hazing complaints and investigations.
• University of Texas Police Department (UTPD): For criminal acts or immediate dangers.
• Ethics and Compliance Services: For anonymous reporting of misconduct.
• Title IX Office: If the hazing involves gender-based harassment or violence.

SELECTED DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS & RESPONSES

UT Austin’s transparency in reporting provides numerous examples of varied hazing incidents:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The UT Hazing Violations page indicates this chapter was found responsible for hazing in 2023. New members were allegedly directed to consume large quantities of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. This particular incident led to disciplinary probation and specific anti-hazing education requirements. The repeated occurrence of “forced consumption” incidents (like milk or other substances) reflects a widespread hazing tactic.
• Texas Cowboys (Spirit Organization – Multiple Incidents): This highly visible spirit organization has a troubling history of hazing. Incidents documented on UT’s public log include:
  • 2018: An incident of hazing, later linked to the death of a “New Man” whose parents alleged sleep deprivation as a contributing factor in a vehicle accident. The university determined actual hazing and animal abuse (for a ritual involving a horse) had occurred, leading to significant sanctions.
  • 1995: The tragic alcohol-related drowning death of Gabriel Higgins in the Colorado River following a “silly drinking game” at an initiation party.
  • These incidents highlight the dangers inherent in some “traditions” and the broad reach of hazing beyond Greek life.
• Other Greek Organizations: Numerous other fraternities (e.g., Sigma Alpha Epsilon) and even some sororities have appeared on UT’s hazing list for various offenses, including forced alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, physical activity, and degrading acts. Each listing demonstrates the university’s official finding of hazing and often details specific behaviors.

HOW A UT AUSTIN HAZING CASE MIGHT PROCEED

Criminal hazing cases at UT Austin would be handled by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County civil courts or federal court.

Potential defendants in a civil hazing case could include individuals, the local chapter, the national organization, and The University of Texas at Austin. As a public university, UT Austin benefits from sovereign immunity, but exceptions may apply for gross negligence, specific policy failures, or when individuals are sued in their personal capacity. UT’s public Hazing Violations page is invaluable evidence in civil cases, as it can demonstrate the university’s prior knowledge of hazing within specific organizations and its alleged failure to adequately prevent recurrence.

WHAT UT AUSTIN STUDENTS & PARENTS SHOULD DO

For Brazos County families whose children attend UT Austin:

• Consult the Hazing Violations Page: Regularly check UT’s public hazing website (hazing.utexas.edu) for any disciplinary history of organizations your child may be interested in. This publicly available data is a powerful tool.
• Document All Evidence: Secure screenshots of group chats, photos of injuries, voice memos. The sheer volume of digital communication in pledge processes means valuable evidence is often available.
• Prioritize Medical Care: If hazing causes injury or extreme intoxication, immediately seek care at Dell Seton Medical Center or St. David’s Medical Center; inform medical staff it was hazing.
• Contact a Lawyer: The precedents set by UT’s public reporting and past cases strengthen the ability to build a robust civil case. Attorney911 can leverage this public information and our expertise to pursue accountability.

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY (SMU)

Southern Methodist University is a private institution known for its strong Greek life and vibrant social scene. For Brazos County families, it represents another significant option for higher education in Texas. As a private university, SMU operates under a different legal landscape than its public counterparts, which can impact hazing investigations and litigation.

CAMPUS & CULTURE SNAPSHOT

Southern Methodist University, nestled in an affluent Dallas neighborhood, is a private university with a distinct culture often characterized by strong traditions and a prominent Greek system. Its location in a major metropolitan area and its reputation as a university with an active social calendar contribute to a lively, but sometimes high-pressure, environment for students. SMU actively promotes its commitment to its values, including social responsibility, but like many institutions with a thriving fraternity and sorority ecosystem, it is not immune to hazing issues.

OFFICIAL HAZING POLICY & REPORTING CHANNELS

SMU maintains clear, comprehensive anti-hazing policies that prohibit any form of hazing by individuals or student organizations, whether on or off campus. Its policy emphasizes the protection of students’ physical and mental well-being and aligns with Texas state law.

Key reporting mechanisms at SMU:

• Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards: Oversees student conduct cases and hazing investigations.
• SMU Police Department (SMU PD): For any criminal acts or immediate threats.
• Online Hazing Reporting Form: A digital portal for anonymous or identified reports.
• Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life: Works with Greek chapters on education and compliance.

As a private institution, SMU’s internal disciplinary records regarding hazing are generally not subject to the same public disclosure laws (like FOIA) as public universities, though high-profile incidents are often covered by local media like the Dallas Morning News.

SELECTED DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS & RESPONSES

SMU has also encountered hazing incidents within its Greek community and other student organizations:

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): The Kappa Alpha Order chapter at SMU was suspended and eventually folded after a hazing investigation. Reports indicated that new members were allegedly subjected to traditions that included paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. This incident occurred during a time of heightened national scrutiny on fraternity hazing.
• Numerous other organizations: Like many universities, SMU has had various other fraternities and sororities placed on probation, suspended, or sanctioned for hazing violations involving alcohol misuse, demeaning activities, and physical challenges over the years. Details are often available through the university’s internal records or local news archives.

HOW AN SMU HAZING CASE MIGHT PROCEED

Criminal hazing cases at SMU would be prosecuted by the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. Civil lawsuits against SMU could be filed in Dallas County civil courts or federal court.

As a private university, SMU does not enjoy the same sovereign immunity protections as public institutions. This means plaintiffs may have a more direct path to suing the university itself for negligence, negligent supervision, or other tort claims. Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and Southern Methodist University directly. In situations involving property damage or injuries at off-campus houses, landlords or property owners might also be parties to a lawsuit.

WHAT SMU STUDENTS & PARENTS SHOULD DO

For Brazos County families whose children attend SMU:

• Research Local Media: Since SMU’s internal reports are less publicly accessible, rely on local Dallas news archives for coverage of hazing incidents and disciplinary actions at SMU.
• Document and Report: Immediately document any suspected hazing with screenshots, photos, and a detailed chronological log. Report through SMU’s Student Conduct office or SMU PD, making sure to retain proof of your report.
• Seek Immediate Counsel: Because SMU is a private institution, the legal approach to claims may differ from public universities. Engaging a lawyer with experience against private university defendants is crucial. Attorney911 can help navigate the particularities of a private institution’s legal defense.

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University, located in Waco, holds a unique position among Texas universities due to its strong Baptist affiliation and the values it espouses. For Brazos County families, Baylor represents a revered institution with a distinct identity. While not traditionally associated with extensive Greek life in the same way as other universities (due to its religious affiliation), Baylor has still faced hazing incidents, particularly within its athletic programs and other student groups.

CAMPUS & CULTURE SNAPSHOT

Baylor University is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas, proud of its Christian mission and commitment to academic excellence. Its campus culture emphasizes community, service, and spiritual development. While it does have fraternities and sororities, they operate within a framework that often differs from that of secular institutions, with tighter university oversight. Baylor’s athletics, particularly its highly visible football program, are a major part of campus life. The university’s strong values-based messaging and its history of intense scrutiny over past scandals make any hazing allegation particularly sensitive.

OFFICIAL HAZING POLICY & REPORTING CHANNELS

Baylor University explicitly prohibits hazing and has a “zero-tolerance” stance, which is clearly articulated in its Code of Conduct. The policy aligns with Texas law, defining hazing broadly to include acts that endanger mental or physical well-being, coerce consumption of substances, or humiliate for the purpose of affiliation.

Reporting mechanisms at Baylor include:

• Office of Student Conduct: Manages alleged violations of the Student Conduct Code, including hazing.
• Baylor University Police Department (BUPD): For criminal acts or immediate threats.
• EthicsPoint Hotline: An anonymous reporting service for concerns about mistreatment or policy violations.
• Title IX Coordinator: For hazing with any gender-based harassment or sexual violence aspects.

SELECTED DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS & RESPONSES

While Baylor’s Greek system might be perceived as less prone to traditional hazing, incidents have occurred, often within athletic teams or other student organizations, reflecting the pervasive nature of the problem:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): This incident gained significant attention when 14 Baylor baseball players were suspended following a hazing investigation. The suspensions were staggered to impact the team over the course of the season, indicating the university’s finding of widespread hazing. Details of the hazing were not publicly disclosed but the university’s response was firm.
• Other Athlete & Student Group Hazing: Over the years, other athletic teams and student organizations at Baylor have faced allegations and sanctions for hazing, often involving forced drinking, physical conditioning, or demeaning activities designed to “test” new members.

HOW A BAYLOR HAZING CASE MIGHT PROCEED

Criminal hazing cases originating from Baylor University would be prosecuted by the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office. Civil lawsuits against Baylor University would be filed in McLennan County civil courts or federal court.

As a private university, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity. This means it can be directly sued for negligence, negligent supervision, or other tort claims. Given its values-based mission and prior institutional scrutiny, any hazing lawsuit against Baylor would likely examine the university’s historical commitment to student safety, its enforcement of anti-hazing policies, and its responsiveness to prior complaints. Defendants could include individual students, the student organization (if a legal entity), and Baylor University.

WHAT BAYLOR STUDENTS & PARENTS SHOULD DO

For Brazos County families whose children attend Baylor:

• Understand Baylor’s Context: Be aware of Baylor’s unique culture and its “zero-tolerance” policy. While hazing may occur less frequently in some traditional Greek contexts here, it can manifest in other areas, such as athletic teams.
• Utilize Reporting Systems: Use Baylor’s EthicsPoint Hotline for anonymous reports, or contact the Office of Student Conduct or BUPD directly.
• Document Thoroughly: Even subtle hazing in a values-based environment can be traumatic. Document all details, including dates, times, specific acts, and witnesses.
• Consult Legal Experts: Engaging a lawyer experienced in hazing cases against private universities is crucial. Attorney911 can help ensure Baylor’s stated “zero-tolerance” is rigorously applied to your child’s case, identifying any gaps in policy or enforcement.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution located in the state’s capital. Many Brazos County students aspire to attend UT, making it a key focus for our community. UT has been notably proactive in publicly reporting hazing incidents, providing a transparent, albeit sometimes alarming, insight into the ongoing challenges of campus safety.

CAMPUS & CULTURE SNAPSHOT

The University of Texas at Austin is a diverse public research university, one of the largest in Texas. Its culture is vibrant, deeply entrenched in traditions, and known for its spirited student body. The Greek system at UT is extensive, comprising numerous fraternities and sororities, alongside highly visible and influential spirit organizations. This dynamic and competitive environment, while offering immense opportunities, also presents a complex ecosystem where hazing, despite prohibitions, continues to occur.

OFFICIAL HAZING POLICY & REPORTING CHANNELS

UT Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy, clearly articulated in its General Information Catalog and aligned with Texas state law. The policy strictly prohibits any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership in any student organization.

A key component of UT’s transparency is its public Hazing Violations website (https://hazing.utexas.edu/). This online database publicly lists:

• The names of student organizations found responsible for hazing.
• A detailed description of the hazing conduct that occurred.
• The dates of the incidents and the sanctions imposed by the university.

Reporting mechanisms:

• Dean of Students Office/Student Conduct: General intake for hazing complaints and investigation oversight.
• University of Texas Police Department (UTPD): For incidents involving criminal behavior or immediate threats.
• Ethics and Compliance Services: Confidential and anonymous reporting options.
• Title IX Office: If hazing involves gender-based components, sexual harassment, or violence.

SELECTED DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS & RESPONSES

UT Austin’s public database offers a detailed look at recurring hazing patterns:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This chapter was found responsible for hazing. Specific violations included directing new members to consume a large quantity of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, causing physical discomfort. The chapter was placed on disciplinary probation, indicating that these tactics persist despite clear rules.
• Kappa Alpha Order (Multiple Incidents): Documented on UT’s hazing report, Kappa Alpha Order has several entries. For example, in 2021, the chapter was sanctioned for hazing involving consumption of alcohol by minors and demeaning activities during an initiation event. This demonstrates a pattern of alcohol-related and humiliating hazing.
• Texas Cowboys (Spirit Organization – 2018): This highly visible spirit organization was sanctioned for an incident in 2018 that involved hazing. While not explicitly detailed on the public site for all individuals, the incident was in the news concerning the death of a “New Man” after a vehicle accident, with parental allegations that sleep deprivation from hazing was a contributing factor. The university’s investigation led to sanctions for hazing and animal cruelty.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2006): This chapter was found responsible for severe hazing in 2006, linked to the alcohol-related fall death of pledge Tyler Cross, as listed in national hazing databases. This historical context highlights persistent issues within certain national organizations.

HOW A UT AUSTIN HAZING CASE MIGHT PROCEED

Criminal hazing cases at UT Austin would be prosecuted by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County civil courts or in federal court.

Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and The University of Texas at Austin. As a public university, UT Austin benefits from sovereign immunity, but exceptions are made possible in cases of gross negligence, specific policy failures, or when individual university employees are sued in their personal capacity. UT’s public Hazing Violations page is an invaluable resource for civil cases, as it provides documented evidence of prior hazing incidents, demonstrating a pattern of behavior and the university’s knowledge of such risks.

WHAT UT AUSTIN STUDENTS & PARENTS SHOULD DO

For Brazos County families whose children attend UT Austin:

• Utilize Public Resources: Prioritize reviewing UT’s public Hazing Violations website (https://hazing.utexas.edu/) before your child joins any organization. This provides documented history others do not.
• Document Discretely: Given the transparency of UT’s reporting, any evidence you gather (screenshots, photos, personal logs) can directly corroborate existing public records, strengthening a potential case.
• Understand the Precedents: UT’s history, including high-profile cases like the Texas Cowboys (Gabriel Higgins 1995 fatality) and Sigma Alpha Epsilon (Tyler Cross 2006 fatality), shows a recurring pattern that the university and national organizations have been aware of for decades.
• Seek Experienced Legal Counsel: Contact Attorney911 for strategic advice. Our firm understands how to leverage public records, conduct thorough investigations in Austin, and build a strong case against all responsible parties, drawing on decades of hazing patterns.

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY (SMU)

Southern Methodist University is a prestigious private institution in Dallas, well-regarded among Brazos County families. Its vibrant social scene and strong Greek life necessitate continuous vigilance against hazing, and while its internal reporting is less public than state universities, incidents are routinely reported by local media.

CAMPUS & CULTURE SNAPSHOT

Southern Methodist University is a private university located in University Park, an enclave within Dallas. Attracting a highly competitive student body, SMU is known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and a prominent Greek life that significantly influences the social scene. This environment, while fostering strong community bonds, also creates an inherent risk for hazing due to exclusivity and tradition. SMU emphasizes high standards of conduct, yet like many institutions of its kind, it continues to grapple with hazing challenges.

OFFICIAL HAZING POLICY & REPORTING CHANNELS

SMU maintains clear and strict anti-hazing policies, published in the SMU Student Code of Conduct. These policies broadly define hazing to include any act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of initiation or membership, whether on or off campus.

Key reporting mechanisms at SMU:

• Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards: Manages all student conduct allegations and hazing investigations.
• SMU Police Department (SMU PD): For criminal activity or immediate threats.
• Online Reporting Form/EthicsPoint Hotline: Allows for anonymous or identified reporting of hazing and other misconduct.
• Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life: Works directly with Greek chapters on educational programming and policy enforcement.

As a private institution, SMU’s internal disciplinary records related to hazing are generally not publicly accessible in the same way as state universities. However, significant incidents are often covered by local Dallas media outlets, which can form part of a public record of sorts.

SELECTED DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS & RESPONSES

SMU has encountered hazing incidents within its Greek community, leading to disciplinary actions:

• Kappa Alpha Order Suspension (2017): The Kappa Alpha Order chapter at SMU faced a significant suspension following a hazing investigation. Reports indicated new members were allegedly subjected to physical abuse, including paddling, forced drinking of alcohol, and sleep deprivation. The chapter ultimately lost its recognition, highlighting the university’s stance against persistent hazing.
• Other Greek Life Sanctions: Over the years, other fraternities and sororities at SMU have been placed on probation, suspended, or sanctioned for hazing violations ranging from forced alcohol consumption to psychologically demeaning activities. While detailed public records are scarce, media reports and internal university communications (obtainable through legal discovery) confirm these patterns.

HOW AN SMU HAZING CASE MIGHT PROCEED

Criminal hazing cases originating from incidents at SMU would be prosecuted by the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office. Civil lawsuits against SMU or its affiliated organizations would typically be filed in Dallas County civil courts or in federal court.

As a private university, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it a more direct target for negligence-based lawsuits than public institutions. Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter (if a legal entity), the national organization, and Southern Methodist University directly. Property owners of off-campus residences where hazing occurred might also be included. Legal strategies often focus on the university’s knowledge of prior hazing, its pattern of policy enforcement, and its duty to protect students.

WHAT SMU STUDENTS & PARENTS SHOULD DO

For Brazos County families whose children attend SMU:

• Investigate Beyond Public Records: Since SMU’s records are not as publicly available, diligence requires checking local Dallas news archives and connecting with alumni networks for any hazing reports.
• Document, Document, Document: Given the potential for less public transparency, meticulous documentation of any suspected hazing is paramount. Screenshots, detailed written accounts, and medical records become vital.
• Be Prepared for Institutional Defense: Private universities often mount vigorous defenses against litigation. An experienced attorney can counter arguments about institutional oversight and ensure all available evidence is brought forth.
• Contact Attorney911: Our firm understands the unique aspects of litigating against private universities like SMU. We can conduct comprehensive investigations, pursue discovery of internal documents, and leverage our “insurance insider” knowledge to effectively challenge these institutions.

BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University in Waco is a highly respected private university with a distinct religious foundation, making it a common choice for many Brazos County families. While not traditionally known for the type of Greek life commonly found at secular schools, Baylor has and continues to confront hazing challenges, particularly within its highly visible athletic programs and other student organizations.

CAMPUS & CULTURE SNAPSHOT

Baylor University is the largest Baptist university in the world, deeply committed to a Christian mission alongside academic excellence. Its campus culture is characterized by strong community, athletic pride (especially football), and a values-based approach to student life. While traditional Greek fraternities and sororities exist, they operate under strict university oversight. Baylor’s history of managing high-profile institutional controversies in other areas (such as Title IX violations and the football program scandal) has led to increased scrutiny of its student conduct and safety policies.

OFFICIAL HAZING POLICY & REPORTING CHANNELS

Baylor University maintains a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding hazing, which is clearly articulated in its Student Conduct Code. The policy defines hazing in broad terms, consistent with Texas law, as any act endangering mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or membership in a student organization, regardless of consent.

Key reporting mechanisms at Baylor:

• Office of Student Conduct: Responsible for investigating and adjudicating hazing allegations.
• Baylor University Police Department (BUPD): For any criminal acts or immediate threats.
• Baylor Alert System/EthicsPoint Hotline: An anonymous reporting service for misconduct and policy violations.
• Title IX Office: If the hazing involves elements of sexual harassment or violence.

Baylor’s commitment to its Christian values often means additional scrutiny and a strong desire to uphold conduct standards, but the reality of student life can still present significant challenges.

SELECTED DOCUMENTED INCIDENTS & RESPONSES

Despite heightened oversight and a values-driven mission, Baylor has faced hazing incidents:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): This incident led to the suspension of 14 Baylor baseball players, impacting the team’s season. While the specific acts of hazing were not publicly detailed, the significant number of suspensions underscored the university’s finding of widespread hazing activity within the team. This highlights that hazing is not limited to Greek life, but can be deeply embedded in other student groups, particularly athletics.
• Additional Student Group Hazing: Over the years, other student organizations at Baylor, including club sports and some Greek-letter organizations, have faced investigations and sanctions for hazing. These incidents typically involved practices such as forced drinking, physical conditioning, or demeaning activities that violate university policy.

HOW A BAYLOR HAZING CASE MIGHT PROCEED

Criminal hazing cases at Baylor University would be prosecuted by the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office. Civil lawsuits against Baylor University would be filed in McLennan County civil courts or in federal court.

As a private university, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity, making it directly subject to civil litigation for negligence-based claims. Potential defendants would include individual students, the student organization (if a separate legal entity), and Baylor University directly. Given Baylor’s prior institutional challenges with student safety and misconduct, any hazing lawsuit would meticulously examine the university’s policies, its enforcement mechanisms, and its responsiveness to prior complaints, seeking to establish a pattern of knowledge or deliberate indifference.

WHAT BAYLOR STUDENTS & PARENTS SHOULD DO

For Brazos County families whose children attend Baylor:

• Be Vigilant in All Groups: Do not assume hazing is absent due to Baylor’s Christian affiliation or Greek life structure. It can occur in athletic teams, interest groups, and even academically focused clubs.
• Report Anonymously if Necessary: Use Baylor’s EthicsPoint Hotline if you fear retaliation or want to report anonymously.
• Document Everything: Meticulous record-keeping—screenshots, photos, detailed written accounts of incidents, dates, and names—is crucial. This evidence is vital, especially when dealing with private institutions where records are not always publicly transparent.
• Consult with Legal Counsel: Contact Attorney911 for a confidential consultation. Our firm is experienced in litigating against private universities and can help families navigate Baylor’s systems, investigate allegations thoroughly, and pursue accountability for any harms suffered. Understanding the intricacies of private institutional defenses is key to a successful outcome.

FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES: CAMPUS-SPECIFIC + NATIONAL HISTORIES

A critical component of understanding hazing liability for Brazos County families is recognizing that local chapters are rarely isolated entities. They are typically extensions of national organizations, which often have a long, and sometimes tragic, history of hazing incidents across the country. This national pattern evidence is invaluable in building a strong legal case, demonstrating foreseeability and systemic issues that national headquarters often try to distance themselves from.

WHY NATIONAL HISTORIES MATTER IN TEXAS HAZING CASES

When we talk about hazing, especially at major Texas institutions like A&M, UH, UT, SMU, and Baylor, we’re often talking about local chapters of national fraternities and sororities. These national entities, by their very nature, face a recurring challenge: the desire of local chapters to perpetuate “traditions” that often cross the line into hazing.

• Forseeability: National organizations develop comprehensive anti-hazing policies, educational programs, and risk management guidelines precisely because they are aware of the recurring problem across their chapters. When a local chapter in Texas repeats a hazing ritual—like a “Big/Little” drinking event or forced calisthenics—that has already caused death or severe injury at another chapter in a different state, it becomes incredibly difficult for the national organization to claim they “couldn’t have foreseen” the danger. This concept of foreseeability is a cornerstone of negligence claims in civil lawsuits.
• Pattern Evidence: A civil lawsuit can introduce “pattern evidence” to show that a national organization has a history of similar hazing incidents across its network of chapters. This demonstrates that they had ample notice of the risks associated with certain “traditions” or behaviors but allegedly failed to take sufficient action to prevent them.
• Institutional Accountability: The legal strategy often extends beyond the individual students directly involved to hold the national organization accountable for negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or deliberate indifference to known risks. This is a key reason why settlements and verdicts in hazing cases can reach multi-million dollar figures, as national organizations typically hold the significant insurance policies.

ORGANIZATION MAPPING: HAZING HISTORIES AT NATIONAL LEVELS

Here, we provide an overview of some prominent national fraternities and hazing incidents that have gained national attention, many of which have chapters at Texas universities. This is not an exhaustive list, and the presence of a chapter at a Texas university does not mean that specific chapter has engaged in hazing, but rather illustrates the national organization’s history that may be relevant in litigation.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike):

  • National History: Pi Kappa Alpha has a deeply troubling national history of hazing incidents, particularly involving forced alcohol consumption during “Big/Little” events.
  • Notable Incidents:
    • Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021): Died from alcohol poisoning during a “Big/Little” night. This led to multiple criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement with the national fraternity and university.
    • David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University (2012): Died from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event, resulting in a $14 million settlement for his family.
  • Significance: These cases provide direct evidence of the severe risks associated with a known hazing pattern that could directly inform cases involving Pi Kappa Alpha chapters at Texas universities, including A&M or UT.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE):

  • National History: Sigma Alpha Epsilon has been infamously dubbed “America’s deadliest fraternity” by Bloomberg News due to a high number of hazing-related deaths over the years. This led to their national organization temporarily banning pledging entirely in 2014, a policy they later rescinded.
  • Notable Incidents:
    • Tyler Cross – University of Texas (2006): Died in an alcohol-related fall linked to hazing, showcasing a prior incident at a Texas chapter.
    • Carson Starkey – Cal Poly (2008): Died from alcohol poisoning during a pledge event.
    • University of Alabama – Traumatic Brain Injury (2023): A lawsuit alleged a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual.
  • Significance: SAE’s extensive national hazing history, coupled with incidents at Texas chapters, provides a strong basis to argue foreseeability and a pattern of alleged deficient risk management by the national organization.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

  • National History: Phi Delta Theta has also faced severe hazing allegations and related deaths nationally.
  • Notable Incidents:
    • Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017): Died from alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” drinking game, leading to a $6.1 million verdict and the Max Gruver Act.
    • Chad Saucier – Auburn University (1993): Died from alcohol intoxication following a “bottle exchange” event.
  • Significance: These incidents illustrate repeated failure to prevent forced alcohol consumption, providing strong background for any hazing incidents involving Phi Delta Theta chapters at Texas universities like A&M or UT.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

  • National History: Pi Kappa Phi has a documented national history of hazing-related fatalities and severe injuries.
  • Notable Incidents:
    • Leonel Bermudez – University of Houston (2025): Currently litigated by Attorney911, this $10 million lawsuit details severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure from alleged prolonged, physically abusive hazing (documented earlier in this article). This case serves as a direct, current example of alleged hazing that may be part of a national pattern in a Texas chapter.
    • Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017): Died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night,” leading to criminal charges and civil litigation.
  • Significance: The Attorney911 lawsuit involving Pi Kappa Phi at UH directly demonstrates our firm’s expertise in litigating against this national organization in Texas courts, linking local conduct to broader national patterns.

• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ):

  • National History: Kappa Sigma has been involved in several hazing incidents, including a significant fatality.
  • Notable Incidents:
    • Chad Meredith – University of Miami (2001): Drowned after being pressured to retrieve a lost object while intoxicated during hazing, leading to a $12.6 million verdict against the fraternity and individuals, and the Chad Meredith Law in Florida.
  • Significance: The Meredith case highlighted the dangers of alcohol-fueled, reckless physical activities disguised as hazing challenges, a pattern that can recur across Kappa Sigma chapters nationally.

• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI):

  • National History: Phi Gamma Delta has garnered national attention for a particularly severe hazing case.
  • Notable Incidents:
    • Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (2021): Suffered severe, permanent brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” night. This led to multi-million dollar settlements with over 20 defendants.
  • Significance: The Santulli case is a stark warning about the catastrophic non-fatal injuries that can result from hazing and the massive financial liability that can arise for national organizations.

TIE BACK TO LEGAL STRATEGY FOR BRAZOS COUNTY FAMILIES

For Brazos County families pursuing a hazing claim, understanding these national patterns is crucial:

• Establishing Foreseeability: When a national organization has a proven history of similar hazing incidents at various chapters, it strengthens the argument that they knew or should have known the dangers of such activities. This makes it harder for them to claim a local incident was an “unforeseeable accident.”
• Challenging “Rogue Chapter” Defenses: National organizations often try to deflect blame by claiming a local chapter acted as “rogue individuals” against official policies. A pattern of similar past incidents can dismantle this defense, showing a systemic issue or at least a failure to effectively police their chapters.
• Driving Settlements: The sheer volume of high-dollar settlements and verdicts against national fraternities demonstrates that they (and their insurers) are acutely aware of their legal exposure. This can be powerful leverage in settlement negotiations, especially when a Texas case aligns with a national pattern.
• Attorney911’s Advantage: Our Legal Emergency Lawyers™ meticulously track these national patterns and leverage them in Texas hazing litigation. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) is particularly valuable here, as she intimately understands how national fraternities and universities defend these claims and the arguments their insurance carriers will use. We know how to uncover prior incidents, understand their risk management failures, and effectively combat their defense strategies.

BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY

Building a successful hazing case demands meticulous attention to detail, a deep understanding of legal strategy, and the ability to confront powerful institutional defendants. For Brazos County families who have experienced the trauma of hazing, the process of seeking justice involves a comprehensive approach to evidence collection, a clear understanding of potential damages, and a strategic legal plan.

EVIDENCE: THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR CASE

In today’s interconnected world, evidence in hazing cases is more abundant than ever, but it can also be ephemeral. Rapid and thorough collection is paramount. Attorney911’s video on using your cellphone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) is an excellent starting point for families gathering initial records.

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical evidence.

  • Group Messaging Apps (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, Instagram DMs): These platforms are used to plan, command, and document hazing activities. They show who was involved, what commands were given, emotional manipulation, and internal acknowledgments of hazing. Screenshots must capture entire threads, timestamps, and participants. Our legal team can engage digital forensic experts to recover deleted messages, but original captures are best.
  • Social Media Posts: Public or private posts, stories, and videos on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, or Facebook can reveal humiliating acts, forced consumption, or the atmosphere of hazing events. Location tags, captions, and comments provide context.
  • Emails and Text Messages: Official communications, specific instructions, or individual taunts via email and text messages are essential.

• Photos & Videos:

  • Injuries: Document all physical injuries with photos at multiple angles and over several days to show progression. Include a ruler or common object for scale.
  • Hazing Events: Any photos or videos captured by participants (often during “fun” moments or dares) can be damning evidence, showing forced activities, excessive drinking, or humiliating acts.
  • Locations/Objects: Photos of the hazing location (rooms, off-campus house), or specific objects used (paddles, liquor bottles, degrading costumes) are important.

• Internal Organization Documents: These can be obtained through legal discovery.

  • Pledge Manuals/Initiation Scripts: These often contain “traditions” that constitute hazing.
  • National Policies and Training Materials: Show what the national organization knew and what guidelines they provided.
  • Correspondence: Communications between local chapters, national headquarters, and university advisors can reveal awareness or deliberate indifference to hazing.

• University Records: These are vital for establishing knowledge and prior patterns.

  • Prior Conduct Files: Disciplinary actions against the specific chapter or individuals for past hazing, alcohol violations, or other misconduct.
  • Campus Police Reports: Incident reports filed with the University Police Department (e.g., UHPD, UTPD, BUPD).
  • Clery Act Records & Hazing Reports (like UT Austin’s public database): These annual reports and specific hazing disclosures can reveal patterns of misconduct and the university’s prior knowledge.
  • Internal Communications: Emails among university administrators regarding the organization or specific hazing allegations (often obtained via subpoena).

• Medical and Psychological Records:

  • Emergency Room/Hospital Records: Detailed accounts of injuries, toxicology reports (blood alcohol content), lab results (e.g., for rhabdomyolysis), and treatment. It is crucial to state that the injuries were due to hazing when seeking medical attention so it is documented.
  • Therapy/Counseling Records: Psychological evaluations and ongoing therapy notes document the severe mental and emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression) caused by hazing.

• Witness Testimony:

  • Other Pledges/New Members: Often reluctant to come forward, but their accounts are powerful. Protecting their anonymity and safety is paramount when working with an attorney.
  • Former Members/Bystanders: Individuals who have left the organization or witnessed the hazing.
  • University Staff/Advisors: Those who may have had knowledge or a duty to intervene.

DAMAGES: COMPENSATING THE FULL EXTENT OF HARM

Hazing inflicts deep, multifaceted harm, and civil litigation seeks to provide comprehensive compensation. Appendix E outlines the legal categories for these damages.

• Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):

  • Medical Expenses: All past medical bills (emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation) and projected future medical costs (ongoing therapy, medications, potential long-term care for catastrophic injuries).
  • Lost Income & Educational Impact: Compensation for lost wages due to injury or recovery, as well as the long-term impact on earning capacity if the victim has a permanent disability. This also includes lost scholarships, missed tuition, and delayed career entry due to academic setbacks.
  • Other Costs: Costs for transferring to a different school, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses.

• Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Losses):

  • Physical Pain & Suffering: Compensation for the actual physical pain endured from injuries.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: Awards for conditions like PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and the profound trauma and humiliation of hazing. This often requires expert testimony from psychologists.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, and social life that the victim once enjoyed, and the overall reduced quality of life.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families):

  • In cases where hazing results in fatality, certain family members (spouse, children, parents) can claim damages for:
    • Funeral and Burial Costs.
    • Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased would have contributed financially to the family over their lifetime.
    • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: Recognizes the profound emotional loss suffered by family members.
    • Grief and Emotional Suffering: Compensation for the immense sorrow and trauma experienced by the family.

• Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct, where defendants acted with extreme recklessness or malicious intent (e.g., repeatedly ignoring warnings, covering up incidents), juries may award punitive damages. These are designed to punish the wrongdoers and deter similar behavior in the future.

ROLE OF DIFFERENT DEFENDANTS AND INSURANCE COVERAGE

Understanding which entities can be held liable and how insurance applies is key to a successful hazing claim.

• Multiple Defendants: As outlined in Section 3.4, individuals, local chapters, national organizations, universities, and third parties can all be named as defendants. Suing multiple parties maximizes the potential for recovery and ensures comprehensive accountability.
• Insurance Coverage: National fraternities, universities, and sometimes even individual officers typically carry substantial insurance policies. These policies are designed to cover liability for negligence. However, insurers often try to:
  • Deny Coverage: Arguing that hazing (especially “intentional acts”) is excluded from coverage.
  • Delay Payment: Using various tactics to prolong the claims process.
• Attorney911’s Expertise: Our firm’s unique advantage comes from Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/). She intimately understands how fraternities and universities and their insurers fight these claims. We know their “playbook” and how to counter their arguments, ensuring coverage is activated and negotiating for maximum compensation for our clients. Ralph Manginello’s experience litigating against massive corporations (like in the BP Texas City explosion) further empowers Attorney911 to challenge even the largest institutional defendants. Our firm knows how to identify all potential insurance coverage and aggressively pursue it on behalf of hazing victims.

STRATEGY: A MULTI-FACETED APPROACH

Building a powerful hazing case involves strategic planning and execution:

• Thorough Investigation: We meticulously gather all evidence, including digital forensics, medical records analysis, and witness interviews.
• Expert Consultation: We work with medical experts (to establish causation and permanence of injuries), economists (to quantify lost earning capacity), and psychologists (to document mental and emotional trauma).
• Legal Force: We pursue all liable parties, leveraging national hazing precedents and the specific laws of Texas to build an unassailable case. This includes aggressively navigating discovery to uncover internal documents, communications, and prior incident reports that defendants often try to conceal.
• Filing in State or Federal Court: Depending on the specific circumstances, the case may be strategically filed in state or federal court to maximize jurisdictional advantages and potential for recovery.
• Settlement or Trial: While many cases settle, Attorney911 prepares every case for trial. Our willingness to go to court sends a clear message to defendants and their insurers that we are prepared to fight for full justice.

PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS

Navigating a hazing crisis is an emotional and confusing time for families in Brazos County. Knowing what actions to take—and what to avoid—can make a critical difference in ensuring safety, preserving evidence, and ultimately building a case for justice.

FOR PARENTS: RECOGNIZING & RESPONDING TO HAZING

Parents are often the first to notice changes in their child, even if the child is sworn to secrecy. Trust your instincts.

WARNING SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY BE BEING HAZED

Physical Signs:

• Unexplained injuries: Bruises, scrapes, burns, or “accidents” that don’t add up or occur at suspicious times (e.g., after late-night events).
• Extreme fatigue & sleep deprivation: Constant exhaustion, falling asleep in class, or in unusual places.
• Sudden or drastic weight changes: Rapid weight loss (from food/water restriction) or gain (from forced consumption).
• Illness: Frequent colds, flu-like symptoms, or more severe conditions like mononucleosis due to stress and exhaustion.
• Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use: Even if your child doesn’t typically drink or use drugs, hazing can force them to.

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

• Sudden secrecy: Vague answers about activities, reluctance to talk about the organization, or outright lying.
• Withdrawal: Retreating from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities and interests.
• Personality changes: Increased anxiety, irritability, depression, sudden outbursts, or persistent sadness.
• Fear/Paranoia: Appearing jumpy, anxious when their phone rings, or fearful of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down.”
• Obsession with the organization: Prioritizing group activities over academics, health, or personal relationships.
• Euphemistic language: Referring to hazing as “tradition,” “bonding,” or “just something we have to get through.”

Academic Red Flags:

• Dropping grades: A sudden decline in academic performance.
• Missing classes or assignments: Especially if it’s for mandatory “new member” events.

Digital / Social Behavior:

• Anxiety around phone: Constantly checking messages, but becoming anxious if the phone rings or pings.
• Deleting messages: Deleting group chats, photos, or social media posts.
• Online humiliation: Being tagged in embarrassing photos or videos on social media.

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD

• Choose a neutral time: When you’re both calm and alone, away from campus.
• Start with empathy: “I’ve noticed you seem tired recently,” or “I’m concerned about you, you don’t seem like yourself.”
• Avoid judgment: Frame it as concern for their well-being, not accusations.
• Ask open-ended questions: Instead of “Are they hazing you?”, try “What kinds of new member activities have you been doing?” or “What’s been the hardest part about pledging?”
• Emphasize unconditional support: Make it clear that your love and support are not dependent on them staying in the organization.
• Focus on safety over status: Remind them that no organization is worth their health or well-being.
• Reassure confidentiality: Let them know you won’t immediately report anything without their input (unless they are in immediate danger).

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHILD IS HURT OR IN IMMINENT DANGER

• Call 911 immediately: If your child is unconscious, severely injured, dangerously intoxicated, or threatening self-harm. Do not hesitate; their life could depend on it.
• Seek medical attention: Even for less severe injuries, get professional medical evaluation. Ensure medical staff document that injuries were sustained during hazing.
• Remove them from the situation: Get your child to a safe place (your home, a hotel, a trusted relative’s house).
• Document everything: Take photos of injuries. Write down dates, times, people involved, specific acts, and conversations.

WHEN TO TALK TO A LAWYER

Contact Attorney911 if your child has experienced:

• Significant physical injuries requiring medical attention.
• Severe psychological distress (anxiety, depression, PTSD symptoms).
• Lost academic standing or significant financial losses due to hazing.
• If you suspect the university or organization is minimizing or covering up the incident.

FOR STUDENTS / PLEDGES: SELF-ASSESSMENT & SAFETY PLANNING

You have rights, and your safety is paramount. No organization is worth sacrificing your well-being.

IS THIS HAZING OR JUST TRADITION? ASK YOURSELF:

• Secrecy: Am I forced to keep secrets from anyone outside the group (parents, friends, university officials)?
• Humiliation: Am I doing anything that causes me embarrassment, ridicule, or demeans me?
• Safety: Does this activity endanger my physical or mental health? (e.g., forced exercise, sleep deprivation, excessive drinking, uncomfortable temperatures).
• Control: Do I feel like I have to do this activity to be accepted or to avoid negative consequences?
• Unequal Treatment: Are new members being singled out or forced to do things older members aren’t doing?
• Illegal: Does this activity involve anything illegal (underage drinking, theft, assault)?
• Integrity: Does this activity go against my personal values or sense of dignity?

If you answered YES to any of these, it’s very likely hazing.

WHY “CONSENT” ISN’T THE END OF THE STORY

Organizations may say you “consented” or “volunteered,” but true consent can’t exist under pressure, fear, or power imbalances. The law, particularly in Texas, recognizes this: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. You are the victim, not an accomplice, if you were coerced into participation.

EXITING AND REPORTING SAFELY

• Prioritize your safety: If you feel directly threatened or in physical danger, remove yourself from the situation immediately, call 911 or campus police (e.g., Texas A&M UPD at (979) 845-2345, UHPD at (713) 743-3333, UTPD at (512) 471-4441, SMU PD at (214) 768-3333, Baylor BUPD at (254) 710-2222).
• You have the right to leave: You can quit pledging or membership at any time. You do not need anyone’s permission.
• Tell someone trusted: Inform a parent, a resident advisor, a close friend, or a trusted faculty member about your decision to leave and your reasons why.
• Document your exit: If you fear retaliation, send an email or text (from a safe location) to the chapter president and new member educator stating you are resigning immediately.
• Good-faith reporting & amnesty: In Texas, if you, or anyone needing help due to an alcohol or drug-related emergency, call 911, you may be protected from criminal charges under the Good Samaritan law. Your priority should always be getting help.

EVIDENCE COLLECTION (CRITICAL FOR STUDENTS)

Your phone is your most powerful tool. Our Legal Emergency Lawyers™ recommend using your cellphone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs).

1. Screenshots: Of all group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, text messages, Snapchat, Instagram DMs). Capture names, dates, times, and full conversations. Do this as soon as you see problematic messages.
2. Photos/Videos: Of injuries, hazing activities, locations, or objects used (paddles, excessive alcohol).
3. Voice Memos: If legal in your state (Texas is a one-party consent state, meaning you can record conversations you are part of), record conversations where hazing is discussed or occurs.
4. Medical Records: If you seek medical attention, tell the healthcare provider that your injuries are related to hazing. Request all records.
5. Log Everything: Keep a private journal or digital log of dates, times, what happened, who was there, and how you felt.

FOR FORMER MEMBERS / WITNESSES

If you witnessed hazing or were involved and now regret it, you have an opportunity to make a difference and prevent future tragedies.

• Your testimony is powerful: You have direct knowledge that can help build a strong case against those responsible and protect future students.
• Anonymity and Protection: An attorney can advise you on how to provide information while protecting your privacy, potentially seeking immunity, if applicable, or negotiating terms of cooperation.
• Legal Advice for Dual Exposure: If you were involved in hazing, you may also face criminal or civil exposure. An attorney can help you understand your rights and potential liabilities, finding the best path forward while minimizing your risk.
• It’s never too late to do the right thing: Even if you’ve been silent for a while, your information can still be vital.

CRITICAL MISTAKES THAT CAN DESTROY YOUR CASE

The decisions you make in the immediate aftermath of a hazing incident can have a profound impact on your ability to seek justice. Avoid these common missteps that can undermine a hazing claim:

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

   • Mistake: Believing it will “protect” your child from trouble. Hazing groups will often pressure new members to delete evidence.
   • Why It’s Wrong: This destroys crucial proof of hazing, making it much harder to prove harm and liability. It can even be viewed as obstruction, although typically by the perpetrators.
   • What To Do: Preserve everything—screenshots of group chats, photos, videos. If in doubt, back it up. Our video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY), details the importance of evidence.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • Mistake: Wanting immediate answers or seeking an apology.
   • Why It’s Wrong: This alerts the organization, allowing them to destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses before you have collected your own.
   • What To Do: Document everything quietly, then consult with a lawyer, who can advise on appropriate communication.

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

   • Mistake: Accepting an internal university resolution, a small payout, or signing waivers under pressure.
   • Why It’s Wrong: You may inadvertently waive your legal rights to pursue a civil lawsuit, and any settlement from the university is likely to be far less than the true value of your claim.
   • What To Do: Never sign anything from the university or an insurance company without having an attorney review and advise you.

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

   • Mistake: Wanting to alert others or vent frustration publicly.
   • Why It’s Wrong: Public posts can be used against you, expose inconsistencies, or even waive your right to privacy in the litigation process. They alert defendants, who will screenshot everything.
   • What To Do: Keep all information private or discuss only with trusted legal counsel. Your lawyer will strategize any public messaging.

5. Letting Your Child Return to “One Last Meeting” After Expressing Concerns:

   • Mistake: Trying to secure an apology or simply wanting closure.
   • Why It’s Wrong: This environment is often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can be used against your child in a future legal case.
   • What To Do: Once you are considering legal action, all communications should ideally go through your attorney.

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

   • Mistake: Believing the university’s internal process will result in full justice and compensation.
   • Why It’s Wrong: University investigations are often self-serving, aimed at protecting the institution’s reputation. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run.
   • What To Do: While cooperating with a university investigation is fine, simultaneously consult with an attorney to protect your family’s separate interests.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:

   • Mistake: Believing the adjuster is on your side or that they just need a quick statement.
   • Why It’s Wrong: Insurance adjusters represent the interests of their policyholder (the fraternity, university, or individual), not yours. Recorded statements can be used to undervalue or deny your claim.
   • What To Do: Politely state that your attorney will be in contact, then reach out to Attorney911 immediately.

SHORT FAQ

“CAN I SUE A UNIVERSITY FOR HAZING IN TEXAS?”

Yes, under certain circumstances. For public universities like Texas A&M, UH, and UT Austin, the doctrine of sovereign immunity generally protects them from lawsuits unless specific waivers apply. However, exceptions can be made for gross negligence, certain constitutional violations, or when Title IX (gender discrimination) is involved. Individual university employees might also be sued in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor generally do not have sovereign immunity, making them more directly suable for negligence. Every case depends on its specific facts; consulting with an attorney for a case-specific analysis is crucial.

“IS HAZING A FELONY IN TEXAS?”

Yes, it can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Otherwise, it is typically a misdemeanor. Individuals who fail to report hazing or retaliate against someone who reports hazing can also face misdemeanor charges.

“CAN MY CHILD BRING A CASE IF THEY ‘AGREED’ TO THE INITIATION?”

Absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that true consent is often impossible in an environment of peer pressure, power imbalances, and fear of exclusion. Your child is a victim, regardless of perceived “agreement.”

“HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO FILE A HAZING LAWSUIT?”

Generally, in Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is two years from the date of the injury or death. However, this period can sometimes be extended under certain circumstances, such as the “discovery rule” (when the harm wasn’t immediately known) or if fraudulent concealment occurred. Time is a critical factor in these cases, as evidence can quickly disappear. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) provides more detail. It is imperative to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

“WHAT IF THE HAZING HAPPENED OFF-CAMPUS OR AT A PRIVATE HOUSE?”

The location of the hazing does not necessarily absolve organizations or institutions of liability. Many significant hazing cases, including the Michael Deng case (Pi Delta Psi retreat) and the Stone Foltz case (Pi Kappa Alpha off-campus “Big/Little” event), occurred off-campus yet still resulted in multi-million dollar judgments. Universities and national organizations can be held liable based on their sponsorship, control over the student group, knowledge of the activity, and foreseeability of harm, regardless of whether it was on university property.

“WILL THIS BE CONFIDENTIAL, OR WILL MY CHILD’S NAME BE IN THE NEWS?”

While high-profile hazing lawsuits can sometimes attract media attention, many cases are resolved through confidential settlements before trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy and work to protect your child’s identity while pursuing accountability. Our Legal Emergency Lawyers™ will discuss strategies to manage public exposure while still fighting for justice.

ABOUT THE MANGINELLO LAW FIRM + CALL TO ACTION

When your family faces a hazing case in Texas, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need Legal Emergency Lawyers™ who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we bring a unique blend of legal expertise, tenacity, and deep local knowledge to every hazing case.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Brazos County and surrounding areas. We recognize that hazing at major Texas universities, whether it’s just a few miles down the road at Texas A&M, or at UH, UT, SMU, or Baylor, impacts families like yours right here in our community. We have the resources and experience to take on these complex cases, from thorough investigation against powerful institutional defendants to navigating the intricate world of insurance claims.

Our firm’s qualifications are particularly well-suited for the challenges hazing cases present:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Associate Attorney Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm is invaluable. She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies evaluate, defend, and (often) undervalue hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. This gives us a significant edge in negotiations and litigation.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Founding Partner Ralph Manginello is a trial-tested attorney with over 25 years of experience. His involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our ability to take on billion-dollar corporations and navigate complex federal court cases. We are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in securing multi-million dollar results for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. This includes working with economists to value lifetime care needs for brain injuries or permanent disabilities, and pursuing full compensation for the profound losses suffered by families. Our dedicated wrongful death page (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/) details our commitment to these sensitive cases.

• Dual Criminal & Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores our understanding of both the civil and criminal aspects of hazing. When hazing leads to criminal charges, we can advise on how those proceedings may interact with a civil lawsuit, offering comprehensive guidance for our clients. Our criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can advise on criminal exposure while fighting the civil case.

• Unmatched Investigative Depth: We meticulously investigate hazing cases, securing crucial evidence like deleted group chats and social media content through digital forensics, subpoenaing national fraternity and university records for patterns of previous misconduct, and collaborating with top medical and psychological experts to document the full extent of physical and emotional harm.

Whether you’re in Brazos County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. We want to hear from you.

CALL TO ACTION: Your Path to Accountability Starts Here

If your child has been affected by hazing at Texas A&M, the University of Houston, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any Texas campus, we urge you to contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will provide a compassionate ear, a clear explanation of your legal options under Texas law, and strategic advice on the best path forward for your family.

You have questions, and we have answers. There’s no cost to you unless we win your case, thanks to our contingency fee structure. Our video “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc) explains this in detail.

Contact The Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Today:

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

Hablamos Español: If you prefer communication in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

The Manginello Law Firm has the knowledge, experience, and dedication to fight for justice for hazing victims and their families in Brazos County and across Texas. Your comprehensive legal solution is just a phone call away.

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.

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