California Hazing Lawyers: A Texas Guide for the Golden State

The Golden State of California, renowned for its diverse landscapes from the sun-drenched beaches of Los Angeles to the bustling tech hubs of San Jose and beyond, is home to a vibrant community. Families here strive to provide the best for their children, often eyeing premier educational institutions both within California and across the nation. When those children leave for college, often heading to esteemed universities in Texas like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, parents anticipate growth, learning, and exciting new experiences. They certainly do not expect their child to become a victim of hazing – a dangerous and often hidden practice that can turn academic dreams into devastating nightmares.

Imagine a parent in California receiving a late-night call: their child, a bright-eyed freshman who just moved halfway across the country to attend a prestigious Texas university, has collapsed and been hospitalized after an “initiation ritual” at an off-campus fraternity house. Photos surface of their child being forced to consume excessive alcohol, subjected to degrading acts, and pushed to physical exhaustion. Other students were pressured to film the ordeal, chanting and laughing, while a culture of silence prevented anyone from calling for help until it was too late. Their child, feeling trapped between loyalty to the group and their own safety, now lies in a hospital bed, facing potentially life-altering injuries.

This is not a hypothetical scenario; it’s a tragic reality for families nationwide, and it strikes heartbreakingly close to home for parents in California whose children attend universities with active Greek life and student organizations.

This guide is for you – California families, parents, and students – whether you’re supporting a child attending a university here in California or at one of Texas’s prominent institutions. It’s a comprehensive resource designed to shed light on hazing incidents, legal frameworks, and the devastating impact of these practices. We will delve into:

What modern hazing truly entails, far beyond outdated stereotypes.
The specific legal framework for hazing in Texas and its federal overlay, relevant to any California family whose child attends a Texas university.
Lessons from major national hazing cases, and how their patterns are tragically echoed at schools like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.
How the national histories and local chapter conduct of fraternities and sororities contribute to liability and risk assessment.
Your legal options as victims and families in California and throughout Texas.

While this article provides general information, it is not a substitute for specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm is committed to advocating for justice and can provide confidential evaluations for your individual case. We are focused on protecting students and holding institutions accountable, ensuring that every family feels supported and informed.

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

When California families think of hazing, images from old movies or news headlines might come to mind – the classic “Hell Week” challenges, late-night rituals, or paddles as symbols of initiation. However, hazing in 2025 has evolved. It’s often subtler, more insidious, and deeply intertwined with social pressure and the digital landscape. It preys on a young person’s desire to belong and can escalate rapidly from seemingly harmless acts into life-threatening situations. The core definition remains: any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits.

This is not merely “horseplay” or “a right of passage” if it involves elements of coercion, humiliation, or risk. Unfortunately, both silence and secrecy enable hazing to persist, often devastating young lives and careers.

Understanding the Main Categories of Hazing

To truly grasp the modern face of hazing, it helps to categorize its various forms. These tiers often represent a dangerous escalation, but even the “subtle” forms are destructive and illegal.

Subtle Hazing: These behaviors emphasize a power imbalance, often dismissed as “harmless traditions,” but they pave the way for more severe abuse.
- Deception and Secrecy: New members are told to lie about activities to parents, university officials, or outsiders.
- Servitude: Requiring pledges to perform personal errands, clean rooms, or act as designated drivers for older members. This often includes being “on call 24/7.”
- Social Isolation: Preventing new members from interacting with non-members, or requiring permission to socialize.
- Deprivation: Restricted access to privileges granted to older members, such as sitting in certain areas or using specific entrances.
- Academic Interference: Mandatory late-night activities or meetings that conflict with academic responsibilities, leading to sleep deprivation or missed classes.
- Modern Digital Control: Constant demands for immediate responses in group chats, mandatory location sharing via apps, and controlling social media posts.
Harassment Hazing: This tier involves actions that cause emotional or physical discomfort, creating a hostile and abusive atmosphere.
- Verbal Abuse: Constant yelling, screaming, insults, and degrading language.
- Sleep and Food Deprivation: Organized activities that intentionally restrict sleep (e.g., late-night “meetings” for multiple consecutive nights) or limit access to meals. Forced consumption of unpleasant or excessive foods.
- Forced Strenuous Physical Activity: “Smokings” or calisthenics (hundreds of push-ups, wall sits) used as punishment, disguised as “conditioning.”
- Public Humiliation: Forcing new members to perform embarrassing acts in public or creating social media content that degrades them.
- Disgusting Conditions: Exposure to unsanitary environments or being covered in food and other substances.
Violent Hazing: These are activities with a high potential for severe physical injury, psychological trauma, sexual assault, or even death.
- Forced Alcohol or Substance Consumption: This is the most common factor in hazing fatalities. It includes “lineup” drinking, “Big/Little” rituals involving entire bottles of hard liquor, or “drinking games” where resistance is punished.
- Physical Beatings: Paddling, punches, kicks, or slaps. This can also include “branding” with hot objects.
- Dangerous Physical Tests: Blindfolded tackling, forced fights, or other high-risk stunts presented as “challenges.”
- Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, or coercion into sexually degrading situations.
- Extreme Environmental Exposure: Forced outdoor exposure in severe weather conditions or being confined in dangerous spaces.
- Modern “Retreat” Hazing: Moving violent hazing to unsupervised off-campus locations such as Airbnbs or remote properties to evade university oversight and surveillance, as dramatically seen in the Michael Deng case.
- Chemical Hazing: As demonstrated in serious incidents, including the alleged chemical burn hazing at Texas A&M, where pledges were reportedly covered in industrial cleaner.
- Fire/Burn Hazing: Extreme cases where individuals are intentionally subjected to fire or burns during rituals.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

A common misconception is that hazing is exclusively a “fraternity problem.” While Greek life often features in headlines, the reality is far broader. Hazing is rooted in power dynamics and the desire to control entry into a group, which can manifest in almost any student organization.

Fraternities and Sororities: This includes social Greek letter organizations (Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) for historically Black Greek letter organizations, and multicultural Greek chapters.
Corps of Cadets and ROTC: The military-style culture in groups like the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, while emphasizing discipline and tradition, has also been associated with hazing allegations involving physical and psychological torment.
Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to cheerleading and club sports, hazing can occur as a “bonding” ritual, often involving excessive alcohol, physical abuse, or humiliation. The Northwestern University hazing scandal brought this to national attention.
Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can foster hazing environments, as evidenced by the tragic case of Robert Champion and the Florida A&M marching band.
Spirit Squads, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group that grants status or membership based on initiation can fall prey to hazing, showcasing that the issue transcends specific organizational types.

The persistence of hazing is underpinned by intense social pressure, the desire for acceptance, and a deeply ingrained culture of secrecy. New members are often told that “what happens here stays here,” creating a formidable barrier to reporting and intervention. This culture of silence makes it incredibly difficult for California parents to detect when their child is in danger, especially when they are far from home attending a Texas university.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in California whose children attend universities in Texas, understanding the legal landscape around hazing is crucial. Texas has specific laws designed to combat hazing, and these are often reinforced by federal regulations and the possibility of civil litigation.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Under Texas law (Texas Education Code Chapter 37, Subchapter F), hazing is broadly and specifically defined. This definition covers intentional, knowing, or reckless acts directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students. Crucially, this applies if the act endangers the physical or mental health or safety of the student.

Key aspects of Texas hazing law for California families:

Broad Scope: The law applies to incidents both on or off campus, eliminating the “it happened off-campus, so it’s not the university’s problem” defense.
Mental and Physical Harm: It addresses both physical dangers (like forced exercise, beatings, or excessive alcohol consumption) and mental anguish (such as extreme humiliation, intimidation, or sustained psychological abuse).
Reckless Conduct: The law doesn’t require malicious intent. If an individual or group acts recklessly, meaning they knew or should have known their actions created a substantial risk of harm, they can be held accountable.
“Consent” is Not a Defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that a student’s agreement or “consent” to hazing activities is not a legal defense. This recognizes that power imbalances and peer pressure negate true voluntary consent in these situations.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing:

Class B Misdemeanor: This is the default classification for hazing. Conviction can lead to up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical attention.
State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This means hazing can be a severe criminal offense with significant prison time.

(Texas Education Code § 37.152.)

Beyond direct participation, the law also penalizes:

Failure to Report: Any student who is aware of hazing and fails to report it to appropriate officials can be charged with a misdemeanor.
Retaliation: Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Organizational Liability:

Chapters, fraternities, sororities, or any student organization can face criminal charges and penalties if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if an officer/member acting in an official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it. Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke their recognition, effectively banning them from campus.

(Texas Education Code § 37.153.)

Criminal vs. Civil Hazing Cases

Understanding the distinction between criminal and civil cases is vital for California families pursuing justice in Texas.

Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (prosecutors) to punish individuals or organizations for illegal acts. The goal is to enforce public law and can result in jail time, fines, or probation. Common hazing-related criminal charges include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in cases of severe injury or death.
Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their families directly against the responsible parties (individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities). The primary aim is to seek monetary compensation for damages suffered and to hold those responsible accountable. Civil claims often involve allegations of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, and emotional distress.

It’s important to note that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for a civil lawsuit. Families can pursue civil claims for damages even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction. These two legal paths can run concurrently, each serving different purposes.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations add another layer of accountability for universities, providing additional protections and avenues for redress for California families with children at Texas schools.

Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding must:
- Publicly report hazing incidents in a transparent manner.
- Implement stronger hazing education and prevention programs.
- Maintain and make available comprehensive hazing data.
- These requirements are being phased in, with full compliance expected around 2026. SCHA offers unprecedented transparency for parents researching campus safety.
Title IX: When hazing involves elements of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination based on gender, it can trigger a university’s obligations under Title IX. This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. If hazing includes sexually explicit acts, forced nudity, or targets a student based on their gender, Title IX may require the university to investigate and take action.
Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. While hazing is not explicitly listed, incidents involving assault, sexual assault, alcohol violations, or other crimes that occur during hazing activities must be reported in a university’s annual security report. This can provide valuable data on campus safety and the prevalence of hazing-related incidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

In a civil hazing lawsuit, determining all responsible parties is a complex but crucial step. Various individuals and entities may share liability for damages caused by hazing.

Individual Students: Those who actively planned, participated in, encouraged, or covered up the hazing. This includes “pledgemasters,” chapter officers, and individual members who carried out the acts or failed to intervene.
Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself, viewed as a legal entity. If the organization fostered a culture of hazing or its leaders directed the activities, it can be held accountable.
National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters of Greek organizations can be held liable, especially if there’s a pattern of similar hazing incidents across their chapters. Liability often hinges on whether the national organization had knowledge of hazing, failed to adequately supervise its local chapters, or did not enforce its own anti-hazing policies.
University or College: The institution itself may be sued for negligence, gross negligence, or premises liability. This can occur if the university knew or should have known about hazing, failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it, had a history of ignoring previous hazing incidents, or failed to enforce its own policies. Public universities in Texas (like UT, A&M, UH) might invoke sovereign immunity, but exceptions often apply, especially in cases of gross negligence or Title IX violations.
Third Parties: This can include landlords or property owners of houses where hazing took place (if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities), or even alcohol providers if they unlawfully served minors.

For California families whose children attend Texas universities, navigating this complex web of liability requires experienced legal counsel. Each case is unique, and a thorough investigation is essential to identify every potentially responsible party.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When a California family’s child is harmed by hazing in Texas, they often feel isolated and overwhelmed. However, a review of national hazing incidents reveals heartbreaking patterns that span states and decades. These cases, often resulting in multi-million-dollar settlements or landmark legislation, demonstrate the consistent failures of individuals and institutions to prevent harm. They also serve as powerful precedents in civil litigation, showing that “this has happened before” and establishing foreseeability.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death: A Repeating Tragedy

Forced alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing fatalities, proving that “tradition” often conceals extreme and deadly recklessness. In these cases, young lives are lost, and families are left shattered, often grappling with preventable deaths.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, perished after an initiation night characterized by extreme forced drinking. Fraternity security cameras captured his agonizing falls and subsequent injuries. Crucially, fraternity members delayed calling for medical help for hours, illustrating a pervasive “culture of silence.” This tragedy led to numerous criminal charges against members, civil litigation, and the enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, making hazing a felony under certain conditions. The takeaway for California families is clear: delayed medical care and cover-up attempts gravely exacerbate legal liability.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): During “Big Brother Night,” Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, was reportedly made to consume an entire handle of liquor, leading to acute alcohol poisoning and his death. The aftermath saw multiple criminal prosecutions and FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life. Coffey’s death underscores how ingrained “drinking rituals” are within some fraternity cultures, leading to entirely foreseeable tragedies that national organizations have a duty to prevent.
Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died after a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to consume alcohol for incorrect answers. His blood alcohol content was 0.495%. Max’s death prompted Louisiana to pass the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute. This case highlights how rapidly alcohol hazing can turn deadly and how legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of systemic hazing.
Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was allegedly forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event, resulting in fatal alcohol poisoning. The case led to multiple criminal convictions and a significant $10 million settlement for his family (with $7 million from the national fraternity and approximately $3 million from BGSU). This outcome demonstrates that both national organizations and universities can face huge financial and reputational consequences for their roles in hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: Beyond Alcohol

While alcohol is a constant, physical and ritualized hazing inflict severe bodily harm and psychological trauma, often occurring in remote locations to avoid detection.

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): At an off-campus retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, was blindfolded and repeatedly tackled during a “glass ceiling” ritual. He sustained a fatal traumatic brain injury, and fraternity members delayed calling 911 for over an hour. This incident led to the criminal conviction of multiple members and, notably, the national fraternity itself was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter – a landmark ruling establishing organizational criminal liability. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years and heavily fined. For California families, this illustrates the extreme danger of off-campus “retreats” and the severe consequences for national organizations.

Athletic Program Hazing: Not Just Greek Life

Hazing is not confined to Greek organizations; it is a pervasive issue in various student groups, including high-profile athletic programs, as shown by recent controversies.

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Former football players alleged widespread sexualized, racist, and abusive hazing within the program over many years. The scandal triggered multiple lawsuits against Northwestern and its coaching staff, leading to the firing of Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later settled a wrongful termination suit confidentially). This case serves as a stark reminder that hazing can flourish even in major, well-funded athletic programs and calls into question institutional oversight across all student activities. For California families, this means due diligence is essential for any group their child joins, not just fraternities or sororities.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families from California

These national incidents, though geographically diverse, share chilling commonalities that directly impact California families whose children attend Texas universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor:

Consistent Patterns: The methods of hazing (forced consumption, physical abuse, humiliation, psychological torment) remain alarmingly consistent across different organizations and campuses. This establishes a high degree of foreseeability.
Delayed Care & Cover-Ups: A recurring and tragic element is the delay in seeking medical help and attempts to conceal hazing activities, which often turn preventable injuries into fatalities.
Institutional Blindness: Many cases reveal a pattern of universities and national organizations either failing to adequately prevent hazing despite clear policies or actively minimizing its occurrences until tragedy strikes.
Catalyst for Change: Sadly, multi-million-dollar settlements and new anti-hazing legislation usually follow only after a catastrophic injury or death, demonstrating the critical role of civil litigation in driving institutional accountability and systemic reform.

For a California family sending a child to a Texas university, these national anchor cases highlight that the dangers are real, predictable, and that accountability is achievable through resolute legal action.

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

For California families seeking to understand hazing risks and accountability at major Texas universities, a closer look at key institutions is essential. Our firm, from our base in Houston, serves families across Texas, including those from California with ties to these schools. When your child is hundreds or thousands of miles from home, understanding the specific culture, policies, and history of their university can make all the difference.

University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant and expanding public institution, serves as a central hub for higher education in the heart of the nation’s fourth-largest city. Many students from California and across other states are drawn to its diverse academic programs and urban opportunities. However, like many large universities, UH is not immune to hazing.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a large urban campus with a mix of commuter and residential students, boasting an enrollment of over 47,000. Its active Greek life includes more than 40 fraternities and sororities recognized by the university across various councils (Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural organizations). Beyond Greek life, the campus thrives with hundreds of student organizations, sports clubs, and cultural groups. The fast-paced urban environment and large student body can sometimes make it challenging for the university to maintain strict oversight over all student activities, especially those occurring off-campus. California families often select UH for its engineering programs, business school, and proximity to Houston’s thriving industries.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston explicitly prohibits hazing, defining it broadly to include any act that: (1) has the possibility of causing physical or mental discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule and (2) is related to an individual’s initiation, admission into, affiliation, or continuation of membership in a group. UH policies cover acts on or off campus, aligning with Texas law. Reporting channels for hazing at UH include the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct, and the UH Police Department. The university also maintains an online reporting form and the option to report anonymously. Their policy emphasizes a student’s right to participate in an environment free from hazing.

Confirmed Incidents & Responses

A significant incident that gained our firm’s attention involved Leonel Bermudez, a transfer student pledging Pi Kappa Phi. In late 2025, Attorney911 filed a $10 million lawsuit on his behalf against the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, the national Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, its housing corporation, and 13 individuals. Bermudez allegedly suffered acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis after severe hazing that included:

Forced physical exertion during overnight “workouts” at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, including hundreds of push-ups and squats.
Being sprayed with a hose, described as “similar to waterboarding.”
Forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate strenuous activity.
The requirement to carry a humiliating “pledge fanny pack” containing degrading items like condoms and a sex toy.
Sleep deprivation and lying in vomit-soaked grass.

This case, unfolding right here in Houston, represents Attorney911’s active involvement in hazing litigation. Learn more about the unfolding case from:

Other documented incidents at UH include a 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case where pledges allegedly suffered a lacerated spleen after forced physical activity and sleep deprivation, leading to misdemeanor hazing charges and university suspension. These incidents reflect a recurring challenge for the university regarding Greek life oversight.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For California families, if hazing occurs at UH, the legal process will be rooted in Texas law. Involved agencies could include the UH Police Department and/or the Houston Police Department, depending on whether the incident occurs on or off university property. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in state or federal courts within Harris County (home to Houston). Potential defendants would include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and possibly the University of Houston itself, depending on evidence of negligence and foreseeability. Attorney911’s deep experience in Houston courts and against large institutions is particularly relevant here.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

Whether you reside in California or elsewhere, if your child attends UH:

Familiarize yourself with the UH hazing policy and reporting mechanisms.
Maintain open communication with your student, watching for warning signs.
If you suspect hazing, document everything immediately through screenshots, photos, and detailed notes.
Prioritize medical attention if there is any injury.
Contact a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases, like Attorney911, for immediate guidance and to protect your child’s legal rights.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a legendary public institution in College Station, is known for its strong traditions, particularly its Corps of Cadets, and a deeply loyal Aggie network that spans the globe. Students from California are drawn to its renowned engineering, agriculture, and business programs. Yet, even within this culture of honor and tradition, hazing remains a persistent concern.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is one of the largest universities in the nation, with a unique blend of military traditions woven through its civilian student body. The Corps of Cadets, a four-year military training program, is a cornerstone of A&M identity. Greek life is also prominent. This combination of intense loyalty, structured hierarchy, and proud traditions can, unfortunately, create environments ripe for hazing, where “earning your place” or “proving yourself” can be twisted into abusive rituals. California families often send their children to A&M for its strong alumni network and academic reputation in STEM fields.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M rigorously prohibits hazing, stating it will not tolerate any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes of initiation or affiliation. Their policy covers behaviors on or off campus, echoing Texas law. Reporting can be made through the Dean of Student Life, the Texas A&M Police Department, or anonymously through an online reporting form. The university also makes some hazing violation records public.

Confirmed Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced multiple hazing allegations and incidents over the years involving both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (approx. 2021): One of the most severe recent cases involved allegations of two pledges suffering chemical burns after being covered in a mix of industrial-strength cleaner, eggs, and spit during forced strenuous activity. The pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit, and the fraternity was suspended. This incident tragically highlights how hazing methods can evolve to include highly dangerous and physically damaging acts.
Corps of Cadets (2023): A lawsuit was filed alleging degrading hazing within the Corps, including forced simulated sexual acts and a cadet being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. While Texas A&M stated it handled the matter internally, it underscores the challenges of preventing hazing even within highly structured, tradition-bound organizations.
Aggie Bonfire Collapse (1999): While not traditional hazing, the collapse of Texas A&M’s iconic Aggie Bonfire, which killed 12 students and injured 27, raised critical questions about student-led high-risk traditions and institutional oversight. Lawsuits against university officials resulted in over $6 million in settlements, highlighting the extensive liability for dangers within university-sanctioned activities.

These incidents demonstrate that the “Aggie Spirit” is often tested by preventable tragedies when hazing traditions are allowed to go unchecked.

How an A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For California families, legal action pertaining to Texas A&M hazing incidents would typically fall under Texas law, with criminal cases handled by the College Station Police Department or Brazos County authorities, and civil suits proceeding in state or federal courts in Brazos County. Due to A&M’s status as a public institution, sovereign immunity may be a defense, but as seen in the Bonfire case and other precedents, exceptions for gross negligence or Title IX violations are viable. Attorney911 has deep experience navigating these complexities.

What A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Be acutely aware of the line between tradition and hazing within both Greek life and Corps culture.
Utilize the university’s reporting channels for any suspicions, but understand that internal processes may not fully align with your family’s pursuit of justice.
Document every detail and preserve all evidence, especially digital communications.
Consult with a hazing attorney to understand your full legal options under Texas law, particularly given the specific cultural and legal nuances of Texas A&M.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship public university known for its academic rigor, vibrant campus life, and deep-seated state pride. Many students from California choose UT for its strong programs in engineering, law, and liberal arts. However, its immense size and active Greek system have made it a recurring site for hazing incidents.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is one of the largest universities in the nation, with over 52,000 students. Its campus culture is rich with traditions, spirited athletic events, and a bustling Greek scene involving dozens of fraternities and sororities. The university is also home to numerous unique student organizations, including spirit groups and academic clubs, which sometimes become environments where hazing practices take root under the guise of “tradition.” The high-achieving, competitive atmosphere can sometimes create pressure for students to conform to group demands.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy that is clearly articulated and enforced through the Dean of Students Office and the Office of Student Conduct. The university defines hazing in alignment with Texas law, covering acts on or off campus that endanger mental or physical health for initiation purposes. Uniquely, UT Austin is notable for its public-facing Hazing Violations page on its website (hazing.utexas.edu), which lists organizations, dates of incidents, the specific conduct involved, and the sanctions imposed. This transparency is a valuable resource for prospective students and families.

Confirmed Incidents & Responses

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

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This fraternity was sanctioned for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, actions clearly falling under the university’s hazing definition. The chapter faced probation and mandatory hazing-prevention education.
Texas Cowboys (2018): This historically significant spirit organization has been sanctioned multiple times. In 2018, allegations of sleep deprivation emerged around a fatal distracted driving incident involving a “new man” of the group, which UT officials acknowledged as serious hazing violations and led to further disciplinary actions beyond the immediate expulsion of members related to a fatal auto accident in 2018.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2006): Witnessed the death of pledge Tyler Cross under the influence of alcohol during a fall, with police investigating hazing as a possible factor. More recently, in January 2024, an Australian exchange student alleged assault with a dislocated leg, fractured tibia, and broken nose by SAE members at a party, while the chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations. The student sued SAE for over $1 million. These recurring incidents underscore the national organization’s ongoing struggle with hazing even a decade after it formally abolished pledging.

The consistent presence of hazing in this public record highlights the challenge of enforcement.

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For California families, hazing cases at UT Austin would follow Texas law. Criminal investigations could involve the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) and/or the Austin Police Department. Civil lawsuits would be filed in Travis County (where Austin is located) state or federal courts. UT Austin’s status as a public university means sovereign immunity might be asserted, but the university’s record of prior hazing enforcement, particularly through its public database, can be powerful evidence to argue foreseeability and negligence against the institution.

What UT Students & Parents Should Do

Utilize UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page to research any organization your student considers joining.
Maintain rigorous documentation of any suspected hazing, including screenshots of communications which are frequently used in UT hazing violations.
Prioritize seeking immediate medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor.
Contact a hazing lawyer with experience in Austin and Texas higher education to interpret the university’s records and pursue appropriate legal action.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University is a private, prominent institution nestled in the heart of Dallas, Texas. Known for its picturesque campus, strong academic programs, and active social scene, SMU attracts a significant number of students from California, particularly those seeking a traditional university experience with a thriving Greek life.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is characterized by its competitive academics and a vibrant social environment that heavily features Greek life. More than half of the undergraduate student body participates in fraternities and sororities, contributing to a campus culture that often places importance on social affiliation and tradition. The university draws students from affluent backgrounds, and its tight-knit community can sometimes foster an environment where traditions, including those bordering on or crossing into hazing, are deeply ingrained.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU has clear policies prohibiting hazing, defining it broadly to include any act that endangers the physical or mental well-being of a student for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with any organization. As a private institution, SMU’s policies align with state law and are enforced through its Office of Student Conduct. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, the SMU Police Department, and an anonymous tip line. While SMU does not maintain a public database of hazing violations similar to UT Austin, its commitment to addressing such incidents is stated.

Confirmed Incidents & Responses

Despite its anti-hazing stance, SMU has faced multiple allegations and confirmed incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity faced severe sanctions, including suspension, after reports emerged of new members being paddled, coerced into excessive alcohol consumption, and deprived of sleep. The chapter faced restrictions on recruiting for several years.
Pi Kappa Alpha (2018): This national fraternity, notorious for hazing allegations across the country, was involved in an incident where a pledge sustained a serious head injury during an off-campus initiation. SMU placed PIKE on a multi-year ban, and families have alleged a culture of hazing within the chapter.
Alpha Epsilon Pi (2020): This chapter was also suspended for several years after engaging in hazing practices that included forced physical activity and alcohol-related rituals that endangered new members.

These recurring incidents highlight the ongoing challenge in controlling hazing practices within Greek life at SMU, even with official policies and stated commitments to prevention.

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For California families, hazing cases at SMU would be governed by Texas law. As a private institution, SMU generally does not have the same sovereign immunity defenses that public universities might assert, potentially simplifying some aspects of civil litigation against the university itself. Criminal investigations would involve the SMU Police Department and/or the Dallas Police Department. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Dallas County state or federal courts. Evidence gathering would often rely heavily on internal university records, which can be obtained through discovery in a lawsuit, even if not publicly accessible.

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Thoroughly research the history of Greek organizations at SMU beyond official university statements, if possible, as hazing patterns can be persistent.
Emphasize strict adherence to safety and reporting any suspicious activities immediately.
Document everything meticulously and obtain prompt medical care for any injuries.
Contact a lawyer with experience in Texas hazing cases, particularly at private institutions, to effectively navigate legal intricacies and pursue comprehensive accountability from all responsible parties.

Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, Texas, is renowned for its strong faith-based education, competitive academics, and passionate athletic programs. It attracts students from California seeking a values-driven collegiate experience. However, Baylor has also faced significant scrutiny over campus culture and student safety, including past controversies related to sexual assault and institutional oversight that underscore the importance of vigilance regarding hazing.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor’s identity is deeply rooted in its Christian mission, fostering a close-knit community with adherence to a strict code of conduct. While the university emphasizes ethical behavior, strong social affiliations, including Greek life and various student organizations, are central to student experience. The desire to belong and uphold “traditions” can sometimes create blind spots for hazing, even within an environment committed to faith and integrity.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University has a clear, “zero-tolerance” policy on hazing, explicitly defining it in line with Texas law to prohibit any act that “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student” for initiation or affiliation with any recognized organization. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, the Baylor Police Department, and an anonymous “Bias and Care” reporting system. Baylor often reiterates its commitment to student welfare and upholding a safe campus environment.

Confirmed Incidents & Responses

Baylor has grappled with various challenges regarding student conduct and safety:

Baylor Baseball (2020): A significant hazing investigation led to the suspension of 14 baseball players for incidents that semester, with suspensions staggered over the early season. This underscored that hazing is not exclusive to Greek life and can manifest in athletic programs even at religious institutions.
Past Institutional Challenges: While not directly hazing, Baylor’s well-documented scandal involving its football program and mishandling of sexual assault allegations raised broader concerns about institutional oversight, the protection of student athletes, and failures in accountability. These issues can create systemic vulnerabilities to various forms of misconduct, including hazing, if not rigorously addressed.

These incidents highlight the ongoing imperative for vigilance and consistent enforcement of policies, even for institutions with strong ethical commitments.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For California families, hazing cases at Baylor University would adhere to Texas law. As a private institution, Baylor would typically not have sovereign immunity, making civil litigation against the university more direct than with public schools. Criminal investigations could involve the Baylor Police Department and/or the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in McLennan County (where Waco is located) state or federal courts. Given Baylor’s past challenges with institutional oversight, legal strategy may focus on whether hazing incidents represent a broader pattern of negligence or indifference to student safety.

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

Be diligent in understanding any student organization’s culture, especially its “traditions,” and ask pointed questions about new member processes.
Do not let the university’s faith-based mission deter you from promptly reporting any suspected hazing.
In the event of an incident, prioritize medical care and meticulous documentation of all evidence.
Consult with a Texas hazing attorney immediately to navigate the complex interplay of university policy, state law, and potential institutional liabilities.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For California families, understanding that a student’s chosen fraternity or sorority at a Texas university is part of a larger national (and sometimes international) organization is crucial. This national affiliation carries both the weight of reputation and, unfortunately, a history of recurring hazing incidents that can directly impact local chapters. The tragic truth is that many national organizations have established patterns of hazing, which means when another incident occurs, it’s rarely an isolated “mistake” but rather a foreseeable continuation of problematic practices.

Why National Histories Matter

Many fraternities and sororities active at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University are chapters of larger national organizations. These national bodies typically develop extensive anti-hazing policies, risk management manuals, and implement multi-million dollar insurance policies precisely because they have faced – and often lost – numerous lawsuits arising from injury and death at their local chapters.

When a Texas chapter engages in hazing that mirrors incidents at other chapters across the country, it demonstrates a critical legal concept: foreseeability. It means the national organization either knew, or reasonably should have known, that such hazing was possible due to recurring patterns within its system. This historical burden can significantly strengthen a civil negligence or gross negligence claim against the national organization. It shifts the argument from “we didn’t know” to “you should have known – and you failed to prevent it.”

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

While we cannot list every single chapter and incident, certain major fraternities and sororities operating at Texas universities have well-documented national histories of hazing. For California families, it’s vital to recognize that the actions of a local chapter carry the weight of its national organization’s past.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Present at Texas A&M and UT Austin, Pike nationally has a troubling history with alcohol-related hazing. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021, who died after being forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol, led to a $10 million settlement against the national fraternity and university. This pattern of “Big/Little” drinking events is frequently cited in litigation.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Active at UT Austin and Texas A&M, SAE has been called “America’s deadliest fraternity” by Bloomberg News due to multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide involving alcohol and physical abuse. Lawsuits include allegations of a traumatic brain injury at the University of Alabama, and locally, the alleged chemical burn hazing incident at Texas A&M. The severe assault of an exchange student at UT Austin in 2024, by a chapter already under suspension for prior hazing, further highlights persistent issues.
Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): With chapters at Texas A&M and Baylor, Phi Delta Theta was at the center of the Max Gruver hazing death at Louisiana State University in 2017. Max died from alcohol poisoning after a “Bible study” drinking game, leading to criminal convictions and state anti-hazing legislation. This case shows how seemingly innocuous “games” can be deadly.
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at the University of Houston, Pi Kappa Phi gained national notoriety with the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017, also due to alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night.” Most recently, our firm, Attorney911, is actively litigating the Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi case, seeking $10 million for severe injuries sustained during alleged hazing practices including forced physical exertion, degrading rituals, and hose spraying described as “similar to waterboarding.” This direct involvement underscores the ongoing relevance of national hazing patterns to Texas campuses. Ralph Manginello stated in media, “His urine was brown,” referring to Bermudez’s rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. “We’re almost in 2026. This has to stop.” His colleague, Lupe Peña added, “If this prevents harm to another person…Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
Kappa Alpha Order (KA): With a chapter at SMU, Kappa Alpha Order has a history of hazing allegations, which recently led to the suspension of its SMU chapter in 2017 for paddling and other abusive behaviors. The tragic death of a pledge at the University of Mississippi in 1987 after an alcohol-laden “Big Brother-Little Brother” party underscores the long-standing risks associated with certain initiation events across its chapters.

These are just a few examples. Many other Greek organizations, and non-Greek student groups, grapple with hazing in various forms. For a California family, the important lesson is that such patterns inform legal strategy, demonstrating to a jury that these organizations were on notice and failed to act.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The documented national histories of hazing are not simply anecdotal. They are powerful tools in legal strategy for several reasons:

Foreseeability: A pattern of similar hazing incidents across chapters of a national organization establishes that the national body could and should have foreseen the risk of such incidents occurring again. This can be crucial in proving negligence or gross negligence.
Failure to Enforce: Nationals often argue they have strict anti-hazing policies. However, a history of repeated incidents across chapters can demonstrate that these policies were either inadequately enforced, merely “paper policies,” or that the national organization failed to provide sufficient oversight and training.
Settlement Leverage: When national organizations are keenly aware of their historical hazing patterns, it can significantly increase their incentive to settle cases, as confronting a jury with a long list of prior incidents is damaging.
Insurance Coverage: While insurers may try to deny coverage for “intentional acts,” demonstrating the national organization’s negligent failure to prevent such acts (despite foreknowledge) can compel coverage, providing a source of funds for affected families.

For California families, understanding that their child’s local chapter is part of a larger, often troubled, national history is a critical step towards seeking accountability and demanding change.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

The path to justice and accountability in a hazing case is often complex, requiring meticulous evidence collection, a deep understanding of potential damages, and a clear legal strategy. For California families whose children attend Texas universities, navigating this process requires experienced legal counsel.

Evidence: The Foundation of Your Claim

In any hazing lawsuit, evidence is paramount. Without it, even the most compelling personal story may struggle against the defenses of powerful institutions. Modern hazing cases increasingly rely on digital evidence, but a comprehensive approach covers all bases. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos, proving invaluable for families.

Digital Communications: These are often the “smoking gun” in modern hazing cases, revealing the planning, execution, and cover-up of incidents.
- Group Messaging Apps: Messages from platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and even fraternity-specific apps can show explicit دستورات, bullying, threats, or discussions of hazing activities. Screenshots (with timestamps and participant names clearly visible) are critical. Even deleted messages can sometimes be recovered through digital forensic experts.
- Social Media: Instagram stories, Snapchat messages (even those designed to disappear), TikTok videos, and Facebook posts can inadvertently capture hazing, humiliation, or injuries. Location tags can prove where events occurred.
- Text Messages & DMs: These direct communications can reveal instructions, threats, or discussions about hazing. Preserving entire conversation threads is crucial for context.
- Emails: Official or unofficial emails among members, advisors, or university staff can detail planning, awareness of hazing, or attempts to cover it up.
Photos & Videos: Beyond digital communications, visual evidence provides undeniable proof.
- Injuries: Photographs of bruises, burns, cuts, or other physical harm should be taken immediately and then over several days to document progression. Scaling objects (like a coin) can be helpful.
- Events & Locations: Photos or videos showing the actual hazing event, the location where it occurred, or any relevant objects (paddles, excessive alcohol) are invaluable. If safe to do so, record conversations or incidents.
Medical and Psychological Records: These document the extent of the harm suffered.
- Emergency Room & Hospital Records: Detail initial injuries, diagnoses, treatments, and any toxicology reports (e.g., blood alcohol levels, drug screens) or labs (e.g., for rhabdomyolysis).
- Follow-up Care: Records from ongoing physician visits, physical therapy, or specialized treatments.
- Mental Health Evaluations: Records from psychologists or psychiatrists documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other trauma-related conditions are crucial for non-economic damages.
Internal Organization Documents: Subpoenas in a lawsuit can uncover:
- Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, or “traditions” lists that outline hazing activities.
- Risk management policies or handbooks that the organization failed to follow.
- Internal communications about hazing allegations or prior incidents.
University Records: Open records requests or discovery can reveal:
- Prior disciplinary records for the involved organization or individuals.
- Campus police reports related to the organization.
- Communications among university administrators regarding hazing concerns or specific incidents.
Witness Testimony: The accounts of other pledges, members, former members, roommates, or bystanders can be critical. An experienced hazing attorney knows how to approach and protect these sensitive witnesses.

Damages: Compensation for Harm Suffered

In a civil hazing lawsuit, the goal is to recover monetary damages that compensate victims and their families for the full scope of their losses. (See Appendix E for a detailed damages framework.)

Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses.
- Medical Expenses: Past and future costs for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, therapy, medications, and long-term care for severe injuries.
- Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Compensation for wages lost due to injury, the value of lost scholarships, and any reduction in future earning potential if injuries cause permanent disability.
- Other Direct Costs: For example, property damage or relocation costs if a student must transfer schools.
Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for subjective, non-financial harm.
- Physical Pain & Suffering: Past and future pain from injuries and subsequent medical procedures.
- Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: This includes anxiety, depression, PTSD, humiliation, and loss of dignity. Documented by psychological evaluations and therapy records.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in hobbies, social activities, or daily life as before, and the overall impact on quality of life.
Wrongful Death Damages: In tragic cases resulting in death, families can seek:
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Loss of financial support (if the deceased would have contributed to family income).
- Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society.
- The profound grief and mental anguish experienced by surviving family members.
Punitive Damages: These are designed to punish defendants for particularly egregious, reckless, or malicious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are often sought when there’s a clear pattern of ignored warnings, intentional cover-ups, or a callous disregard for safety, significantly increasing settlement offers or jury awards.

Strategy: Standing Up to Powerful Defendants

Hazing cases are rarely simple. They typically involve facing powerful institutions—national fraternities with deep pockets and sophisticated legal teams, and universities with vast resources and a vested interest in protecting their reputation.

Identifying All Liable Parties: A key strategy involves thoroughly investigating and naming every individual and entity that contributed to the harm, from the individual students who initiated the hazing to the local chapter, the national organization, and the university.
Navigating Insurance Coverage: National fraternities and universities carry substantial insurance policies. However, insurers may attempt to deny coverage by arguing that hazing constitutes “intentional acts” or is excluded under their policies. An experienced hazing attorney knows how to challenge these exclusions and compel insurers to provide coverage. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) is crucial for navigating fraternity and university insurance coverage disputes.
Overcoming Defenses: Defendants will often employ various legal strategies, including claiming “consent,” arguing “lack of knowledge,” or citing “off-campus” occurrences. An effective legal strategy systematically dismantles these defenses using factual evidence, legal precedent, and expert testimony.
Preparing for Litigation: While most cases settle before trial, preparing for litigation is essential. This includes extensive discovery, depositions, and, if necessary, presenting a compelling case to a jury.
Advocacy for Systemic Change: Beyond monetary compensation, a strong legal strategy often aims for systemic change. This can involve requiring policy reforms, improved oversight, or stricter enforcement by universities and national organizations, making campuses safer for future students from California and everywhere else.

When dealing with the complex landscape of hazing litigation, families need attorneys who are not only skilled trial lawyers but also deeply understand the unique cultural, legal, and emotional battles involved. Every case is unique, and Attorney911 operates knowing that the stakes are incredibly high.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family, whether in California or elsewhere, the immediate aftermath can be disorienting. Knowing what steps to take, what questions to ask, and what pitfalls to avoid is critical. These practical guides are designed to empower parents, students, and witnesses with actionable information.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

For parents in California whose child has gone off to college in Texas or any other state, vigilance is your most powerful tool. The distance shouldn’t mean a lack of awareness.

Warning Signs of Hazing:

Unexplained Injuries: Any bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” (especially if the explanations don’t quite add up). Photograph any visible injuries immediately.
Extreme Fatigue: Your child is constantly sleep-deprived, exhausted, or frequently pulls all-nighters for “mandatory” activities.
Sudden Mood Changes: Noticeable shifts in personality, increased anxiety, irritability, withdrawal, or depression.
Secrecy: Your child becomes unusually secretive about their organization’s activities, using phrases like “I can’t talk about it,” or “it’s private.”
Obsessive Phone Use: Constantly checking their phone, seeming anxious to respond to group chats, or fear of missing notifications at all hours.
Academic Decline: A sudden drop in grades, missed classes, or a general disinterest in their studies.
Financial Strain: Unexpected demands for money, often for “fines,” excessive dues, or to purchase items for older members.

How to Talk to Your Child:

Approach with empathy, not judgment. Start by asking open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with your group?” or “Are you enjoying everything?”
Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priorities, far above any organizational membership or status.
Reassure them that you will support them if they feel uncomfortable or want to leave.
Ask direct questions: “Are they asking you to do anything that makes you feel unsafe or humiliated?” “Are you being told to keep secrets from me or the university?”

If Your Child is Hurt:

Seek Immediate Medical Care: Prioritize their health. Do not delay, especially with alcohol intoxication or serious injury. Make sure medical providers document the full context of their injuries, including any allegations of hazing.
Document Everything: Take photos of injuries, screenshot any relevant messages (texts, group chats), and make detailed notes of what your child tells you, including dates, times, and names of individuals involved.
Preserve Evidence: Do not let your child delete any messages, and save any physical items such as clothing worn during the hazing.

Dealing with the University:

Document all communications with university administrators.
Inquire about the organization’s prior disciplinary history and the university’s response. Be aware that universities may try to control the narrative or prioritize institutional reputation.

When to Talk to a Lawyer:

If your child suffers significant physical or psychological harm.
If you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident or attempting a cover-up.
A lawyer can help preserve crucial evidence, investigate fully, and protect your child’s rights from institutional pressure. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation.

8.2 For Students/Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

If you’re a student currently pledging or joining an organization at a Texas university, but you’re from California, and you’re reading this, you might be asking: “Is this hazing, or just part of the experience?”

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?
Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I genuinely don’t want to do?
Would I agree to do this if there were no social consequences or fear of being “cut”?
Does this activity feel unsafe, humiliating, illegal, or morally wrong?
Would I be comfortable if my parents, or a university dean, knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being required to do things older members didn’t have to do, or that don’t apply to them?
Am I being told to keep secrets or lie to people outside the group?
Do I feel trapped, isolated, or like I can’t leave without negative consequences?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, it’s very likely hazing. Your feelings of discomfort, fear, or coercion are valid indicators.

Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story:
Organizations may tell you that you “consented” to everything or “agreed” to the traditions. However, under Texas law, consent is not a defense to hazing. When there’s immense peer pressure, a power imbalance between new members and older members, and the fear of exclusion, your “agreement” is not considered true consent in the eyes of the law. You have a right to be safe, regardless of what’s claimed to be “tradition.”

Exiting and Reporting Safely:

You have the right to leave at any time. Your safety and well-being come first.
If you are in immediate danger: Do NOT hesitate to call 911 or campus police. Your personal safety is paramount.
Tell someone you trust outside the organization – a parent, a resident advisor (RA), a close friend, or a professor – before explicitly telling the organization you are leaving.
To formally withdraw, send an email or text to the chapter president or new member educator stating your resignation. Avoid in-person confrontations where you might feel pressured or intimidated.
Many universities and Texas law have good-faith reporter protections, meaning you usually won’t get in trouble for seeking medical help in an emergency, even if underage drinking was involved.
You can report hazing anonymously through your university’s channels, the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE), or confidentially to an attorney.

8.3 For Former Members/Witnesses: Your Role in Accountability

If you were once part of an organization that hazed, or you witnessed hazing, your participation in seeking accountability can be pivotal. You may feel conflicted, fearing repercussions or loyalty to past associations.

Your Testimony Matters: Your firsthand account can prevent future harm and bring justice to victims. You have the power to break the cycle of silence endemic to hazing culture.
Legal Protections: Texas laws and university policies often protect those who report hazing in good faith. An attorney can advise you on your rights and potential protections as a witness.
Seeking Legal Advice: If you are concerned about your own potential exposure (e.g., if you participated in hazing), seeking confidential legal advice from an attorney like Attorney911 is crucial. We offer guidance on how to cooperate, protect your rights, and potentially reduce adverse consequences.
Support for Accountability: Cooperating with investigations and providing truthful information can be a powerful step towards personal integrity and helping to prevent future tragedies.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For California families pursuing justice for a hazing incident in Texas, avoiding critical missteps is as important as collecting evidence itself. Powerful institutions often leverage victim and family mistakes against them. Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) emphasizes many of these points.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence:
- The Mistake: Believing that deleting embarrassing texts, photos, or group chat messages will protect your child from getting into trouble.
- Why It’s Wrong: This is crucial evidence. Deleting it can be seen as obstruction of justice and makes proving a hazing case incredibly difficult, if not impossible. Digital forensics can often recover deleted data, but original, undeleted content is always stronger.
- What to Do Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even if it’s embarrassing. Screenshot entire conversations, including timestamps and participant names.
Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:
- The Mistake: Parents, driven by anger and a desire for answers, directly confront chapter members or advisors.
- Why It’s Wrong: This immediately signals to the organization that legal action might be pursued. This prompts them to “lawyer up,” destroy or sanitize evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses.
- What to Do Instead: Document everything privately, then contact an attorney before any direct confrontation. Let your legal team manage communication.
Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms:
- The Mistake: Universities, often eager to resolve incidents quietly, may pressure families to sign waivers, non-disclosure agreements, or “internal resolution” documents.
- Why It’s Wrong: These documents may waive your child’s right to pursue a civil lawsuit, and any internal “settlement” is typically far below the true value of the damages suffered.
- What to Do Instead: Never sign any document from the university or organization without having an experienced attorney review it first.
Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer:
- The Mistake: Sharing details of the hazing incident on public platforms to warn others or vent frustration.
- Why It’s Wrong: Defense attorneys will meticulously comb through social media. Any perceived inconsistencies in your story, or negative comments, can be used to attack credibility or claim you violated a non-disclosure agreement (if one was signed).
- What to Do Instead: Document every detail privately with your legal team. Let your attorney advise on the timing and content of any public communications.
Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting” or “Talk it Out”:
- The Mistake: Suspecting hazing, but allowing your child to attend a meeting with fraternity/sorority leaders to “resolve” things.
- Why It’s Wrong: These meetings are often designed to pressure the student, extract statements that later hurt their case, or intimidate them into silence.
- What to Do Instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication from the organization should be directed to your attorney. The student should cease direct contact.
Waiting “to see how the university handles it”:
- The Mistake: Relying solely on the university’s internal processes to achieve justice and accountability.
- Why It’s Wrong: University investigations can be slow, sometimes biased towards protecting the institution’s reputation, and may not lead to the comprehensive justice and compensation your family deserves. Crucially, evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run.
- What to Do Instead: Preserve evidence immediately and consult with a hazing lawyer. While the university process unfolds, your lawyer can guide you on parallel legal actions that protect your rights.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:
- The Mistake: Speaking directly with an insurance adjuster (from the fraternity’s, university’s, or an individual’s policy) who claims they are “just gathering information” or “want to settle quickly.”
- Why It’s Wrong: Insurance adjusters operate to minimize payouts. Any recorded statement can be used against you, and early settlement offers are typically significant underestimations of a case’s true value.
- What to Do Instead: Firmly but politely decline to speak with any adjuster and instruct them to contact your attorney.

8.5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”

Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin) may assert sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, unlawful conduct (including Title IX violations if applicable), or when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (such as Southern Methodist University and Baylor University) generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-dependent, so an attorney must review your specific situation.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”

Yes, hazing can be a felony in Texas. While basic hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor, it escalates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Additionally, individuals who fail to report known hazing as officers of an organization can face misdemeanor charges.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”

Yes, absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to prosecution for hazing. This legal provision recognizes that in hazing environments, “consent” is often coerced by peer pressure, power imbalances, and fear of exclusion, meaning it isn’t truly voluntary.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”

Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in Texas is two years from the date of injury or death. However, this period can sometimes be extended by the “discovery rule” (if the injury or its cause wasn’t immediately known) or due to fraudulent concealment by the defendants. Given how quickly evidence can disappear, it is critical to contact an attorney immediately. Watch our video explaining the statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”

The location of the hazing does not necessarily eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities/sororities can still be held accountable based on their sponsorship of the organization, their knowledge of ongoing hazing practices, and the foreseeability of incidents moving off-campus. Many significant hazing cases, including Michael Deng’s death at a remote retreat and the Alpha Tau Omega death at an “unofficial” house, occurred off-campus and still resulted in successful lawsuits.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”

Most hazing cases settle confidentially, often before going to trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and can work to ensure strict confidentiality clauses are included in any settlement. However, our primary goal is always to achieve the maximum possible justice and accountability, which sometimes involves public awareness campaigns; these are always pursued with your full consent.

“How do contingency fees work?”

Attorney911 operates on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we successfully secure compensation for you. Our fee is a percentage of the final settlement or verdict. This allows California families to pursue justice without financial burden. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

For parents in California facing the devastating reality of a child harmed by hazing at a Texas university, the journey toward justice can feel daunting. These are not simple cases; they involve battling powerful institutions – national fraternities, universities, and their formidable legal and insurance teams. When your family is caught in such a crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need proven legal strategists and litigators who understand the intricate cultural, legal, and institutional dynamics of hazing. That’s where The Manginello Law Firm / Attorney911 comes in.

We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, established in Houston but serving families across Texas, including those from California, who seek accountability for campus abuse. Our unique qualifications position us as staunch advocates in these complex cases:

Our firm’s strength lies in its dual expertise. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm provides an invaluable “insurance insider advantage.” She knows how national fraternities and universities, and their insurers, think. She understands their playbook – how they value claims, their tactics to delay or deny, and their arguments for coverage exclusions – because she used to be on their side. This insight is critical in dismantling their defenses and ensuring your family receives fair compensation. Lupe Peña’s full credentials are available at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of experience in complex litigation against massive institutions. His involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation demonstrates our firm’s capability to take on billion-dollar corporations and win. Ralph’s experience in federal courts, including the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, means we are not intimidated by national fraternity headquarters or university defense teams, which often operate in multi-state and federal legal arenas. His membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) further signals our comprehensive expertise, allowing us to advise on both the civil and criminal implications of hazing incidents. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

We have a proven track record of achieving multi-million-dollar results in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We understand how to value lifetime care needs for victims of severe brain injuries or permanent disabilities, working with economic experts to ensure comprehensive compensation. We don’t settle cheaply; we build cases that force accountability and drive change.

Our investigative depth is unparalleled. We deploy a network of experts—medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists—to uncover, preserve, and present every piece of crucial evidence. We know how to obtain deleted group chats, recover social media evidence, subpoena national fraternity records detailing prior incidents, and compel universities to release critical internal files. We investigate like your child’s future depends on it—because it does.

Take Action: Contact Attorney911 for a Confidential Consultation

Whether you’re in California or your child attends a Texas university, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Families in California and throughout the nation deserve answers and accountability when their children are harmed by dangerous and illegal hazing practices.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story empathetically, explain your legal options under Texas law, and help you determine the best path forward for your family. There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; our priority is to provide clarity and support during a difficult time.

What to expect in your free consultation:

We will listen to your story without judgment.
We’ll review any evidence you’ve collected (photos, texts, medical records).
We’ll explain your legal options, cover criminal reporting, civil lawsuit, or both.
We’ll discuss realistic timelines and what to expect from the legal process.
We’ll answer all your questions about costs, as we operate on a contingency fee basis – meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Visit https://attorney911.com for more details.

We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ — always ready to provide rapid, decisive legal intervention when you need it most.

Call Us Today for a Confidential Consultation:

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

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

“His urine was brown,” Ralph Manginello stated about Leonel Bermudez’s severe injuries at the University of Houston. “We’re almost in 2026. This has to stop.” Lupe Peña continued, “If this prevents harm to another person…Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” We believe in these words. Your pursuit of justice can be the catalyst for change that protects other families from enduring similar pain.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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