Texas Hazing: A Comprehensive Guide for City of La Porte Families Facing Campus Abuse

The crisp autumn air, the vibrant campus life, the promise of new friendships and academic growth—these are the dreams families in City of La Porte and across Texas hold when their children head off to college. But for some, that dream can quickly turn into a nightmare, marred by secrecy, humiliation, and even tragedy. It’s the late-night call, the unexplained injury, the sudden change in personality, or the chilling phrase “I can’t talk about it” that signals a deeper problem: hazing.

Imagine this: It’s bid acceptance night near the campus of a major Texas university. A student, eager to fit in, to gain acceptance into a fraternity or sorority, finds themselves at an off-campus house. The music is loud, the air is thick with anticipation, and then the demands begin. Pledges are forced into a “drinking game” where every wrong answer means chugging another glass, or enduring relentless physical activity until exhaustion. Older members film the ordeal on their phones, chanting encouragement, while the new member battles a rising sense of panic. Someone collapses, sick and unresponsive. Fear spreads through the group: fear of getting caught, fear of “getting the chapter shut down,” fear of calling for help and facing consequences. The student feels trapped, torn between loyalty to the group and their own safety, or the safety of a friend.

This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s a plausible, and tragically common, scenario that plays out in Texas every semester. Whether your child attends the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or another institution across our state, incidences of hazing can deeply affect their lives and yours. Families in City of La Porte, located in Harris County, frequently send their children to these very universities. Knowing the signs, understanding your rights, and acting decisively can make all the difference.

This comprehensive guide serves as an essential resource for families in City of La Porte and across Texas. We will explore:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The Texas and federal legal frameworks governing hazing, including who can be held accountable.
• How major national hazing cases have shaped the legal landscape and apply to Texas families.
• A specific focus on the patterns and incidents at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.
• The historical context of fraternity and sorority hazing and why it matters in today’s legal battles.
• How a strong legal case is built, from evidence collection to pursuing damages.
• Practical guides and FAQs for parents, students, and witnesses, offering actionable advice.

This article provides general information about hazing and legal options in Texas. It is not intended as specific legal advice for your individual situation. However, The Manginello Law Firm is here to provide confidential, experienced legal counsel. We serve families throughout Texas, including City of La Porte, and are ready to evaluate your specific case.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in immediate physical danger or suffering from acute alcohol poisoning:

  • Call 911 without hesitation. Prioritize their medical safety, even if it means potential legal issues for others later.
  • 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 after a hazing incident:

  • Ensure your child receives all necessary medical attention, even if they insist they are “fine.” Internal injuries, alcohol poisoning, or psychological trauma might not be immediately apparent.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted. This is critical.
    • Screenshot group chats, texts, and DMs immediately. This includes GroupMe, iMessage, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, and any other messaging platforms.
    • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles, with good lighting, and ideally with a ruler or common object for scale. Document the progression of injuries over days.
    • Save any physical items involved, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in the hazing.
  • Write down everything your child tells you, as well as your own observations. Include dates, times, names of individuals involved, specific acts, and locations, while memories are fresh.
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or individuals involved directly.
    • Sign any documents from the university, national organization, or insurance company without legal review.
    • Post any details on public social media.
    • Allow your child to delete messages, photos, or “clean up” any evidence.

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

  • Evidence disappears remarkably fast—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses. Universities also move quickly to manage public perception and conduct internal investigations, which may not prioritize your child’s legal rights.
  • Our firm can help you preserve crucial evidence, protect your child’s rights, and guide you through immediate next steps.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For families in City of La Porte and across Texas, understanding hazing means looking past the old cinematic clichés. Modern hazing is often subtle, sophisticated, deeply psychological, and designed to evade detection. It’s not always obvious, and it’s rarely just “harmless fun.”

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

At its core, hazing refers to any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status within a group. This behavior can be delivered by one person or a group of people, and it endangers a new member’s physical or mental health, humiliates them, or exploits them.

It’s crucial to understand that a student saying “I agreed to it” or “I consented” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal. The law and courts increasingly recognize that true consent is often impossible when there’s a significant power imbalance, intense peer pressure, or the fear of social exclusion and rejection. This is particularly true in environments like college Greek life, athletic teams, or other student organizations where desire for belonging is strong.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

The tactics used in hazing are constantly evolving, with organizations adapting to avoid detection. We utilize a three-tier classification system, ranging from subtle to violent, to help people recognize these harmful practices.

• Tier 1: Subtle Hazing
  These behaviors emphasize a power imbalance and, while often dismissed as “harmless” or mere “tradition,” they create psychological harm and pave the way for more serious escalation.

  • Deception and Secrecy Oaths: Pledges are often told to lie to parents, university officials, or outsiders about activities, fostering a culture of secrecy.
  • Servitude and Errands: Requiring new members to perform duties for older members, such as cleaning rooms, doing laundry, acting as designated drivers, or being “on call 24/7.”
  • Social Isolation: New members might be subtly discouraged from interacting with non-members, or require “permission” to socialize, cutting them off from support networks.
  • Deprivation of Privileges: Being forbidden to speak unless spoken to, use certain entrances, or sit in specific areas.
  • Interference with Academics: Mandatory late-night meetings or activities that interfere with studying, class attendance, or sleep, sometimes during critical exam periods.
  • Modern Digital Control: Constant monitoring via group chats where pledges must respond instantly, even in the middle of the night. There might be demands for geo-tracking via apps like Find My Friends, or social media policing, controlling what pledges can post online.

• Tier 2: Harassment Hazing
  These acts cause emotional or physical discomfort and distress, creating a hostile and abusive environment, though they may not result in lasting physical injury.

  • Verbal Abuse: Relentless yelling, screaming, insults, degrading language, or threats designed to break down a new member’s self-esteem.
  • Sleep Deprivation: Mandatory late-night activities, early morning wake-up calls, or multi-day events with minimal sleep.
  • Food/Water Restriction: Limiting meals, denying access to water, or forcing the consumption of unpleasant substances like spoiled food, excessive hot sauce, or large quantities of bland items for punitive reasons.
  • Forced Physical Activity: “Smokings” or extreme calisthenics like hundreds of push-ups or wall sits until collapse, often framed as “conditioning” but designed as punishment.
  • Public Humiliation: Forcing pledges to perform embarrassing acts in public, wear degrading costumes, or endure “roasts” where members verbally attack them.
  • Exposure to Uncomfortable Conditions: Forcing pledges into filthy spaces or covering them in non-harmful but degrading substances like food or eggs.

• Tier 3: Violent Hazing
  These are the most dangerous forms of hazing, carrying a high potential for physical injury, sexual assault, or even death.

  • Forced Alcohol/Drug Consumption: This is the most common and deadliest form of hazing. It includes “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” reveal nights with handles of hard liquor, “Bible study” or similar games where wrong answers mean chugging alcohol, and coerced consumption of unknown substances.
  • Physical Beatings and Paddling: Punches, kicks, slaps, or the use of wooden paddles. This can also include “branding” with hot objects, or other forms of physical marking.
  • Dangerous Physical “Tests”: Activities like the “glass ceiling” ritual (blindfolded tackling), forced fights, jumping from heights, or swimming while intoxicated.
  • Sexualized Hazing: Forcing nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig”), sexual assault, or coercion to engage in degrading sexual acts.
  • Kidnapping and Restraint: Abducting pledges, blindfolding them, tying them up, or physically restricting their movement.
  • Chemical Hazing: As seen in some severe cases, forcing pledges to be covered in or ingest harmful chemicals.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to one type of organization or campus. While often associated with fraternities, it proliferates in various campus groups across Texas:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes social Greek letter organizations (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural councils).
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC: At institutions like Texas A&M, the military-style environment and traditions can sometimes foster hazing practices.
• Spirit Squads & Tradition Groups: Organizations such as cheerleading teams, dance teams, and university spirit groups.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to swimming and track, hazing can occur in any intercollegiate or intramural sport.
• Marching Bands & Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous artistic groups can fall prey to hazing rituals.
• Academic, Service & Cultural Organizations: The desire for belonging can make students vulnerable within a wide array of campus clubs.

The prevalence of hazing across such a broad spectrum of student life is fueled by powerful elements: a deep-seated reverence for “tradition,” the allure of social status, and a pervasive culture of secrecy. These factors often override clear university policies and legal prohibitions, allowing harmful practices to persist, even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in City of La Porte and across Texas, understanding the legal landscape of hazing is essential. Texas law, codified in the Education Code, specifically addresses hazing, establishing both criminal penalties and civil avenues for accountability. Additionally, federal laws and regulations play a role, particularly in how universities must respond to and report incidents.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear, specific statutes designed to combat hazing. Under the Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing), hazing is broadly defined as:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by a person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

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

Let’s break this down in plain English: If someone makes you do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that is hazing under Texas law.

Key aspects of the Texas hazing statute include:

• Location Doesn’t Matter: The hazing can occur on or off campus.
• Types of Harm: It covers both mental and physical harm.
• Intent Broadly Defined: It doesn’t have to be malicious. “Reckless” conduct, meaning the perpetrator was aware of and disregarded a substantial risk, is sufficient for liability.
• Consent is Not a Defense: As explicitly stated in Texas Education Code § 37.155, it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the activity.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

Understanding the distinction between criminal and civil legal actions is crucial for City of La Porte families:

• Criminal Cases:

  • Initiated by the State of Texas (through prosecutors) against individuals or organizations.
  • The primary goal is punishment, which can include jail time, fines, or probation.
  • Common hazing-related criminal charges go beyond just the specific hazing offense and can include furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in fatal incidents.
  • Texas Education Code § 37.152 outlines these criminal penalties. By default, hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor. However, it escalates to a Class A Misdemeanor if the hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment. Most significantly, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be prosecuted as a State Jail Felony.

• Civil Cases:

  • Brought by the victims (or their surviving families in wrongful death cases) against the individuals and organizations responsible.
  • The primary goal is monetary compensation, seeking to recover damages for the harm suffered, and to hold responsible parties accountable.
  • These cases often focus on legal theories such as negligence (failure to exercise reasonable care), gross negligence (conscious indifference to others’ safety), wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

It’s important for City of La Porte families to know that criminal and civil cases can proceed concurrently. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for filing a civil lawsuit. The standards of proof and available remedies differ significantly between the two.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also impact how hazing is addressed:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal law, which will be fully phased in by around 2026, requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to be more transparent about hazing incidents. Institutions must publicly report confirmed hazing violations, including the date, location, and sanctions applied. It also mandates stronger hazing education and prevention policies. This federal push promotes greater accountability and provides families with more information about specific organizations’ histories.
• Title IX: While primarily known for addressing sexual harassment and discrimination, Title IX obligations can be triggered if hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or discrimination based on gender. Universities have a duty to investigate and respond to such incidents.
• Clery Act: This federal law requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents involving assaults, alcohol violations, or other crimes can fall under Clery reporting requirements, further contributing to public data about campus safety.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

For City of La Porte families considering legal action, understanding the potential defendants is key:

• Individual Students: The students who directly planned, organized, facilitated, or carried out the hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes those who supplied alcohol, coerced participation, or failed to intervene when someone was in danger.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or athletic team itself can be sued if it operates as a legal entity. Officers, “pledge educators,” or other leaders acting in an official capacity are often central to these claims. Texas Education Code § 37.153 allows organizations to be criminally prosecuted if they authorized, encouraged, or if an officer knew about hazing and failed to report it. These principles often extend to civil liability.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: Most Greek organizations on Texas campuses are part of larger national entities. These national headquarters set policies, collect dues, and often have oversight responsibilities. Liability can arise if the national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (either at the specific chapter or across other chapters nationally) and failed to take adequate preventative or corrective action. Their “anti-hazing policies” must be genuinely enforced, not just “paper policies.”
• University or Governing Board: The college or university itself (and sometimes its governing board or regents) can be held liable under certain legal theories. This often hinges on whether the university had prior warnings of hazing, failed to enforce its own policies, or showed deliberate indifference to known dangers. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) may assert sovereign immunity (a legal protection for government entities), but exceptions exist, particularly in cases of gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Depending on the specific facts, other parties can also be held liable, including landlords or owners of properties where hazing occurred, bars or alcohol suppliers (under “dram shop” laws for overserving minors or already intoxicated individuals), or even event organizers and security companies.

Every hazing case is highly fact-specific. Not every party listed above will be liable in every situation. An experienced attorney can meticulously investigate the chain of events and identify all potentially responsible parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic hazing incidents that capture national attention often serve as critical anchors in subsequent litigation. These cases demonstrate patterns of behavior, establish legal precedents, and underscore the severe consequences of unchecked hazing. For City of La Porte families, understanding these national stories helps clarify why such cases are pursued and what accountability can look like in Texas courts.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and deadliest form of hazing involves forced or coerced alcohol consumption. This pattern of reckless behavior, often coupled with a deliberate delay in seeking medical help, has led to numerous wrongful deaths.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” event involving extreme alcohol consumption. Horrifying surveillance footage from the fraternity house captured his repeated falls, including a fatal descent down a flight of stairs, alongside brothers’ agonizingly delayed response to his life-threatening injuries. Dozens of fraternity members faced criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and hazing. Piazza’s family pursued extensive civil litigation, which led to confidential settlements and the enactment of Pennsylvania’s stringent Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This case highlighted how extreme intoxication, deliberate delay in calling 911, and a pervasive culture of silence can lead to devastating legal and human consequences.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a freshman pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume large quantities rapidly. His death led to criminal hazing charges against multiple members, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life, overhauling its anti-hazing policies. The tragedy underscored how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights with forced consumption are a recurring script for disaster, repeatedly ignoring established warnings and past tragedies.

• 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 drink excessive amounts of alcohol (especially potent “Diesel” liquor) and answer trivia questions. If they answered incorrectly or failed to comply, they were made to consume more. His blood alcohol content was 0.495% at the time of his death. Multiple members faced charges; one was convicted of negligent homicide. The civil case resulted in confidential settlements and a $6.1 million verdict against one of the individuals. Max’s death spurred Louisiana to enact the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing law, demonstrating how public outrage and clear proof of hazing often drive legislative change.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died after being forced to consume nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night. This incident led to multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members involved in his death. In 2023, Foltz’s family reached a $10 million settlement, with approximately $7 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This case powerfully demonstrated that universities, even public ones, can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities when their negligence contributes to a hazing death.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, hazing frequently involves brutal physical acts or ritualized abuse that can result in catastrophic injury or death.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a freshman pledge, died after a violent hazing ritual during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. During the “glass ceiling” event, blindfolded pledges with heavy backpacks were repeatedly tackled. Deng suffered a fatal traumatic brain injury, and fraternity members dangerously delayed calling 911 to concoct a cover story. Multiple members were convicted, and the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and subsequently banned from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years. This landmark case showed that even off-campus “retreats” can be sites of extreme danger, and national organizations bear significant responsibility for the conduct of their chapters.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it also pervades athletic programs, often shrouded in a culture of team loyalty and silence.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Multiple former football players came forward with allegations of widespread sexualized, racist, and physically abusive hazing within the program over many years. This scandal led to the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who subsequently filed a wrongful-termination lawsuit against the university, which was confidentially settled in August 2025. Multiple players also sued Northwestern and coaching staff. This high-profile case highlighted that hazing extends far beyond Greek life into major athletic programs, calling into question institutional oversight and accountability at the highest levels.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national stories, though set in other states, paint a clear picture for City of La Porte families:

• Common Threads of Tragedy: Forced drinking, humiliation, physical violence, delayed medical care, and systematic cover-ups are recurring themes in almost every major hazing incident.
• Accountability Through Litigation: Significant reforms, multi-million-dollar settlements, and new anti-hazing legislation often follow only after victims and their families courageously pursue litigation, forcing accountability from powerful institutions.
• A Familiar Landscape: Families in City of La Porte whose children attend or may attend universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor are facing a similar landscape to the families in these national cases. The same dynamics of peer pressure, organizational secrecy, and institutional indifference can exist here in Texas.

The Manginello Law Firm understands how these national events shape the legal strategies and expectations for hazing cases right here in Texas. We use these precedents to build powerful cases that demand accountability and compensation for our clients.

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

The Manginello Law Firm serves families across Texas, including City of La Porte and surrounding areas in Harris County. Many students from our community pursue higher education at the state’s major universities. While the headlines often focus on national tragedies, hazing is a pervasive issue at campuses right here in Texas. Below, we examine the context of hazing at five prominent Texas universities. For City of La Porte residents, understanding these specific environments is crucial, especially given our community’s proximity to one of the largest: the University of Houston.

University of Houston (UH)

As a vibrant and diverse urban campus, the University of Houston is a common choice for students from City of La Porte and across Harris County, given its easy accessibility. Its active Greek life, encompassing IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural fraternities and sororities, along with numerous other student organizations, unfortunately can also become a setting for hazing.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is one of Texas’s largest and most diverse universities, located in the heart of Houston. It attracts a mix of commuter and residential students, fostering a dynamic and varied campus culture. Its robust Greek system is a significant part of campus social life, and like any large institution, it faces the ongoing challenge of ensuring student safety within its many organizations.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, clearly outlining prohibited behaviors. Their policy directly correlates with Texas statutes, forbidding any act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of affiliation or membership in an organization. Prohibited acts include, but are not limited to, forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, subjection to extreme elements, and activities causing mental distress.

UH provides multiple reporting channels, including the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also posts some disciplinary information and details about their hazing statement on its official website.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

A documented incident involving Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) at UH in 2016 remains a stark reminder of hazing’s dangers. Pledges allegedly suffered severe physical abuse and deprivation, with one student reportedly sustaining a lacerated spleen after being forced against a table during a prolonged hazing event. This chapter ultimately faced misdemeanor hazing charges and a significant university suspension. Beyond this, UH has placed other Greek organizations on probation or suspension for incidents involving alcohol misuse and policies designed to create “mental or physical discomfort” associated with membership.

UH’s public records demonstrate their willingness to suspend chapters. However, as with many universities, the availability of detailed public information about specific violations can sometimes be limited compared to other institutions.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For City of La Porte families, understanding the jurisdiction in Harris County is important. Hazing incidents at UH can involve investigations by both the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) and the broader Houston Police Department (HPD), depending on where the incident occurred and its severity. Civil lawsuits against individuals, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, or potentially the university itself, would likely be filed in the courts with jurisdiction over Houston/Harris County. Given Attorney911’s strong presence in Houston, we are well-versed in navigating these local legal systems and can provide guidance to victims and their families from City of La Porte and other parts of Harris County.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

If you are a student or parent connected to UH and suspect hazing:

• Familiarize yourself with UH’s official hazing policy and understand precisely what constitutes a violation.
• Utilize UH’s reporting channels: Contact the Dean of Students Office, UHPD, or use their online reporting forms.
• Document everything: Beyond the immediate safety steps, keep meticulous records of any communications from the university regarding the incident, whether it’s an initial report or subsequent disciplinary actions.
• Consider prior incidents: Research if the organization in question has a history of hazing. While UH’s public records may offer some insight, an experienced attorney can conduct deeper investigations to uncover prior discipline and internal files that may not be readily public.
• Contact a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases: Our firm understands the intricacies of navigating UH’s internal processes and the Harris County court systems, providing critical legal guidance to families in City of La Porte.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, particularly known for its deep-rooted traditions and the revered Corps of Cadets, draws students from across Texas, including City of La Porte. While storied traditions contribute to a strong sense of community, they can also, at times, foster an environment where hazing takes root, not only in Greek life but also within the Corps.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M in College Station is famed for its unique spirit, the loyalty of its “Aggie Network,” and its military-oriented Corps of Cadets. Alongside a thriving Greek life, many students participate in numerous other traditions and organizations. This blend of strong community identity and traditional rituals can unfortunately create a fertile ground for hazing, where “tradition” is sometimes used to justify harmful acts.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M has a zero-tolerance hazing policy that mirrors Texas state law, prohibiting any act causing bodily injury or mental distress for the purpose of initiation or membership. This applies to all recognized student organizations, including the Corps of Cadets. Reporting channels include the Dean of Student Life, the Office of Student Conduct, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMUPD). The Corps of Cadets also has its own specified chain of command for reporting.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Response

Texas A&M has faced significant hazing allegations:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): This incident gained national attention. Two pledges alleged horrifying abuse where they were not only forced into strenuous physical activity but also covered in various substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This led to severe chemical burns on their bodies, requiring extensive skin graft surgeries. The pledges subsequently sued the fraternity for $1 million. The chapter was suspended by the university for two years.
• Corps of Cadets Sexualized Hazing Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing within a Corps unit. The incident involved forced participation in simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The cadet sought over $1 million in damages. Texas A&M stated it addressed the matter under its internal rules, highlighting the challenging nature of seeking full accountability in such traditionally closed environments.

These cases illustrate that hazing at Texas A&M can manifest in both its Greek system and its revered Corps of Cadets, involving both extreme physical abuse and deeply humiliating psychological tactics.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases originating from Texas A&M in College Station or Bryan would typically involve either the TAMUPD or the Bryan/College Station Police Departments. Civil lawsuits would be heard in Brazos County courts. Due to the unique culture of the Corps of Cadets, cases can also involve the specific military departments and oversight. Attorneys handling such cases often need to understand both traditional Greek life dynamics and the specific nuances of military-affiliated student groups, making the firm’s experience with complex organizations invaluable.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For families in City of La Porte with children at Texas A&M:

• Understand the dual nature of hazing at A&M: Be aware that hazing issues can arise in both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets, requiring specific understanding of each environment.
• Report concerns immediately through official A&M channels, including the Dean of Student Life, TAMUPD, or the Corps’ internal reporting system if applicable. However, be aware of potential challenges in reporting to entities closely tied to the very traditions being investigated.
• Document everything meticulously: In the close-knit A&M community, details can be crucial. Preserve all digital communications and physical evidence.
• Seek legal counsel early: The strong traditions at A&M, while celebrated, can also present challenges to transparency. An experienced attorney can navigate the university’s internal processes and fight for answers and accountability.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The flagship University of Texas at Austin is a common destination for students from City of La Porte seeking a world-class education. Its large, diverse student body supports a vibrant and often high-profile Greek life, along with numerous other organizations that, unfortunately, have a documented history of hazing.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin boasts a dynamic campus culture, combining academic rigor with a bustling social scene. Its Greek community is one of the largest and most influential in the state, and the university has a wide array of spirit groups, clubs, and athletic organizations. UT is often under intense scrutiny, and its response to student conduct, including hazing, frequently sets a precedent for other universities.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin strictly prohibits hazing, adhering to Texas law. Their policy targets any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health of a student for the purpose of affiliation. UT is notably transparent about hazing violations, maintaining and publicly publishing a detailed Hazing Violations webpage that lists organizations, dates of incidents, the nature of the conduct, and the sanctions imposed. This transparency is a valuable resource for prospective students, current families, and legal teams alike. Reporting is handled through the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Example Incident & Response

UT’s public Hazing Violations page lists numerous incidents. For example:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): This chapter faced disciplinary action after new members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, which the university classified as hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization): This well-known spirit organization has periodically faced sanctions for alcohol-related hazing, forced physical activity, and practices designed to punish or humiliate new members.

These entries, along with many others on UT’s public logs, demonstrate an ongoing pattern of hazing across various types of student organizations, highlighting that even with transparency, the problem persists.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at UT Austin can involve investigations by the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) or the Austin Police Department (APD). Civil lawsuits would be heard in Travis County courts. UT’s public listing of prior hazing violations can be powerful evidence in a civil case, demonstrating a pattern of behavior and the university’s knowledge of its organizations’ misconduct. This readily available information can be crucial for City of La Porte families seeking accountability by strengthening arguments that hazing was foreseeable and inadequately addressed.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

For City of La Porte families with students at UT Austin:

• Regularly review UT’s Hazing Violations page: This publicly available resource is invaluable for assessing the history of organizations your student might consider joining. See the official listing at hassing.utexas.edu.
• Understand the weight of prior violations: If an organization your student is involved with has a history of hazing on this log, it provides a strong foundation for arguing that the university and national organization had prior notice of dangerous conduct.
• Work with informed legal counsel: Attorneys experienced in UT hazing cases understand how to leverage the university’s transparency and policies to build a robust case for accountability.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

SMU, located in Dallas, is a prime destination for many Texas students, including those from City of La Porte, seeking a prestigious private university experience. SMU’s vibrant, affluent campus culture and strong Greek presence, however, do not exempt it from hazing challenges.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and a prominent Greek life that significantly influences the social scene. Its private university status often means a slightly different approach to internal investigations and public disclosure compared to state-funded institutions.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains a comprehensive anti-hazing policy consistent with Texas law, prohibiting various forms of physical, mental, and humiliating activity. The university has made efforts to promote reporting through channels like the Dean of Students, Student Affairs, and through anonymous reporting systems such as “Real Response,” designed to encourage students to come forward without fear of retribution.

5.4.3 Example Incident & Response

SMU has had its share of hazing incidents. A notable case involved the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity around 2017. New members reportedly endured severe and prolonged hazing, including paddling, forced excessive alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The national Kappa Alpha Order suspended the chapter, and the university imposed significant restrictions, banning the chapter from recruiting for several years. While specific details of these incidents might not be as publicly accessible as at state universities, they reflect persistent issues.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing incidents at SMU typically involve investigations by the SMU Police Department and potentially the Dallas Police Department. Civil lawsuits would proceed through the Dallas County court system. Because SMU is a private institution, it is not subject to Texas’s sovereign immunity laws, which sometimes provides a more straightforward path for claims directly against the university itself compared to public schools. However, private universities can also be less transparent about their internal findings and disciplinary actions than public universities. This means lawyers must be adept at using discovery processes to uncover crucial facts and records.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For City of La Porte families with children at SMU:

• Be aware of the reporting culture: While SMU provides anonymous reporting channels, the private university context can lead to different levels of transparency compared to public institutions.
• Document thoroughly: Given potential privacy surrounding internal investigations at private universities, meticulously documenting everything—digital, physical, and medical evidence—becomes even more critical.
• Enlist experienced legal support: An attorney specialized in hazing cases understands how to compel discovery from private universities and national organizations, unearthing critical information needed to build a strong case.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University in Waco holds a unique position in Texas higher education, balancing a strong commitment to its Christian mission with a significant presence in collegiate athletics and Greek life. Students from City of La Porte and beyond are drawn to its distinct campus environment. However, this environment has also faced challenges, including hazing incidents and broader scrutiny of institutional oversight.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor offers a distinct private, Christian university experience with a close-knit community. It boasts well-established Greek organizations and highly competitive athletic programs. The university has endured significant scrutiny in recent years related to its institutional responses to sexual assault allegations, which has heightened public and legal attention to its overall culture of student safety and oversight.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor maintains a strict “zero tolerance” hazing policy, aligning with Texas state law, prohibiting any acts that endanger student health or safety for affiliation purposes. Reporting channels include the Department of Student Life, Title IX Office, and the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD). The university’s experience with past scandals has led to enhanced focus on compliance and student welfare policies.

5.5.3 Example Incident & Response

Baylor has had hazing issues in various organizations:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): This incident led to the suspension of 14 baseball players after a university investigation concluded they had engaged in hazing activities. The staggered suspensions impacted the team’s early season, underscoring that hazing extends beyond Greek life even at institutions with prominent athletic programs.

While comprehensive lists of hazing violations may not be as accessible as at public universities, these incidents demonstrate that even at institutions with strong ethical codes and heightened oversight, hazing can occur.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing incidents at Baylor would involve investigations by the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) and potentially the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits would typically be heard in McLennan County courts. As a private university, Baylor is not protected by sovereign immunity, theoretically simplifying direct claims against the institution. However, its legal teams are well-resourced and experienced in defending claims related to campus conduct. Understanding Baylor’s specific policies, leadership structure, and recent history of institutional scrutiny is vital for effectively litigating against the university and its organizations.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For City of La Porte families with students at Baylor:

• Recognize the specific context: Baylor’s unique religious mission and its prior institutional challenges create a specific backdrop for any hazing incidents. This means claims will likely be viewed through a lens of the university’s commitment to student welfare.
• Report through official channels: Utilize Baylor’s stated reporting mechanisms, but also understand that an attorney can provide an independent pathway to accountability.
• Document all information: Given the sensitivity surrounding campus misconduct at Baylor, meticulous documentation of all details, interactions, and evidence is paramount.
• Consult legal professionals experienced with university liability: An attorney familiar with both Texas hazing law and the specific institutional dynamics of universities like Baylor can provide the most effective legal strategy.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

The Greek letter organizations on campuses across Texas – whether at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor – are almost universally part of larger national or international fraternities and sororities. For City of La Porte families dealing with hazing, understanding this hierarchical structure and the national history of these organizations is absolutely critical for pursuing legal accountability.

Why National Histories Matter

The anti-hazing policies prominently displayed by national Greek organizations are not mere suggestions; they are the direct result of decades of tragic incidents, devastating lawsuits, and multi-million-dollar settlements. When a local chapter at a Texas university engages in hazing, particularly methods that mirror past national incidents, it can open the national organization to significant liability.

Here’s why national histories are key:

• Demonstrating Foreseeability: If a particular hazing ritual (e.g., a “Big/Little” alcohol night, a physical endurance test, or a degrading “Bible study” game) has caused death or severe injury in another chapter of the same national organization, that national organization can be argued to have had prior knowledge and foreseeability of the danger. Their claim of “we had no idea” becomes much weaker.
• Pattern Evidence: Showing a pattern of similar hazing incidents across multiple chapters of the same national organization strengthens the argument that the national body was negligent in supervising its local chapters, enforcing its own rules, or preventing known dangerous behaviors.
• Policy Enforcement Gaps: While national HQs all have anti-hazing manuals and risk management training, discovery often reveals that these policies are merely “paper policies”—rarely enforced, and often viewed by local chapters as something to circumvent, not obey. Attorneys can expose the gap between stated policy and actual practice.
• Financial Leverage: National fraternities and sororities typically carry substantial insurance policies designed to cover such incidents. Demonstrating their culpability based on their known history is vital for securing fair compensation.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Many of the most prominent fraternities and sororities with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor have national histories marred by hazing. While rosters can shift, some consistently appear in national incident databases:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor.

  • National History: Pi Kappa Alpha has been implicated in multiple high-profile hazing deaths. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), where Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after a mandatory “Big/Little” drinking event, resulted in criminal convictions and a $10 million civil settlement. Similarly, David Bogenberger’s death at Northern Illinois University (2012) from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event led to a $14 million settlement. These cases demonstrate a clear, devastating pattern of forced alcohol consumption during pledging activities within Pi Kappa Alpha’s chapters.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU.

  • National History: SAE has one of the lengthiest and most tragic histories of hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. This includes alcohol-related fatalities and incidents of extreme physical and psychological abuse. In 2021, at Texas A&M University, two pledges sued SAE for $1 million after allegedly being covered in industrial-strength cleaner, eggs, and spit, resulting in severe chemical burns and skin grafts. At the University of Alabama (2023), a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during an alleged hazing ritual. In January 2024 at UT Austin, the chapter faced a lawsuit for over $1 million after an exchange student alleged assault during an event, further highlighting ongoing concerns, especially given the chapter was already under suspension for prior violations. In response to a pattern of deaths, SAE notoriously announced the elimination of its traditional pledge process nationwide in 2014, yet incidents have continued to occur.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Found at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor.

  • National History: The tragic death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University (2017) from extreme alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” hazing game led to criminal prosecutions and the Max Gruver Act (a felony hazing law). The civil case resulted in confidential settlements and a multi-million-dollar verdict. This incident directly shows how seemingly harmless “games” are often deadly hazing rituals.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT.

  • National History: Andrew Coffey’s death at Florida State University (2017) from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event, where pledges consumed handles of hard liquor, led to criminal charges and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU.

• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Active at Texas A&M and SMU.

  • National History: Kappa Alpha Order chapters have faced multiple suspensions and disciplinary actions across the country for hazing, including incidents involving physical abuse and forced alcohol consumption. The SMU chapter itself was placed on suspension in 2017 after new members were reportedly subjected to paddling and sleep deprivation.

• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Located at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor.

  • National History: Sigma Chi has faced significant hazing litigation. For example, a case at the College of Charleston (2024) resulted in a settlement of more than $10 million for a plaintiff alleging severe physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment. Another incident at the University of Texas at Arlington (2020) saw a pledge hospitalized with alcohol poisoning due to hazing, leading to a lawsuit for negligent supervision.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU.

  • National History: The Timothy Piazza tragedy at Penn State (2017) is one of the most well-known hazing cases in U.S. history, defining modern understanding of fraternity hazing, resulting in landmark legislation and extensive criminal and civil actions.

• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): Present in NPHC at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor.

  • National History: This fraternity has been involved in several hazing allegations, including a federal lawsuit in 2023 where a former student reported severe beatings with a wooden paddle during “Hell Night,” causing injuries requiring emergency surgery. This exemplifies that hazing is not exclusive to predominant white Greek organizations but a broader problem across campus life.

• Other Organizations: Other fraternities and sororities, including Lambda Phi Epsilon, Kappa Sigma, Alpha Tau Omega, Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Gamma Delta, and others also have well-documented national histories of severe and fatal hazing incidents, demonstrating that these problems span across many organizations.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For City of La Porte families, understanding these national patterns translates directly into legal strategy:

• Foreseeability Argument: When a specific hazing practice (e.g., a “Big/Little” alcohol night) has been linked to severe injury or death in a national organization’s history, a powerful legal argument can be made that the national fraternity/sorority and the university should have foreseen the risks at their Texas chapters and acted to prevent them.
• Notice and Culpability: Courts often consider whether the national organization had “actual notice” (they knew directly) or “constructive notice” (they should have known, given external reports and patterns) of dangerous practices. A history of repeated incidents strengthens arguments for national-level culpability.
• Settlement and Verdict Value: The existence of multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts in similar national cases demonstrates the potential value of such claims, providing leverage in negotiations and at trial. This evidence helps persuade juries and insurance companies that the claimed damages are legitimate and substantial.
• Insurance Coverage Fights: With national organizations comes substantial insurance. However, these insurers often try to avoid coverage, claiming “hazing” or “intentional acts” are excluded. An attorney familiar with national hazing patterns can counter these arguments by demonstrating negligent supervision by the national body.

The Manginello Law Firm leverages this deep understanding of national hazing histories to build compelling legal arguments, expose patterns of misconduct, and hold all responsible parties—from individual students to powerful national organizations and universities—accountable for their failures.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

When hazing impacts a family in City of La Porte, the aftermath can be overwhelming. But just as hazing itself is a complex issue, building a robust legal case against the individuals and institutions responsible requires meticulous investigation, a comprehensive understanding of damages, and a strategic approach. Our firm prides itself on its investigative depth and dedication to fighting for accountability.

Evidence

In today’s digital age, evidence in hazing cases is more pervasive – and more fleeting – than ever before. Identifying, preserving, and analyzing this evidence is paramount.

• Digital Communications: These are often the most critical pieces of evidence. Group chats on platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and even fraternity-specific apps frequently contain explicit instructions, threats, plans, and sometimes even a casual disregard for potential harm. Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, and TikTok comments can also reveal planning or document the abuse itself. Even “deleted” messages can sometimes be recovered by digital forensics experts.
• Photos & Videos: Hazing events are frequently filmed by participants. This “user-generated” content, whether shared in group chats, posted on private social media, or saved on personal devices, can provide irrefutable proof of the hazing, who was involved, and the extent of the harm. Security camera footage from houses or venues can also be vital.
• Internal Organization Documents: Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “traditions” lists, and internal communications among chapter officers often reveal a deliberate intent to haze or knowledge of hazing. National organizations’ policies and training materials can also be obtained to show inconsistencies with claims of “zero tolerance.”
• University Records: Through discovery in a lawsuit, we can obtain critical university documents: prior conduct files, records of probation or suspension for the same organization, internal police reports, emails among administrators discussing the organization, and Clery Act disclosures. These records can demonstrate a pattern of ignored warnings and inadequate enforcement.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These are essential for documenting the full extent of physical and emotional harm. This includes emergency room reports, hospital admission records, toxicology reports (for alcohol/drugs), surgical notes, progress reports from physical therapy, and psychological evaluations (diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other trauma-related conditions).
• Witness Testimony: The accounts of other pledges, fraternity/sorority members, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, or bystanders are crucial. Even former members who quit or were expelled, or those who previously participated in hazing but now regret it, can provide powerful testimony and insight.

Damages

In a civil hazing lawsuit, the goal is to recover adequate compensation – “damages” – for all losses suffered. These damages fall into several categories:

• Economic Damages (Calculable Financial Losses):

  • Medical Expenses: This includes past medical bills (emergency care, ambulance, hospitalization, medications, rehabilitation) and future medical expenses (ongoing therapy, future surgeries, medications, and potentially a lifetime of care for catastrophic injuries, as seen in cases like Danny Santulli’s).
  • Lost Income & Educational Impact: This covers wages lost by the victim or parents caring for them, the cost of missed semesters, tuition for transfers, lost scholarships, and, crucially, the diminished future earning capacity if the hazing results in permanent disability (physical, mental, or cognitive).
  • Other Financial Losses: Any direct financial costs like property damage, or relocation costs if a student transfers schools due to trauma.

• Non-Economic Damages (Subjective, but Legally Compensable):

  • Physical Pain & Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain endured from injuries, both immediate and long-term.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: This category addresses the profound mental and emotional impact, including diagnosed conditions like PTSD, severe depression, anxiety, humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, fear, and nightmares. Therapy and counseling are vital to document this.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries or psychological trauma prevent a victim from participating in activities they once loved, or from fully experiencing college and life, this is a distinct form of damage.

• Wrongful Death Damages (For Families): When hazing leads to a fatality, surviving family members (parents, children, and sometimes siblings in Texas) can recover:

  • Funeral and Burial Costs.
  • Loss of Financial Support: The income the deceased would have contributed to the family.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: The profound grief and suffering of losing a loved one.
  • Loss of Guidance and Counsel: Especially for younger siblings who lost an older role model.
  • Mental Health Treatment for family members suffering from the traumatic loss.

• Punitive Damages (When Applicable): These are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the defendants for especially reckless, malicious, or willful conduct, and to deter future hazing. In Texas, punitive damages are available but often capped. However, they are a powerful tool when the defendants had prior warnings, showed callous indifference, or engaged in cover-ups.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

The various responsible parties—individuals, local chapters, national organizations, universities—each have their own legal counsel and often overlapping but distinct insurance policies.

• Insurance Coverage: National fraternities, sororities, and universities almost universally carry significant insurance policies. However, insurers frequently try to avoid paying claims by arguing that hazing or “intentional acts” are excluded from coverage.
• Navigating Exclusions: An experienced hazing attorney understands how to challenge these exclusions. Often, while the hazing itself might be an intentional act, the national organization’s negligent supervision or the university’s negligent failure to protect students are covered under general liability policies.
• Comprehensive Approach: Our firm works to identify every potential source of recovery, meticulously examining all available policies (chapter, national, individual homeowner, university umbrella policies) and building a strategy to overcome insurance company denials.

How Attorney911 Builds Your Case

From our Houston office, we build cases by:

• Rapid Evidence Preservation: Our first step is always to protect and secure all available evidence, because it disappears fast.
• Thorough Investigation: We leave no stone unturned, working with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages, issue subpoenas for university and national records, and interview all relevant witnesses.
• Expert Collaboration: We partner with medical specialists, forensic pathologists, economists, and psychologists to fully document injuries, establish the cause of death, and quantify all economic and non-economic damages.
• Strategic Litigation: We anticipate common defense tactics, such as claims of “consent” or “rogue chapter” arguments, and build a strategy to dismantle them, leveraging our experience against powerful institutions.
• Empathetic Advocacy: We prioritize your family’s well-being throughout what is often a long and emotionally draining process, offering support while aggressively pursuing justice.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For City of La Porte families, knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of a hazing incident – and what critical mistakes to avoid – can profoundly impact the outcome of a case. Here, we offer actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses.

For Parents

Parents play a crucial role in recognizing and addressing hazing.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:

  • Unexplained Injuries: Look for bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” with unconvincing explanations.
  • Extreme Fatigue: Consistent exhaustion, severe sleep deprivation, or falling asleep in unusual places.
  • Drastic Mood Changes: Sudden anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal from family or old friends, or secrecy about organization activities (e.g., “I can’t talk about it”).
  • Academic Decline: Grades dropping, missing classes, or neglecting assignments due to mandatory late-night events.
  • Constant Phone Use: Obsessive monitoring of group chats, anxiety when the phone pings, or attempts to delete messages.
  • Financial Red Flags: Unexpected demands for money, forced purchases, or unusual expenses.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy and without judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with your group?” or “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize their safety and well-being above fitting in or organizational loyalty. Assure them you will support them, no matter what.

• If Your Child is Hurt:

  • Seek Medical Care Immediately: Your child’s health is the absolute priority. Take them to an emergency room, urgent care, or a doctor. Instruct medical staff that hazing is suspected so it is accurately documented in their records.
  • Document Everything Meticulously: Photograph all injuries from multiple angles and over several days to show progression. Screenshot any digital evidence your child shows you. Write down details like dates, times, locations, names, and specific acts.
  • Save Evidence: Preserve any clothing worn during the incident, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects involved in the hazing.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or covering up what happened, contact an experienced hazing attorney immediately. Our firm can help you navigate university processes and protect your child’s legal rights.

For Students / Pledges

If you are a student from City of La Porte experiencing hazing, know that you have rights and options, and you are not alone.

• “Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?”: If you feel unsafe, humiliated, degraded, or coerced; if you are forced to drink or suffer physical distress; if the activity is kept secret from the public or administrators – it is hazing, regardless of how it’s framed. Your discomfort is a valid signal.

• Consent Is Not What They Say it Is: Remember, Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The pressure to belong, the fear of exclusion, and power imbalances make true, voluntary consent to dangerous activities impossible. You cannot truly “agree” to be harmed.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • Immediate Danger: If you are in immediate danger, call 911. You will not get in trouble for calling for help in a medical emergency under “good-faith reporter” protections in Texas.
  • Quitting: You have an absolute legal right to leave any organization at any time. If you want to de-pledge or leave the group, tell a trusted adult outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend). Send a clear email or text to the chapter president stating your resignation. Avoid “one last meeting” or situations where you might be pressured or intimidated.
  • Reporting: You can report hazing confidentially or anonymously through campus channels (Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, Campus Police), the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE), or local law enforcement.

• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools, and Texas law, provide protections for students who call for help in an emergency, or who report hazing in good faith, even if they were also involved in underage drinking or other minor rule violations. This is designed to save lives.

For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were a part of hazing, either as a participant, an organizer, or a witness, and now feel guilt or regret:

• Your Testimony Matters: Your testimony and evidence can be instrumental in preventing future harm, saving lives, and holding responsible parties accountable. While it can be daunting, cooperating can be a crucial step toward accountability and healing.
• Seek Legal Advice: If you are concerned about your own legal exposure (criminal or civil), it is wise to seek legal counsel, like Attorney911. We can advise you on your rights and obligations, and how cooperating might factor into your own legal standing.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For City of La Porte families contemplating legal action against hazing, knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do. These common mistakes can severely compromise or even ruin a potential case:

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

   • What Parents Think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble,” or “It’s embarrassing, let’s just make it go away.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: This looks like a deliberate cover-up, can constitute obstruction of justice, and makes proving your case exponentially harder, often impossible. Digital forensics can sometimes retrieve deleted data, but original, untampered evidence is far stronger.
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve everything immediately, no matter how embarrassing or incriminating. Screenshots, photos, and messages are invaluable.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • What Parents Think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind and demand answers.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: This is almost always counterproductive. The organization will immediately lawyer up, instruct members to destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and begin building their defense. You will lose the element of surprise and critical time for evidence collection.
   • What to Do Instead: Document what your child tells you, then call an experienced hazing attorney before any direct confrontation.

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms:

   • What Universities Do: Universities often pressure families to quickly sign waivers, “covenants not to sue,” or internal resolution agreements to keep incidents quiet and avoid litigation.
   • Why It’s Wrong: You may inadvertently waive your fundamental legal right to sue. These agreements often provide minimal compensation, far below the actual value of your case, and prioritize protecting the institution’s reputation over your child’s well-being.
   • What to Do Instead: Do not sign anything from the university, national organization, or anyone else without having an attorney review it first.

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

   • What Families Think: “I want everyone to know what happened and warn others.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Anything you post can be screenshot by defense attorneys and used against you. Inconsistencies in your public statements (even minor ones) can damage credibility, and you might inadvertently waive legal privileges.
   • What to Do Instead: Document privately and share only with your attorney. Let your lawyer guide any public messaging strategically.

5. Letting Your Child Go Back for “One Last Meeting”:

   • What Fraternities/Sororities Say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic,” or “We want a chance to explain.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: This is often a tactic to intimidate, pressure, or try to extract statements from your child that can be used to discredit their claims or weaken your case.
   • What to Do Instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication from or to the organization should go through your attorney.

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

   • What Universities Promise: “We’re investigating, let us handle this internally,” giving the impression they will pursue justice.
   • Why It’s Wrong: While internal investigations are necessary, they are not designed to secure legal damages for your child. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run. Universities often prioritize controlling the narrative and protecting their own interests over full accountability in a civil suit.
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve all evidence now, and consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s internal process is separate from, and usually insufficient for, achieving full legal accountability.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:

   • What Adjusters Say: “We just need your statement to process the claim quickly.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Insurance adjusters for the defendants are not on your side. Recorded statements can be used against you, and they often offer lowball settlements very early, before the full extent of damages (especially long-term psychological and medical needs) is known.
   • What to Do Instead: Politely decline to speak to them and inform them, “My attorney will contact you.”

Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, certain constitutional violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony under Texas Education Code § 37.152 if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Those who fail to report hazing can also face misdemeanor charges.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” given under duress, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases of cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be “tolled” (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge of the activities, and foreseeability of the harm. Many major hazing cases (e.g., Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi in an “unofficial” house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments against the organizations.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Many hazing cases are resolved through confidential settlements before a public trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy and work to secure confidential settlement terms and, where possible, sealed court records, while still pursuing full accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the profound pain and confusion that hazing brings, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand the intricate web of campus culture, powerful institutions, and complex legal defenses—and how to fight back effectively. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we provide exactly that.

Based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of La Porte and surrounding areas in Harris County, who confront hazing at institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, and beyond. We understand that hazing at Texas universities can deeply impact families in City of La Porte and across the region, and we are prepared to represent you aggressively.

Our firm brings unique strengths to hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. This insider knowledge offers a significant advantage in fiercely negotiating for your rights.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a quarter-century of experience, including taking on some of the largest corporations. He was one of the few Texas firms involved in the massive BP Texas City explosion litigation and has extensive federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas). We are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-resourced defense teams. We have taken on billion-dollar corporations and won, applying that same resolve to fighting for hazing victims. We know how to hold powerful defendants accountable.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in obtaining multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We meticulously collaborate with economists and other experts to accurately value lifetime care needs for severe injuries like brain trauma or permanent disability. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases designed to force full accountability and prevent future harm.
• Dual Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) equips us with a unique understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This means we can competently advise witnesses, former members, and victims who may be navigating dual exposure or seeking justice through both avenues.
• Investigative Depth: We invest heavily in uncovering the truth. We employ a network of experts—digital forensics specialists to recover deleted messages and social media, medical professionals, economists, and psychologists—to meticulously gather and analyze every piece of evidence. Our experience in refinery accident investigations, for example, has honed our skills at uncovering systemic negligence and institutional failures.

We understand that hazing cases are different. They involve powerful institutional defendants, complex insurance coverage battles, and a delicate balance between victim privacy and public accountability. We know how to navigate the cultural nuances of Greek life and other student organizations to prove coercion, negligence, and intent.

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We focus on thorough investigation and real accountability, not just quick settlements.

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

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options transparently, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family.

In your free consultation, you can expect us to:

• Listen to your story without judgment, providing a safe space to share.
• Review any evidence you have gathered, including photos, texts, and medical records.
• Explain your legal options, ranging from criminal reporting to a civil lawsuit, or neither.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to anticipate throughout the legal process.
• Answer all your questions about costs; we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
• Provide clear guidance without pressure to hire us on the spot; we want you to make an informed decision.
• Ensure everything you tell us is kept strictly confidential.

Don’t face this alone. Evidence disappears rapidly, and institutions work quickly to protect their interests. Taking prompt legal action is crucial.

Call us today.

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

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

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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