Texas Hazing Laws: A Comprehensive Guide for Coke County Families

A phone rings late at night in a quiet Coke County home. It’s an emergency room nurse, informing you that your child, a promising student now enrolled at a Texas university, has been hospitalized with severe alcohol poisoning after a fraternity “initiation.” Or perhaps your daughter, usually vibrant, calls home sounding distant and anxious, hinting at degrading “traditions” she’s being forced to endure in her new sorority. Maybe your son, passionate about ROTC, has suddenly become withdrawn, with unexplained bruises and a new aversion to speaking about his unit’s “training exercises.” These scenarios are not fiction; they are the harsh reality faced by families across Texas, including right here in Coke County.

While our community in Coke County might feel a world away from the bustling campuses of Houston, Austin, College Station, Dallas, or Waco, the impact of campus hazing reaches every corner of our state. The Manginello Law Firm understands that hazing at any Texas university—whether it’s the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor—can profoundly affect families dwelling in Coke County and throughout the surrounding region. The trust you place in these institutions, and the well-being of your child, can be shattered in an instant.

This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for families in Coke County and across Texas who are grappling with the devastating realities of campus hazing. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge about:

What hazing truly looks like in 2025, far beyond outdated stereotypes.
The intricacies of Texas and federal anti-hazing laws.
The lessons learned from major national hazing cases and their direct applicability to situations at Texas universities.
Specific incidents and trends at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor.
The critical legal options available to victims and their families in Coke County and throughout Texas.

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for specific legal advice. However, it is designed to be a starting point, illuminating the path toward accountability and justice. The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, stands ready to assist families across Texas, combining deep legal expertise with a compassionate understanding of the challenges you face.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:
- Call 911 for medical emergencies immediately.
- Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate help in critical situations, earning our reputation as your Legal Emergency Lawyers™.
In the first 48 hours, every action counts:
- Prioritize medical attention without delay, even if your child downplays the incident. Their health is paramount.
- Preserve evidence BEFORE it can be destroyed. This means:
  - Taking screenshots of group chats, text messages, and direct messages instantly.
  - Photographing any injuries with multiple angles and good lighting.
  - Collecting and saving any physical items involved, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or suspicious objects.
- Document everything in writing while the details are fresh: who, what, when, where, and any specific statements made.
- Do NOT:
  - Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This can lead to evidence destruction or witness coaching.
  - Sign any documents from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel.
  - Post specifics about the incident on public social media, as this can compromise a future legal case.
  - Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.
Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:
- Critical evidence linked to hazing can vanish rapidly, including deleted group chats, destroyed physical evidence, and coached witnesses.
- Universities often act swiftly to manage narratives.
- Our legal team can intervene to help preserve crucial evidence and safeguard your child’s legal rights.
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For families in Coke County, the term “hazing” might conjure images from movies – fraternity pledges on a treasure hunt or forced to wear silly outfits. However, the reality of hazing in 2025 at Texas universities is far more insidious and dangerous. It’s a complex web of physical, psychological, and digital abuse that can leave students with lifelong scars, or worse. Hazing is any force, coercion, or intense pressure to perform actions tied to joining, maintaining membership, or achieving status within a group, where such actions endanger mental or physical health, humiliate, or exploit.

It’s crucial to understand that simply “agreeing” to participate does not automatically make the activity safe or legal. In environments marked by intense peer pressure and significant power imbalances, genuine consent is often impossible.

Main Categories of Hazing in Action

Hazing has evolved, often becoming more secretive and sophisticated to evade detection. We often categorize it into several key types:

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is tragically the most common cause of hazing-related deaths. It involves forced or coerced drinking, often through dangerous “chugging challenges,” “lineups” where pledges consume multiple drinks in rapid succession, or elaborate drinking games. Pledges are also pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, leading to blackouts, alcohol poisoning, and even death.
Physical Hazing: This goes far beyond mild discomfort. It includes violent acts like paddling and beatings, often inflicted with objects. Pledges are forced into extreme calisthenics, euphemistically called “workouts” or “smokings,” pushed far beyond safe physical limits. Sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation, and exposure to extreme cold or heat, or other dangerous environments, are also common.
Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This dehumanizing form of hazing includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (often referred to as “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” positions), and other degrading stunts. Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones are not uncommon, targeting individuals or groups for additional humiliation. This category can quickly escalate to sexual assault.
Psychological Hazing: This type leaves deep, invisible wounds. It involves relentless verbal abuse, threats, and forced isolation from friends and family. Pledges are subjected to manipulative tactics, forced confessions, and public shaming campaigns, either in person or online.
Digital/Online Hazing: A newer frontier for abuse, digital hazing leverages technology. This includes dares or “challenges” delivered through group chats, public humiliation via social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or Discord, and pressure to create or share compromising images or videos.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities and sororities often dominate the headlines, hazing is not exclusive to Greek life. It permeates many types of student organizations across Texas campuses:

Fraternities and Sororities: This includes traditional Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council groups, as well as National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) “Divine Nine” organizations, and other multicultural Greek associations.
Corps of Cadets / ROTC Programs: Military-style groups often have ingrained “traditions” that cross into hazing.
Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Groups: Organizations like the Texas Cowboys at UT, or other spirit and tradition-based clubs, have faced hazing allegations.
Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, cheerleading, and smaller club sports, hazing can occur as a twisted form of team “bonding.”
Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign organizations can fall prey to hazing rituals.
Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: These groups, too, can sometimes enforce initiation practices that endanger or humiliate members.

The common threads running through these diverse groups are powerful social dynamics: the allure of status, the weight of “tradition,” and a pervasive culture of secrecy and silence. These factors allow hazing to persist, often remaining hidden until a severe injury or death brings it to light.

Law & Liability Framework: Texas + Federal

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial for families in Coke County. The laws are designed to protect students and hold accountable those who perpetrate or permit hazing, though navigating this framework requires experienced legal guidance.

Texas Hazing Law Basics: Education Code Chapter 37

Texas has clear statutory provisions specifically addressing hazing, primarily outlined in Chapter 37, Subchapter F, of the Texas Education Code. This law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization whose members include students, that:

Endangers the physical health or safety of a student (e.g., physical beatings, forced calisthenics beyond safe limits, forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, sleep deprivation).
Or substantially affects the mental health or safety of a student (e.g., extreme humiliation, isolation, verbal abuse, intimidation).

It’s important to grasp these key components of the Texas law:

Location is irrelevant: Hazing is prohibited whether it occurs on-campus or off-campus.
Intent: The law covers acts that are intentional, knowing, or reckless. Even if the perpetrators didn’t intend to cause serious harm, recklessness (knowing a risk existed and disregarding it) is sufficient for liability.
“Consent” is not a defense: As explicitly stated in § 37.155 of the Texas Education Code, it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the activity. The law recognizes that true consent is absent when power imbalances, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion are at play.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas

The criminal consequences for hazing can be significant:

By default, hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor, punishable by fines and potential jail time (up to 180 days in county jail and/or a fine up to $2,000).
If hazing results in an injury requiring medical treatment, it can be elevated to a Class A Misdemeanor.
Crucially, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it can be prosecuted as a State Jail Felony, carrying a potential sentence of 180 days to two years in a state jail facility.

Beyond the direct perpetrators, Texas law also imposes criminal penalties on those who fail to act:

Individuals, including officers or members of an organization, who know about hazing and fail to report it can face misdemeanor charges.
Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor, designed to protect whistleblowers.

Organizational Liability in Texas

Texas law also targets the organizations themselves. An organization (such as a fraternity, sorority, club, or team) can be held criminally responsible for hazing if:

The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing activity.
An officer or a member, acting in an official capacity, knew about the hazing and failed to report it to the appropriate authorities.

This means that both individual perpetrators and the group they belong to can face criminal prosecution. Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities also have the power to revoke recognition or ban the organization from campus.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting

To encourage reporting, Texas law provides protections for those who come forward. A person who, in good faith, reports a hazing incident to university officials or law enforcement agencies is generally immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise arise from their report. Furthermore, in medical emergencies, Texas law and many university policies extend amnesty to students who call 911 for help, even if they were underage drinking or otherwise involved in the hazing itself. While these protections exist, in practice, students often still face social pressures or fear retaliation, despite legal safeguards.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Understanding the Distinction

When hazing occurs, families are often faced with distinct legal paths:

Criminal Cases: These are initiated and pursued by the State (through prosecutors) and focus on punishing individuals or organizations for breaking criminal laws. The objective is to impose penalties like incarceration, fines, or probation. In hazing contexts, common criminal charges can range from misdemeanor hazing and furnishing alcohol to minors, to more severe charges like assault, battery, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in fatal cases.
Civil Cases: These are lawsuits filed by the victims or their surviving family members. The primary goal of a civil case is to seek monetary compensation for the harm suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil claims in hazing cases can include negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

It’s important to understand that criminal and civil cases can proceed concurrently. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing or winning a civil case. The standards of proof and evidence differ, and a civil case can bring about justice and financial recovery even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also play a role in addressing campus hazing, especially for institutions receiving federal funding:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation, gradually being phased in by around 2026, mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal student aid must:
- Publicly report all findings of hazing violations.
- Establish and maintain robust hazing education and prevention programs.
- Publish aggregate data on hazing incidents transparently. This federal push will increase public awareness and accountability for hazing across the nation.
Title IX: When hazing involves elements of sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based discrimination, or hostility, Title IX obligations are triggered. This federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in federally funded education programs and activities. Universities are required to investigate allegations and take appropriate action regardless of where the incident occurred.
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 near their campuses. While not exclusively a hazing law, hazing incidents often overlap with crimes reportable under Clery, such as alcohol/drug violations, assaults, or sex-related offenses.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

A crucial aspect of civil hazing litigation for families in Coke County is identifying all potentially liable parties. Often, responsibility extends far beyond a few individual student perpetrators:

Individual Students: These are the students directly involved in planning, carrying out, or facilitating the hazing acts, supplying alcohol, or participating in cover-ups.
The Local Chapter or Organization: This includes the specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself. Officers, “pledge educators,” or other members acting in an official capacity are often key defendants.
The National Fraternity or Sorority: Many local chapters are part of larger national organizations. These national bodies set policies, collect dues, provide training, and oversee chapters. They can be held liable if they knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (at that chapter or others), failed to adequately enforce policies, or were otherwise negligent in their oversight.
The University or Governing Board: Universities can be sued under various theories, including negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, and, in some cases, civil rights violations (like Title IX). Liability often hinges on whether the university had prior warnings about hazing, whether it adequately enforced its own policies, or if it demonstrated deliberate indifference to known risks. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) often benefit from sovereign immunity under Texas law, but significant exceptions exist, especially for gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities (like SMU and Baylor) typically have fewer immunity protections.
Third Parties: Depending on the specific facts, other parties may bear responsibility. This can include landlords or owners of properties where hazing occurred, bars or alcohol providers (under “dram shop” laws if they served obviously intoxicated minors), or security companies.

It’s important to remember that every hazing case is unique, and the specific facts dictate who can ultimately be held liable. Our firm diligently investigates every facet of an incident to identify all responsible parties and pursue comprehensive accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns: Anchor Stories

While your focus might be on a specific Texas campus, understanding national hazing cases is crucial. These landmark lawsuits and criminal prosecutions illuminate the patterns of abuse, the strategies used to conceal them, and the legal precedents that ultimately guide cases here in Texas. These stories underline that the dangers of hazing are predictable, and the institutions allowing them have been forewarned.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death: A Repeating Tragedy

The most frequent and fatal hazing pattern involves forced alcohol consumption:

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” night where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Fraternity surveillance cameras captured him suffering severe falls, yet his “brothers” delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath involved dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, civil litigation, and the creation of Pennsylvania’s new Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This case underscored the fatal consequences of extreme intoxication coupled with a culture of silence and delayed medical intervention.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. He was given a handle of liquor and consumed it rapidly. This tragedy led to criminal hazing charges against multiple fraternity members and FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life, prompting a statewide re-evaluation of policies. This highlights how ritualistic “tradition” drinking challenges are a recurring script for disaster.
Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old pledge, died after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where he was forced to drink if he answered questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was a staggering 0.495%. His death directly led to the Louisiana legislature enacting the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing law, demonstrating how public outrage often leads to significant legislative change.
Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey as part of a pledge night ritual, dying from alcohol poisoning. The ensuing legal actions included multiple criminal convictions against fraternity members. Eventually, Bowling Green State University agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the Foltz family, with other substantial settlements from the fraternity and individuals involved, totaling $10 million. This case profoundly illustrated that universities, alongside fraternities, face significant financial and reputational consequences for hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing: The Brutal Side

Hazing isn’t always about alcohol; physical and ritualized abuse can be equally deadly:

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a pledge, sustained fatal head injuries during a fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania. He was blindfolded, forced to wear a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled in a brutal “glass ceiling” ritual. Fraternity members delayed calling for help. In a landmark outcome, the national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and multiple members were prosecuted. The fraternity was subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for a decade, highlighting that even off-campus “retreats” are not exempt from liability, and national organizations can face severe sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse: Beyond Greek Letters

Hazing is unfortunately not confined to Greek organizations; it can corrupt structured programs like college athletics:

Northwestern University Football Hazing Scandal (2023–2025): This case riveted national attention as former football players came forward alleging widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the prestigious football program over several years. The fallout included multiple lawsuits against Northwestern and its coaching staff, the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later reached a confidential wrongful-termination settlement with the university in August 2025), and a re-evaluation of institutional oversight in collegiate athletics. This demonstrated unequivocally that hazing is not limited to Greek life and can permeate major athletic departments.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

The common threads running through these and many other cases – forced drinking, extreme physical challenges, humiliation, deliberate delays in calling for medical help, and pervasive cover-ups – are critical. These national lessons shape our understanding of hazing, even for families in Coke County whose children attend schools like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor. Multi-million-dollar settlements, criminal prosecutions, and significant legislative reforms often only emerge after immense tragedy and dedicated legal action. This means that Texas families confronting hazing are part of a broader fight for accountability, standing on the shoulders of these national precedents.

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

For families in Coke County, understanding how hazing manifests at Texas’s major universities is critical. While Coke County itself may not host one of these large institutions, many students from our community pursue higher education at these prominent campuses. When tragedy strikes, experienced legal counsel must be familiar with the unique cultures, policies, and incident histories of each.

University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston is a vibrant, diverse urban campus, home to a burgeoning Greek life scene and numerous student organizations. While many students thrive in this environment, it’s also a place where hazing incidents can unfortunately occur. Given the university’s location in Harris County, cases often involve collaboration between the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) and the Houston Police Department. Civil litigation relating to hazing at UH would typically be filed in the courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH has a mix of residential and commuter students, a substantial and active Greek system encompassing IFC, Panhellenic, MGC, and NPHC fraternities and sororities, plus a wide array of cultural, academic, and athletic clubs. Houston-area families, including those from Coke County, frequently send their children to UH due to its proximity and academic offerings.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH maintains a clear, zero-tolerance hazing policy, which explicitly prohibits any act, on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Prohibited acts include forced alcohol/drug consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and activities causing mental distress. The university encourages reporting through its Dean of Students office, Student Conduct, and UHPD. Though UH provides a hazing statement, detailed public disciplinary records are not as extensive as some other Texas universities.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

A notable incident occurred around 2016 involving the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. Pledges allegedly endured sleep, food, and water deprivation over several days. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being violently slammed onto a surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was subsequently suspended by the university. While specific details can be challenging to obtain, such cases highlight UH’s willingness to discipline chapters. Other disciplinary references have sometimes implicated fraternities for “behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort” and alcohol policy violations, often resulting in suspensions or probationary periods.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

In a hazing case originating at UH, multiple agencies may be involved, including UHPD for on-campus incidents or the Houston Police Department for occurrences off-campus within city limits. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in state district courts in Harris County, given its expansive jurisdiction. Potential defendants could include individual student perpetrators, the local fraternity chapter, the national fraternity organization, and potentially the university itself, as well as property owners if the incident occurred off-campus.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For families from Coke County with students at the University of Houston, proactive measures are key:

Understand UH’s official reporting channels, including the Dean of Students and the UHPD.
Document any concerns, complaints, or prior incidents you learn about, as these can be crucial later.
If hazing is suspected, contacting a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases is vital. Our firm can leverage its local knowledge and investigative resources to uncover university disciplinary files and other critical evidence.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University operates within a unique culture heavily influenced by its Corps of Cadets tradition, alongside a robust Greek system. Hazing incidents at A&M can therefore involve both fraternities and sororities, as well as the deeply ingrained regimental culture of the Corps. Brazos County is home to College Station, and hazing cases here may fall under the jurisdiction of the College Station Police Department, the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, or the university’s own Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). For Coke County families whose students choose A&M, understanding this distinctive institutional environment is crucial.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its traditions, strong alumni network, and, for many, the highly disciplined Corps of Cadets. This environment, while fostering camaraderie, can also create conditions ripe for hazing, with “tradition” sometimes blurring the lines of acceptable behavior. Its Greek life is also extensive, featuring a wide array of IFC, Panhellenic, MGC, and NPHC organizations.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M prohibits hazing both on and off-campus, defining it broadly to include any act that endangers mental or physical health for initiation purposes. Reporting channels include the Department of Student Activities, Corps of Cadets leadership, and the Texas A&M UPD. The university maintains a page on its hazing policies and provides information on how to report.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced significant hazing allegations over the years:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): This particularly egregious case involved two pledges who alleged they were subjected to severe physical hazing, including being doused with common and industrial-strength cleaners, along with eggs and spit. The chemical burns they sustained were so severe that they required skin graft surgeries. The fraternity chapter was suspended for two years by the university, and the pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit against the organization.
Corps of Cadets Hazing (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing within the Corps. The allegations included simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in the mouth. The cadet sought over $1 million in damages, highlighting the deep-seated nature of some hazing “traditions” even within tightly regulated programs.
Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): More recently, allegations against Kappa Sigma at Texas A&M involved hazing so intense that it led to severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis—a serious condition resulting from extreme muscle breakdown due to overexertion. This case underscores the ongoing and evolving dangers of physical hazing.

These incidents demonstrate the persistent challenge A&M faces in distinguishing between rigorous training, spirited tradition, and outright hazing.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at Texas A&M can be complex, involving the Texas A&M UPD, or municipal/county law enforcement. Civil claims would typically proceed in Brazos County district courts. Our firm would investigate not only the local chapter and national organization but also the university itself, given the unique administrative structures of A&M and, where relevant, the specific oversight within the Corps of Cadets.

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For Coke County families with children at A&M:

Be aware of A&M’s specific hazing policies and how reporting is handled within both Greek Life and the Corps of Cadets structure.
Document any “traditions” or rituals that feel like hazing, noting specific commands or practices.
Understand that the deeply ingrained culture of “Aggie Spirit” and tradition can sometimes mask or normalize hazing; always question practices that endanger safety or dignity.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, is known for its academic rigor, vibrant student life, and a Greek system that has frequently come under scrutiny for hazing. For families across Texas, including those in Coke County, whose children attend UT, it is essential to be aware of the university’s more transparent approach to hazing violations, which provides critical information for legal action. Cases at UT can involve the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) and the Austin Police Department, with civil claims heard in Travis County district courts.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a massive public university with a dynamic Greek system, encompassing numerous IFC, Panhellenic, MGC, and NPHC chapters. It also has a rich history of spirit organizations and tradition groups, some of which have faced hazing allegations.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin prohibits hazing broadly, covering any act that endangers mental or physical health for initiation or affiliation purposes, on or off campus. UT is notably transparent, maintaining a publicly accessible “Hazing Violations” page on its website (hazing.utexas.edu). This site lists organizations, the nature of their violations, and the disciplinary actions taken. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students and the UTPD.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s public hazing log reveals a recurring pattern of violations:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This chapter was found responsible for hazing after new members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. The chapter was placed on probation and mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education.
Other Organizations: UT’s records show disciplinary actions against other prominent groups, including various fraternities, and even spirit organizations like the Texas Wranglers, for issues ranging from forced workouts and alcohol-related hazing to other punishment-based initiation practices.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2024): This chapter faced a lawsuit after an Australian exchange student was allegedly assaulted at a fraternity party, suffering severe injuries including a dislocated leg, fractured tibia, and broken nose, while the chapter was already under suspension for prior violations.

The public nature of UT’s hazing infractions is a double-edged sword: it offers transparency for families but also highlights the persistent challenges the university faces in curbing repeat offenses.

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

Given UT’s location, hazing cases typically involve UTPD for campus-related matters, and Austin PD for incidents occurring in the city. Civil lawsuits would proceed in the district courts of Travis County. For families in Coke County, a key advantage in a UT case is the publicly available record of prior violations, which can be invaluable in establishing patterns of misconduct and demonstrating the university’s or organization’s prior knowledge of hazing.

What UT Students & Parents Should Do

For Coke County families with students at UT Austin:

Regularly review UT’s Hazing Violations website (hazing.utexas.edu) to understand the history of organizations your child might be interested in.
Be vigilant for any signs that your child is being forced into activities.
If hazing is suspected, contact a lawyer immediately. UT’s public records can be a powerful tool for building a case, demonstrating institutional knowledge of ongoing hazing issues.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a distinguished private institution in Dallas, is known for its strong Greek life presence, often associated with a vibrant social scene. For Coke County families with students attending or considering SMU, it’s important to understand the particular dynamics of a private university context when addressing hazing allegations. Dallas is distinct from Coke County, and potential hazing cases here would involve the SMU Police Department and the Dallas Police Department, with civil claims proceed through Dallas County courts.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU cultivates a reputation for academic excellence and robust student life, with a particularly active IFC and Panhellenic Greek system that is central to many students’ social experiences. The university’s private nature often means that internal disciplinary information is less transparent than at public institutions.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU strictly prohibits hazing, defining it broadly to include any act that causes physical or mental harm for purposes of initiation or affiliation. The university encourages reporting through its Dean of Students office, SMU Police Department, and provides anonymous reporting channels such as “Real Response.” However, detailed public lists of hazing infractions are not as readily available as at some public universities.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

A significant incident at SMU involved the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity around 2017. New members reportedly endured paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter faced university suspension, with significant restrictions on its ability to recruit new members for several years. While specific public details on other incidents can be scarce, this case reflects the ongoing challenges even private universities face.

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

In an SMU hazing case, the SMU Police Department, as well as the Dallas Police Department for off-campus incidents, would be involved in any criminal investigations. Civil lawsuits would generally proceed in the district courts of Dallas County. When dealing with private universities like SMU, legal action often requires more aggressive discovery efforts to compel the release of internal reports or records that are not publicly available.

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For Coke County families with students at SMU:

Recognize that the less public nature of private university disciplinary actions means vigilance is even more important.
Utilize SMU’s anonymous reporting systems if your child fears direct retaliation.
If hazing or abuse is suspected, contact an experienced attorney immediately. Our firm specializes in navigating the legal complexities that arise when challenging institutions like SMU, ensuring that internal records are brought to light through the discovery process.

Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist institution in Waco, maintains a unique cultural and academic environment that has faced intense scrutiny for its handling of student welfare issues, particularly regarding sexual assault and, more recently, hazing. For families in Coke County, understanding Baylor’s specific context is vital. Waco, a city in McLennan County, is several hours drive from Coke County, yet many students from our wide-ranging Texas community are drawn to its campus. Hazing incidents here would involve the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) and the Waco Police Department, with civil cases handled in McLennan County courts.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor’s strong religious identity influences all aspects of campus life, including its Greek organizations and athletic programs. The university has undergone significant reforms and heightened scrutiny following major scandals related to Title IX violations and its football program. This background shapes how hazing incidents are perceived and handled.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that prohibits any practice that is physically or psychologically harmful or demeaning, whether on or off campus, for initiation or affiliation purposes. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students office, Title IX Office, and the BUPD. Baylor publishes some aggregate statistics and policy information but generally keeps detailed disciplinary records private.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history includes hazing incidents within its athletic department:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An investigation led to the suspension of 14 Baylor baseball players. The suspensions were staggered to allow the team to compete, raising questions about accountability and program priorities. This incident reflects the ongoing challenge for Baylor, and other universities, to reconcile “zero-tolerance” policies with recurring misconduct within its programs.

This incident, coming after the broader Title IX scandals, demonstrates how deeply hazing can be embedded in various campus activities, not just Greek life. It also highlights the tension between institutional image and genuine student safety.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at Baylor would involve the BUPD and, for off-campus events, the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County district courts. Given Baylor’s private status, obtaining internal disciplinary records often requires determined legal efforts through the discovery process. Our firm’s experience with complex litigation against powerful institutions positions us well to navigate such challenges.

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Coke County families with students at Baylor:

Be critically aware of Baylor’s heightened scrutiny and commitment to reform concerning student safety. While policies are strong, vigilance remains key.
Familiarize yourself with Baylor’s reporting protocols and understand that while campus police and the Title IX office are resources, a private attorney can ensure your interests are independently represented.
If hazing is suspected, contact an experienced hazing attorney who understands the nuances of private university litigation. Our firm can effectively pursue accountability against powerful institutions while upholding your child’s privacy.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

The patterns of hazing observed at campuses in Texas, from UH to Baylor, are often not isolated incidents but reflect broader issues within the national organizations to which these chapters belong. For families in Coke County seeking justice, understanding these national histories is crucial because it can demonstrate a pattern of behavior and establish forewarning—or “foreseeability”—which is vital for proving negligence and pursuing punitive damages.

Why National Histories Matter

Most fraternities and sororities that operate on campuses like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are part of larger, national organizations. These national headquarters:

Establish strict anti-hazing manuals and risk management policies: They do this not out of abstract concern, but because they have witnessed tragic deaths and catastrophic injuries from hazing across their chapters nationwide.
Are aware of recurring hazing methods: They often know the common scripts—forced drinking nights, ritualized paddling, humiliating “traditions”—because these have led to prior incidents, investigations, and lawsuits.

When a local chapter in Texas repeats a dangerous hazing practice that has previously led to penalties, suspensions, or devastating lawsuits against another chapter of the same national organization, it signals foreseeability. This can significantly strengthen a negligence claim against the national entity, arguing that they knew the risks yet failed to prevent them. This pattern evidence is critical for establishing liability, especially when seeking punitive damages.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

While we cannot list every single chapter at every Texas university, several national organizations have well-documented histories of hazing incidents that have resulted in severe injuries, wrongful deaths, and significant legal action. Here, we highlight some of them, emphasizing the patterns relevant to Texas families:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity has a history of severe hazing incidents, particularly involving forced alcohol consumption. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University ($10 million settlement) and David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University ($14 million settlement) are stark examples of Pike’s recurring issue with alcohol-related hazing during “Big/Little” events and initiations. Any local chapter employing similar tactics is following a pattern that the national organization has been repeatedly warned about.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): SAE has faced numerous hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. Tragedies like Carson Starkey at California Polytechnic State University (confidential, substantial settlement), who died from alcohol poisoning during a hazing ritual, prompted the national organization to (temporarily) eliminate pledging. More recent incidents include allegations of a traumatic brain injury during hazing at the University of Alabama (2023) and severe chemical burns at Texas A&M University (2021), where pledges were doused with industrial cleaner. An ongoing lawsuit against the UT Austin chapter (2024) also alleges violent assault. These cases demonstrate a pattern of physical and alcohol-related abuse.
Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): This fraternity was at the center of the Max Gruver tragedy at Louisiana State University, where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning during a forced drinking game. The case, leading to the Max Gruver Act (making hazing a felony in Louisiana), established clear precedent against such “traditions.” If similar drinking games are reported in Texas chapters, it falls squarely within a known pattern.
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): The death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (FSU) due to acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” involving forced hard liquor consumption highlighted a grave risk within this organization. Such “ritualistic” drinking events, if they occur at a Texas Pi Kappa Phi chapter, are not unforeseen.
Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): The highly publicized death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University from traumatic brain injuries after forced drinking and delayed medical care showcased a devastating failure of oversight. The subsequent criminal charges against dozens of members and the civil settlements underscored the severe institutional and individual liability for such negligence.
Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): The catastrophic injury to Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri, who suffered permanent brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol, resulted in settlements from 22 defendants. This case represents extreme negligence and severe disability as a result of hazing in FIJI.
Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): This historically Black fraternity has faced allegations of physical hazing, including severe beatings with paddles. The Joseph Snell case (1997) resulted in a $375,000 verdict against the national organization, demonstrating that both the international body and local chapter can be held liable. More recently, allegations of severe paddling causing injury were reported at the University of Southern Mississippi (2023), leading to a federal lawsuit.
Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Kappa Sigma has had multiple hazing-related issues, including a $12.6 million jury verdict in the Chad Meredith wrongful death case (University of Miami, 2001) after a pledge drowned following forced drinking. Recent allegations of hazing at Texas Christian University (2018) and severe injuries (rhabdomyolysis) at Texas A&M (2023) highlight ongoing concerns.
Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): This fraternity recently faced a more than $10 million settlement in Charleston, South Carolina, for severe physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol use, and psychological torment. Earlier cases, like a pledge hospitalized with alcohol poisoning at the University of Texas at Arlington (2020), also show a pattern.
Lambda Phi Epsilon (ΛΦΕ): Cases involving physical endurance tests, such as the tackling incident that killed Kenny Luong at UC Irvine (2005), and numerous other hazing-related deaths and injuries across campuses, demonstrate a persistent pattern of dangerous physical hazing.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy: Foreseeability and Accountability

These national histories are not just cautionary tales; they form a critical part of the legal strategy in Texas hazing cases. Our firm utilizes these patterns to argue that:

Foreseeability: National organizations and universities often had clear warnings about specific types of hazing activities through prior incidents. If they failed to adequately prevent or respond to those same patterns in Texas, their liability increases significantly.
Policy-Enforcement Gap: We demonstrate that despite having anti-hazing policies, national organizations, and often universities, failed to meaningfully enforce them. If prior violations resulted in minimal punishment, it creates an environment where hazing continues unchecked.
Insurance Coverage and Punitive Damages: Evidence of a national pattern of hazing can be crucial in overcoming insurance exclusions that deny coverage for “intentional acts.” It can also support claims for punitive damages, which are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future similar actions, forcing organizations to take hazing prevention seriously.

By meticulously researching these histories, we build cases that hold powerful institutions accountable for their failures, advocating for justice for families in Coke County and throughout Texas.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For Coke County families facing the aftermath of a hazing incident, understanding the legal process—from evidence collection to compensation—can feel overwhelming. However, this is precisely where experienced legal counsel makes a critical difference. Building a strong hazing case involves relentless investigation, a deep understanding of legal precedent, and a strategic approach to confronting powerful institutions.

7.1 Evidence: The Foundation of Your Case

In hazing litigation, evidence is paramount. It tells the story of what happened, who was involved, and who neglected their responsibilities. Modern hazing leaves a digital footprint that is often critical to uncovering the truth:

Digital Communications: These are often the single most important source of evidence. GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Signal, Discord, Snapchat, Instagram DMs, TikTok comments, and even private fraternity/sorority apps can contain damning evidence. This includes messages planning events, giving commands, discussing “pledges,” covering up incidents, or even sharing images and videos. Our team works with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages and ensure all digital evidence is properly authenticated and preserved.
Photos & Videos: Many hazing incidents are now captured on student phones. This includes footage filmed during the events themselves, photos of injuries (often staged as “accidents”), or videos shared in private group chats. Additionally, security camera footage from houses, venues, or campus buildings can provide crucial corroborating evidence.
Internal Organization Documents: These can include pledge manuals, “traditions” lists, initiation scripts, emails from officers, or internal communications from national headquarters. These documents reveal the systemic nature of hazing within an organization and how it’s masked or perpetuated.
University Records: Through discovery and public records requests (for public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT), we can obtain critical records. This includes prior conduct files related to the specific organization, disciplinary actions, internal incident reports, campus police records, and annual Clery Act reports, all of which can reveal a pattern of unaddressed hazing.
Medical and Psychological Records: Comprehensive medical documentation is essential. This includes emergency room reports, hospitalization records, surgical notes, rehabilitation records, and toxicology reports (for alcohol or drug-related hazing). Crucially, psychological evaluations documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other trauma-related conditions establish the severe mental health impact of hazing, which often goes overlooked.
Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are invaluable. This includes testimony from other pledges, current or former members who are willing to speak up, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, and even bystanders. We also seek out former members who may have quit or been expelled due to hazing, as they often have critical insights.

7.2 Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

Hazing incurs significant costs, both economic and deeply personal. Families in Coke County can pursue various categories of damages in a civil lawsuit, aiming to recover for the full extent of the harm suffered:

Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs related to physical injuries, from immediate emergency room visits and ambulance transport to surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, medications, and specialized treatments. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure, this can include a comprehensive “life care plan” to cover long-term medical and personal care needs.
Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes compensation for missed semesters, tuition fees for educational opportunities lost due to injury or withdrawal, and the long-term impact of reduced earning capacity if permanent injuries or psychological trauma prevent normal career progression.
Non-Economic Damages: These subjective but legally compensable damages address the profound human cost of hazing. They include:
- Physical Pain & Suffering: From the immediate pain of injuries to chronic pain and loss of physical abilities.
- Emotional Distress, Trauma & Humiliation: Including diagnosed conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, as well as the deep psychological wounds of public shaming, isolation, and loss of dignity.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life that were once enjoyed, impacting the overall quality of life.
Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the most tragic cases, when hazing results in death, surviving family members can pursue claims for:
- Funeral and Burial Costs: Direct expenses related to the passing.
- Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased would have contributed financially to the family.
- Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: Compensation for the profound emotional loss experienced by parents, siblings, or spouses.
- Grief and Emotional Suffering: Addressing the immense psychological impact on the surviving family.

It is important to remember that these are categories of damages; specific amounts depend on the unique facts of each case. Our firm works with forensic economists, vocational specialists, and medical experts to thoroughly quantify these damages and fight for the maximum possible recovery.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

A critical part of our strategy involves identifying all potential defendants and understanding their insurance coverage. National fraternities, sororities, and universities often hold substantial insurance policies designed to protect them from liability. However, insurers frequently attempt to deny coverage by arguing that hazing constitutes “intentional acts” or falls under other policy exclusions.

Our experienced hazing lawyers:

Possess an insider’s knowledge of how these insurance companies operate, invaluable in challenging wrongful denials of coverage.
Navigate complex disputes regarding policy exclusions.
Identify all potential sources of recovery, including various insurance policies held by individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities.

This meticulous approach ensures that all avenues for compensation are explored, providing the best possible chance for justice and recovery for families in Coke County.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing strikes, families in Coke County often feel lost and uncertain about what to do next. This section offers practical guidance for parents, students, and witnesses, along with answers to common legal questions.

8.1 For Parents: Protecting Your Child

Your vigilance and informed action are critical.

Warning Signs of Hazing: Be alert to changes in your child’s behavior. Look for unexplained bruises, cuts, or “accidents”; extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation; sudden mood shifts, anxiety, or withdrawal; constant secretiveness about group activities; or a fear of missing “mandatory” events.
How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation gently. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with X organization?” or “Is there anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe?” Reassure them that their safety and well-being are paramount, and you will support them without judgment.
If Your Child is Hurt: Get immediate medical attention. Document everything: photograph injuries, screenshot texts or group chats they show you, and write down details (who, what, when, where) while fresh.
Dealing with the University: Document all communications with university administrators. Ask specific questions about their knowledge of prior incidents involving the group. Understand that universities may prioritize institutional reputation; having legal counsel can help ensure your child’s rights are protected.
When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child suffers significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident, it’s time to consult with an attorney experienced in hazing cases.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Your Rights and Safety

Your safety matters more than any group affiliation.

Is this Hazing or Just Tradition?: Ask yourself: Am I being physically or mentally harmed? Am I being forced to drink or perform degrading acts? Is this kept secret from outsiders? Am I allowed to say no without repercussions? If the answer to any of these is yes, it’s likely hazing. Your gut feeling is a powerful indicator.
Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Despite what group members may claim, you cannot truly consent to illegal or dangerous hazing. The law recognizes that fear of exclusion, peer pressure, and a desire to belong can override free will, making “consent” invalid.
Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave any organization at any time. If you feel unsafe, get to a secure location first. Report to campus authorities, local police, or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) discreetly.
Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many universities and Texas law offer protections (amnesty) for students who call for help in an emergency, even if they were consuming alcohol or were involved in the hazing. Your safety, and the safety of others, comes first.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were once involved in hazing, or witnessed it, and now carry the burden of conscience, know that your courage can prevent future tragedies.

Your Testimony Matters: The evidence you possess, whether it’s personal experience or direct observations, can be crucial in holding perpetrators and institutions accountable. Your decision to speak up could save lives.
Navigating Legal Exposure: It’s understandable to fear personal legal consequences. An experienced attorney can advise you on your rights and potential exposure, and in many cases, can help mitigate risks if you choose to cooperate.
Preventing Future Harm: By sharing your story, you contribute to a culture of prevention, ensuring that other students do not suffer the same fate.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Coke County families, avoiding common missteps after a hazing incident is paramount to preserving your legal options.

Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: This is one of the most damaging actions. While parents might want to protect their child from further trouble, deleting evidence looks like a cover-up and can be considered obstruction of justice, making a legal case nearly impossible. Always preserve everything immediately, even if it’s embarrassing.
Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: While understandable, a direct confrontation can cause the organization to immediately engage legal counsel, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and solidify their defense. Document everything first, then consult with a lawyer.
Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. These documents can waive your right to sue or result in settlements far below the true value of the case. Never sign anything without review by an experienced attorney.
Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: While tempting for immediate validation, social media posts become permanent records that defense attorneys will scrutinize. Inconsistencies can damage credibility, and premature sharing can waive legal privileges. Document privately and let your lawyer manage public communications strategically.
Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: Once you’re considering legal action, organizations may try to draw your child into supposed “discussions.” These are often tactics to extract statements or apply pressure. All communication should go through your legal counsel.
Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities often promise to “handle it internally,” but crucial evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and statutes of limitations expire while internal investigations proceed. Preserve evidence now, and consult a lawyer immediately to protect your long-term options.
Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters sound friendly and helpful, but their job is to minimize payouts. Recorded statements can be used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowballs. Politely decline to speak to any adjuster directly and refer them to your attorney.

8.5 Short FAQ: Your Quick Questions Answered

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) often claim sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, and Title IX violations. Private universities (such as SMU and Baylor) typically have fewer immunity protections. The specifics of each case are crucial—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a personalized evaluation.
“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
Yes, it can be. While hazing generally starts as a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony under Texas law if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who fail to report hazing can also face misdemeanor charges.
“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that “agreement” made under intense peer pressure, power imbalance, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.
“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally, the statute of limitations in Texas is two years from the date of injury or death. However, the “discovery rule” can extend this period if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups or fraudulent concealment, the statute may be “tolled,” or paused. Time is critical—evidence disappears quickly, witnesses move on, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.
“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held accountable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and the foreseeability of hazing occurring off-campus. Many major hazing cases (e.g., the Pi Delta Psi retreat death; the Sigma Pi death at an unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.
“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy. Most hazing cases settle confidentially before ever going to trial. We can request sealed court records and negotiate confidential settlement terms to protect your child’s anonymity while still pursuing full accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to overcome them. The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, brings a unique blend of sophisticated legal insight, aggressive advocacy, and profound empathy to hazing cases across Texas, serving families like yours in Coke County and beyond.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, understanding that hazing at any state university profoundly impacts communities like Coke County. We have built our reputation on taking on complex cases against massive institutions, just as we did with the BP Texas City explosion litigation. Our federal court experience and Ralph Manginello’s extensive background in criminal law mean we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We know how to fight powerful defendants because we have a proven track record of doing so successfully.

Our unique qualifications are especially critical in hazing litigation:

Insurance Insider Advantage with Lupe Peña: Associate Attorney Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm gives us an unparalleled insider’s perspective. She understands exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value—and often undervalue—hazing claims. She knows their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their settlement strategies, allowing us to anticipate their moves. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Lupe Peña’s complete professional details are available at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions with Ralph Manginello: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, is an attorney who has gone head-to-head with some of the largest corporations and institutions. This includes his participation in the complex BP Texas City explosion litigation. This experience is directly transferable to hazing cases, where we confront well-resourced national fraternities, universities, and their formidable defense teams. Ralph Manginello’s credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, collaborating with economists to meticulously value loss of life. Our experience extends to catastrophic injury cases, where we are skilled at valuing lifetime care needs for brain injury or permanent disability victims. We don’t settle cheaply; we build cases that force accountability and fight for true justice. Our extensive experience in wrongful death claims is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a crucial understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual perspective ensures we can robustly advise on both criminal exposure and civil liability, a critical need when individuals face charges. Our criminal defense expertise is outlined at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
Investigative Depth: We deploy a network of experts, including medical professionals, digital forensics specialists (critical for recovering deleted group chats), economists, and psychologists. Our investigative approach is meticulous, seeking to uncover every piece of hidden evidence—from past chapter records to university files—to build an unassailable case. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. For comprehensive insights into our firm’s educational resources, visit our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Manginellolawfirm.

We understand that pursuing a hazing claim can be one of the hardest things a family will ever face. Our mission is to get you answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help prevent similar tragedies from happening to another family. We are not about bravado or quick settlements; we are about thorough investigation, strategic litigation, and unwavering victim advocacy.

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Coke County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story without judgment, review what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward. During your free consultation, you can expect us to:

Listen to your story with empathy and without judgment.
Review any evidence you may have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
Clearly explain your legal options, whether that involves a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
Answer your questions about costs, as we operate on a contingency fee basis—meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. For more details, watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
Provide all necessary information without pressure to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time you need to decide.
Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

To learn more about crucial mistakes to avoid that can ruin a legal case, we recommend watching our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY. For guidance on preserving evidence using your cellphone, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for immediate, skilled legal help.

Contact Us:

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 Coke County 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