Defending Collingsworth County Families: Your Essential Guide to Hazing Laws and Litigation in Texas

For families in Collingsworth County, the dreams held for a child heading off to college in Texas are often filled with excitement and anticipation. We envision academic growth, new friendships, and inspiring personal development. We send our sons and daughters to institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, confident in their safety. Yet, beneath the surface of campus life, a dangerous reality too often lurks: hazing.

Imagine your child, a bright, ambitious student from Collingsworth County, caught in a “pledge week” ritual in a town far from home like College Station or Waco. They’re sleep-deprived, forced into degrading acts, and pressured to drink beyond their limits. The shouts and taunts of older members echo in the night. The line between tradition and abuse blurs until suddenly, someone collapses, injured, or worse. Fear grips the group, and instead of calling for help, a desperate cover-up begins. This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario; it’s a stark reality that has played out on Texas campuses, leaving families in Collingsworth County and beyond devastated.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Collingsworth County and across Texas who need to understand the insidious nature of hazing. We delve into:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, far removed from old stereotypes.
• The intricate Texas and federal legal frameworks designed to combat hazing.
• Critical lessons from major national hazing cases and their direct relevance to Texas families.
• The concerning patterns emerging from institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.
• The legal options available to victims and their families in Collingsworth County and throughout the state.

At The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we understand the profound impact hazing can have on students and their loved ones. We serve families throughout Texas, including Collingsworth County, and are dedicated to providing the answers and accountability you deserve. While this article offers general information and not specific legal advice, we are here to provide a confidential evaluation of your specific case.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

  • Call 911 for medical emergencies
  • Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
  • We provide immediate help – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™

• In the first 48 hours:

  • Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine”
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
    • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately
    • Photograph injuries from multiple angles
    • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects)
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where)
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity/sorority
    • Sign anything from the university or insurance company
    • Post details on public social media
    • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

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

  • Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses)
  • Universities move quickly to control the narrative
  • We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For families across Texas, including those in Collingsworth County, the perception of hazing is often rooted in outdated movie stereotypes or vague headlines. They might imagine harmless pranks or a bit of “tough love.” However, hazing in 2025 is far more insidious, dangerous, and psychologically damaging than many realize. It’s a spectrum of abuse, from subtle coercion to life-threatening violence, all justified under the guise of “tradition” or “bonding.”

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group. This behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. It’s crucial to understand that a student saying “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal, especially when peer pressure and a significant power imbalance are at play.

Main Categories of Hazing: Beyond the Stereotypes

Modern hazing takes many forms, often designed to circumvent clear anti-hazing policies while maintaining control over new members.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most prevalent and deadly forms. It includes:

  • Forced or coerced drinking games, chugging challenges, and “lineups” where new members must consume massive amounts of alcohol rapidly.
  • Being pressured to consume unknown, mixed, or illicit substances.
  • So-called “bottle exchanges” or “pledge dads” requiring immediate consumption of hard liquor.

• Physical Hazing: This category directly threatens a student’s bodily well-being, including:

  • Paddling, beatings, and other forms of physical assault.
  • Extreme calisthenics, forced “workouts,” or “smokings” (punitive exercise sessions) far beyond safe or normal conditioning, leading to injury, exhaustion, or rhabdomyolysis.
  • Sleep deprivation, often through mandatory late-night events or constant calls.
  • Food or water deprivation, or forced consumption of disgusting or noxious substances.
  • Exposure to extreme cold or heat, or dangerous environments, often as part of “drop-offs” or “scavenger hunts.”

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are designed to degrade, embarrass, and strip individuals of their dignity:

  • Forced nudity or partial nudity, often in public or before other members.
  • Simulated sexual acts, such as “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” poses.
  • Wearing degrading costumes or being forced to perform embarrassing acts publicly.
  • Hazing with racist, homophobic, or sexist overtones, including the use of slurs or role-playing stereotypes.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked, this type of hazing inflicts severe mental and emotional distress:

  • Constant verbal abuse, yelling, threats, and intimidation.
  • Social isolation or being ostracized from friends and family.
  • Manipulation, psychological games, or forced confessions of personal secrets.
  • Public shaming, often in front of other members or online.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the rise of technology, hazing has found new platforms:

  • Mandatory responses to group chat messages at all hours, imposing sleep deprivation.
  • Forced participation in online dares, “challenges,” or public humiliation via social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or Discord.
  • Pressure to create or share compromising images or videos.
  • Geo-tracking or real-time location sharing demands.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

The stereotype of hazing being exclusive to “frat boys” is dangerously outdated. Hazing is a pervasive problem that transcends organizational types, driven by social status, tradition, and a powerful culture of secrecy that resists accountability. It can happen in:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic (NPC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek-letter organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-style Groups: The pursuit of discipline and tradition in these groups can sometimes cross into abusive initiation rites.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Organizations: From cheerleading teams to specialized campus clubs, the pressure to conform and “earn your spot” can lead to hazing. Examples include the Texas Cowboys, a spirit group at UT Austin.
• Athletic Teams: From high school to college, football, basketball, baseball, track, and other athletic programs have documented histories of hazing.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: The intense bonds forged in these groups can unfortunately be exploited through hazing rituals.
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Even groups with positive missions can, on occasion, fall victim to hazing dynamics.

For families in Collingsworth County, it’s imperative to recognize that hazing is a widespread issue that can affect any student in any group at any college or university their child attends in Texas. The common thread is always an imbalance of power, coercion disguised as choice, and often, an expectation of secrecy.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Collingsworth County considering legal action, understanding the intricate legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial. The law provides clear definitions, sets criminal penalties, defines institutional liability, and carves out pathways for victims to seek civil justice.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This framework is designed to prevent and punish hazing at all educational institutions in the state, from public high schools to major universities.

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

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

In plain English, if someone, acting alone or in a group, makes you do something dangerous, unhealthy, or degrading to join or stay in a club, team, or fraternity – and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risks – that is hazing under Texas law. This applies whether the act causes physical harm (like beatings or forced extreme exercise) or mental distress (like extreme humiliation or sustained intimidation).

Key aspects of the definition crucial for Collingsworth County families:

• On or off campus: The location of the hazing activity does not matter for liability.
• Mental or physical harm: Both psychological and physical injuries are covered.
• Intent: The law doesn’t require malicious intent; merely being “reckless” (knowing the risk and proceeding anyway) is sufficient.
• “Consent” is not a defense: As per § 37.155, a student’s supposed “agreement” to be hazed does not absolve the perpetrators of legal responsibility.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing (§ 37.152):
Texas law assigns severe consequences to hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: The default charge for hazing, punishable by up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical attention.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This carries a potential sentence of 180 days to two years in a state jail facility, plus fines.

Additionally, individuals who fail to report hazing, and those who retaliate against someone who reports hazing, can also face misdemeanor charges.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):
The law extends prosecution beyond individuals to the organizations themselves. A fraternity, sorority, club, or team can be criminally prosecuted if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing; or
• An officer or member acting in their official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it.
  Penalties for organizations include fines of up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke recognition, effectively banning the organization from campus.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§ 37.154):
To encourage reporting, Texas law grants immunity from civil or criminal liability to individuals who report hazing incidents in good faith. This also extends to medical emergencies, where Texas law (and many university policies) provide amnesty for students who call 911, even if they were drinking underage or were involved in the hazing.

Criminal vs. Civil Hazing Cases

It’s vital for Collingsworth County families to understand the distinct objectives of criminal and civil legal actions in hazing cases.

• Criminal Cases:

  • These are brought by the state (prosecutors) to punish illegal hazing activities.
  • The goal is to enforce the law, deter future offenses, and safeguard members of society.
  • Criminal charges can include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in fatal cases.
  • While a criminal conviction provides a sense of justice, it does not directly compensate victims or their families for their losses.

• Civil Cases:

  • These are initiated by victims or their surviving families to seek monetary compensation and accountability from those responsible.
  • The focus is on damages suffered, such as medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
  • Common legal theories in civil hazing lawsuits include:
    • Negligence and Gross Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care, or acting with conscious indifference to the welfare of others.
    • Wrongful Death: Brought by families after a hazing-related fatality.
    • Negligent Supervision: Alleging that institutions or a national organization failed to properly oversee the local chapter.
    • Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on property where the owner failed to provide a safe environment.
    • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For severe psychological harm.
    • Assault and Battery: For physical abuse.
  • It’s important to note that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil case, and often, civil action can proceed even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction.

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

Beyond state law, several federal statutes also influence how hazing cases are addressed, particularly at institutions receiving federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal law, effective by 2026, will significantly increase transparency and accountability for hazing nationwide. It requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to:

  • Report hazing incidents more transparently, including details about the organizations involved and the sanctions imposed.
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Maintain and publish accessible hazing data, providing a clearer picture of the scale of the problem.
    This act will provide Collingsworth County families with more public information and a federal mandate for institutions to act.

• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based discrimination, or hostility based on gender, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is triggered. This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. Institutions have a duty to respond promptly and effectively to such allegations, regardless of whether the incident occurred on or off campus.

• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. When hazing incidents involve assault, sexual assault, alcohol violations, or other reportable crimes, they fall under Clery reporting obligations, contributing to the institution’s public safety statistics.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Civil litigation for hazing can target multiple parties, reflecting the complex web of responsibility in such incidents. For Collingsworth County families, identifying all potential defendants is key to achieving full accountability and compensation.

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, participated in, carried out, or helped to cover up hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes pledge masters, chapter officers, and any members directly involved.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The collegiate chapter itself (if it’s a legal entity) can be sued as a distinct entity. Its leadership, including officers, advisors, and general members, may also be named.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters of Greek-letter organizations are frequently named in hazing lawsuits. Their liability often hinges on factors like:
  • The existence and enforcement of anti-hazing policies.
  • Their knowledge of prior hazing incidents at the local chapter or other chapters nationwide.
  • Their oversight and supervision (or lack thereof) of the local chapter.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, or its governing board (like the University of Houston System or the Texas A&M University System), may be sued under certain circumstances. This often involves allegations of:
  • Negligent Supervision: Failure to adequately oversee student organizations.
  • Deliberate Indifference: Knowing about hazing or a hostile environment and failing to act.
  • Breach of Contract: Failure to uphold safety promises made to students.
  • Violations of Title IX: When gender-based hazing is involved.
• Third Parties: In some cases, other entities can be drawn into a lawsuit:
  • Landlords or Property Owners: If hazing occurs on their property and they had knowledge of dangerous activities or failed to uphold safety standards.
  • Alcohol Vendors: Bars, stores, or individuals who illegally provided alcohol to minors.
  • Security Companies or Event Organizers: If their negligence contributed to the incident.

It is important to remember that every case is unique; not every party listed here is liable in every hazing situation. An experienced hazing attorney understands how to meticulously investigate, identify all responsible parties, and build a comprehensive case strategy.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic headlines from major national hazing cases, though distant from Collingsworth County, paint a clear and disturbing picture of recurring patterns and systemic failures. These high-profile incidents serve as powerful anchor stories, demonstrating the severe consequences of hazing and underscoring the urgent need for accountability. They expose common threads like forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, psychological torment, the pervasive culture of silence, and the devastating impact on victims and their families. More importantly, these cases establish critical legal precedents and highlight arguments for foreseeability and negligence that are directly applicable to cases in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern: A Repeating Tragedy

Forced alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing fatalities, a pattern seen repeatedly across the country.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most widely publicized cases, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” event involving extreme drinking. Frat members forced him to consume alcohol, then watched him fall repeatedly and lie unconscious for hours. Security cameras captured the agonizing delay before anyone called for help. Dozens of criminal charges were filed against fraternity members, leading to convictions and multiple civil litigations. This case was a catalyst for Pennsylvania’s landmark Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, one of the toughest in the nation. This tragedy powerfully demonstrated that extreme intoxication, delayed medical attention, and a pervasive culture of silence are a deadly combination.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them rapidly. Criminal hazing charges were filed against multiple members, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life and overhauled its policies. This incident highlighted how seemingly traditional drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster, leading to alcohol-fueled catastrophes that kill young students.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to drink heavily if they answered questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content was a staggering 0.495%. While two members were ultimately sentenced to jail or house arrest for hazing, the impact extended to the state legislature. Max’s death led to the passing of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing law that criminalizes acts that result in serious injury or death. This case underscores how legislative change often follows public outrage fueled by clear proof of hazing.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old sophomore, died of alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” pledge event. Multiple fraternity members were criminally charged and convicted. The civil litigation against Pi Kappa Alpha national and Bowling Green State University resulted in a $10 million settlement for the Foltz family, with $7 million paid by the fraternity’s national organization and $2.9 million by the university. This case reaffirmed that universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities, particularly when patterns of negligence are ignored. It also led to Collin’s Law: The Anti-Hazing Act in Ohio, making hazing a second-degree misdemeanor and a third-degree felony when alcohol or drugs cause physical harm.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern: Violence Disguised as Tradition

Beyond alcohol, physical abuse and brutal ritualized acts have claimed lives and caused horrific injuries.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a brutal hazing ritual called the “glass ceiling” during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and weighted down with a backpack, he was repeatedly tackled. After suffering a traumatic brain injury, fraternity members delayed calling 911 for over an hour. This tragic case led to the criminal conviction of multiple members and, significantly, the national fraternity itself, which was found guilty of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Pi Delta Psi was banned from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years and fined over $110,000. This landmark case illustrated that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or even more dangerous than campus events, and national organizations bear significant legal responsibility for the actions of their chapters.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse: Beyond Greek Life

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek-letter organizations; it is deeply entrenched in some athletic programs, often perpetuated by rigid hierarchies and traditions.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a sprawling scandal, former Northwestern football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over many years. Allegations included forced sexual acts, racial intimidation, and other deeply degrading rituals. Multiple players filed lawsuits against Northwestern and its coaching staff, leading to the termination of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled his wrongful-termination suit confidentially. This scandal served as a stark reminder that hazing can be systemic within major athletic programs at elite institutions, raising serious questions about institutional oversight and accountability.

What These Cases Mean for Collingsworth County Families in Texas

These national tragedies, far from being isolated incidents, underscore a consistent pattern of dangerous behaviors and institutional negligence. For Collingsworth County families, these anchor stories provide crucial insights:

• Common Threads: Forced extreme drinking, physical and psychological humiliation, violence, deliberate delays in seeking medical care, and systematic cover-ups are recurrent themes.
• Post-Tragedy Response: It often takes catastrophic injuries or fatalities, followed by intense litigation, for meaningful reforms and multi-million-dollar accountability to occur.
• Legal Precedents: These cases have established precedents for holding not only individual perpetrators but also local chapters, national organizations, and universities liable, even in the face of strong defenses.
• Legislative Impact: Public outcry following these tragedies has driven legislation like the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law and the Max Gruver Act, setting new standards for anti-hazing efforts.

Collingsworth County families facing the aftermath of hazing at a Texas university are not navigating an uncharted legal landscape. The lessons learned from these national tragedies directly inform legal strategies in Texas, helping to build robust cases for accountability and justice. Attorney911 works within this established legal framework, bringing decades of experience to bear on behalf of your family.

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

For many Collingsworth County families, their children attend or aspire to attend major universities within Texas. These institutions, while pillars of education and community, are not immune to the pervasive issue of hazing. The Manginello Law Firm understands that each campus has its own culture, policies, and history of addressing—or failing to address—hazing. This section delves into several key Texas universities, examining their specific contexts and what Collingsworth County families need to know if their child encounters hazing there.

Collingsworth County is located in the Texas Panhandle, a rural area. While it doesn’t host a major university directly, families from Collingsworth County often send their children to larger state institutions and private universities across Texas to pursue higher education. Therefore, while our discussion applies broadly to Texas institutions, we will lean into the issues at Texas Tech University, as it’s a popular choice for students from the Panhandle region, and then look at the other major universities in Texas.

5.1 Texas Tech University

Lubbock, home to Texas Tech University, is a prominent city and a common destination for students from the Texas Panhandle, including many from Collingsworth County. Texas Tech is a large public research university with a vibrant campus culture and a significant Greek life presence. Families from Collingsworth County and the surrounding areas often see Texas Tech as a natural academic and social fit for their students.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas Tech University, located in Lubbock, serves a diverse student body exceeding 40,000. Its campus culture is deeply rooted in traditions, spirited athleticism, and a growing Greek life. With a strong engineering and agricultural programs, many students from Collingsworth County find a welcoming and challenging academic environment at Tech. The university’s active social scene includes numerous student organizations and a prominent Greek system, with many national fraternities and sororities. The distance from Collingsworth County to Lubbock makes Texas Tech a regional hub for education, attracting a substantial number of students who are often living away from home for the first time.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas Tech University maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that aligns with Texas state law. The policy explicitly prohibits any form of hazing, whether on or off-campus, by any student organization, including fraternities and sororities, club sports, and other student groups. The university’s policy broadly defines hazing to include physical endurance activities, forced consumption of food or alcohol, public humiliation, and activities that could cause mental anguish or physical discomfort.

Texas Tech provides several avenues for reporting hazing:

• Office of Student Conduct: Handles investigations and disciplinary actions related to hazing.
• Campus Police (Texas Tech Police Department – TTPD): For criminal allegations and immediate safety concerns.
• Stop Hazing Website: An online portal for anonymous or named reporting.
• EthicsPoint Hotline: An anonymous reporting system for various university policy violations, including hazing.

The university makes concerted efforts through its “Risk Intervention & Safety Education” (RISE) office to educate students on hazing prevention and responsible decision-making.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas Tech has unfortunately seen its share of hazing incidents, highlighting the persistent challenges universities face even with robust policies:

• Alpha Sigma Phi (2014): In a tragic incident, Dalton Debrick, an 18-year-old incoming freshman, died of alcohol poisoning while pledging an Alpha Sigma Phi colony. This occurred off-campus but was directly tied to pledging activities. Debrick’s parents became vocal anti-hazing activists, advocating for stronger laws and greater awareness. This case underscored the dangers of forced alcohol consumption during pledging, even in “colony” or unofficial chapters.
• Delta Sigma Phi (2001): Following the tragic events of 9/11, the Delta Sigma Phi chapter at Texas Tech conducted “The Ritual,” an illicit pledging activity. Years later, it was revealed through a lawsuit that sleep deprivation, a form of hazing, likely contributed to the death of Zachary Aaron Michael Mullins, 20, in a subsequent auto accident. This case, though not directly an alcohol-related hazing death, highlighted how intense hazing, including sleep deprivation, can have fatal indirect consequences.
• Pi Kappa Alpha (1976): A member, Samuel Mark Click, 21, died when he was struck by a train during a fraternity scavenger hunt. While the hazing aspects were initially downplayed, the activity of pledges and members losing track of a “pledged” individual clearly demonstrates negligence around a hazing activity.

These incidents illustrate the range of dangers, from direct alcohol poisoning to accidents stemming from sleep deprivation during hazing rituals. They also show the evolution of how hazing is investigated and prosecuted over time.

5.1.4 How a Texas Tech Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Collingsworth County families, understanding the jurisdiction of a Texas Tech hazing case is important.

• Law Enforcement: Cases involving criminal hazing or related offenses (like providing alcohol to minors, assault) would typically involve the Texas Tech Police Department (TTPD) and/or the Lubbock Police Department, depending on whether the incident occurred on or off-campus.
• Judicial System: Criminal prosecutions would fall under the jurisdiction of Lubbock County courts. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in district courts in Lubbock County.
• Potential Defendants: Inquiries would target individual students, the local chapter (e.g., Alpha Sigma Phi), its national organization, and potentially Texas Tech University itself. For public universities like Texas Tech, the Texas Government Code provides certain sovereign immunity provisions, but exceptions apply in cases of gross negligence, especially involving the use of state-owned vehicles or equipment. However, Collingsworth County families should know that Attorney911 is skilled at navigating sovereign immunity defenses by focusing on individual liability or other exceptions.
• Evidence: Due to the often off-campus nature of hazing, evidence gathering can be complex, involving digital forensics, witness statements, and possibly sub-poenaing private property owners (landlords, Airbnb hosts).

5.1.5 What Texas Tech Students & Parents Should Do

For Collingsworth County students attending Texas Tech and their parents, taking proactive steps is vital:

• Report Immediately: Utilize Texas Tech’s online reporting system, the Office of Student Conduct, or directly contact TTPD for criminal matters.
• Document Everything: As a student from Collingsworth County, if you suspect or experience hazing, immediately document all communication (texts, social media, emails) and take photos of any injuries.
• Seek Medical Attention Off-Campus if Necessary: If you fear reporting to TTPD or the Student Health Services for reasons related to potential negative repercussions on campus, seek medical care at an urgent care or emergency room in Lubbock. Be clear with medical staff about the circumstances of the injury.
• Consult an Attorney: Contact a Lubbock-based attorney or a Texas hazing lawyer who practices statewide. An experienced hazing attorney can navigate the complexities of university investigations and protect a student’s legal rights.

5.2 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston is a formidable urban university, a beacon of education and research in the dynamic city of Houston. For Collingsworth County families, sending their children to UH often means a significant transition to a bustling metropolis, filled with diverse opportunities but also unique challenges.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston, located in the heart of Texas’s largest city, is a comprehensive public research university serving over 47,000 students. Its culture is characterized by metropolitan energy, a strong emphasis on research, and a deeply diverse student body. UH boasts an active Greek life with numerous fraternities and sororities from various councils, alongside a multitude of student organizations and competitive sports clubs. For students from Collingsworth County, UH offers a world-class education far from the rural Panhandle, but also exposes them to an extensive student social scene where hazing, unfortunately, can occur.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH maintains a rigorous anti-hazing policy that strictly prohibits hazing both on and off campus. Their policy is comprehensive, explicitly banning forced consumption of alcohol or food, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, mental distress, and any activity that could cause humiliation or exploitation.

Reporting mechanisms at UH typically include:

• Office of the Dean of Students: Oversees student conduct and hazing investigations.
• UH Police Department (UHPD): For criminal allegations and immediate safety concerns.
• Online Reporting Forms: Often available on the UH website for anonymous or named reports.
• The Cougar Confidence & Care (C3) line: An anonymous hotline for reporting various concerns, including hazing.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has a history of addressing hazing incidents, demonstrating that no campus is immune:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2016): A significant incident involved the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity where pledges allegedly endured sleep deprivation and were subjected to activities that caused physical injury, including one student suffering a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table as part of a ritual. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was subsequently suspended by the university for its violations.
• Other Fraternities (Ongoing): UH’s public statements often cite disciplinary actions against fraternities for behavior described as “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” frequently involving alcohol misuse, physical exercises, and policy violations that result in suspensions or probation.

These examples underscore UH’s readiness to discipline chapters when hazing is discovered, but also highlight the persistent nature of such activities within the Greek system. For Collingsworth County families, it’s important to realize that while the university takes action, vigilance remains key.

5.2.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

If hazing occurs at UH, Collingsworth County families should be aware of the potential legal processes:

• Law Enforcement: The UH Police Department would primarily investigate on-campus incidents, while the Houston Police Department would handle off-campus criminal matters within the city.
• Judicial Jurisdiction: Criminal cases would be heard in Harris County courts. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in district courts within Harris County (the most populous county in Texas, home to Attorney911’s main office).
• Potential Defendants: Individual perpetrators, the local chapter, the national organization (e.g., Pi Kappa Alpha’s national body), and potentially the University of Houston System itself, may be named as defendants. Suing a public university in Texas involves navigating sovereign immunity, but our firm is highly experienced in pursuing these complex claims based on exceptions for gross negligence or specific policy violations.

5.2.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For Collingsworth County students and parents connected to UH, specific actions are recommended:

• Understand Reporting Channels: Familiarize yourselves with UH’s reporting mechanisms and use them if hazing is suspected or occurs.
• Document Thoroughly: If hazing is experienced, meticulously gather all available evidence: screenshots of texts and social media, photos of injuries, and detailed notes of incidents.
• Seek Off-Campus Medical Care if Needed: If there are concerns about reporting to campus health services, utilize Houston’s extensive network of hospitals and urgent care centers. Ensure medical records reflect the hazing context.
• Consult a Houston-Based Hazing Attorney: Given the complexities of Houston’s legal landscape and the intricate details of hazing litigation, contacting a lawyer seasoned in Houston-based hazing cases, especially one who understands working within the Harris County court system, is crucial.

5.3 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station is a powerful institution, renowned for its strong traditions and the revered Aggie spirit. For Collingsworth County families, the journey to A&M is often driven by a desire for a values-based education and a sense of community, making any hazing allegations particularly unsettling.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M University educates over 74,000 students across its main campus in College Station and its branch campuses. It is famous for its deep-seated traditions, the Spirit of Aggieland, and arguably the most recognizable Corps of Cadets in the nation outside of the service academies. Greek life is also a significant component of student activities, integrating within the broader, unique A&M culture. Students from Collingsworth County often choose A&M for its strong sense of community and its reputation for preparing leaders. The university’s proximity to rural Texas means many students from smaller towns are drawn to its unique environment, which unfortunately has not always been free from hazing incidents within both its Greek system and the Corps.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M has a strict anti-hazing policy that is explicitly communicated to all student organizations, including the Corps of Cadets. Their policy unequivocally prohibits any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation.

A&M provides multiple channels for reporting hazing:

• Student Conduct Office: Manages investigations and disciplinary actions against student organizations and individuals.
• Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD): Handles criminal investigations related to hazing.
• Stop Hazing webpage: Offers resources and an online reporting form.
• Aggie Honor System Office: Addresses academic integrity and can receive information related to student misconduct.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced significant hazing controversies, some reflecting the unique traditions of the institution:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2021): This incident led to a prominent lawsuit against SAE. Two pledges alleged severe physical hazing, including being drenched with a mixture of industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This caused severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries for their injuries. The local chapter was suspended by the university, and the pledges pursued a lawsuit seeking over $1 million. This case underscored the extreme physical dangers of hazing and the potential for long-term disfigurement.
• Corps of Cadets (2023): A lawsuit alleged degrading and violent hazing within the Corps, where a cadet claimed to have been subjected to humiliating acts, including simulated sexual behavior and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The university, in response to these allegations, stated they had already implemented disciplinary measures based on internal findings. However, the lawsuit highlights the severe psychological and physical trauma that can occur even in highly structured environments like the Corps.
• Phi Gamma Delta (2018): Pledge Joseph Little collapsed during hazing activities and later died. While initial reports were unclear, investigations concluded that hazing acts were involved. This incident was particularly tragic as it echoed a previous hazing-related death at the same chapter in 1997 involving Trey Walker, who died after an asthma attack during hazing activities. This suggests a deeply entrenched pattern of misconduct within specific chapters, despite university oversight.

These incidents demonstrate the breadth of hazing at A&M, from Greek fraternities to the Corps, and the types of severe physical and psychological trauma inflicted.

5.3.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Collingsworth County families, the legal process at A&M would involve:

• Law Enforcement: The Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) would be the primary investigating body for on-campus criminal hazing, with involvement from local authorities if off-campus.
• Judicial Jurisdiction: Criminal cases would be heard in Brazos County courts in College Station. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in district courts within Brazos County.
• Potential Defendants: Lawsuits would likely target individual hazers, the local chapter, its national organization (e.g., Sigma Alpha Epsilon national), and the Texas A&M University System. As a public institution, Texas A&M also benefits from sovereign immunity under Texas law, making gross negligence claims critical for successful litigation.

5.3.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For Collingsworth County students and parents with connections to A&M:

• Report Through Official Channels: Utilize the university’s Student Conduct office or UPD for formal reports, and be aware of anonymous reporting options.
• Document Aggressively: Capture any and all evidence—screenshots of group chats, photos of injuries, and detailed chronological notes of events. This is especially important given the tight-knit nature of A&M’s community where pressure to remain silent can be immense.
• Seek Off-Campus Medical Attention: If there’s fear of reporting within the university system, access healthcare providers in College Station or Bryan, ensuring that the hazing context of any injuries is clearly documented.
• Engage Experienced Legal Counsel: Given the unique culture of A&M, including the Corps of Cadets, and the complexities of litigating against a major public university, seeking counsel from a Texas hazing attorney with experience in Aggieland’s legal specificities is crucial.

5.4 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin stands as one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Texas. For Collingsworth County families, UT Austin is a prime choice for ambitious students, and its vibrant campus life means a complex social environment where hazing incidents, unfortunately, are not uncommon.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin boasts a student population exceeding 50,000, cultivating a highly competitive academic and social atmosphere. It’s renowned for its diverse student body, strong school spirit, and extensive Greek life, which includes a wide array of fraternities and sororities alongside numerous other student organizations. For students from Collingsworth County, UT Austin offers unparalleled academic opportunities and a dynamic urban experience in the state capital, a setting where social pressures and traditions can sometimes lead to hazing.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a clearly articulated anti-hazing policy, strictly prohibiting any activity that endangers a student’s mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. The policy extends to behaviors on or off-campus and applies to all university-affiliated organizations.

Crucially, UT Austin stands out for its commitment to transparency regarding hazing incidents. The university publishes a publicly accessible Hazing in the News & Disciplinary Actions online database, detailing:

• The names of student organizations found responsible for hazing.
• The date of the incident and the specific hazing conduct involved.
• The disciplinary sanctions imposed by the university.

Reporting channels include:

• Dean of Students Office: Leads investigations into hazing allegations.
• UT Police Department (UTPD): For criminal investigations.
• Speak Up UT Systemwide Hotline: An anonymous reporting system for various misconducts, including hazing.
• Formal Online Reporting Forms: Available through the university’s website.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s transparency portal provides a direct look into the ongoing struggle against hazing:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): Within the past couple of years, the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity was sanctioned after new members were found to have been coerced into consuming excessive amounts of milk and performing strenuous calisthenics, activities deemed as hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and mandated to undertake additional hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Cowboys (2018): This long-standing spirit organization faced discipline following a pickup truck accident that killed a new member. While the university acknowledged serious hazing and related misconduct previously, the 2018 incident specifically involved a “new man” dying in a truck accident, with parents alleging sleep deprivation (a form of hazing) as a contributing factor. The university expelled some members for other, unrelated misconduct, but denied sleep deprivation as proximate cause of death.
• Texas Wranglers (Various Incidents): Multiple entries in the UT database show the Texas Wranglers, another spirit group, disciplined for various hazing violations, including forced physical activities, alcohol-related misconduct, and pressure tactics. Repeated entries for the same organizations over time highlight persistent cultural challenges.
• Sigma Chi (2024): Ted B. Lyon represented the parents of 18-year-old Sawyer Updike, who died by suicide. His parents alleged that hazing within the Sigma Chi fraternity contributed to their son’s depression and death leading to a civil lawsuit.

The repeated appearance of certain types of hazing (forced physical exertion, alcohol misuse) and specific organizations in UT’s public record serves as significant pattern evidence for Collingsworth County families.

5.4.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For families from Collingsworth County, the legal process in a UT Austin hazing case would involve:

• Law Enforcement: Incidents would be investigated by the UT Police Department (UTPD) for on-campus crimes or the Austin Police Department for off-campus incidents.
• Judicial Jurisdiction: Criminal prosecutions would occur in Travis County courts. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in district courts within Travis County.
• Potential Defendants: Beyond individual students and the local chapter, legal action would almost certainly include the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the University of Texas System. Navigating sovereign immunity for public universities like UT Austin is a key challenge, demanding specialized legal expertise.

5.4.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For Collingsworth County students and parents connected to UT Austin:

• Review UT’s Public Hazing Database: Before joining any organization, consult UT’s transparency portal to see if the group has a history of hazing.
• Utilize Reporting Options: Use UTPD or the Dean of Students’ office for formal reporting, and consider the anonymous hotline for preliminary inquiries.
• Document Meticulously: Preserve all digital evidence and medical records. UT’s transparent approach also means that any past documented incidents will be crucial evidence.
• Seek Local Legal Expertise: Engaging a Texas hazing attorney with specific experience in Austin’s legal environment and UT’s institutional mechanisms is vital for thoroughly investigating and prosecuting such cases.

5.5 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a distinguished private institution in Dallas, attracts numerous students from Collingsworth County seeking a high-quality education. Its well-established Greek system often plays a central role in student social life, making hazing a significant concern for parents.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University, located in a vibrant area of Dallas, is a private university serving approximately 12,000 students. Known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and prominent social scene, SMU’s culture often features a robust Greek life. Many national fraternities and sororities have highly active chapters here. For students from Collingsworth County, SMU offers a blend of tradition, academic rigor, and significant social engagement, which, unfortunately, also brings potential exposure to hazing.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains a clear and comprehensive anti-hazing policy that aligns with Texas state law, strictly prohibiting hazing by any student organization, both on and off campus. The policy defines hazing broadly to include any act that endangers physical or mental health, causes humiliation, or involves forced consumption of substances.

SMU’s reporting mechanisms include:

• Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards: Oversees investigations and disciplinary actions against students and organizations.
• SMU Police Department (SMU PD): For criminal allegations and immediate safety concerns.
• Anonymous Reporting System: Often an online form or hotline managed by a third party (e.g., EthicsPoint) that allows for confidential reporting of hazing and other misconduct.
• Dean of Students Office: Provides student support and guidance, including during hazing investigations.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has taken disciplinary action against fraternities for hazing, demonstrating its commitment to enforcing its policies:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): The Kappa Alpha Order fraternity chapter at SMU was disciplined and suspended following a hazing investigation. Allegations included new members being paddled, forced to consume alcohol, and subjected to sleep deprivation. The chapter faced a multi-year suspension, significantly impacting its campus presence and recruiting. This incident highlights the persistence of traditional physical and alcohol-related hazing practices even at institutions with strong anti-hazing policies.
• Other Fraternities (Ongoing Sanctions): While SMU, as a private institution, may not provide the same level of public detail on every hazing incident as a public university like UT Austin, disciplinary records indicate ongoing sanctions and probationary periods for various fraternities related to alcohol misuse, social misconduct, and hazing-related violations. These actions, though not always widely publicized, underscore the continuous challenge of managing Greek life conduct.

These incidents, though not all culminating in fatalities, showcase SMU’s proactive (but sometimes reactive) approach to addressing violations. For Collingsworth County families, the key takeaway is that even at prestigious private schools, vigilance is critical.

5.5.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Collingsworth County families considering legal action related to hazing at SMU:

• Law Enforcement: The SMU Police Department would primarily handle on-campus criminal investigations. For off-campus criminal incidents in Dallas, the Dallas Police Department would be involved.
• Judicial Jurisdiction: Criminal cases would be heard in Dallas County courts. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in district courts within Dallas County.
• Potential Defendants: Individual perpetrators, the local chapter, the national organization (e.g., Kappa Alpha Order national), and Southern Methodist University itself can be named as defendants. As a private institution, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more straightforward to pursue claims of negligence against the university itself, though they still mount vigorous defenses.

5.5.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For Collingsworth County students and parents connected to SMU:

• Understand Non-Public Discipline: Be aware that as a private university, not all disciplinary actions may be publicly detailed. Inquire directly with the Office of Student Conduct about an organization’s history if concerns arise.
• Utilize SMU’s Anonymous Reporting: If hazing is suspected, use SMU’s anonymous reporting options to trigger an investigation without immediate personal exposure.
• Thorough Documentation: As with any hazing incident, immediate and meticulous documentation of all evidence—digital communications, photos of injuries, and detailed notes—is crucial.
• Seek Experienced Dallas-Area Counsel: Given the location in Dallas, and the specific dynamics of private university litigation, consulting a Texas hazing attorney with experience in Dallas County courts and private institutional accountability is highly recommended.

5.6 Baylor University

Baylor University in Waco is a prominent private Christian university, known for its strong values and close-knit community. For many Collingsworth County families, Baylor represents a trusted environment, making any instances of hazing a profound betrayal of that trust.

5.6.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is the largest Baptist university in the world, with a student population of over 20,000. Located in Waco, its culture is deeply shaped by its Christian mission, emphasizing a caring community alongside academic excellence. Baylor has a vibrant Greek life, an active athletics program, and numerous student organizations. For students from Collingsworth County, Baylor offers a unique faith-informed educational experience, but like all universities, it is not immune to hazing within its social structures.

5.6.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University maintains an unequivocal anti-hazing policy consistent with Texas state law. Their policy rigorously prohibits any form of hazing, whether on or off-campus, by any campus organization. Baylor’s definitions of hazing mirror the state’s, encompassing any act that endangers physical or mental health or safety for purposes of initiation, affiliation, or membership.

Reporting mechanisms at Baylor include:

• Department of Student Conduct: Responsible for investigating hazing allegations and imposing disciplinary actions.
• Baylor University Police Department (BUPD): For criminal investigations and immediate safety concerns.
• Anonymous Reporting: Often channeled through an online system or hotline to encourage reporting without fear of retaliation.
• Title IX Office: If hazing involves sexual misconduct or gender discrimination.

5.6.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s commitment to its mission means that hazing incidents are viewed seriously, contributing to a broader context of student welfare.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): Following an investigation into hazing allegations within the Baylor baseball program, 14 players were subjected to disciplinary action, including suspensions. These suspensions were staggered across the early season, impacting team performance. While specific details of the hazing were often kept private by the university, the incident highlighted that hazing can occur even within competitive athletic teams at values-driven institutions.
• Broader Context of Oversight: Baylor has faced significant external scrutiny in the past regarding issues of student safety and institutional response to misconduct, particularly concerning sexual assault. While distinct from hazing, this history underscores the ongoing societal pressure on Baylor (and similar institutions) to ensure a safe environment for all students and to maintain robust oversight of student organizations. This broader context means that any hazing incidents at Baylor are likely to receive serious internal attention, reflecting the university’s commitment to upholding its mission and student well-being.
• Baylor Chamber of Commerce (1967): In a historical but significant incident, John E. Clifton, a member of the Baylor Chamber of Commerce (a prestigious social club more akin to a fraternity), died while participating in a hazing ritual involving the forced consumption of a foul concoction and laxatives. Although the incident was initially downplayed by the university, it eventually led to the then-college president, Abner McCall, banning “physical” hazing, demonstrating that hazing has been a long-standing issue even at confessionally affiliated universities.

5.6.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Collingsworth County families pursuing a hazing case against Baylor:

• Law Enforcement: The Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) would primarily investigate on-campus incidents, with the Waco Police Department handling off-campus criminal matters within the city.
• Judicial Jurisdiction: Criminal cases would be heard in McLennan County courts. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in district courts within McLennan County.
• Potential Defendants: Individual perpetrators, the local chapter (if applicable), its national organization, and Baylor University itself can be named as defendants. As a private institution, Baylor does not possess sovereign immunity, potentially simplifying the process of pursuing direct negligence claims against the university compared to public institutions.

5.6.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Collingsworth County students and parents connected to Baylor:

• Understand Baylor’s Values: While Baylor emphasizes its Christian values, parents should be aware that hazing can still occur. Ensure your child understands the university’s definitions and reporting processes.
• Utilize Reporting Channels: Use BUPD or the Department of Student Conduct for formal reports, and be aware of anonymous reporting options. The Title IX Office might also be relevant if sexual misconduct is involved.
• Meticulous Documentation: Immediately gather all digital evidence and medical records, regardless of how minor the incident may seem initially.
• Seek Experienced Waco-Area Counsel: It is advisable to consult a Texas hazing attorney with experience in McLennan County courts and in navigating litigation against private, values-based institutions like Baylor. This ensures the unique aspects of such a case are properly addressed.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Collingsworth County families, understanding the complex world of fraternities and sororities, both at the local chapter level and within their national structures, is paramount in hazing prevention and litigation. Many local chapters at Texas universities are part of much larger national organizations, and their collective histories of hazing can be critical evidence in legal action.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

When a student from Collingsworth County joins a Greek organization at Texas Tech, UH, A&M, SMU, or Baylor, they are not just joining a campus club. They are becoming part of a chapter within a national or international organization that operates across dozens, sometimes hundreds, of college campuses.

National organizations often:

• Receive Dues and Fees: They collect substantial amounts of money from their chapters and members, which funds their operations, including risk management.
• Provide Policies and Training: Every national fraternity and sorority has extensive anti-hazing policies, risk management guidelines, and training programs for their members. These policies exist precisely because these organizations have faced numerous hazing incidents, injuries, and deaths in the past.
• Supervise Chapters: They employ regional directors, consultants, and volunteers to oversee local chapters, ensuring compliance with national policies and university rules.

This relationship means that when hazing occurs at a local chapter in Texas, the national organization can rarely claim complete ignorance. If a local chapter at Texas Tech, for instance, engages in a form of alcohol-related hazing that has led to fatalities at other chapters of the same national fraternity (such as Pi Kappa Alpha’s pattern of alcohol hazing), this demonstrates a crucial legal concept: foreseeability.

Foreseeability means the national organization knew, or should have known, that such dangerous hazing was likely to occur within its chapters. When a national organization has a documented history of certain types of hazing incidents (e.g., forced drinking “Big/Little” rituals or physical “initiations”), and those same patterns repeat at a Texas chapter, it becomes a powerful argument for:

• Negligent Supervision: The national failed to adequately monitor or enforce its own policies.
• Direct Liability: The national’s standard practices, or failure to change them, directly contributed to the harm.
• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, juries or courts may award punitive damages to punish the national organization for reckless indifference to known risks and to deter future misconduct.

6.2 Organization Mapping: A Look at the Landscape

While we cannot list every single chapter at every Texas university, here is an overview of some active Greek organizations and examples of their national histories that highlight hazing concerns:

Interfraternity Council (IFC) Fraternities

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): A common fraternity at many Texas campuses, including Texas Tech, UH, and A&M. Nationally, Pike has been associated with severe hazing incidents, most notably the death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021 from forced heavy drinking. Another prominent case was the 2012 alcohol-related death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University. These incidents establish a national pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): With a significant presence across Texas universities like Texas A&M and UT Austin, SAE has faced numerous allegations and lawsuits nationwide. Historically, SAE chapters across the country have been involved in hazing-related deaths and severe injuries. Notably, a SAE chapter at Texas A&M faced a lawsuit in 2021 where pledges alleged chemical burns from being doused in industrial-strength cleaner, requiring skin grafts. This adds to a national pattern of physical and abusive hazing within the organization.
• Phi Delta Theta (Phi Delt): Present at schools like Baylor and UT Austin. Nationally, Phi Delta Theta was at the center of the tragic death of Max Gruver at LSU in 2017, where extreme alcohol consumption resulted from a “Bible study” hazing ritual. This national history becomes relevant when assessing current chapters in Texas.
• Pi Kappa Phi (Pi Kapp): Found at institutions such as Texas Tech and UH. The national organization gained tragic notoriety with the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017 due to acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night,” highlighting forced drinking as a grave risk.
• Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI): Active at institutions like Texas A&M and UT Austin. The national organization gained significant negative attention from the catastrophic brain damage suffered by Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri in 2021, caused by forced alcohol consumption during pledging. This tragic event resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements with multiple defendants.
• Kappa Alpha Order (KA): With chapters at SMU, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, KA has faced hazing allegations including instances of physical roughhousing and alcohol abuse. The SMU chapter itself was suspended in 2017 for alleged paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.
• Sigma Chi: Present at Texas Tech, UH, UT Austin. Nationally, Sigma Chi was involved in a case at the College of Charleston in 2024 where a pledge alleged severe physical beatings and forced consumption, resulting in a +million dollar settlement, one of the largest known hazing settlements.

National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) Sororities

While sorority hazing typically involves less physical violence, it often includes psychological torment, sleep deprivation, enforced subservience, and social isolation. National organizations like Kappa Kappa Gamma and Alpha Chi Omega have faced scrutiny and disciplinary actions related to hazing allegations on various campuses across the U.S.

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) & Multicultural Greek Organizations

Historically Black Greek-letter fraternities and sororities, as well as multicultural organizations, have faced their own challenges with hazing, often involving physical beatings (“paddling”) and intense periods of physical and psychological stress.

• Omega Psi Phi: A chapter at the University of Southern Mississippi faced a federal lawsuit in 2023 for alleged severe hazing, including multiple beatings with wooden paddles and requiring emergency surgery. This follows a national history of similar allegations, emphasizing that physical hazing remains a serious concern within some NPHC organizations.
• Alpha Phi Alpha: An Alpha Phi Alpha chapter at Morehouse College was involved in the 1989 death of Joel Harris following intense physical hazing.

These national instances create a foundation for demonstrating pattern and practice of hazing that can hold national organizations liable even when the specific Texas chapter has no explicit history of reported hazing. The existence of IRS-registered Greek organizations across Texas, each with its own national affiliations and guidelines, underscores the widespread nature of the issue.

Below is a comprehensive directory of all IRS-registered Greek organizations in Texas and all higher education institutions in the state. Attorney911 meticulously tracks these entities to ensure we have the most complete picture of the landscape where hazing occurs.

Complete Texas Greek Organization Directory

Attorney911 tracks every IRS-registered fraternity and sorority in Texas:

• AGGIE ADPI FAMILY CLUB | EIN: 93-2357531 | CYPRESS, TX
• ALPHA OMEGA EPSILON | EIN: 56-2652714 | BEAUMONT, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-2525354 | COLLEGE STA, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 83-1418972 | KINGSVILLE, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-5229133 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5381060 | SAN MARCOS, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 92-1490845 | HUNTSVILLE, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5370943 | HOUSTON, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 83-1418666 | KINGSVILLE, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 87-2222906 | EL PASO, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-5229133 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5370943 | HOUSTON, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 47-5381060 | SAN MARCOS, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 81-2525354 | COLLEGE STA, TX
• ALPHA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 92-1490845 | HUNTSVILLE, TX
• ALPHA EPSILON DELTA | EIN: 52-1850764 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• ALPHA OMEGA EPSILON-BETA ALPHA CHAPTER | EIN: 47-3967233 | LUBBOCK, TX
• ALPHA PSI LAMBDA NATIONAL INC | EIN: 36-3845735 | CHICAGO, IL
• ALPHA TAU OMEGA HOUSING CORPORATION OF ETA IOTA CHAPTER | EIN: 30-0517788 | NACOGDOCHES, TX
• BETA ALPHA ALUMNI OF DELTA SIGMA PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 20-1029913 | BELLEVUE, WA
• BETA ETA DELTA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 84-2975949 | CONROE, TX
• BETA LAMBDA CHAPTER – ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 99-0483761 | HOUSTON, TX
• BETA NU PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY HOUSING CORPORATION INC | EIN: 46-2267515 | FRISCO, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 74-2911848 | FORT WORTH, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 75-2911848 | FORT WORTH, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 75-2911848 | FORT WORTH, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 74-2911848 | FORT WORTH, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 75-2911848 | FORT WORTH, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 74-2911848 | FORT WORTH, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 75-2911848 | FORT WORTH, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 74-2911848 | FORTH WORTH, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 75-2911848 | FORTH WORTH, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 74-2911848 | FORT WORTH, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 74-2911848 | FORT DODGE, IA
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 74-2911848 | FORT WORTH, TX
• BETA UPSILON CHI | EIN: 74-2911848 | FORT WORTH, TX
• BUILDING CORPORATION OF DELTA CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA PI | EIN: 74-6047117 | AUSTIN, TX
• CHI EPSILON SIGMA INC | EIN: 45-1677063 | DALLAS, TX
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-0555581 | AUSTIN, TX
• CHI OMEGA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6041410 | NACOGDOCHES, TX
• DELTA ALPHA SIGMA MULTICULTURAL SORORITY | EIN: 36-4806998 | DALLAS, TX
• DELTA PHI CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY ALUMNI HOUSING | EIN: 90-0239693 | DALLAS, TX
• DELTA UPSILON INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 73-6102614 | NORMAN, OK
• DELTA UPSILON INTERNATIONAL FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 27-3902578 | BOISE, ID
• EPSILON NU HOUSING CORPORATION | EIN: 23-7359384 | LUBBOCK, TX
• EPSILON TAU CHAPTER OF THETA CHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6053083 | NACOGDOCHES, TX
• EPSILON PI PHI EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT HONOR SOCIETY | EIN: 47-4643399 | ROUND ROCK, TX
• FARM HOUSE FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-1565336 | LUBBOCK, TX
• FARM HOUSE FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 37-6047710 | ALLERTON, IL
• FARM HOUSE FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 35-6024596 | W LAFAYETTE, IN
• FARM HOUSE FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 46-6017040 | ARLINGTON, SD
• FIRST COMMAND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION | EIN: 75-1973894 | FORT WORTH, TX
• FORT WORTH ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 75-2755600 | FORT WORTH, TX
• FRISCO TX ALUMNI CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI INCORPORATED | EIN: 92-0575785 | FRISCO, TX
• GAMMA PHI DELTA CHRISTIAN FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 74-2893931 | FORT WORTH, TX
• GAMMA PHI HOUSE CORPORATION OF KAPPA ALPHA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-1283953 | LUBBOCK, TX
• GAMMA IOTA CHAPTER OF GAMMA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 75-1225585 | WICHITA FALLS, TX
• GENTLEMEN OF AGGIE TRADITION | EIN: 88-0537463 | COLLEGE STA, TX
• GRANDE CHAPTER OF PHI DELTA UPSILON | EIN: 74-6042978 | LUBBOCK, TX
• GRANDE CHAPTER OF PHI DELTA UPSILON | EIN: 74-6042978 | AUSTIN, TX
• GRANDE CHAPTER OF PHI DELTA UPSILON | EIN: 74-6042978 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• GRANDE CHAPTER OF PHI DELTA UPSILON | EIN: 74-6042978 | HOUSTON, TX
• GULF COAST ALUMNI ET OF OX INC | EIN: 45-2717861 | MEXIA, TX
• HELLENIC PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF TEXAS | EIN: 74-2020182 | HOUSTON, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 46-3831593 | AUSTIN, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 90-0293166 | COLLEGE STATION, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 38-3742830 | EL PASO, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 82-0644459 | LUBBOCK, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 90-0293167 | VICTORIA, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 35-2335400 | TYLER, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 26-3170920 | DENTON, TX
• HONOR SOCIETY OF PHI KAPPA PHI | EIN: 82-5300694 | FROSTBURG, MD
• IOTA ALPHA CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 51-0225632 | ARLINGTON, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-1727080 | ARLINGTON, TX
• KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 45-3325054 | MANSFIELD, TX
• KAPPA EPSILON CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 75-1727080 | ARLINGTON, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA – MU CAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 13-3048786 | COLLEGE STATION, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA – MU GAMMA CHAPTER INC | EIN: 27-3662583 | LUFKIN, TX
• KAPPA SIGMA FRATERNITY | EIN: 75-6067776 | FORT WORTH, TX
• KAPPA THETA PI – MU CHAPTER CORPORATION | EIN: 33-1294470 | FRISCO, TX
• LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 74-1130606 | AUSTIN, TX
• LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 58-0585828 | ATLANTA, GA
• LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 35-6059569 | MUNCIE, IN
• LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INCPHI-THETA ZETA | EIN: 31-1016655 | GREENSBORO, NC
• LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 34-0955345 | AKRON, OH
• LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 38-3560783 | KALAMAZOO, MI
• LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 82-0202048 | MOSCOW, ID
• LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 84-3087119 | WEST LAFAYETTE, IN
• LAMBDA ETA CHAPTER CHI ETA PHI SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 75-2273565 | ARLINGTON, TX
• LAMBDA NU GAMMA FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 93-2103520 | CONROE, TX
• LAMBDA OMEGA EPSILON SORORITY INC | EIN: 86-1854073 | CONROE, TX
• LELAND COLLEGE PREP PTO | EIN: 47-2160315 | HOUSTON, TX
• NATIONAL PAN-HELLENIC COUNCIL NORTH DALLAS SUBURBIA | EIN: 26-4080411 | CARROLLTON, TX
• ONE CHAPTER ONE SHIELD | EIN: 92-1743777 | IOWA COLONY, TX
• OMICRON GAMMA GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 75-2819136 | ARLINGTON, TX
• OMICRON GAMMA SIGMA ALUMNI CHAPTER OF PHI BETA SIGMA FRATERNITY | EIN: 92-1672050 | IRVING, TX
• OMICRON PHI LAMBDA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION | EIN: 58-2391746 | EAST POINT, GA
• PHI ALPHA CORPORATION | EIN: 80-0335245 | WASHINGTON, DC
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 90-0927378 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 81-4123811 | COLLEGE STA, TX
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 94-1264269 | DAVIS, CA
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 31-1235650 | FORT COLLINS, CO
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 82-0202508 | COEUR D ALENE, ID
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 82-3662749 | BOULDER, CO
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 23-7150184 | COLLEGE PARK, MD
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 04-3711132 | CARLISLE, PA
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 37-1866081 | MOON TOWNSHIP, PA
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 23-7326297 | CLEVELAND, OH
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 35-0921725 | W LAFAYETTE, IN
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 81-4590423 | LEXINGTON, KY
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 93-4538714 | HAWESVILLE, KY
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 23-7097211 | GEORGETOWN, KY
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 46-4589416 | BUIES CREEK, NC
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 31-1059898 | KLAMATH FALLS, OR
• PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 23-0967700 | PHILADELPHIA, PA
• PHI KAPPA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 43-1213045 | BELLEVILLE, IL
• PHI KAPPA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 63-0458038 | TUSCALOOSA, AL
• PHI KAPPA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 52-1038237 | BALTIMORE, MD
• PHI KAPPA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 72-1298700 | HATTIESBURG, MS
• PHI KAPPA PSI FRATERNITY | EIN: 45-2729519 | NACOGDOCHES, TX
• PHI KAPPA PSI FRATERNITY ALABAMA ALPHA CHAPTER | EIN: 63-0458038 | TUSCALOOSA, AL
• PHI KAPPA PSI FRATERNITY ALUMNI ASSOC OF VA ALPHA | EIN: 54-6042106 | RICHMOND, VA
• PHI KAPPA PHI ALUMNI CHAPTER #327 | EIN: 23-7288636 | DENTON, TX
• PHI KAPPA SIGMA – ZETA CHAPTER | EIN: 88-1099967 | LANCASTER, PA
• PHI KAPPA SIGMA ALUMNI ASSN OF SOUTH ALABAMA | EIN: 38-3910200 | MOBILE, AL
• PHI KAPPA TAU FRATERNITY | EIN: 30-0315691 | SAN FRANCISCO, CA
• PHI KAPPA TAU FRATERNITY | EIN: 27-2615266 | ATHENS, GA
• PHI KAPPA TAU FRATERNITY | EIN: 23-7097211 | GEORGETOWN, KY
• PHI KAPPA TAU FRATERNITY | EIN: 35-6252349 | EVANSVILLE, IN
• PHI KAPPA TAU FRATERNITY | EIN: 34-1559527 | DOVER, OH
• PHI KAPPA TAU FRATERNITY | EIN: 30-0623072 | JEFFERSON CTY, MO
• PHI KAPPA TAU FRATERNITY | EIN: 90-0617278 | NEWARK, NJ
• PHI KAPPA TAU ALUMNI OF ALPHA SIGMA PHI INC | EIN: 82-3714455 | LOS ANGELES, CA
• PHI KAPPA TAU BETA THETA GRADUATE COUNCIL | EIN: 85-2499961 | SHAWNEE, KS
• PHI MU ALPHA SINFONIA KAPPA SIGMA CHAPTER | EIN: 85-3024920 | VALPARAISO, IN
• PHI SIGMA KAPPA | EIN: 39-1687257 | MENOMONEE FLS, WI
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 81-4168790 | TEMPE, AZ
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 81-3351606 | TUCSON, AZ
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 82-3426094 | GOLETA, CA
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 47-2780588 | CHAMPAIGN, IL
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 81-5319958 | BOULDER, CO
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 81-5375680 | BOISE, ID
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 46-1106243 | EAST LANSING, MI
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 47-2824240 | NORTHVILLE, MI
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 81-2650742 | NORTHVILLE, MI
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 45-0492912 | CLEVELAND, OH
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 27-1553278 | DAYTON, OH
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 43-1813125 | ROLLA, MO
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 31-1205548 | W LAFAYETTE, IN
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 45-4811306 | LOUISVILLE, KY
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 82-3340608 | SEATTLE, WA
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 83-2183202 | RENO, NV
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 33-0999614 | UNIVERSITY PARK, PA
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 81-5341606 | RICHMOND, VA
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 84-1754037 | LARAMIE, WY
• PHI SIGMA RHO NATIONAL SORORITY | EIN: 47-2838951 | NASHVILLE, TN
• PHI UPSILON ZETA OF LAMBDA CHI ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-1016658 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 20-2511495 | FORT MYERS, FL
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 42-1472055 | DES MOINES, IA
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 48-6116924 | HIAWATHA, KS
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 34-1411909 | NEW ALBANY, IN
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 35-2570603 | KNOXVILLE, TN
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 51-0172038 | TAHLEQUAH, OK
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 57-6027420 | COLUMBIA, SC
• PI KAPPA ALPHA FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-6064445 | NEDERLAND, TX
• PI KAPPA PHI CHAPTER IOTA SIGMA CHAPTER | EIN: 46-1286953 | SAN JOSE, CA
• PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 46-2192324 | SACRAMENTO, CA
• PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 20-8430778 | LONG BEACH, CA
• PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 82-2980752 | ALLENDALE, MI
• PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 38-3068686 | MT PLEASANT, MI
• PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 27-1152551 | NEW CASTLE, PA
• PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 82-3951159 | PHILADELPHIA, PA
• PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 57-6033531 | COLUMBIA, SC
• PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 57-6033533 | SPARTANBURG, SC
• PI KAPPA PHI FRATERNITY | EIN: 47-2201556 | STONY BROOK, NY
• PI MU CHAPTER OF THE OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 59-2110000 | MIAMI, FL
• PI TAU ELDERS INC | EIN: 22-2518277 | WORCESTER, MA
• PI ZETA OF LAMBDA CHI ALPHA INC | EIN: 04-3274081 | GRANDVILLE, MI
• PRAIRIE VIEW A&M ALUMNI OF OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 74-6047117 | PRAIRIE VIEW, TX
• PSI ZETA CHAPTER OF ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 52-1345182 | FORT WORTH, TX
• RCCGNA SEMINARY | EIN: 93-2103520 | CONROE, TX
• REDWINE HONORS PROGRAM STUDENT COUNCIL | EIN: 84-5090974 | WICHITA FALLS, TX
• RHO DELTA CHI NATIONAL BOARD | EIN: 93-4247450 | SUGAR LAND, TX
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 85-1262394 | AUSTIN, TX
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 90-0408331 | CARROLLTON, GA
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 87-2534426 | DAHLONEGA, GA
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 57-1190555 | MILLEDGEVILLE, GA
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 30-0996003 | MARS HILL, NC
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 72-1605542 | WILMINGTON, NC
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 81-3597695 | RADFORD, VA
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 36-4703254 | NEWPORT NEWS, VA
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 84-3160970 | ST DAVIDS, PA
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 83-3215803 | PITTSBURGH, PA
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 82-4946243 | WESTCHESTER, PA
• SIGMA ALPHA OMEGA CHRISTIAN SORORITY INC | EIN: 80-0965765 | BUIES CREEK, NC
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY INC | EIN: 74-6084912 | AUSTIN, TX
• SIGMA GAMMA RHO SORORITY | EIN: 36-4091267 | WACO, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY TEXAS GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 91-1981478 | FORT WORTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY TEXAS ETA | EIN: 82-4398421 | RICHMOND, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA | EIN: 83-3053639 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA ALPHA CHI CHAPTER | EIN: 86-3999517 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA ALPHA PSI CHAPTER | EIN: 87-4252223 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 82-3971493 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 20-2203769 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 20-1237505 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 81-4575228 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 26-0805977 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 90-0657756 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 32-0217610 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA PHI LAMBDA INC | EIN: 46-0766525 | CORINTH, TX
• SIGMA THETA TAU INTERNATIONAL -XI THETA CHAPTER – 342 | EIN: 31-1433577 | UPLAND, CA
• SOUTH TEXAS COTILLON INC | EIN: 26-2378154 | BROWNSVILLE, TX
• SOUTHWESTERN REGION OF IOTA PHI LAMBDA SORORITY INCORPORATED | EIN: 51-0194762 | HOUSTON, TX
• TEJAS FOUNDATION | EIN: 74-6062730 | AUSTIN, TX
• TEXAS BETA PSI CHAPTER OF ALPHA DELTA KAPPA SORORITY INC | EIN: 74-6088185 | SHAVANO PARK, TX
• TEXAS KAPPA SIGMA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION INC | EIN: 74-1380362 | FORT WORTH, TX
• TEXAS NU-PHI DELTA THETA FRATERNITY | EIN: 81-4123811 | COLLEGE STA, TX
• TEXAS RHO CHAPTER OF THE SIGMA PHI EPSILON FRATERNITY | EIN: 74-1942292 | WACO, TX
• TEXAS EPSILON UPSILON CHAPTER | EIN: 76-0366414 | NEEDVILLE, TX
• THE ETHEL HEDGEMON LYLE FOUNDATION OF TEXAS | EIN: 76-0592907 | SPRING, TX
• THE KING’S UNIVERSITY | EIN: 93-4247450 | SOUTHLAKE, TX
• THE NORTHERN PROVINCE OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 51-0212815 | BLOOMFIELD, CT
• UPSILON ZETA BUILDING ASSOCIATION OF CHI OMEGA | EIN: 75-2290669 | AMARILLO, TX
• UTSA SIGMA CHI | EIN: 84-2643090 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
• ZETA BETA CHAPTER OF KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY INC | EIN: 23-7098953 | PRAIRIE VIEW, TX
• ZETA OMICRON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC | EIN: 90-0949447 | PONDER, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INC | EIN: 61-1562040 | LEWISVILLE, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED – SIGMA GAMMA CHAPTER | EIN: 39-2352450 | HOUSTON, TX
• ZETA PHI BETA SORORITY INCORPORATED NU IOTA CHAPTER BAYLOR UNIVERSITY | EIN: 52-1346485 | WACO, TX
• ZETA XI PEARLS EDUCATIONAL FUND INC | EIN: 88-3484848 | ROWLETT, TX

Complete Texas University Directory

Attorney911 tracks every higher education institution in Texas:

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

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The national and local histories of hazing at these institutions and within these organizations are not mere anecdotes. They are crucial components of a legal strategy aimed at proving foreseeability and negligence.

When Attorney911 investigates a hazing case in Texas, we meticulously examine:

• Pattern of Behavior: Has the national organization faced similar allegations at other campuses? For example, if a chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha at Texas Tech engages in forced drinking that has been documented in a national hazing death elsewhere, it demonstrates a foreseeable risk that the national body should have addressed.
• Knowledge of Risk: Did the national organization, the university, or even individual chapter leaders know about patterns of hazing, either within their own ranks or in the broader Greek system, and fail to act effectively?
• Failure to Enforce: Were anti-hazing policies merely “paper policies” that were not genuinely enforced through meaningful discipline or oversight? Were there repeated, minor sanctions that failed to deter dangerous conduct?

This evidence helps us argue that responsible parties (from individuals to national organizations and even universities) had prior notice of dangerous practices yet failed to prevent horrific outcomes. This directly impacts:

• Settlement Leverage: Demonstrating strong evidence of negligence and foreseeability can significantly increase the pressure on defendants to settle cases for fair compensation.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: Our deep understanding of insurance challenges, honed by Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney, allows us to effectively counter arguments that policies don’t cover “intentional acts.” We can often demonstrate that coverage applies because the claim involves negligent supervision, which is typically covered.
• Potential for Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or willful disregard for safety, evidence of a national pattern of ignored hazing can support claims for punitive damages, which are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future harm.

For Collingsworth County families, the reality is that hazing rarely happens in a vacuum. A comprehensive understanding of an organization’s history, combined with diligent local investigation, forms an unbreakable foundation for seeking justice.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

When hazing strikes, families in Collingsworth County often feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Building a successful legal case requires meticulous evidence collection, a deep understanding of the damages suffered, and a strategic approach tailored to the unique complexities of hazing litigation. At Attorney911, we specialize in navigating this challenging terrain.

7.1 Evidence: The Foundation of Every Hazing Case

Modern hazing cases are won or lost on the strength of the evidence. Unlike traditional personal injury cases, hazing often occurs in secret, behind closed doors, and involves a deliberate culture of silence. We actively work to uncover and preserve every piece of available evidence:

• Digital Communications: In 2025, group chats and direct messages are often the most incriminating sources of evidence. Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and even fraternity/sorority-specific apps are where hazing is planned, executed, and discussed. We look for:
  • Messages giving instructions for hazing activities.
  • Discussions about supplying alcohol or substances.
  • Threats or coercion directed at pledges.
  • “Pledging event” schedules that include late nights or physically demanding tasks.
  • (Watch Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs for best practices in preserving screenshots and photos.)
• Photos & Videos: Visual evidence is incredibly powerful. This includes:
  • Photos or videos taken by members or pledges during hazing events, often for bragging rights or to document “progress.”
  • Footage shared in private group chats, on Snapchat stories, or even accidentally captured by security cameras.
  • Injuries sustained during hazing, photographed with timestamps and context.
  • Images of locations, objects (e.g., paddles, alcohol bottles), or clothing used in hazing.
• Internal Organization Documents: These can reveal a chapter’s true practices versus official policy. We seek:
  • “Pledge manuals” or unauthorized handbooks.
  • Historical documents detailing “traditions” that constitute hazing.
  • Emails or texts between chapter leaders discussing pledge activities.
  • National organization policies and training materials, often used to show a gap between what they preach and what they allow.
• University Records: Institutions maintain records that can be vital. We investigate:
  • Prior conduct files, disciplinary actions, and instances of probation or suspension against the specific organization.
  • Incident reports filed with campus police or the student conduct office.
  • Clery Act reports, which may flag crime statistics on campus pertinent to hazing.
  • Records of hazing education programs or warnings issued by the university.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the full extent of the harm. We gather:
  • Emergency room reports, ambulance records, and hospitalization documents.
  • Lab results showing blood alcohol levels, toxicology screens, or specific injury markers (e.g., creatine kinase for rhabdomyolysis).
  • Therapy notes, psychological evaluations, and diagnoses of conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety resulting from the hazing.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are crucial. We interview:
  • Other pledges or new members who experienced or saw the hazing.
  • Former members who left the organization due to hazing practices.
  • Roommates, RAs (Resident Advisors), coaches, or other students who observed changes in the victim’s behavior or saw the aftermath of hazing.
  • Anyone who heard admissions or statements about the hazing.

7.2 Damages: Compensating for Profound Loss

In hazing litigation, the goal is to recover full and fair compensation for all losses suffered by the victim and their family. Our firm meticulously evaluates both economic and non-economic damages to build a comprehensive claim.

• Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses, including:
  • Medical Expenses: All past and future costs, from emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and medication, to long-term physical therapy, psychological counseling, and specialized care for catastrophic injuries.
  • Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Compensation for wages lost due to injury and the potential reduction in future income if a student’s education or career path is derailed by permanent physical or psychological damage.
  • Educational Losses: Costs of tuition for semesters missed, lost scholarships, or expenses related to transferring to a new institution.
• Non-Economic Damages: These address the intangible but profound impacts of hazing:
  • Physical Pain & Suffering: For the immediate and ongoing pain caused by injuries.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: For the trauma, humiliation, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and loss of dignity. This is particularly devastating in hazing cases and requires careful documentation by mental health professionals.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: For the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or the normal college experience due to the injuries or trauma.
  • Reputational Harm: If the hazing incident has publicly affected the student’s standing or future opportunities.
• Wrongful Death Damages: In the tragic event of a hazing-related death, families in Collingsworth County can seek compensation for:
  • Funeral and Burial Costs: Direct expenses related to the death.
  • Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased would have contributed financially to the family.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: For the profound absence of the loved one.
  • Grief and Emotional Suffering: For the immense psychological pain endured by surviving family members.
  • Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience, having recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. You can learn more about our wrongful death practice at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where defendants acted with extreme recklessness, malice, or gross negligence, punitive damages may be sought. These are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future, often proving a powerful incentive for institutional change. In Texas, punitive damages are available but often capped, except in certain intentional tort cases.

7.3 Strategy: Navigating the Complexities

Hazing litigation is a battle against powerful institutional defendants. Our strategy focuses on identifying all liable parties and anticipating their defenses.

• Identifying Defendants & Uncovering Insurance: We diligently work to identify every potential defendant—from individual hazers to local chapters, national organizations, and the university itself. A critical part of this is uncovering all layers of insurance coverage. Fraternities, universities, and their insurers often argue that hazing (as an “intentional act”) is excluded from coverage. However, a skilled legal team knows how to frame claims around negligent supervision, failure to warn, or reckless disregard for safety—which are typically covered by insurance policies. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable here, as she knows the insurance companies’ playbooks inside out. You can read more about her expertise at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Overcoming Defenses: Defendants will often argue that the victim consented (“they agreed to it”), that the hazing was a “rogue act” not known to national organizations or the university, or that it happened off-campus and thus outside their jurisdiction. We counter these defenses by:
  • Highlighting Texas law that consent is not a defense to hazing.
  • Presenting evidence of national patterns of hazing, demonstrating foreseeability and prior knowledge.
  • Showing through aggressive discovery that institutions had policies that failed to be enforced or ignored prior warnings during our decades of multi-million dollar results.
• Leveraging Prior Rulings & Settlements: Every major hazing case nationwide, from Timothy Piazza to Max Gruver and Stone Foltz, educates the legal landscape. We leverage these precedents, including multi-million-dollar settlements and jury verdicts, to demonstrate the severe legal and financial risks faced by institutions that fail to prevent hazing in Texas. Ralph Manginello’s background in complex litigation, including the BP Texas City explosion case, shows our capacity to take on and win against formidable corporate and institutional defendants. You can find more about Ralph’s experience at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Criminal & Civil Coordination: When hazing involves criminal charges, we provide comprehensive guidance, understanding how the criminal investigation (often handled by campus police or local PD in Collingsworth County) can impact a civil case. Our firm’s civil and criminal defense background means we can advise on both tracks.

Building a powerful hazing case is not just about proving an injury; it’s about exposing a systemic failure, ensuring accountability, and preventing future tragedies. For Collingsworth County families, we are committed to this fight.

Practical Guides & FAQs

8.1 For Parents: Protecting Your Child from Hazing

As parents in Collingsworth County, your child’s safety at college is paramount. Recognizing the subtle and overt signs of hazing, and knowing how to respond, can make all the difference.

Warning Signs of Hazing: What to Look For

• Physical Changes:
  • Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or other injuries, especially if your child’s explanations seem vague or don’t add up.
  • Sudden extreme fatigue, exhaustion, or chronic sleep deprivation.
  • Significant changes in appetite leading to weight loss or gain.
  • Signs of chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage.
  • Frequent illness or susceptibility to infections.
• Behavioral & Emotional Shifts:
  • Increased secrecy about their organization’s activities, often saying, “I can’t talk about it,” or “It’s a secret.”
  • Withdrawal from previous friends, family, or non-organizational activities.
  • Mood swings, increased irritability, anxiety, depression, or unusual quietness.
  • Defensiveness or anger when asked about their group’s activities.
  • Expressions of fear about “getting in trouble” with older members or “letting the chapter down.”
  • Constant need to please older members, appearing overly subservient.
  • Making excuses for the behavior, such as “It’s just tradition,” or “Everyone had to go through it.”
• Academic Red Flags:
  • A sudden, unexplained drop in grades.
  • Missing classes, club meetings, or falling asleep during lectures due to late-night activities.
  • Skipping study sessions or assignments to attend “mandatory” organizational events.
• Financial Concerns:
  • Unexplained financial demands or requests for money without a clear purpose.
  • Large expenditures for the organization or older members.
  • Maxed-out credit cards or frequent overdrafts.
• Digital/Social Behavior:
  • Constant checking of their phone for group chat notifications, with visible anxiety if they miss messages.
  • Obsessive deletion of messages or clearing of browsing history.
  • Social media posts that appear forced, humiliating, or reveal concerning activities.
  • Requests to install location-sharing apps (e.g., Find My Friends, Life360).

How to Talk to Your Child

If you observe these signs, approach your child with empathy and support, not judgment:

1. Start Softly: “How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
2. Ask Open-Ended Questions: “What does new member education involve?” “How much time is it taking?” “What are some of the traditions?”
3. Emphasize Safety Over Status: Assure them their well-being is your priority, not their membership in the group.
4. Listen Without Judgment: If they open up, validate their feelings and avoid immediate anger. This reinforces trust and encourages more sharing.
5. State Your Parental Protection: “If anything ever made you feel unsafe, humiliated, or pressured, I want you to tell me. We’ll figure it out together.”
6. Discuss “Consent”: Gently remind them that true consent means having a real choice, free from coercion or fear of negative consequences.

If Your Child Is Hurt or Admits to Hazing

1. Prioritize Medical Care: Immediately seek professional medical attention for any injuries, even if seemingly minor. Go to an emergency room or urgent care in Collingsworth County or the university town. Ensure the medical staff documents the circumstances of the injury, including any mention of hazing.
2. Document Everything: Take clear photos of all injuries, retaining original timestamps. Collect screenshots of any relevant texts, social media posts, or group chats. Encourage your child to write down a detailed, chronological account of what happened, including dates, times, people involved, and specific acts of hazing.
3. Preserve Physical Evidence: Save any clothing, objects, or receipts that might be connected to the hazing.
4. Dealing with the University: Document every interaction with university officials, including names, dates, and what was discussed. Remember that university investigations serve the institution’s interests, which may differ from your child’s.
5. Talk to a Lawyer Immediately: This is perhaps the most critical step. If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, an experienced hazing attorney can guide you through the complex process, protect your child’s rights, and prevent crucial evidence from being lost.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Know Your Rights, Stay Safe

For students in Collingsworth County attending a Texas university, navigating social pressures while aspiring to join new groups is a common experience. If you find yourself in a hazing situation, remember: your safety and well-being are paramount, and you have rights.

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?

Ask yourself these critical questions:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do? Can I genuinely say “no” without fear of social or physical repercussions?
• Would this activity be allowed if my parents or university officials were watching?
• Does this activity cause me physical pain, mental distress, humiliation, or endanger my safety?
• Am I being made to perform tasks that older members of the group don’t do?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about what’s happening?
• Is this activity interfering with my sleep, studies, or personal life, and do I have no control over it?

If you answer YES to any of these, it is likely hazing, regardless of what anyone calls it or how long it’s supposedly been a “tradition.”

Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story

Hazing is illegal in Texas, and your “agreement” or “consent” to participate is not a legal defense for those who haze you. The law recognizes that true consent cannot be given when there’s an imbalance of power, intense peer pressure, a desire to belong, or fear of exclusion. You cannot “consent” to a crime.

Exiting and Reporting Safely

• If you are in immediate danger: Do not hesitate. Call 911 or campus police (e.g., TTPD at Texas Tech, UHPD at UH). There are medical amnesty policies in place to protect you if you are seeking help in a medical emergency, even if you or others have been consuming alcohol underage.
• If you wish to de-pledge or leave: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time, especially if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. You are not “locked in.”
  • Tell someone outside the organization first (a trusted family member in Collingsworth County, a Resident Advisor, a friend not involved in Greek life, a professor).
  • Consider sending an email or text message to the chapter president/new member educator stating your resignation, creating a timestamped record.
  • Avoid returning to the house or meeting with members alone if you fear pressure or intimidation.
• Reporting Options:
  • Campus Authorities: Contact the Office of Student Conduct, the Dean of Students, or the University Police Department directly.
  • Anonymous Hotlines: Many universities have anonymous reporting systems (e.g., EthicsPoint at Texas Tech, C3 Line at UH) or you can call the National Anti-Hazing Hotline at 1-888-NOT-HAZE.
  • Title IX Office: If the hazing involves sexual harassment or gender discrimination.

Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty

Texas law, codified partly in the Good Samaritan law and university policies, often protects individuals who call for help in an emergency, including those involving alcohol or drugs. This means you generally won’t face disciplinary action for seeking help for yourself or a friend who is dangerously intoxicated or injured, even if you were all involved in activities that led to the emergency.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: Your Role in Accountability

If you were once involved in hazing, either as a participant, leader, or witness, you might carry a heavy burden of guilt or fear. However, your knowledge and testimony can be invaluable in preventing future tragedies and holding wrongdoers accountable.

• Your Impact: Your decision to come forward, even anonymously, could literally save a life. It provides crucial evidence of patterns that institutions often try to deny.
• Legal Protection: If you report hazing in good faith, Texas law provides you with immunity from civil or criminal liability that might result from your report.
• Seeking Counsel: If you are concerned about your own potential legal exposure (e.g., criminal charges related to participation in hazing), it is vital to obtain independent legal advice from a lawyer experienced in hazing and criminal defense. Attorney911 can provide advice on both criminal and civil tracks.
• Doing the Right Thing: Coming forward can be a difficult step, but it is often a powerful step toward healing for victims and a necessary one for changing dangerous campus cultures.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Collingsworth County families seeking justice for hazing, it’s crucial to avoid common missteps that can severely undermine a legal claim. The legal landscape is unforgiving, and powerful institutions often capitalize on these errors.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

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

   • What parents think: “I don’t want my child to get in more trouble, or I don’t want these embarrassing images to get out.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Deleting evidence (especially digital) can be seen as a cover-up, makes it nearly impossible to prove claims, and can even constitute obstruction of justice. Defense often argues “you destroyed the evidence, so it must not have supported your claims.”
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything IMMEDIATELY. Even embarrassing content can be crucial to proving the hazing. Take screenshots, back up data, and secure physical items. Your attorney can advise on what is relevant and how to protect privacy post-discovery.
   • Attorney911 has a helpful video on how to use your cellphone to document a legal case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind; they need to know what they did.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Your direct confrontation will immediately put the organization on high alert. They will “lawyer up,” destroy evidence, coach witnesses on what to say (or not say), and prepare their defenses, all before you have a legal team in place.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in secret, then call a lawyer from Attorney911 immediately before any confrontation.

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

   • What universities do: They may pressure families to sign waivers, non-disclosure agreements, or “internal resolution” agreements that resolve the matter quickly through campus discipline alone.
   • Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, and any “settlement” or offer from the university is often far below the true value of your child’s injuries and suffering.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or an insurance company without an experienced hazing attorney reviewing it first.

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

   • What families think: “I want everyone to know what happened to my child; I want to create public pressure.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Any public statements, even well-intentioned ones, can be used by defense attorneys to scrutinize credibility, generate inconsistent narratives, or even be perceived as legally compromising your case by making private facts public prematurely.
   • What to do instead: Document all details privately. Let your lawyer control the public messaging, if any, once a strategic path forward has been established.

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

   • What fraternities say (or imply): “Come back and talk to us before you do anything drastic; let’s resolve this internally.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This is an opportunity for them to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements from your child that could be used against them in a later investigation or lawsuit. They may try to minimize the severity of the hazing or make your child feel guilty.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, or if hazing has occurred, all communication with the organization should cease and be redirected through your attorney.

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

   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally; we have policies in place.”
   • Why it’s wrong: While university discipline is important, it may not address the full scope of your child’s injury or financial losses. Also, critical evidence (digital messages, witness memories) disappears quickly. The university’s investigation timeline moves slowly, often prioritizing institutional reputation over individual justice. The statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit is generally two years from the date of injury or death in Texas; waiting can cause you to miss this deadline.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Consult a lawyer immediately. Pursue the university’s internal process, but concurrently prepare your legal options with an attorney. For more information, watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:

   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim; we want to help.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters represent the interests of the defendants and their companies, not yours. Recorded statements can be used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and say, “My attorney will contact you.” Do NOT sign any releases or accept any money without legal counsel.

By avoiding these critical mistakes, Collingsworth County families can significantly strengthen their position and increase their chances of achieving meaningful accountability and justice.

8.5 Short FAQ: Answering Your Hazing Questions

For Collingsworth County families navigating the complexities of hazing incidents, clear and concise answers to common questions are essential.

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. For public universities like Texas Tech, UH, and Texas A&M, certain sovereign immunity protections apply under Texas Governmen Code, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, specific policy violations, or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. For private universities like SMU and Baylor, sovereign immunity generally does not apply, making a direct negligence claim against the institution potentially more straightforward. However, every case depends on specific facts. We encourage you to contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor in Texas by default, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers and specific organizers can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing or for retaliation.

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

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, you have 2 years from the date of the injury or death to file a civil lawsuit in Texas. However, certain legal principles, such as the “discovery rule” (where the clock doesn’t start until the harm or its cause was reasonably discoverable) or “tolling” for minors, might extend this period. Because evidence disappears rapidly and witnesses graduate, time is critical. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to discuss your specific timeline. For more details on this, you can watch our video on the statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities, national fraternities/sororities, and local chapters can still be held liable based on their sponsorship of the organization, their knowledge of dangerous activities, and the foreseeability of hazing occurring off-campus. Many major hazing cases that resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments (like the Michael Deng case in Pennsylvania) occurred at off-campus retreats.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before going to trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and works to achieve a resolution that respects your wishes while still securing accountability and compensation. We can discuss strategies for maintaining confidentiality during your consultation.

• “How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?”
  At Attorney911, we handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us any legal fees unless we win your case. Our payment comes as a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. This allows Collingsworth County families to pursue justice without upfront financial burden. To understand more, watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F9Nc.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family in Collingsworth County faces a hazing incident, you need more than just any lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions — whether they are national fraternities, private universities, or major university systems — fight back, and how to effectively challenge them for justice. At The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we provide exactly that specialized expertise for families throughout Texas.

We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with deep experience in serious injury, wrongful death, and comprehensive institutional accountability cases. From our main office in Houston, we proudly serve families across Greater Houston, Harris County, and throughout Texas, including Collingsworth County and the surrounding region. We understand that hazing at Texas universities can impact families far from major metropolitan areas, and our statewide reach ensures that your case receives the dedicated attention it deserves, regardless of where the incident occurred or where you reside.

Why Attorney911 for Hazing Cases: Our Unmatched Expertise

Our firm brings unique and powerful qualifications to hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings an invaluable perspective to every case. As a former insurance defense attorney for a national firm, she knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies operate. She understands their delay tactics, their arguments for denying coverage, and their settlement strategies because she used to be on their side. This insider knowledge is a critical asset for our clients, enabling us to anticipate and counter the defense’s every move. You can read more about Lupe’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Led by Ralph Manginello, our firm is not intimidated by large, well-funded defendants. Our experience includes taking on multi-billion-dollar entities in complex litigation, such as the BP Texas City explosion case. This demonstrates our proven capacity to handle intricate federal court cases and build winning strategies against formidable corporate and institutional opponents. We fight like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. You can find more about Ralph’s extensive experience at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Experience: We possess a proven track record in securing multi-million dollar results for families devastated by catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths. We understand how to meticulously calculate and pursue damages for lifetime care plans (as seen in severe brain injury cases), lost earning capacity, and the profound non-economic losses. We don’t settle cheaply; we build cases that force genuine accountability.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Hazing often involves criminal charges alongside civil claims. Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores our understanding of both legal tracks. This dual expertise allows us to provide holistic advice, navigating how criminal proceedings might impact a civil lawsuit and vice versa. Learn more about our approach to criminal defense at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.

• Investigative Depth: We pride ourselves on aggressive and thorough investigation. Our firm collaborates with a network of top-tier experts, including digital forensics specialists to recover deleted messages, medical experts to assess injuries, and economists to calculate long-term financial impacts. We relentlessly pursue every lead to obtain hidden evidence, from group chat communications and chapter records to sensitive university files, understanding that hazing organizations often operate with a strict code of silence.

Ultimately, we know that facing a hazing incident is one of the hardest things a family can endure. Our role is not just to provide legal representation; it’s to be a steadfast advocate, seeking answers, ensuring accountability, and helping to prevent such tragedies from happening to another family. We approach every case with deep empathy and a relentless commitment to justice.

Call to Action: Your Next Step for Justice in Collingsworth County

If your child, from Collingsworth County or anywhere in Texas, has been impacted by hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s Texas Tech, the University of Houston, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor, or another institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Collingsworth County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, accountability, and justice.

We invite you to contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. During this free consultation, you can expect us to:

• Listen to your story with compassion and without judgment.
• Review any evidence you’ve gathered (photos, texts, medical records) and advise on critical steps for preservation.
• Explain your legal options, discussing whether a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither, is the best path forward for your unique situation.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• Answer all your questions about our contingency fee structure—meaning you don’t pay us any legal fees unless we win your case.
• Everything you share with us is held in strict confidence. There is no pressure to retain our services on the spot; we encourage you to take the time you need to make an informed decision.

Your family doesn’t have to face this alone. The complex legal battle against powerful institutions requires experienced and aggressive representation.

Contact Attorney911 Today:

• Call Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Ralph’s Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Email Ralph: ralph@atty911.com
• For Spanish Services (Hablamos Español), Email Lupe Peña: lupe@atty911.com
• Visit Our Website: https://attorney911.com

Whether you’re in Collingsworth 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)
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