Comal County, a vibrant area, is home to numerous universities. Our Comal County Fraternity & Sorority Hazing Lawyers, also University Hazing Injury & Wrongful Death Attorneys at Attorney911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™, offer unparalleled expertise. A Former Insurance Defense Attorney understands fraternity insurance tactics. With Federal Court Experience taking on national fraternities and universities, and BP Explosion Litigation proving our fight against massive institutions, we bring HCCLA Criminal Defense + Civil Wrongful Death Expertise. Multi-Million Dollar Proven Results include UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor hazing cases. We are Evidence Preservation Specialists with 25+ Years Experience. Hablamos Español. Free Consultation. Contingency Fee: No Win, No Fee. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Protecting Our Children: A Texas Family’s Guide to Hazing in Comal County and Beyond

The text message vibrates on your phone late at night, a frantic string of emojis and abbreviated sentences from your child away at college. They mention an “initiation event,” a “brotherhood retreat,” or simply that they “can’t talk about it.” You worry, but tell yourself it’s just part of college life, maybe a little harmless fun. Then, another call comes—not from your child, but from a resident assistant, a campus police officer, or even worse, a hospital. Your child has been hurt, humiliated, or is struggling, all in the name of joining a group. This scenario is a chilling reality for too many families, including those right here in Comal County, Texas, who send their children off to universities across our state.

This isn’t a distant problem happening in a faraway place. Hazing is a persistent and dangerous reality on Texas campuses, from our largest public universities like the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M to private institutions like Baylor and Southern Methodist University, and even rapidly growing urban campuses like the University of Houston. When students from Comal County venture to these schools, they can become vulnerable to traditions that often cross the line from bonding into abuse.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we understand the immense fear and anger that engulfs families when a child is harmed by hazing. We represent families in Comal County and throughout Texas who are seeking answers, accountability, and justice. This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you with critical information, helping you understand the true nature of modern hazing, the legal landscape in Texas, and your options for seeking help. We will explore what hazing looks like today, examine major cases that have shaped legal precedents, and detail the specific issues at top Texas universities relevant to Comal County students.

We address questions like:

• What exactly constitutes hazing in 2025, beyond outdated stereotypes?
• How does Texas law define hazing, and what are the criminal and civil liabilities?
• What have we learned from national and Texas-specific hazing tragedies?
• What are the unique hazing challenges and historical patterns at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor?
• What practical steps can Comal County parents and students take if they suspect or experience hazing?

This article provides general information and is not specific legal advice. However, if your family is facing this crisis, The Manginello Law Firm can evaluate your individual situation based on its unique facts. We serve families across Texas, including our neighbors in Comal County and the broader Central Texas region.

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.” Prioritize their health over concerns about “getting in trouble.”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately, capturing names, timestamps, and context.
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles, ideally with a ruler or coin for scale.
  • Save physical items like clothing worn during the incident, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing.
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when it occurred, and where.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority or other responsible parties directly.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel.
  • Post details on public social media, as this can compromise your case.
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence of any kind.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears quickly due to deleted group chats, destroyed physical items, and coached witnesses.
• Universities and organizations move fast to control the narrative and begin their own investigations.
• We can help preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights from the outset.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation from anywhere in Texas, including Comal County.

2. Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For many, the word “hazing” brings to mind harmless pranks from movies or antiquated traditions. The reality in 2025 is far more sinister. Modern hazing involves complex physical, psychological, and digital coercion that can lead to severe injury, lasting trauma, and even death. It’s no longer confined to dimly lit basements but thrives in group chat apps, off-campus retreats, and disguised “bonding” activities. For Comal County families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or collegiate team dynamics, understanding this evolution is critical.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

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

It is crucial to emphasize that a student saying “I agreed to it” or “I wanted to fit in” does not automatically make it safe or legal. The law—and common sense—recognizes that true consent cannot be given when there is a power imbalance, intense peer pressure, implicit threats of social exclusion, or a strong desire for belonging. When an individual is coerced into activities harmful to their well-being to achieve group acceptance, it constitutes hazing.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms, often escalating through stages from subtle pressure to overt violence. It’s designed to exert control and demonstrate dominance, eroding individual autonomy in the process.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is by far the most dangerous and frequently fatal form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of alcohol, often in excessive quantities and within short timeframes. Examples include:

  • “Big/Little” reveal nights: Pledges are forced to consume entire bottles of hard liquor.
  • “Lineups” or “Bible study” games: Pledges are made to rapidly drink alcohol during competitive activities, where wrong answers or slowness result in more forced consumption.
  • Chugging challenges, funneling, or keg stands: Designed to induce rapid, dangerous intoxication.
  • Pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances: This can also involve illegal drugs, leading to unpredictable and often fatal consequences.

• Physical Hazing: Often misunderstood as “tough workouts,” physical hazing goes far beyond safe or reasonable challenges.

  • Paddling and beatings: Direct physical assault that can cause severe bruising, internal injuries, and long-term tissue damage.
  • Extreme calisthenics or “smokings”: Hours of push-ups, sit-ups, wall sits, or other exercises performed to the point of exhaustion, muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), or collapse.
  • Sleep and food deprivation: Pledges are kept awake for days, denied regular meals, or forced to consume unsavory foods, leading to extreme fatigue and vulnerability.
  • Exposure to extreme environments: Forcing individuals into freezing water, hot enclosed spaces, or leaving them outdoors in harsh weather conditions without adequate shelter.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are deeply degrading and often carry lasting psychological trauma.

  • Forced nudity or partial nudity: Stripping pledges, forcing them to wear degrading costumes, or parading them in embarrassing attire.
  • Simulated sexual acts: Forcing participants into sexually suggestive positions, engaging in mock sexual acts, or exposing them to sexually explicit material. Such acts are often euphemistically called “roasted pig” or “elephant walk.”
  • Acts with racial, sexist, homophobic, or xenophobic overtones: Using slurs, making individuals role-play stereotypes, or enforcing discriminatory behaviors.

• Psychological Hazing: This form of abuse targets a student’s mental well-being, often creating an environment of fear and anxiety.

  • Verbal abuse and threats: Constant yelling, screaming, demeaning language, insults, and implied or explicit threats of violence or social exclusion.
  • Isolation and manipulation: Cutting off contact with external support systems, forcing individuals to betray friends, or manipulating them through mind games.
  • Public shaming: Forcing individuals to perform embarrassing acts in public or be ridiculed in front of peers, including on social media.
  • Constant surveillance: Requiring pledges to be “on call” 24/7, with immediate responses to texts or calls, creating chronic stress and fear of failure.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones, hazing has moved into the digital realm, making it even harder to escape.

  • Group chat dares and “challenges”: Forcing pledges to participate in online dares, share compromising material, or engage in embarrassing public acts that are then livestreamed or recorded.
  • Social media humiliation: Demanding pledges post degrading content on their own profiles, or sharing humiliating photos/videos of them in private or semi-private group chats.
  • Cyberstalking and tracking: Using location-sharing apps (e.g., Find My Friends) to constantly monitor pledges’ whereabouts or harassing them via messages if they don’t comply with demands.
  • Control over digital identity: Dictating what pledges can post, like, or comment on online, essentially hijacking their social media presence.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

The misconception that hazing is exclusively a “frat boy problem” is dangerous. While fraternities and sororities, including those in IFC (Interfraternity Council), Panhellenic, NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council), and various multicultural Greek councils, are frequent perpetrators, hazing is endemic across many collegiate groups.

It occurs in:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / military-style groups: These highly disciplined environments can sometimes foster traditions that cross into coercive and abusive hazing, as seen at Texas A&M.
• Spirit squads, tradition clubs, and university organizations: Groups like Texas Cowboys at UT Austin, or various spirit groups and tradition-bearers at other large universities, have faced hazing allegations.
• Athletic teams: From football and basketball to cheerleading and swim teams, hazing is used as a misguided “team-building” exercise, often involving alcohol, physical abuse, or sexualized rituals.
• Marching bands and performing arts groups: Even organizations dedicated to music, theater, or dance can harbor hazing practices under the guise of “earning your spot” or building group cohesion.
• Academic, service, and cultural organizations: Any group where status, belonging, or a “tradition” is valued can become an environment for hazing, regardless of its stated mission.

The underlying drivers remain consistent: social status, a misguided sense of tradition, and the pervasive culture of secrecy that protects perpetrators and silences victims. For families in Comal County, understanding that any group on campus can be a potential hazing environment is crucial for protecting their children.

3. Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

The legal framework surrounding hazing in Texas is designed to protect students and hold perpetrators and institutions accountable. Recognizing these laws is the first step toward seeking justice. While this discussion provides a general overview, specific legal situations are complex and require the advice of an experienced attorney.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear statutes that define and prohibit hazing, primarily found in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This legislation applies to all public and private educational institutions in the state, from high schools to universities.

Under § 37.151, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• 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 makes a student in Comal County or anywhere in Texas do something dangerous, unhealthy, humiliating, or exploiting, with the intent to initiate them into a group or keep them there, that’s hazing under Texas law. The act does not need to cause physical injury; emotional or mental endangerment is sufficient.

Key aspects of Texas hazing law:

• On or off campus: The location of the hazing incident does not exempt it from legal consequences. Whether it happens in a fraternity house on campus, an off-campus Airbnb, or a remote ranch, the law applies.
• Mental or physical harm: Hazing recognizes both the visible injuries and the hidden psychological toll, including extreme emotional distress, trauma, and anxiety.
• Intent vs. Recklessness: Perpetrators don’t need to explicitly intend harm; if they acted with reckless disregard for a student’s safety (i.e., they knew or should have known their actions created a substantial risk), that’s enough to meet the legal definition.
• “Consent is not a defense”: Crucially, Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the activity. This legal provision acknowledges the inherent power imbalance and coercive nature of hazing.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

Understanding the distinction between criminal and civil legal actions is vital for families navigating a hazing crisis. While they address the same incident, their goals, burdens of proof, and outcomes are fundamentally different.

• Criminal Cases:

  • Purpose: Brought by the State of Texas (through district or county attorneys) to punish unlawful conduct, protect society, and deter future crimes.
  • Outcome: Conviction can lead to fines, jail time, probation, or community service for individuals or fines for organizations.
  • Hazing-related criminal charges:
    • § 37.152(a) categorizes hazing as a Class B misdemeanor (fine up to $2,000, confinement up to 180 days in county jail) by default.
    • If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical attention, it elevates to a Class A misdemeanor (fine up to $4,000, confinement up to one year).
    • If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a state jail felony (confinement for 180 days to two years, fine up to $10,000).
    • Other charges like furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, sexual assault, drug possession, or even manslaughter (in fatal cases) can also be filed.
  • Organizational Liability (§ 37.153): Organizations can be found criminally liable if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if an officer (acting in their official capacity) knew about hazing and failed to report it. Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000 per violation and campus de-recognition.
  • Failure to Report/Retaliation (§ 37.152(b) and (c)): Individuals who know hazing has occurred and fail to report it, or who retaliate against someone for reporting, can also face misdemeanor charges.

• Civil Cases:

  • Purpose: Brought by victims or their surviving families (plaintiffs) to recover monetary compensation for their losses and suffering, and to hold responsible parties accountable.
  • Outcome: Damages (financial compensation to the victim/family) for economic and non-economic losses.
  • Legal Theories: Civil hazing lawsuits often pursue claims of:
    • Negligence / Gross Negligence: Failure of universities, national fraternities/sororities, or individuals to exercise reasonable care to prevent foreseeable harm. Gross negligence implies a conscious indifference to the welfare of others.
    • Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a fatality, surviving family members can sue for their losses.
    • Assault and Battery: For physical abuse.
    • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For severe psychological harm.
    • Negligent Supervision: Failure of an institution to properly oversee its student organizations or employees.
    • Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property where the owner failed to maintain a safe environment.
  • Independence from criminal outcomes: A civil case can proceed (and win) even if criminal charges are never filed or if individuals are acquitted in criminal court. The burden of proof is lower in civil cases (preponderance of the evidence vs. beyond a reasonable doubt).

Both criminal and civil actions can run concurrently, allowing society to punish the guilty and victims to recover for their devastating losses.

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

While Texas law is primary, federal regulations also influence how hazing incidents are addressed, particularly at institutions receiving federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA): Signed into law as part of the omnibus spending bill in December 2022, this act will significantly increase transparency regarding hazing incidents. By late 2025, it requires colleges and universities receiving federal student aid to:

  • Maintain a publicly accessible record of all hazing violations, investigations, and disciplinary actions.
  • Publish this report clearly on their websites.
  • Provide annual hazing education and prevention programming for students and staff.
  • This act aims to provide families with clear data to make informed decisions about campus safety, and it will also make it easier to demonstrate patterns of hazing in civil litigation.

• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based humiliation, or perpetuates a hostile environment based on sex, it can trigger Title IX obligations. This can compel universities to investigate, provide interim measures to protect victims, and take disciplinary action, regardless of whether the hazing is also a crime.

• Clery Act (Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act): This federal law requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and near their campuses. While hazing itself isn’t explicitly listed as a Clery crime, many hazing incidents involve violations that are reportable, such as:

  • Assault and aggravated assault.
  • Liquor law violations.
  • Drug law violations.
  • Sex offenses.
  • By requiring institutions to report these incidents, the Clery Act indirectly contributes to the transparency around hazing.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining who is legally responsible in a hazing case requires a thorough investigation to identify all potential defendants. An experienced hazing attorney understands how to navigate these complexities and name all parties who contributed to the harm.

• Individual Students: The students who directly planned, organized, facilitated, or carried out the hazing acts (e.g., forcing alcohol consumption, physical abuse, psychological torment) can be held personally liable for their actions.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or athletic team (if it operates as a recognized legal entity) can be held responsible for the actions of its members, especially if the hazing was part of an initiation or accepted practice within the group. Officers or “pledge educators” who directly oversee or encourage hazing are often central to these claims.
• National Fraternity / Sorority: Many local chapters are affiliates of larger national organizations. These national bodies often set policies, provide training, collect dues, and exercise a degree of control over their chapters. If the national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (either within that specific chapter or across multiple chapters nationally) and failed to take adequate preventive measures or enforce its anti-hazing policies, it can be held liable. Their substantial insurance policies are often key to significant recoveries.
• University or Governing Board: Colleges and universities, both public and private, have a duty to protect their students and provide a safe learning environment. Liability can arise if the institution:
  • Knew or reasonably should have known about hazing within a student organization and failed to intervene.
  • Negligently supervised student organizations.
  • Failed to enforce its own anti-hazing policies.
• Third Parties: Depending on the specific facts, other parties might also bear some responsibility:
  • Landlords or property owners: If the hazing occurred on their property and they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Bars or alcohol providers: If they illegally served alcohol to minors involved in hazing (Dram Shop liability).
  • Event organizers or security companies: If they failed in their duty to ensure safety at a sponsored event.

Every hazing case is unique, and not every party will be liable in every situation. Identifying all potentially responsible parties and meticulously building a case against them is a cornerstone of effective hazing litigation.

4. National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The fight against hazing has been shaped by tragic incidents across the nation. These anchor stories serve as grim reminders of the dangers of hazing and have profoundly influenced public awareness, legal precedents, and legislative action. For Texas families in Comal County, these cases demonstrate that the patterns of abuse are depressingly similar, and the legal strategies for accountability have proven effective, regardless of where the incident occurred.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing-related fatalities. The following cases illustrate recurring patterns of extreme intoxication, delayed medical attention, and the devastating consequences.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017)
  Seventeen members of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity were ultimately charged, some with felonies, following the death of 19-year-old pledge Timothy Piazza. During a “bid acceptance” event where pledges were forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, Piazza fell down a flight of stairs, sustaining severe head injuries. While incapacitated, he was reportedly left unattended for hours, suffering multiple additional falls documented on security cameras, before fraternity brothers eventually called for help. Timothy died from traumatic brain injuries.

  • Legal Action: The case drew widespread national attention, leading to criminal charges against numerous fraternity members and civil litigation against the fraternity and individuals. This tragedy spurred the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, significantly strengthening anti-hazing penalties and creating a felony charge for hazing that causes serious injury or death.
  • Texas Relevance: This case underscores the catastrophic results of forced drinking and the systemic cover-ups that often accompany hazing. It demonstrates how criminal and civil actions can proceed simultaneously and how a pattern of delayed medical care significantly increases liability.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)
  Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning after attending a “Big Brother Night” event hosted by Pi Kappa Phi. During the event, pledges were reportedly given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them quickly.

  • Legal Action: Multiple members faced criminal charges, with many pleading guilty to misdemeanor hazing. Coffey’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, the terms of which were confidential. The incident led FSU to temporarily suspend all Greek life, prompting a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida.
  • Texas Relevance: Coffey’s death highlights the dangers of “Big/Little” type events, a common hazing ritual. It shows how these formulaic drinking nights are a recurring script for disaster, and how institutions like FSU respond with broad Greek life suspensions, often leading to internal reforms.

• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017)
  Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, died after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game at the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house. During the ritual, pledges were forced to consume excessive amounts of 190-proof alcohol when they answered fraternity-related questions incorrectly. Max’s blood alcohol content was a fatal 0.495%.

  • Legal Action: Multiple members were charged, with one individual convicted of negligent homicide. Gruver’s family pursued civil action, which resulted in a multi-million-dollar verdict against one defendant and confidential settlements with others, totaling an estimated $6.1 million. The tragedy also led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing statute with serious prison time.
  • Texas Relevance: Gruver’s case is a stark example of how legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing. Like Comal County, many Texas communities send students to LSU, and the Max Gruver Act stands as a model for enhanced anti-hazing legislation. It also demonstrates how negligent homicide charges can arise from hazing deaths.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)
  Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge of Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), died of alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. He was left alone until he was found unresponsive hours later.

  • Legal Action: Multiple fraternity members were convicted of hazing and reckless homicide. Foltz’s family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with approximately $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and ~$3 million from Bowling Green State University (BGSU). Separately, a court ordered the chapter president to personally pay $6.5 million.
  • Texas Relevance: This case is highly significant for Texas families. It demonstrates that universities, even public ones like BGSU (which has some sovereign immunity protections similar to Texas public universities), can face substantial financial and reputational consequences. It reinforces the individual liability of students directly involved and shows how national organizations are held accountable for failing to prevent known hazing patterns.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, hazing often involves brutal physical abuse and degrading rituals that inflict severe pain and lasting trauma.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College / Pocono Mountains, PA retreat (2013)
  Michael Deng was a pledge for the Pi Delta Psi fraternity. During a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, he was subjected to a brutal blindfolded ritual called “the glass ceiling,” where he was forced to wear a heavy backpack and tackle repeatedly by fraternity members. He suffered a traumatic brain injury. Instead of calling for immediate medical help, members delayed for agonizing hours, attempting to cover up the incident. Michael died the next day.
  • Legal Action: The incident led to criminal convictions of multiple members, and notably, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Pi Delta Psi was banned from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years and faced substantial fines.
  • Texas Relevance: Deng’s case is critical because it established a precedent for corporate criminal liability against a national fraternity. It also proved that off-campus “retreats” (often used by organizations to evade campus oversight) are just as dangerous, if not more so, and do not shield responsible parties from liability.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue in varsity sports and other competitive organizations.

• Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023–2025)
  In 2023, former Northwestern football players came forward with allegations of widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the prestigious football program, dating back years. Incidents reportedly included forced sexual acts, racial discrimination, and physical abuse.
  • Legal Action: The public outcry led to the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later filed a wrongful-termination lawsuit. Multiple former players have filed civil lawsuits against Northwestern University and members of its coaching staff, and the university is addressing the comprehensive overhaul of its athletic oversight.
  • Texas Relevance: This scandal served as a powerful reminder that hazing can flourish even in highly visible, successful athletic programs with extensive resources. It highlights that the culture of silence and abuse can be just as strong outside of Greek organizations, and that universities will face significant legal and reputational consequences for failing to protect student-athletes.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies share chilling common threads:

• Forced drinking, humiliation, and violence are central to modern hazing.
• Delayed or denied medical care and deliberate cover-ups are tragically common, turning critical injuries into fatal ones.
• Accountability often requires persistent legal action, as institutions and perpetrators frequently resist acknowledging their roles.
• Legislative changes and multi-million-dollar settlements or verdicts frequently follow only after tragedy and dedicated litigation.

For Comal County families, whether their children attend the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, the University of Houston, Baylor, SMU, or any other institution in our state, these national lessons are directly applicable. They demonstrate the severe risks students face and the potential for legal recourse when institutions and individuals fail to uphold their duty of care. These precedents strengthen the claims of Texas families seeking justice for hazing.

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

For families in Comal County, understanding the specific dynamics and histories of hazing at Texas’s major universities is crucial. While our state’s diverse institutions each have unique cultures, the patterns of hazing, institutional responses, and pathways to accountability often echo across campuses. The Manginello Law Firm serves families from Comal County and surrounding areas, including New Braunfels, San Marcos, and Canyon Lake, who may have students attending any of these major Texas schools.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant and rapidly growing urban campus, is home to a diverse student body and a significant Greek life presence. Students from Comal County often choose UH for its excellent programs and proximity to the economic opportunities of Houston.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a Tier One research institution located in the heart of Houston. It balances a large commuter student population with a growing residential community and a thriving campus culture. Its Greek system is active, encompassing Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) organizations. Beyond Greek life, numerous student groups, athletic teams, and spirit organizations contribute to a rich but sometimes complex student experience, carrying the potential for hazing, just like at other Texas institutions.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston has a clear anti-hazing policy, emphasizing a zero-tolerance stance. Its policy states that hazing is defined according to Texas law and is strictly prohibited both on-campus and off-campus. This includes any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Prohibited acts explicitly mentioned include forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, physical mistreatment, sleep deprivation, and activities that cause mental distress.

UH encourages reporting through various channels:

• The Dean of Students Office
• The Office of Student Conduct
• The UH Police Department (UHPD)
• An online reporting form or hotline

UH’s commitment to compliance with state and federal regulations, including the upcoming Stop Campus Hazing Act, means they are obligated to post their hazing policies and disciplinary information.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

A significant hazing incident at UH involved the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity in 2016. During an alleged multi-day hazing event, pledges were reportedly deprived of adequate food, water, and sleep. One student sustained a lacerated spleen after reportedly being slammed against a surface. This incident led to misdemeanor hazing charges against individuals and the University suspended the chapter.

While UH’s publicly available violation lists might not be as transparent or detailed as those of other universities like UT Austin, the presence of such incidents demonstrates that hazing occurs at UH and that the university does take disciplinary action, albeit sometimes reactive. These incidents highlight the severe physical dangers involved and the often-secretive nature of hazing periods.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a student from Comal County involved in a hazing incident at UH, legal proceedings could be complex. Law enforcement agencies involved might include the UH Police Department for incidents on campus, or the Houston Police Department and/or the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Criminal charges would be prosecuted by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Civil lawsuits stemming from hazing at UH would typically be filed in state district courts in Harris County, though federal courts could also be implicated depending on the nature of the claim (e.g., if Title IX is involved). Potential defendants could include the individual students who perpetrated the hazing, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the University of Houston itself. A key aspect of litigation often involves thorough discovery of past incidents, university records, and national organization communications to establish patterns of negligence or foreseeability.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Report promptly: Utilize UH’s official reporting channels through the Dean of Students or UHPD. Remember that the Texas Education Code encourages good-faith reporting.
• Document rigorously: Screenshot all group chats, texts, photos, or videos that relate to hazing. Photograph any injuries as soon as they appear.
• Seek medical care: Any signs of injury, illness, or severe psychological distress should be immediately addressed by medical professionals. Ensure the medical report notes the suspected hazing as the cause.
• Contact an experienced Houston-based hazing attorney: An attorney familiar with hazing litigation in Houston can help uncover prior complaints and internal files from UH that might not be publicly disclosed. They can also navigate the often-complex local jurisdictional issues in a large metropolitan area.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a legendary institution with a distinct culture, attracts students from all corners of Texas, including a significant number from Comal County. Its strong traditions, including the Corps of Cadets and a robust Greek life, unfortunately, have also been the setting for hazing incidents. Its close proximity to New Braunfels, a large city within Comal County, makes A&M a particularly relevant focus for our community.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M in College Station is renowned for its traditions, loyal Aggie Network, and the Corps of Cadets, a military-style training program that fosters leadership. Alongside the Corps, A&M boasts a large and active Greek system (IFC, Collegiate Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, NPHC) and countless other student organizations and athletic programs. This tradition-rich environment, including the university’s unique proximity to Comal County, sometimes harbors a culture where boundaries between tradition and hazing can become dangerously blurred, impacting students from our local communities.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that aligns with Texas state law, prohibiting any act that endangers the physical or mental well-being of a student for initiation or affiliation with an organization. The university highlights that consent is not a defense to hazing allegations.

Reporting channels include:

• The Office of Student Conduct
• The Corps of Cadets leadership (for Corps-related incidents)
• The Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD)
• An online Speak Up reporting form

A&M publishes information about hazing on its Student Activities website, outlining its commitment to preventing and addressing hazing.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced multiple hazing allegations across Greek life and the Corps of Cadets.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (circa 2021): This severe hazing incident became public through a substantial lawsuit. Pledges for the Texas A&M SAE chapter alleged they were forced to endure strenuous physical activity and then doused with a concoction that included industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This led to severe chemical burns on their skin, specifically their genitals, requiring skin graft surgeries. The fraternity was suspended for two years by the university. The civil lawsuit sought over $1 million, exposing the brutal nature of some hazing rituals.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): This federal lawsuit alleged deeply degrading hazing within the Corps. A cadet claimed he was subjected to simulated sexual acts, including being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, bringing to light the darker side of some Corps traditions. Texas A&M, in its response, stated it took appropriate action under its internal policies.

These incidents highlight the severe physical abuse and humiliation that can occur at A&M, and critically, how civil litigation brings these abuses to light and pushes for accountability.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For students from Comal County attending Texas A&M, civil lawsuits would typically be filed against private entities (like national fraternities, local chapters, and individuals) in state district courts in Brazos County (the county where College Station is located). Claims against Texas A&M University, a public institution, would need to navigate the complexities of sovereign immunity under Texas law. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or when Title IX claims are applicable, and individual university employees can be sued in their personal capacity.

The Corps of Cadets context can add another layer of complexity, often involving military-style chain of command and traditions that are fiercely defended. An experienced hazing attorney knows how to probe these unique institutional dynamics and uncover liability.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Recognize blurred lines: Parents and students need to understand that A&M’s strong traditions can sometimes camouflage hazing. “Old Army” traditions should never involve abuse, injury, or humiliation.
• Document Corps-specific hazing: If the hazing occurs within the Corps of Cadets, document the specific rank, unit, and details of the involved members, as internal investigations may follow different protocols than Greek life.
• Preserve digital evidence: Given the tech-savvy nature of today’s students, group chats and social media are often central. Screenshot everything in apps like GroupMe, Discord, or WhatsApp.
• Consult an attorney familiar with Aggie culture and hazing: An attorney with experience in complex institutional (including military-style) hazing can better understand the nuances of A&M, the Corps, and the unique challenges of building a case in this environment. The Manginello Law Firm understands that for families in Comal County, protecting their children at A&M often means navigating these specific cultural and legal dynamics.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin stands as a beacon of academic excellence and vibrant campus life. With a substantial student population, it attracts many talented individuals from Comal County seeking top-tier education. Its expansive Greek system and numerous spirit organizations have, unfortunately, also been sites for hazing incidents, some of which are publicly documented.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is home to nearly 60 Greek chapters, a storied athletic program, and a multitude of student organizations that contribute to its dynamic environment. Its reputation for academic rigor and passionate school spirit is undeniable. However, this environment also includes intense social pressures and “traditions” that, like at other major universities, can sometimes morph into dangerous hazing practices. The university consistently draws students from across Texas, including areas like Comal County, making campus safety a concern for many Central Texas families.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin takes a strong stance against hazing, defining it in accordance with Texas law. Its policies explicitly prohibit any act that endangers the physical or mental health or safety of a student for the purpose of affiliation or initiation. UT’s policies emphasize that active consent is not a defense to hazing.

UT is commendably transparent about reported hazing incidents. On its dedicated hazing website (hazing.utexas.edu), it maintains a publicly accessible Hazing Violation Report list. This list details:

• The name of the organization.
• The date of the incident.
• A description of the hazing behavior.
• The disciplinary sanctions imposed by the university.

Reporting channels at UT include:

• The Dean of Students Office
• The Office of Student Conduct
• The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD)
• An anonymous online reporting form
• The university’s hazing website (hazing.utexas.edu) itself serves as a resource.

5.3.3 Example Incident & Response

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violation Reports provide ample evidence of ongoing hazing. These reports, which are critical for demonstrating institutional knowledge and patterns of behavior, show:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): The UT chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha was disciplined after new members were directed to consume excessive amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, causing mental and physical discomfort. The chapter was found responsible for hazing and placed on probation, required to implement revised hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (2022): This spirit organization was sanctioned for hazing violations that included alcohol misuse, blindfolding, and physically demeaning activities.
• Other Greek and non-Greek organizations: UT’s list includes numerous fraternities, soror and spirit groups disciplined for forced alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, public humiliation, and other forms of physical and psychological abuse.

The presence of such detailed public records, while indicating an ongoing problem, also serves as a valuable tool for accountability. For families from Comal County, this transparency allows them to research the disciplinary histories of organizations their children might consider joining.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at UT Austin, law enforcement could involve UTPD for on-campus incidents or the Austin Police Department and/or Travis County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Criminal charges would be handled by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office.

Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in state district courts in Travis County. As a public university, claims against UT Austin would face the hurdle of sovereign immunity, but exceptions could apply for gross negligence, willful misconduct, or certain federal claims like Title IX. The specific details of the hazing, especially if it parallels prior incidents already documented on UT’s public hazing list, could significantly strengthen a civil case by demonstrating prior knowledge and a failure to enforce policies.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

• Consult UT’s Hazing Violation Report: Before joining an organization, students and parents should review hazing.utexas.edu for any disciplinary history.
• Utilize official reporting: Report any suspected hazing to the Dean of Students or UTPD. The public reporting system provides an audit trail.
• Document all communications: Keep meticulous records of any interaction with university officials regarding the incident.
• Early legal counsel is key: A lawyer experienced in hazing litigation knows how to leverage UT’s transparency to uncover crucial evidence and build a strong case. Given UT’s proximity to Comal County, our firm understands the Central Texas connection and can provide tailored advice.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a distinguished private institution in Dallas, is known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and vibrant social scene, which includes an active Greek life. Students from Comal County considering private universities often look to SMU.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU’s campus culture is often characterized by a strong sense of tradition and community, with Greek life playing a central role in student social circles. While this can foster strong bonds, it also creates an environment where hazing, disguised as “tradition,” can unfortunately take root. Its private status means its public disclosures regarding campus incidents may differ from public universities.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU strictly prohibits hazing in accordance with Texas law and its internal Code of Conduct. The university defines hazing broadly to include any activity that threatens the mental or physical health of its students for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with any recognized student organization.

SMU provides various ways to report hazing:

• The Dean of Students Office
• The SMU Police Department
• An anonymous reporting form, often through systems like “Real Response” or similar platforms.
• Specific offices for Fraternity and Sorority Life.

As a private institution, SMU’s public reporting of incidents might not be as detailed as that of public universities mandated by state transparency laws. However, they are still obligated to investigate, address hazing, and can face significant legal consequences if they fail to do so properly.

5.4.3 Example Incident & Response

SMU has had its share of hazing allegations and disciplinary actions. A notable incident involved the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity around 2017. Reports indicated pledges were subjected to egregious hazing, including paddling, forced excessive alcohol consumption, and severe sleep deprivation. This led to a significant response from the university, including the suspension of the chapter for several years, with restrictions on its ability to recruit new members until around 2021.

Such incidents underscore that even at private, affluent universities with strict rules, hazing can persist. The internal investigations into these events are crucial, and although not always publicly disseminated, they can be discovered through legal proceedings.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a student from Comal County affected by hazing at SMU, civil lawsuits would typically be filed in state district courts in Dallas County. The key difference compared to public universities like UT or A&M is that private institutions like SMU generally do not benefit from sovereign immunity under Texas law. This can make them more directly liable for negligence in supervising student organizations or for failing to prevent foreseeable harm.

Potential defendants would still include individual perpetrators, the local chapter, and the national organization. The discovery process in civil litigation can compel SMU to release internal investigation reports, communications, and prior disciplinary records that are not otherwise publicly available, which is vital for building a comprehensive case.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand private institution limitations: Be aware that SMU’s internal disciplinary records may not be as accessible to the public as those of state universities.
• Utilize all reporting options: Report any hazing to the Dean of Students or anonymous reporting systems. Keep meticulous records of all communications.
• Act quickly to preserve evidence: Since the university’s public reports are less detailed, immediate and thorough evidence collection by the family (digital communications, injury photos) is paramount.
• Consult with an attorney experienced in private university hazing cases: An attorney will understand how to navigate SMU’s specific institutional structures and how to use the discovery process to uncover crucial information, which is particularly important for families from throughout Texas, including Comal County, who send their children to such institutions.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a unique position among Texas institutions. Known for its strong academic and religious identity, it also carries the weight of past institutional failings, particularly related to its football program and Title IX issues. Students from Comal County often consider Baylor for its distinctive blend of faith and higher education.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor fosters a strong sense of community rooted in its Christian mission and traditions. Its campus life includes Greek organizations, a prominent athletic department, and various student groups that are often integral to the student experience. However, like any institution, Baylor must vigilantly guard against the abuses that can arise within these organizations, especially given its public struggles with oversight and student safety in previous years. The Waco location makes it accessible for Central Texas families, including those from Comal County.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University explicitly prohibits hazing, aligning its policies with the Texas anti-hazing statute. Its Code of Conduct outlines a clear stance against any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of students for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation with any university organization. Baylor’s policies emphasize consequences for both individuals and organizations found responsible for hazing.

Reporting channels at Baylor include:

• The Dean of Students Office
• The Baylor Police Department (BUPD)
• An online reporting form (e.g., through EthicsPoint or similar secure systems)
• The Office of Student Conduct

Baylor’s public information regarding hazing incidents tends to focus on policy statements and disciplinary processes rather than detailed, publicly accessible incident reports of individual violations, similar to other private institutions.

5.5.3 Example Incident & Response

While not as frequently in headlines for major hazing tragedies as some other universities, Baylor has faced allegations and taken disciplinary action.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): Following an internal investigation into hazing allegations within its esteemed baseball program, Baylor University suspended 14 players. The suspensions were staggered through the early part of the season, indicating a university response to misconduct within a high-profile athletic team. While specific details of the hazing were not publicly released, the large number of suspensions underscored the seriousness of the findings.

This incident, coming after Baylor’s broader scrutiny over institutional oversight and student safety (particularly regarding sexual assault allegations in its football program), demonstrates the ongoing challenge for the university to enforce its policies and maintain a safe environment across all student organizations. It highlights that even in programs with seemingly strict oversight, hazing can occur.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at Baylor, civil lawsuits would typically be filed in state district courts in McLennan County (Waco). As a private university, Baylor does not have the benefit of sovereign immunity, making it more directly vulnerable to claims of negligence or gross negligence if it failed to adequately prevent or respond to hazing.

Potential defendants would include the individual students, the local chapter, the national organization (if Greek life), and Baylor University itself. Litigation against Baylor might delve into its history of institutional oversight, its response to past misconduct (including Title IX compliance issues), and how these factors created an environment where hazing could persist. The discovery process can be vital for uncovering internal reports and communications that shed light on systemic issues.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Prioritize a culture of safety: Families should look beyond Baylor’s religious affiliation and ask direct questions about hazing prevention and enforcement within specific organizations, especially given its past institutional challenges.
• Document everything thoroughly: Due to less public reporting, students and parents must be meticulous in preserving all digital communications, photos, and medical evidence related to any hazing incident.
• Seek support from trusted sources: If a student witnesses or experiences hazing, they should report it to the Dean of Students or an anonymous hotline. They should also consider seeking confidential support from campus counseling services.
• Engage experienced legal counsel: An attorney experienced in hazing cases, particularly those involving private institutions with complex histories, can help navigate Baylor’s unique context. For families in Comal County, understanding the legal nuances of dealing with a private university like Baylor is crucial for achieving justice.

This detailed look at these five major Texas universities underscores a critical truth for Comal County families: while each institution possesses its own unique character, the threat of hazing is pervasive across all of them. The patterns of alcohol abuse, physical harm, and psychological torment transcend campus boundaries. Protecting our children means being informed, vigilant, and prepared to act decisively when hazing occurs.

6. Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Connecting the dots between local chapters at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, and their national organizations’ hazing histories, is a critical component of hazing litigation. For families in Comal County, understanding this institutional accountability is key to seeking justice. It helps establish a pattern of knowledge and negligence that can hold powerful organizations accountable.

Why National Histories Matter

When a student from Comal County is harmed during a fraternity or sorority hazing event at a Texas university, the responsibility often extends beyond the local chapter and its individual members. Most fraternities and sororities are part of vast national organizations, each with its own headquarters, governing rules, risk management policies, and substantial resources.

These national organizations frequently enact stringent anti-hazing policies and conduct training sessions precisely because they have a long history of hazing incidents, injuries, and tragic deaths—often leading to multi-million-dollar lawsuits. They are fully aware of the patterns: the insidious prevalence of forced drinking nights, the persistence of brutal paddling traditions, and the psychological damage of humiliating rituals.

Crucially, when a local Texas chapter repeats a hazing script that has already led to suspensions, lawsuits, or even fatalities at another chapter of the same national organization in a different state, this can be powerful evidence. It demonstrates foreseeability. It argues that the national organization knew or should have known about the potential for such hazing to occur and yet failed to implement sufficient safeguards or enforce its policies effectively. This evidence can strongly support claims of negligence or justify punitive damages against national entities.

Organization Mapping: Local Chapters & National Behaviors

Below, we identify some of the major fraternities and sororities common to UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, noting national incidents that illustrate their history and patterns of hazing. This is not an exhaustive list, nor does it imply every chapter of every organization engages in hazing, but it highlights recurring issues.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

  • Identity: A large national fraternity with chapters at many Texas universities, including UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor.
  • National Incidents:
    • Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, 2021): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. The family received a $10 million settlement ($7M from national, ~$3M from BGSU); the chapter president was ordered to personally pay $6.5 million.
    • David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois University, 2012): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning. His family later received a $14 million settlement.
  • Relevance: The repeated focus on forced large-volume alcohol consumption, particularly in “Big/Little” rituals, demonstrates a pattern of high-risk hazing that national Pi Kappa Alpha has been repeatedly warned about and financially penalized for failing to prevent.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

  • Identity: A prominent national fraternity with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU.
  • National Incidents: SAE has a documented history of alcohol-related hazing and fatalities.
    • University of Alabama (2023): A lawsuit filed alleging a pledge sustained a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual.
    • Texas A&M University (2021): Two pledges alleged forced strenuous activity and having noxious substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, poured on them, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. This local case vividly demonstrates the severity of physical hazing.
    • University of Texas at Austin (2024): A lawsuit alleged assault by chapter members, resulting in a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, and fractures, highlighting physical violence and lack of oversight.
  • Relevance: SAE’s pattern of hazing, including severe physical abuse and ongoing lawsuits at Texas universities, demonstrates a concerning trend and a national organization repeatedly facing allegations of significant harm.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

  • Identity: A long-standing national fraternity with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor.
  • National Incidents:
    • Max Gruver (Louisiana State University, 2017): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning (0.495% BAC) after being forced to consume excessive amounts of alcohol during a ritualistic “Bible study” drinking game. This directly led to Louisiana’s felony Max Gruver Act.
  • Relevance: Gruver’s death is a landmark case for hazing legislation, demonstrating the dire consequences of forced drinking games and the legal and political shifts that can follow.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

  • Identity: Another national fraternity with presence at UH, Texas A&M, and UT.
  • National Incidents:
    • Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, 2017): Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event that involved heavy drinking.
  • Relevance: Similar to Pike, this highlights the dangers of initiation events where large quantities of alcohol are coerced.

• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ)

  • Identity: A large national fraternity with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor.
  • National Incidents:
    • Chad Meredith (University of Miami, 2001): An 18-year-old freshman drowned after being persuaded by fraternity members to swim across a lake while intoxicated. A jury awarded Meredith’s parents $12.6 million in a negligence suit based on hazing, which led to a law in Florida criminalizing hazing.
    • Texas Christian University (2018): A chapter member was arrested for hazing pledges, highlighting ongoing issues.
    • Texas A&M University (2023, ongoing): Allegations of severe physical hazing, potentially leading to rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown).
  • Relevance: Kappa Sigma’s history includes fatal incidents and serious physical harm, demonstrating a wide range of hazing behaviors across its chapters and continuing issues at Texas institutions.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)

  • Identity: A national fraternity with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU.
  • National Incidents:
    • Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, 2017): Died from traumatic brain injuries after extreme alcohol consumption and falls, with fraternity members delaying aid. This case led to over 1,000 criminal charges and the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania.
  • Relevance: Piazza’s case is one of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history, demonstrating the severe criminal, civil, and legislative repercussions of a culture of silence and delayed medical intervention.

• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI)

  • Identity: A national fraternity with chapters at Texas A&M and UT.
  • National Incidents:
    • Danny Santulli (University of Missouri, 2021): Pledge suffered severe, permanent brain damage (requires 24/7 care) after being forced to consume excessive alcohol. His family settled with 22 defendants for multi-million-dollar amounts.
  • Relevance: Santulli’s case, while not a fatality, illustrates the catastrophic non-fatal injuries possible and the vast scope of defendants (individuals, local chapter, national, university) that can be liable for such harm.

• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ)

  • Identity: A national fraternity with chapters at UH, UT, and Baylor.
  • National Incidents:
    • College of Charleston (2024): A family received more than $10 million in damages after a pledge alleged physical beatings, forced consumption of drugs/alcohol, and psychological torment. This is one of the largest recorded hazing settlements.
    • University of Texas at Arlington (2020): A pledge was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning from hazing.
  • Relevance: The College of Charleston settlement underscores the immense financial liability organizations face for severe hazing, serving as a powerful warning to chapters across Texas.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

These national histories are not just cautionary tales; they are powerful legal tools.

• Foreseeability: Repeated hazing incidents within an organization’s history, even in different states, demonstrate that the national entity was on notice about dangerous patterns. When similar hazing occurs at a Texas chapter, it becomes exponentially harder for the national to claim it was “unforeseeable.”
• Enforcement Failure: The existence of anti-hazing policies, if consistently violated, can be used to show that the national organization failed to meaningfully enforce its own rules, contributing to a culture of non-compliance.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness or deliberate indifference to known dangers, a jury may award punitive damages designed to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct. National hazing histories can be crucial evidence in support of such claims.
• Insurance Coverage: Understanding past incidents helps hazing attorneys navigate the often-complex insurance coverage disputes that arise, especially when insurers try to deny coverage for “intentional acts.”

For families in Comal County seeking justice for a hazing incident, leveraging these national histories allows their attorneys to illustrate a pattern of institutional negligence that extends far beyond a local chapter’s isolated actions. It forces large, well-resourced organizations to confront a legacy of harm and take responsibility.

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully pursuing a hazing claim requires more than just knowing what happened. It demands a meticulous investigation, the strategic collection and preservation of evidence, a comprehensive understanding of damages, and a sophisticated legal strategy capable of overcoming the defenses of powerful institutions. For families in Comal County, this detailed approach is the foundation of accountability.

Evidence: The Cornerstones of a Hazing Claim

Hazing cases are won or lost on evidence. Perpetrators often operate in secrecy, but modern technology leaves significant digital footprints. Quickly identifying, collecting, and preserving this evidence is paramount.

• Digital Communications: These are often the most critical pieces of evidence in modern hazing cases.

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram DMs, Slack workspaces: Chapters use various platforms to communicate secretly. Screenshots, chat logs, and even recovered deleted messages can reveal planning, instructions, coercive messages, humiliation, and attempts at cover-up. Our firm understands how to work with digital forensic experts to recover data even when it’s been deleted.
  • Content: Messages can show “pledgeship” schedules, directives for alcohol consumption, demands for servitude, threats for non-compliance, and real-time commentary during hazing events.

• Photos & Videos:

  • Content filmed by perpetrators: Many members sadly film hazing events for their own amusement or to document rituals. This footage, if preserved or recovered, offers undeniable proof.
  • Social media posts: Even seemingly innocuous posts, story archives, or comments can reveal hazing activity, who was present, and what occurred.
  • Security camera footage: Cameras at fraternity houses, university buildings, or private venues (including Ring/doorbell cameras) can capture arrivals, departures, physical interactions, and the condition of students.

• Internal Organization Documents:

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists: These can outline hazing rituals, even if euphemistically phrased.
  • Emails/texts from officers: Communications explicitly planning or discussing “new member education” that aligns with hazing definitions.
  • National policies: The national organization’s anti-hazing policies, risk management manuals, and codes of conduct are crucial for demonstrating what they knew or should have known.

• University Records:

  • Prior conduct files: Records of past hazing violations, probation, suspensions, and warnings against the specific chapter or individuals. UT Austin’s publicly available Hazing Violation Report is a prime example of this critical evidence.
  • Incident reports: Records from campus police (e.g., UHPD, A&M UPD, UTPD, BUPD, SMU PD) or student conduct offices detailing hazing complaints, arrests, or disciplinary actions.
  • University communications: Emails among administrators, advisors, or faculty discussing concerns about a particular organization or hazing patterns.
  • Clery Act reports: Annual security reports can show patterns of alcohol violations, assaults, or other crimes at or near campus that may be linked to hazing.

• Medical and Psychological Records:

  • Emergency room and hospitalization records: Document physical injuries, blood alcohol content, toxicology results, and initial diagnoses. It’s vital that the medical team notes hazing as the cause.
  • Surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment notes: Document the long-term physical toll and treatment required.
  • Psychological evaluations: Diagnoses of PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma-related disorders, and suicidal ideation provide crucial evidence of mental health damage.

• Witness Testimony:

  • Other pledges/members: While often reluctant due to fear of retaliation, their testimony can be invaluable.
  • Roommates, friends, RAs, coaches, former members: Individuals who observed changes in the victim’s behavior, knew about the hazing, or had previously experienced it.
  • Bystanders: Anyone who saw or heard aspects of the hazing or its aftermath.

Damages: Recovering for the Full Scope of Harm

When a student from Comal County is harmed by hazing, the legal system aims to provide compensation (damages) that covers the full scope of their losses, both tangible and intangible.

• Economic Damages: These are quantifiable financial losses.

  • Medical bills & future care: Costs for immediate emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any long-term medical needs. For catastrophic injuries (e.g., brain damage), this includes a “life care plan” outlining all future care expenses.
  • Lost income / earning capacity: Compensation for wages lost due to injury, missed semesters, tuition for repeated courses, delayed graduation, or a permanent reduction in future earning ability due to a hazing-related disability.
  • Other costs: Property damage from the incident, relocation costs if transferring universities, or costs associated with tutoring or therapy missed due to injury.

• Non-Economic Damages: These address the subjective, non-financial impacts of hazing.

  • Physical pain and suffering: Compensation for the actual physical agony endured from injuries, including chronic pain or discomfort.
  • Emotional distress & psychological harm: This can include compensation for PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, nightmares, and other severe psychological impacts that require ongoing therapy.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: When hazing permanently diminishes a student’s ability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life that they once enjoyed.

• Wrongful Death Damages: If hazing results in death, surviving family members (parents, children, spouse) can seek compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and society, grief, and emotional suffering endured by the family.
  • Mental health treatment costs for surviving family members grappling with traumatic loss.

• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness, gross negligence, or malicious conduct (e.g., deliberate cover-ups, prior knowledge of dangerous hazing ignored), courts may award punitive damages. These are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. Texas law places caps on punitive damages in most personal injury cases but they can still be a significant factor.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation often involves multiple powerful defendants, each with their own legal teams and insurance carriers.

• Insurance: National fraternities, universities, and sometimes even local chapters carry substantial insurance policies designed to cover legal liabilities. However, insurers will often try to deny coverage, arguing that hazing involves “intentional acts” or falls under other policy exclusions.
• Experienced hazing lawyers understand these tactics. They know how to identify all potential insurance policies (e.g., national organization policies, university self-insurance or umbrella policies, individual homeowner policies). Critically, they argue that even if the hazing itself was intentional, the failure to supervise or prevent it by the national organization or university was negligent, which may be covered by insurance. They will fight vigorously to ensure that full coverage is made available to compensate victims.

Strategy: Standing Up to Powerful Institutions

Building a successful hazing case requires a law firm that is not intimidated by large, well-funded defense teams.

• Comprehensive Investigation: Our firm leverages digital forensics, expert witness networks (medical, psychological, cultural experts), and aggressive discovery tactics to uncover hidden evidence and patterns of misconduct.
• Overcoming Defenses: We are prepared to dismantle common defenses like “consent was given” (knowing Texas law explicitly rejects this), “national didn’t know,” or “it happened off-campus” with powerful evidence and legal arguments.
• Patient Advocacy: Hazing cases can be lengthy due to the complexity and the numerous defendants. We are dedicated to patient, persistent advocacy, whether through tenacious negotiation for a fair settlement or a willingness to take the case to trial if needed.
• Accountability: Beyond monetary compensation, true accountability often means forcing institutions to change their practices to prevent future harm.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing strikes, families in Comal County and across Texas need clear, actionable advice. Here are guides for parents, students, and witnesses, along with answers to frequently asked questions.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

The first line of defense is a vigilant parent. Knowing the signs and how to react can make all the difference.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:

  • Unexplained injuries or “accidents”: Bruises, cuts, sprains, or burns for which explanations don’t add up or seem evasive.
  • Extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation: Constant exhaustion, falling asleep in class, or receiving bizarrely timed calls/texts for “mandatory” activities in the middle of the night.
  • Drastic changes in mood or personality: Sudden anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal from old friends or family, or an uncharacteristic secrecy.
  • Obsessive phone use for group chats: Constantly checking the phone, jumping at every buzz, or quickly deleting messages.
  • Academic decline: Grades plummeting, missing classes, or an unexpected lack of interest in academics.
  • Financial strain: Sudden requests for money without clear explanation, large unexpected expenses, or unexplained credit card debt.
  • “I can’t talk about it”: A refusal to discuss activities, often accompanied by warnings from older members not to share details.

• How to Talk to Your Child:

  • Approach with empathy, not judgment: Start by expressing concern, not accusation. “I’ve noticed you seem tired, is everything okay?”
  • Emphasize safety over status: Reassure them that their well-being is your top priority, not their membership in an organization.
  • Validate their fears: Acknowledge that they might be scared of social repercussions or “letting the group down.”
  • Remind them of legal protections: Explain that hazing is illegal and that consent is not a defense, so they cannot be “in trouble” for being hazed.

• If Your Child is Hurt:

  • Seek immediate medical attention: Do not delay. Prioritize their health. Ensure the medical provider documents the hazing as the suspected cause in the notes.
  • Document everything aggressively: Take photos of injuries (multiple angles, with scale), screenshot every relevant text, group chat, email, or social media post. Write down every detail they share.
  • Save everything digital or physical: Collect receipts for forced purchases, any physical objects involved, or clothing worn during the incident.
  • Contact Attorney911: We can help preserve perishable evidence and guide you on initial steps.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document all communications: Keep precise records of every call, email, or meeting with university administrators, including who you spoke to, when, and what was discussed.
  • Ask specific, pointed questions: Inquire about prior incidents involving the same organization, what actions the school took, and what specific outcomes are expected from their investigation.
  • Do NOT sign anything without legal review: The university may attempt to gain statements or push for internal resolutions that could waive your child’s legal rights.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer:

  • If your child has suffered significant physical injuries, severe emotional trauma, or academic disruption.
  • If you suspect the university or organization is minimizing the incident, stonewalling, or attempting a cover-up.
  • If you want to understand all your legal options for compensation and accountability.

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

If you are a student in Comal County or anywhere in Texas, and you’re questioning your initiation experience, you have rights and options.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?

  • Ask yourself: Do I feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Am I being forced to drink, endure pain, or perform degrading acts? Are activities hidden from the public or administrators? Am I being told to keep secrets or lie? Is this activity truly voluntary?
  • If the answer to any of these is yes, it is likely hazing, regardless of what older members call it. Remember, consent doesn’t matter under Texas hazing law.

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

  • Older members might say, “You chose to be here,” or “Everyone agreed to it.” However, the law recognizes that a desire to belong, fear of exclusion, or the pressure of a group can negate true, voluntary consent. You cannot consent to criminal activity, and hazing is a crime.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • Immediate danger: If you are unsafe, call 911 or campus police immediately. Get to a public area or trusted friend’s dorm.
  • De-pledging: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. Do not attend “one last meeting” where you might be pressured or intimidated. Inform the organization in writing (email or text), stating you are resigning your membership effective immediately. Tell someone outside the organization first (a trusted friend, family member, or RA).
  • Reporting options: Report to your Dean of Students Office, campus police, or a Title IX coordinator (if sexual harassment involved). You can also use the anonymous National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE.

• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty:

  • Texas law and many university policies provide good-faith reporter immunity. This means if you (or anyone) call 911 in a medical emergency related to hazing, you likely will not be punished for underage drinking or other minor policy violations. Your safety, and the safety of others, is the priority.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you are a former member or witness feeling guilt or fear, but also a desire to help or make things right:

• Your Testimony Matters: Your firsthand knowledge and evidence can be pivotal in preventing future harm and holding offenders accountable. This may mean saving lives.
• Seek Legal Counsel: You may have your own legal exposure, particularly if you participated significantly in the hazing. It is crucial to obtain your own legal advice to understand your rights, defenses, and the implications of cooperation. Lawyers can help navigate the complexities of your role, whether as a witness or a co-defendant.
• Cooperation for Accountability: While difficult, cooperating with authorities or victims’ attorneys can be an important step towards both personal closure and broader accountability.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For families in Comal County facing a hazing incident, immediate actions can either preserve or jeopardize a potential legal claim. Avoid these common, critical mistakes:

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

   • Why it’s wrong: This looks like a deliberate cover-up and can be perceived as obstruction of justice. It makes proving what happened incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for your legal team.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even if it’s embarrassing. Screenshot group chats, text messages, photos, and ensure all digital exchanges are saved before they disappear.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

   • Why it’s wrong: This typically prompts the organization to immediately engage their own lawyers, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and solidify their defenses, making your investigation much harder.
   • What to do instead: Prioritize documenting every detail, then consult with an attorney before initiating any direct confrontation.

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or internal resolution agreements that could inadvertently waive your right to pursue legal action. These internal settlements are generally far below the actual value of a claim.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign any document from the university without a thorough review by an experienced attorney.

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer

   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys actively monitor social media. Any inconsistencies between your posts and formal statements can be used to discredit your case, and public discussions can waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document privately and allow your legal team to control any public messaging strategically.

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” with the organization

   • Why it’s wrong: Organizations often use these meetings to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later harm your case.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communications with the organization should be directed through your attorney.

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

   • Why it’s wrong: While the university investigates, critical evidence disappears, witnesses graduate and scatter, and the statute of limitations continues to run. The university’s internal process prioritizes institutional compliance, not necessarily victim compensation.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence immediately and consult with an attorney. The university process and genuine accountability for victims are often separate tracks.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. Recorded statements are often used against the claimant, and early settlement offers are invariably low-ball.
   • What to do instead: Politely but firmly decline to provide a statement and inform the adjuster that all communication will go through your attorney.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities in Texas (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) often benefit from sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, violations of federal laws like Title IX, or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis tailored to Comal County families and their student’s university.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, it can be. While hazing typically starts as a Class B misdemeanor under Texas law, it escalates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers of an organization can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report known hazing.

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

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, a hazing lawsuit must be filed within 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this period if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent. In cases involving active cover-ups or fraud by the perpetrators, the statute of limitations may be “tolled” (paused). Time is always critical—evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations are quick to destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities or sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, prior knowledge, and the foreseeability of hazing activities. Many landmark hazing cases, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat death in Pennsylvania, occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments against both local chapters and national organizations.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  We prioritize your family’s privacy. While specific outcomes can vary, most hazing cases are resolved through confidential settlements before a public trial. You can often request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. Our firm works diligently to balance your child’s need for privacy with the goal of achieving accountability.

9. About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need tenacious, experienced attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we are that firm.

From our Houston offices, we serve families throughout Texas, including Comal County, New Braunfels, San Marcos, Canyon Lake, and the broader Central Texas region. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Comal County and across the state, and we are committed to being your dedicated advocate.

Our firm brings unique qualifications to hazing cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. This insider knowledge gives us a critical edge in securing maximum compensation for our clients. You can learn more about Lupe’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our Managing Partner, Ralph P. Manginello, has extensive experience taking on some of the largest corporations in the world. He was one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation and has a formidable track record in federal court complex litigation. We are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their deep-pocketed defense teams. When we say we know how to fight powerful defendants, we mean it. Ralph’s full credentials can be viewed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: Our firm has a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists to accurately value the devastating loss of life and collaborate with medical experts to document the lifetime care needs for victims of permanent injuries, such as brain damage from hazing. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force accountability. Our wrongful death practice is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us a distinct advantage. We understand the intricate ways criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, which is crucial when hazing leads to arrests. This dual expertise means we can advise not only victims but also former members or witnesses who may face criminal exposure while wanting to cooperate.

• Investigative Depth: We investigate hazing cases like a life depends on it—because it does. We leverage a network of experts, including digital forensics specialists to recover deleted group chats and social media evidence, medical and psychological experts to document harm, and cultural experts to explain the dynamics of hazing. We know how to subpoena national fraternity records to expose prior incidents and how to obtain university files through aggressive discovery.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments operate behind closed doors. Our job is to uncover what they try to hide, piece together the truth, and use our legal expertise to get you answers and hold the right people accountable. We combine empathy for what you’re going through with a tough, unyielding approach to securing justice.

Call to Action

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or another institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Comal County and throughout our Central Texas communities have the right to answers, accountability, and fair compensation for the immense harm caused by hazing.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will intently listen to your story, explain your legal options without judgment, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family.

In your free consultation, you can expect us to:

• Review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• Explain your legal options, whether that involves a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what you can expect during the legal process.
• Answer your questions about legal fees, as we work on a contingency fee basis – meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case.

We place no pressure on you to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time necessary to make the best decision for your family.

Call Attorney911 today. Evidence in hazing cases disappears quickly, and time is of the essence.

• Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) – The Legal Emergency Lawyers™
• Direct: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com

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

Whether you’re in Comal County, New Braunfels, or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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