Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Town of Crawford and McLennan County Families

If Your Child Was Hazed in Texas, You’re Not Alone

Picture this: A Baylor University student from Town of Crawford is at an off-campus fraternity house on a Thursday night. What started as a “pledge brother bonding event” has turned into something darker. He’s being forced to consume enormous quantities of alcohol while older members film on their phones. He’s exhausted from weeks of sleep deprivation, mandatory “study sessions” that last until 3 AM, and constant anxiety about the group chat pings that demand immediate response. He feels trapped—wanting to belong but increasingly afraid of what comes next. When he stumbles and falls, someone jokes about it. Nobody calls for help because they’re worried about “getting the chapter in trouble.”

This scenario isn’t hypothetical. Right now, at universities across Texas—including Baylor University just minutes from Town of Crawford—students are experiencing hazing that ranges from psychological torment to physical violence that lands them in emergency rooms. For families in Town of Crawford, Hewitt, Woodway, and throughout McLennan County, the reality is that hazing happens at the universities where our children study, including Baylor, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and beyond.

This comprehensive guide is written specifically for families in Town of Crawford and across Central Texas who need to understand:

What modern hazing actually looks like in 2025 (far beyond old stereotypes)
How Texas law protects—or fails to protect—our students
The sobering national cases that show what can happen when hazing escalates
What’s happening at Baylor University, Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, and SMU—schools where McLennan County families send their children
Your family’s legal options when hazing causes injury or trauma

If you’re reading this because you suspect your child is being hazed, you’re in the right place. We’re The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™), and we represent hazing victims and their families across Texas. We’ve seen the patterns, we know the law, and we’re here to help you navigate this crisis.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

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

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like in Central Texas

For families in Town of Crawford who may be unfamiliar with modern Greek life or campus organizations, hazing has evolved far beyond the “harmless pranks” of decades past. Today’s hazing is often systematic, psychologically sophisticated, and deliberately hidden from university oversight.

A Modern Definition of Hazing

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not make it safe or legal when there’s peer pressure and power imbalance. In Texas law (Education Code Chapter 37), consent is explicitly not a defense to hazing charges.

The Five Main Categories of Hazing Today

1. Alcohol and Substance Hazing

This remains the most common—and most deadly—form of hazing. At Texas campuses, this includes:

Forced drinking games: “Big/Little” nights, “family tree” drinking, lineups where pledges must consume alcohol rapidly
Coerced consumption: Pressure to drink beyond safe limits, often framed as “proving commitment”
Substance coercion: Being pressured to consume unknown mixtures, drugs, or excessive caffeine

The University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi case we’re currently litigating involves exactly this pattern: forced consumption of milk, hot dogs, and peppercorns until vomiting, followed by immediate sprints.

2. Physical Hazing

Physical abuse continues under the guise of “conditioning” or “tradition”:

Extreme exercise: “Smokings” with hundreds of push-ups, squats, or wall sits until collapse
Paddling and beatings: Still occurs despite national prohibitions
Deprivation tactics: Sleep deprivation, food/water restriction, exposure to extreme temperatures
Dangerous rituals: Blindfolded activities, “trust falls” from heights, forced swimming while intoxicated

3. Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

Some of the most psychologically damaging hazing involves sexual humiliation:

Forced nudity or partial nudity during rituals
Simulated sexual acts like “roasted pig” positions or “elephant walks”
Degrading costumes or role-playing with racial/sexist overtones
Public shaming in front of peers or on social media

4. Psychological Hazing

The invisible wounds can be just as damaging as physical ones:

Verbal abuse and threats from older members
Social isolation from non-members
Manipulation through fear of exclusion
“Gaslighting” where victims are told “this is normal” or “you wanted this”

5. Digital/Online Hazing

The smartphone era has created new avenues for abuse:

24/7 group chat monitoring with demands for immediate response
Social media humiliation through forced TikTok challenges or Instagram story dares
Location tracking requiring pledges to share live GPS locations
Digital “tasks” that must be completed and documented online

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

While fraternities receive most attention, hazing occurs across campus organizations:

Fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural chapters)
Corps of Cadets / ROTC at Texas A&M and other military-style programs
Athletic teams from football to cheerleading
Spirit and tradition groups like Texas Cowboys or similar organizations
Marching bands and performance groups
Academic clubs and honor societies

The common thread across all these groups is social status, tradition, and secrecy that keep dangerous practices alive even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal.

Texas Hazing Law: What Town of Crawford Families Need to Know

Texas has specific legal protections against hazing, but families need to understand both the strengths and limitations of these laws.

Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F

Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, 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

Key points for McLennan County families:

Location doesn’t matter: Hazing can happen on-campus, off-campus, at retreats, or even digitally
Mental harm counts: Psychological abuse is just as illegal as physical abuse
Recklessness is enough: Defendants don’t need malicious intent—being reckless about known risks suffices
Consent is NOT a defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that victim “consent” does not legalize hazing

Criminal Penalties Under Texas Law

Texas classifies hazing offenses based on severity:

Class B Misdemeanor: Basic hazing without serious injury (up to 180 days jail, $2,000 fine)
Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing causing injury requiring medical treatment
State Jail Felony: Hazing causing serious bodily injury or death

Additional criminal exposure:

Failing to report hazing if you’re a member/officer who knew about it
Retaliating against someone who reports hazing
Organizations can be fined up to $10,000 per violation

Criminal vs Civil Cases: Understanding the Difference

Families often confuse these two paths:

Criminal Cases:

Brought by the state (prosecutor)
Aim: Punishment (jail, fines, probation)
Common hazing-related charges: hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, manslaughter in fatal cases
Example: McLennan County District Attorney prosecuting Baylor fraternity members

Civil Cases:

Brought by victims or surviving families
Aim: Monetary compensation and accountability
Focus on: negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision, premises liability, emotional distress
Example: Baylor student suing fraternity for medical bills, pain and suffering, and therapy costs

Crucially: These cases can run simultaneously, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue civil justice. Many families achieve accountability through civil litigation even when prosecutors decline criminal charges.

Federal Law Overlay: Additional Protections

Several federal laws intersect with hazing cases:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024):

Requires colleges receiving federal aid to report hazing incidents more transparently
Strengthens hazing education and prevention
Mandates public hazing data (phased in by 2026)
Applies to Baylor, Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, SMU, and all Texas public universities

Title IX Protections:

When hazing involves sexual harassment, assault, or gender-based hostility
Creates additional reporting obligations for universities
Can provide separate legal claims alongside state hazing laws

Clery Act Requirements:

Mandates crime reporting and safety statistics
Hazing incidents often overlap with reportable crimes (assault, alcohol offenses)

Who Can Be Liable in a Texas Hazing Lawsuit?

Multiple parties often share responsibility:

Individual Students:

Those who planned, supplied alcohol, carried out acts, or helped cover them up
Chapter officers (president, pledgemaster, risk manager) often face greater liability

Local Chapter / Organization:

The fraternity/sorority itself as a legal entity
Housing corporations that own chapter houses

National Fraternity/Sorority Headquarters:

Organizations that set policies, receive dues, and supervise chapters
Liability hinges on what they knew or should have known from prior incidents
Example: Pi Kappa Phi national is being sued in our University of Houston case because they had notice of similar hazing at other chapters

University or Governing Board:

Schools may be liable under negligence or civil-rights theories
Key questions: prior warnings, policy enforcement, deliberate indifference
Baylor, Texas A&M, UT, UH, and SMU all face potential liability in serious cases

Third Parties:

Landlords/owners of houses or event spaces
Bars or alcohol providers (under Texas dram shop laws)
Security companies or event organizers

Every case is fact-specific, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potentially liable parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns: What Texas Families Can Learn

The tragic national cases shaping hazing law today provide crucial lessons for McLennan County families. These aren’t abstract stories—they’re blueprints for how hazing escalates and how justice can be pursued.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017)

19-year-old died after bid-acceptance event with forced heavy drinking
Severe falls captured on chapter security cameras
47-hour delay before calling for medical help
Takeaway for Texas families: Extreme intoxication combined with delay in calling 911 creates devastating liability. The “code of silence” can be legally fatal for organizations.

Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017)

Died during “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant forced drinking
Blood alcohol concentration: 0.495% (six times legal limit)
Louisiana enacted Max Gruver Act creating felony hazing statute
Takeaway: “Drinking games” framed as tradition are deadly recipes. Legislative change often follows public outrage.

Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021)

Forced to drink nearly a full bottle of whiskey during “Big/Little” night
$10 million total settlement ($7M from Pi Kappa Alpha national, ~$3M from BGSU)
Takeaway: Universities face significant financial consequences alongside fraternities. Proper investigation reveals prior warnings that were ignored.

Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017)

Pledge given handle of liquor during “Big Brother Night”
Died from acute alcohol poisoning
FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life
Takeaway: The same national organization (Pi Kappa Phi) involved in our University of Houston case has lethal patterns across campuses.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013)

Blindedfolded, weighted with backpack, tackled repeatedly during “glass ceiling” ritual
Suffered fatal traumatic brain injury
National fraternity criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter
Fraternity banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years
Takeaway: Off-campus “retreats” can be particularly dangerous. National organizations face severe sanctions beyond financial penalties.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025)

Former players alleged sexualized and racist hazing within program
Multiple lawsuits against university and coaching staff
Head coach Pat Fitzgerald fired, then settled wrongful-termination suit confidentially
Takeaway: Hazing extends beyond Greek life to big-money athletic programs. Institutional cover-ups can be exposed through thorough investigation.

Texas-Specific Insight: These national patterns directly inform Texas cases. When we see forced drinking at Baylor, physical abuse in Texas A&M’s Corps, or ritualized hazing at UT Austin, we’re seeing the same scripts that caused deaths elsewhere. This pattern evidence is crucial in proving negligence and foreseability in court.

Texas University Focus: Where McLennan County Students Face Risk

Town of Crawford families send students to universities across Texas. Understanding the specific hazing landscape at each campus helps parents recognize risks and know their rights.

Baylor University: McLennan County’s Home Campus

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Located right here in Waco, Baylor represents both opportunity and risk for McLennan County students. With approximately 30% of students participating in Greek life and numerous other campus organizations, Baylor’s tight-knit community can sometimes enable dangerous traditions to persist under the radar.

Baylor’s Hazing Policy & Reporting:
Baylor prohibits hazing in all forms through its Student Policies and Procedures. The university requires all student organizations to comply with Texas hazing laws and maintains reporting channels through:

Office of Student Conduct
Baylor Police Department
Anonymous reporting options
Title IX Office for gender-based hazing

Documented Incidents & Responses:
While Baylor doesn’t maintain a public hazing log like UT Austin, documented cases include:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 players suspended following hazing investigation; staggered suspensions affected team’s early season
Greek Life Disciplinary Actions: Multiple fraternities and sororities have faced probation or suspension for alcohol violations and conduct unbecoming, often involving hazing elements
Organization Suspensions: Various student groups have lost recognition for violating university policies including hazing provisions

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed:
For McLennan County families, a Baylor hazing case would typically involve:

Initial reporting to Baylor PD or Waco Police Department depending on location
Parallel investigations by Baylor’s Office of Student Conduct and possibly McLennan County District Attorney
Civil litigation potentially filed in McLennan County courts or federal court
Key evidence sources: Baylor disciplinary records, chapter communications, medical records from Baylor Scott & White medical centers

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do:

Immediate medical care at Baylor Scott & White if injured
Preserve all digital evidence—Baylor students heavily use GroupMe, Instagram, and Snapchat for organization communication
Document timelines of events with specific dates and locations
Request Baylor’s disciplinary records for the involved organization through appropriate legal channels
Consult with attorneys experienced in Baylor cases who understand the university’s particular culture and procedures

Texas A&M University: Tradition and Risk

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
Many Central Texas students choose Texas A&M for its renowned Corps of Cadets and strong Greek system. Both environments have documented hazing risks that Town of Crawford parents should understand.

Documented Incidents:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon Chemical Burns Case (2021): Pledges allegedly covered in industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit causing severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. Pledges sued for $1 million; fraternity suspended for two years.
Corps of Cadets “Roasted Pig” Case (2023): Cadet alleged degrading hazing including being bound between beds in “roasted pig” pose with apple in mouth. Sought over $1 million; A&M stated it handled matter under its rules.
Multiple Greek Life Suspensions: Various fraternities have faced disciplinary action for alcohol hazing, physical abuse, and policy violations.

Unique A&M Considerations:

Corps of Cadets operates under separate regulations but still subject to Texas hazing law
University’s “good bull” culture can sometimes minimize reporting of problematic traditions
Aggie Network connections can complicate whistleblower decisions

University of Texas at Austin: Transparency and Ongoing Issues

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
UT Austin maintains Texas’s most transparent hazing reporting system, providing clear evidence of ongoing problems despite strong policies.

Public Hazing Violations Log:
UT’s publicly accessible log shows recent violations including:

Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): New members directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics; chapter placed on probation with required hazing-prevention education
Texas Wranglers (multiple years): Sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, punishment-based practices
Various Greek Chapters: Repeated violations involving alcohol coercion, sleep deprivation, psychological abuse

UT’s Systematic Response:

Public reporting creates accountability but also shows recurring issues
Educational mandates for sanctioned organizations
Graduated sanctions from probation to revocation of recognition

Implications for Central Texas Families:
UT’s transparency provides valuable evidence for civil cases. Prior violations documented in UT’s log can establish pattern and knowledge in litigation against repeat-offender organizations.

University of Houston: Active Litigation and Institutional Response

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
As Texas’s third-largest university, UH has experienced significant hazing incidents that inform our understanding of institutional responses.

Current High-Profile Case – Leonel Bermudez:
Our firm currently represents Leonel Bermudez in a $10 million hazing and abuse lawsuit against:

University of Houston and UH System Board of Regents
Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters
Pi Kappa Phi Beta Nu housing corporation
13 individual fraternity leaders/members

Case Details:

Hazing Methods: “Pledge fanny pack” humiliation (condoms, sex toy, nicotine devices), enforced dress codes, overnight driving duties, extreme physical hazing including sprints, bear crawls, cold-weather exposure, being sprayed with hose “similar to waterboarding,” forced consumption of milk/hot dogs/peppercorns until vomiting
Medical Consequences: Bermudez developed rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) and acute kidney failure, passed brown urine, hospitalized for four days with critically high creatine kinase levels, faces ongoing risk of permanent kidney damage
Institutional Response: Pi Kappa Phi HQ suspended Beta Nu chapter November 6, 2025; chapter members voted to surrender charter November 14, 2025; UH labeled conduct “deeply disturbing” and promised disciplinary measures up to expulsion

Why This Matters for All Texas Families:
The UH case demonstrates:

Severe medical outcomes from physical hazing
Multiple defendant strategy targeting all responsible entities
Digital evidence importance in proving systematic abuse
University liability when policies aren’t adequately enforced

Southern Methodist University: Private Institution Challenges

Campus & Culture Snapshot:
SMU’s affluent student body and strong Greek presence create particular hazing dynamics that Dallas-area families should understand.

Documented Incidents:

Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): New members reportedly paddled, forced to drink alcohol, deprived of sleep; chapter suspended with recruiting restrictions until approximately 2021
Various Greek Life Sanctions: Multiple organizations have faced disciplinary action for alcohol violations and conduct issues

Private University Considerations:

Less transparency than public institutions regarding disciplinary actions
Different legal standards for negligence claims
Alumni influence can sometimes affect institutional responses

The Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine: Understanding the Greek Ecosystem

Through our hazing litigation practice, we’ve developed what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—a comprehensive database tracking Greek organizations across Texas. For Town of Crawford families, understanding this ecosystem is crucial when hazing occurs.

Public Records Directory: Organizations Serving Texas Students

Texas maintains extensive public records of Greek organizations. Here are examples relevant to families with students at Baylor and other Texas universities:

Baylor University Area Organizations (IRS B83 Records):

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 364091267, Waco, TX 76710 – IRS B83 filing
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. Nu Iota Chapter Baylor University, EIN 521346485, Waco, TX 76703 – IRS B83 filing
Texas Rho Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, EIN 741942292, Waco, TX 76706 – IRS B83 filing

Central Texas Regional Organizations:

Gamma Iota Chapter of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Inc., EIN 751225585, Wichita Falls, TX 76308 – IRS B83 filing
Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, EIN 263170920, Denton, TX 76204 – Texas Woman’s University chapter
Beta Upsilon Chi Fraternity, EIN 742911848, Fort Worth, TX 76244 – Cause IQ metro listing

Statewide Greek Entities (Sample from 1,423 Texas Organizations):

Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, EIN 746064445, Nederland, TX 77627 – Cause IQ metro overlap
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, EIN 752609909, Commerce, TX 75428 – IRS B83 filing
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, EIN 237279532, Prairie View, TX 77446 – IRS B83 filing
Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity Inc., EIN 475370943, Houston, TX 77204 – Theta Delta chapter
Chi Omega Fraternity, EIN 740555581, Austin, TX 78705 – house corporation

Metro-Level Concentration:

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington Metro: 510+ Greek organizations per Cause IQ
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land Metro: 188+ organizations
Austin-Round Rock Metro: 154+ organizations
Waco Metro: 27+ organizations including Baylor-focused groups

Why This Data Matters for Your Case

When hazing occurs, identifying all potentially liable entities requires understanding:

Organizational Structure: Is there a housing corporation separate from the chapter?
National Connections: What control does the national headquarters exercise?
Insurance Coverage: Which entities maintain liability policies?
Prior Incidents: Have similar organizations faced previous allegations?

Our Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine helps answer these questions immediately, preventing the defense tactic of “we’re not responsible because we’re a different legal entity.”

Building a Hazing Case: Evidence, Strategy, and Realistic Expectations

For Town of Crawford families facing a hazing crisis, understanding the litigation process helps manage expectations and make informed decisions.

Critical Evidence Categories in Modern Hazing Cases

1. Digital Communications (THE Most Important Evidence)

Group chats: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, fraternity apps
Social media: Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook messages
Recovered data: Digital forensics can retrieve deleted messages
Metadata: Timestamps, participant lists, location data

2. Photos & Videos

Content filmed during events by participants
Social media posts and stories
Security camera footage from houses and venues
Doorbell camera recordings

3. Internal Organization Documents

Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents
Emails/texts planning events or discussing “what we do to pledges”
National policies and training materials showing what should have been prevented

4. University Records

Prior conduct files and disciplinary history
Incident reports to campus police or conduct offices
Clery Act reports and safety disclosures
Internal emails about the organization or prior incidents

5. Medical & Psychological Records

Emergency room and hospitalization records
Surgical notes and rehabilitation documentation
Toxicology reports showing blood alcohol levels
Psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety

6. Witness Testimony

Other pledges experiencing similar treatment
Former members who quit or were expelled
Roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers
Bystanders who observed events

Damages: What Families Can Recover in Texas Hazing Cases

Texas law allows recovery for several categories of damages:

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Losses):

Medical bills: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment
Future medical expenses: Projected costs for long-term care, therapy, medications
Lost income: Time off work for victim or caregiving parents
Educational impact: Tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
Diminished earning capacity: If injuries cause permanent disability affecting career prospects

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective But Real Harm):

Physical pain and suffering from injuries
Emotional distress, trauma, humiliation
Loss of enjoyment of life (can’t participate in activities they loved)
Damage to relationships with family and friends

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

Funeral and burial costs
Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship, love, and guidance
Emotional suffering of surviving family members

Punitive Damages (When Available):

Designed to punish especially reckless or malicious conduct
Available when defendants showed conscious indifference or intentional wrongdoing
Texas has statutory caps except in certain intentional tort cases

Realistic Settlement and Verdict Ranges

Based on national hazing cases, outcomes vary significantly:

Fatal Hazing Cases:

Stone Foltz (BGSU): $10 million total settlement
David Bogenberger (NIU): $14 million settlement
Max Gruver (LSU): $6.1 million verdict plus confidential settlements
Chad Meredith (University of Miami): $12.6 million jury verdict

Severe Injury Cases:

Danny Santulli (University of Missouri): Multiple confidential settlements with 22 defendants
Joseph Snell (Bowie State): $375,000 verdict establishing organizational liability precedent
Sigma Chi (College of Charleston): Over $10 million settlement for psychological and physical harm

Key Factors Affecting Case Value:

Severity and permanence of injuries
Clarity of liability and available evidence
Defendant resources and insurance coverage
Venue (location where case is filed)
Skill and experience of legal representation

Practical Guides for Town of Crawford Families and Students

For Parents: Recognizing and Responding to Hazing

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

Physical Signs:

Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries
Extreme exhaustion beyond normal college stress
Weight changes from food/water restriction
Sleep deprivation (late-night calls, inability to sleep)
Chemical burns, rashes, or skin damage
Signs of alcohol poisoning or unusual substance use

Behavioral & Emotional Changes:

Sudden secrecy about organization activities
Withdrawal from family and non-member friends
Personality changes: anxiety, depression, irritability
Defensive when asked about the organization
Fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down”
Constant phone anxiety about group chat responses

Academic Red Flags:

Grades dropping suddenly
Missing classes or falling asleep in class
Skipping academic obligations for “mandatory” events

How to Talk to Your Child (Non-Confrontationally):

“How are things going with [organization]? Are you enjoying it?”
“Have they been respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
“What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
“Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
“Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
“Do you feel like you can leave if you want to, or would there be consequences?”

48-Hour Action Plan for Parents:

Hours 1-6 (Immediate Crisis):

Get medical attention if injured/intoxicated
Remove child from dangerous situation
Screenshot any messages they show you
Photograph visible injuries
Write down everything they tell you (date, time, details)
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911

Hours 6-24 (Evidence Preservation):

Help child preserve ALL digital communications
Secure physical evidence (clothing, objects, receipts)
Request medical records from any treatment
Document witness names and contact information
Note any university communications (but don’t respond yet)

Hours 24-48 (Strategic Decisions):

Consult with experienced hazing attorney
Decide on reporting to campus/local police (with legal guidance)
If university contacts you, refer them to your attorney
Do NOT speak to insurance adjusters without lawyer present
Back up all evidence to cloud storage

For Students: Self-Protection and Safe Exit Strategies

Is This Hazing? Decision Guide:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something unsafe or degrading?
Would I do this if there were no social consequences for refusing?
Is this activity dangerous, illegal, or something I’d hide from my parents?
Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide activities?

If you answered YES to any, it’s likely hazing.

Safe Exit Strategies:

If in immediate danger: Call 911 or campus police
To quit/de-pledge: Send written notice (email/text) to chapter leadership: “I resign my membership effective immediately”
Do NOT attend “one last meeting” where pressure or retaliation might occur
Tell someone outside the organization first (parent, RA, friend) for documentation
If fearing retaliation: Report concerns to Dean of Students and campus police

Evidence Collection for Students:

Screenshots: Capture full conversations with timestamps and participant names
Recordings: Texas is one-party consent—you can record conversations you’re part of
Photos: Document injuries immediately and over several days; include objects used in hazing
Medical documentation: Tell healthcare providers you were hazed so it’s in your records
Witness information: Collect names/contacts of others who saw what happened

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

MISTAKE #1: Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble”
Reality: Looks like obstruction of justice; makes case nearly impossible
Instead: Preserve everything immediately—even embarrassing content

MISTAKE #2: Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind”
Reality: They immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses
Instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation

MISTAKE #3: Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or internal agreements
Reality: You may waive your right to sue; settlements are often far below case value
Instead: Do NOT sign anything without attorney review

MISTAKE #4: Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer
. What families think: “I want people to know what happened”

Reality: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies hurt credibility
Instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging

MISTAKE #5: Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally”
Reality: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, statute runs, university controls narrative
Instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult lawyer immediately

Frequently Asked Questions for Texas Families

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (Texas A&M, UT, UH) have sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals personally. Private universities (Baylor, SMU) have fewer immunity barriers. Every case is fact-specific—contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case analysis.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas classifies hazing as Class B misdemeanor by default, but it becomes a state jail felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face charges for failing to report hazing.

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

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if harm or cause wasn’t immediately known. In cover-up cases, statute may be tolled. Time is critical—evidence disappears fast.

“What if hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and nationals can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Major cases (Pi Delta Psi retreat, Sigma Pi unofficial house) occurred off-campus with multi-million-dollar judgments.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. You can request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

Why Attorney911 for Texas Hazing Cases

When your family faces a hazing crisis, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how universities, national fraternities, and their insurers fight back—and how to win anyway.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Litigation

Insurance Insider Advantage:
Our attorney Mr. Lupe Peña spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. He knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies:

Value (and undervalue) hazing claims
Use delay tactics to pressure families
Argue coverage exclusions for “intentional acts”
Set reserves and negotiate settlements

We know their playbook because we used to run it.

Complex Institutional Litigation Experience:
Managing attorney Ralph Manginello is one of the few Texas lawyers involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation—taking on billion-dollar corporations with unlimited legal budgets. This same experience applies directly to hazing cases against:

National fraternities with deep pockets
University systems with institutional resistance
Defense firms specializing in protecting organizations

We’re not intimidated by powerful defendants. We’ve beaten them before.

Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Results:
We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, including:

Working with economists to value lifetime care needs
Calculating lost earning capacity over decades
Securing settlements that provide real security for injured victims

We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability.

Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise:
Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) means we understand:

How criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation
Defense strategies used in criminal cases
How to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure

We navigate both legal tracks for comprehensive protection.

Investigative Depth and Expert Network:
We maintain what we call the Texas Hazing Intelligence Engine—tracking 1,423 Greek organizations across 25 Texas metros. Our investigative approach includes:

Digital forensics to recover deleted messages
Subpoena power to obtain hidden university and national fraternity records
7 Network of medical experts, psychologists, economists, and Greek life culture experts
Experience uncovering pattern evidence across multiple chapters

We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

Our Commitment to Town of Crawford and Central Texas Families

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Town of Crawford, Waco, Hewitt, Woodway, and all of McLennan County. We understand that hazing at Baylor University and other Texas campuses affects our entire community.

Spanish-Language Services Available:
Hablamos Español. Contact Mr. Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish.

Your Next Step: Confidential Consultation

If you suspect your child has been hazed at Baylor, Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, SMU, or any Texas campus, we offer confidential, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your options.

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We listen to your story without judgment
Review any evidence you’ve preserved (photos, texts, medical records)
Explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect
Answer questions about costs (contingency fee—we don’t get paid unless we win)
No pressure to hire us—take time to decide what’s right for your family

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today:

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 or lupe@atty911.com (Spanish)

For Town of Crawford and McLennan County families: Whether your student attends Baylor right here in Waco or any university across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. The patterns we see in national cases are happening on Texas campuses right now. The legal protections exist. The experienced counsel is available.

Call us today. Let’s discuss how we can help your family find answers, achieve accountability, and prevent this from happening to another student.

Plain Text Links to Key Resources

Attorney911 Main Website & Contact:

Full-service Texas personal injury and criminal defense law firm with hazing litigation expertise
24/7 free consultations
https://attorney911.com

University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi Case News Coverage:

Click2Houston report: “Urine was brown: Pledge sues over severe hazing at University of Houston’s shut down Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2025/11/21/only-on-2-lawsuit-alleges-severe-hazing-at-university-of-houstons-pi-kappa-phi-chapter-fraternity/
ABC13 coverage: “Waterboarding, forced eating, physical punishment: Lawsuit alleges abuse faced by injured pledge at UH’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity”
https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/

Attorney911 Educational YouTube Videos:

Evidence preservation: “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
Statute of limitations: “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
Client mistakes: “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
Contingency fees: “How Do Contingency Fees Work? Injury Lawyer Explains!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

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 (Ralph Manginello) | lupe@atty911.com (Lupe Peña – Spanish services available)