Texas Hazing Litigation: A Comprehensive Guide for DeWitt County Families Responding to Campus Abuse

The crisp autumn air settles over DeWitt County, bringing with it the promise of new beginnings for many young Texans heading off to college. For families in Cuero, Yoakum, Nordheim, and across our rural communities, sending a child to a Texas university is a source of immense pride and hope. We envision them thriving academically, building lasting friendships, and enjoying the vibrant campus life. Yet, for some, this hopeful picture can shatter into a nightmare—a call in the middle of the night reporting an injury, a sudden change in their child’s demeanor, or whispers of “initiation night” gone horribly wrong.

Imagine a student from DeWitt County, perhaps attending a fraternity event at a major Texas institution, where what begins as playful bonding escalates into something far more sinister. They’re coerced into consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol, forced to endure physical agony, or subjected to deeply humiliating acts. The room is filled with chanting, the air thick with fear and a perverse sense of tradition. Someone collapses, critically injured, but a chilling silence descends as group members choose loyalty and fear of consequences over calling for emergency help. Our student from DeWitt County is trapped, weighing their own safety against loyalty to a group that has betrayed their trust. This isn’t an isolated incident; it’s a recurring tragedy that has played out on campuses across Texas and the nation.

This is a comprehensive guide to understanding hazing and the law in Texas, written specifically for families in DeWitt County and across Texas who need to make sense of this hidden epidemic. We will explore what modern hazing truly looks like—far beyond the outdated stereotypes. We’ll demystify how Texas and federal laws address these dangerous practices. We’ll examine the critical lessons from national hazing cases and how they inform our approach to similar issues right here in Texas. Crucially, we’ll dive into what has been happening at the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University, schools where many DeWitt County families send their children. Finally, we’ll outline the legal options victims and their families in DeWitt County and throughout Texas may have.

While this article provides general information, it is not specific legal advice. Every hazing incident is unique, and we understand the profound impact these experiences can have. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, known as Attorney911, specializes in these complex cases. We serve families throughout Texas, including DeWitt County, providing empathetic yet aggressive legal representation.

Immediate Help for Hazing Emergencies

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW, prioritizing their safety is paramount.

• Call 911 for any 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 after a suspected hazing incident, critical steps should be taken:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Some injuries, especially from alcohol poisoning or physical trauma, may not be immediately apparent.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately. Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles and save any physical items such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in the hazing.
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when, and where.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel.
  • Post details on public social media.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

Evidence vanishes quickly, universities and organizations move to control the narrative, and witnesses can be coached. Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation to protect your child’s rights and preserve crucial evidence.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For DeWitt County families, understanding hazing means looking past outdated movie stereotypes. Modern hazing is far more insidious, encompassing emotional manipulation and digital coercion alongside traditionally recognized physical dangers. It’s often disguised as “team building,” “tradition,” or “bonding.” Yet, at its core, hazing remains any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits.

This is why the defense, “I agreed to it,” often falls flat in court. True consent cannot exist when there’s a power imbalance, intense peer pressure, implicit threats, or a profound desire for belonging.

Main Categories of Hazing

Understanding the forms hazing takes is the first step to recognizing it.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is the most common and often deadliest form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of dangerous amounts of alcohol, such as chugging challenges, “lineups,” or “games” that require rapid consumption. It can also include being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, putting students at severe risk of overdose or alcohol poisoning.
• Physical Hazing: Beyond the classic paddling or beatings, physical hazing includes extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning. It also encompasses sleep deprivation, food/water deprivation, and dangerous exposure to extreme cold or heat. These activities aren’t about fitness; they’re about control and breaking down an individual.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This particularly degrading form of abuse involves forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like “roasted pig” positions), wearing degrading costumes, or participating in acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones.
• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked, psychological hazing causes deep emotional scars. It involves verbal abuse, threats, forced isolation, manipulation, or public shaming, often orchestrated on social media or during group meetings.
• Digital/Online Hazing: In the age of constant connectivity, hazing has moved online. This includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, and others. It can involve pressure to create or share compromising images or videos, or constant surveillance through group messages that demand immediate responses and interfere with sleep and studies.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to one type of organization or a single gender. While fraternities and sororities (Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek organizations) are frequently associated with hazing incidents, the practice is tragically widespread across various student groups. This includes:

• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-style groups: These organizations, often steeped in tradition and discipline, can sometimes see boundaries crossed into hazing.
• Spirit squads, tradition clubs: Groups like cheerleading teams, dance teams, and university spirit organizations have faced allegations.
• Athletic teams: Every sport, from football and basketball to baseball, track, and swimming, has potential for hazing, where “team building” can morph into abuse.
• Marching bands and performance groups: Even academic or performance-focused groups can succumb to hazing rituals.
• Some service, cultural, and academic organizations: Any group with an “initiation” or “new member” process can be susceptible.

The unfortunate truth is that social status, tradition, and the intense desire for belonging can keep these dangerous practices alive, even when all involved know hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited. The secrecy surrounding these rituals only compounds the danger, making it harder for parents and university officials to detect and intervene until it’s too late.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in DeWitt County grappling with the aftermath of hazing, understanding the legal landscape in Texas is crucial. The law provides significant avenues for accountability, both criminal and civil.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37. In plain terms, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring either on or off campus, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the physical health or safety of a student (e.g., beating, forced exercise, coerced consumption of alcohol or drugs), OR
• Substantially affects the mental health or safety of a student (e.g., extreme humiliation, intimidation, psychological manipulation).

Importantly, 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. A critical aspect of Texas law is that consent is not a defense to hazing, meaning even if the victim “agreed” to the acts, it remains illegal if it meets the statutory definition.

The law includes:

• Criminal penalties: Hazing can lead to fines and potential jail time. The severity increases significantly if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, escalating to a state jail felony.
• Reporter protections: To encourage reporting, the law offers limited immunity or leniency for individuals who report the hazing or call for help in good faith, even if they were previously involved.

The Texas Education Code § 37.156 also mandates that educational institutions provide hazing prevention education, publish their policies, and maintain annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions. This creates a transparent record that can be invaluable in a civil case.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important to understand the distinction between criminal and civil actions in hazing cases. While they can run concurrently, their aims and outcomes differ:

• Criminal cases: These are brought by the state (prosecutors) to punish illegal acts. Hazing-related criminal charges in Texas can include:

  • Direct hazing offenses (misdemeanor or felony depending on injury).
  • Furnishing alcohol to minors.
  • Assault, aggravated assault, or even manslaughter in tragic fatal cases.
  • Failure to make a hazing report, which is also a misdemeanor for certain individuals.
    The goal is deterrence and punishment, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.

• Civil cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving families against individuals and organizations to seek monetary compensation for the harm suffered and to demand accountability. Civil claims often focus on:

  • Negligence and gross negligence (failure to exercise reasonable care, or acting with conscious disregard for safety).
  • Wrongful death (in cases of fatality).
  • Negligent hiring/supervision (against universities or national organizations).
  • Premises liability (against property owners where hazing occurred).
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress.
    A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The burden of proof is lower in civil court, and the focus is on compensation and justice for the victim’s losses.

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

While Texas law forms the primary legal framework, federal regulations also play a role, particularly for institutions receiving federal funding:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This recent federal law mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal aid must:
  • Improve transparency by publicly reporting hazing incidents.
  • Strengthen their hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Maintain more comprehensive and public data on hazing incidents, with implementation expected by around 2026. This act aims to create a national standard for accountability and prevention.
• Title IX / Clery Act: When hazing involves sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault, Title IX (which prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs) obligations are triggered. This requires universities to investigate and respond swiftly. The Clery Act mandates that colleges and universities disclose information about campus crime, including certain hazing incidents that overlap with categories such as assault, liquor law violations, or drug arrests occurring on or near campus.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Obtaining justice through a civil lawsuit involves identifying all responsible parties. In hazing litigation, liability can extend far beyond the individual students directly involved:

• Individual Students: The students who actively planned, encouraged, provided alcohol, carried out the hazing acts, or participated in cover-ups can be held personally liable for damages.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The fraternity, sorority, club, or student organization itself can be sued if it operated as a legal entity and its members, particularly officers or “pledge educators,” were acting within the scope of their duties or with the organization’s implicit approval.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters of a Greek organization can be held accountable. This liability often hinges on whether the national entity had:
  • Knowledge of prior hazing incidents at the local chapter or similar incidents across its other chapters.
  • A duty to supervise, train, and enforce anti-hazing policies, and whether it failed in that duty.
  • Received dues or otherwise benefited from the local chapter’s existence.
• University or College: The educational institution may be sued under various legal theories, particularly for:
  • Negligence: Failing to adequately supervise student organizations, enforce hazing policies, or respond to known risks.
  • Gross Negligence: Acting with conscious indifference to student safety.
  • Title IX Violations: When hazing involves sex-based discrimination or sexual harassment.
  • Breach of Contract: If the university failed to uphold its own stated policies regarding student safety and hazing.
    Public universities in Texas, such as UH, Texas A&M, and UT, may assert sovereign immunity. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, in certain Title IX contexts, and when suing individual employees in their personal capacities. Private institutions like SMU and Baylor generally have fewer such protections.
• Third Parties: In some cases, liability can extend to others, including:
  • Landlords or property owners of off-campus houses or venues where hazing occurred, particularly if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Alcohol providers (retail stores or bars) who unlawfully furnished alcohol to minors, potentially under dram shop liability theories.
  • Security companies or event organizers who failed to provide adequate safety measures.

The specific parties named in a lawsuit will depend heavily on the unique facts of the case, the nature of the injuries, and the available evidence. An experienced hazing attorney meticulously investigates all potential avenues of liability to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

While our focus in DeWitt County and across Texas is on local incidents, national hazing tragedies provide crucial context. These landmark cases illustrate recurring patterns, the devastating consequences, and the evolving legal and institutional responses. The precedents set in these cases continue to shape litigation strategy and verdicts for families nationwide, including those we serve in Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption remains the leading cause of hazing-related fatalities. These cases often involve egregious disregard for student safety, followed by desperate attempts to cover up the incident.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Tim Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a bid-acceptance event involving extreme alcohol consumption. Fraternity members, captured on chapter surveillance cameras, engaged in a horrific cover-up, delaying calling for medical help for hours as Piazza suffered multiple falls and injuries. The tragedy led to over 1,000 criminal charges against fraternity members and significant civil litigation against the fraternity, individual members, and the university. Pennsylvania subsequently enacted the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, one of the toughest in the nation. This case starkly highlighted how extreme intoxication, delayed medical care, and a pervasive culture of silence can be legally devastating for all involved.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a freshman pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume them rapidly. Criminal hazing charges were brought against several members, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life, overhauling its policies. Coffey’s death, tragically, was part of a recurring script: formulaic “tradition” drinking nights that consistently lead to disaster.
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old pledge, died after being forced to participate in a “Bible study” drinking game. He was made to drink excessive amounts of alcohol whenever he answered a question incorrectly, ultimately succumbing to alcohol toxicity (with a BAC of 0.495%). Multiple fraternity members were charged, with one convicted of negligent homicide. Gruver’s death spurred Louisiana to pass the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing law that increased penalties for hazing offenses, demonstrating how legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to consume a nearly full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night. He died three days later from alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal convictions followed, and Foltz’s family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million coming from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and approximately $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This case highlighted that public universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities, especially when there are clear policy failures or known patterns of dangerous behavior.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical abuse and extreme rituals continue to claim lives and cause severe injuries, often occurring in secluded settings away from immediate oversight.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died after being subjected to a brutal blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. He was repeatedly tackled while wearing a weighted backpack. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours, attempting a cover-up. Multiple members were convicted, and, groundbreakingly, the national fraternity was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years, demonstrating that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or worse than parties, and national organizations can face severe criminal sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it infiltrates high-profile athletic programs as well, posing unique challenges due to the hierarchical structures and intense loyalty often found in sports teams.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): A wide-ranging scandal erupted at Northwestern when former football players alleged widespread sexualized, physical, and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. Multiple players filed lawsuits against the university and coaching staff, leading to the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later confidentially settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit with the university. This highly publicized case underscored that hazing extends far beyond Greek life into major athletic programs, raising profound questions about institutional oversight and the “win-at-all-costs” culture.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies, far from being isolated incidents, expose common threads that resonate with hazing incidents in Texas. Forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed or denied medical care, and desperate attempts at cover-ups are recurring themes. The pattern shows that meaningful reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy strikes and determined litigation ensues. For DeWitt County families whose children attend or may attend universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, these national lessons are not distant news stories, but critical guideposts. They highlight the ongoing risks and the profound need for vigilance, reporting, and legal advocacy when hazing impacts a student’s life.

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

The Manginello Law Firm serves families across Texas, including DeWitt County, whose children attend our state’s universities. While DeWitt County is largely rural, its residents send their children to colleges throughout Texas. Texas A&M University is particularly relevant to many here, with numerous Aggie alumni and future students from Cuero, Yoakum, and other communities across the county. However, families from DeWitt County also attend UH, UT, SMU, and Baylor. Understanding the specific contexts of these major institutions is vital for students and parents from our area.

5.1 Texas A&M University

For many families in DeWitt County, Texas A&M University in College Station is a beacon of tradition and academic excellence. Given its relative proximity to DeWitt County, the close ties between our communities and the Aggie Spirit are strong. However, even within traditions as revered as A&M’s, hazing can tragically occur, whether in Greek life or the Corps of Cadets.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot (with DeWitt County Connection)

Texas A&M University, a sprawling public research institution, is known for its deep-rooted traditions, fierce loyalty, and the distinctive Corps of Cadets. It boasts a large and active Greek Life system across various councils (Collegiate Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council), alongside numerous student organizations and athletic programs. Families from DeWitt County frequently have children or relatives who attend Texas A&M or are part of its vast alumni network, making hazing incidents here particularly concerning for our local community.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M explicitly prohibits hazing, outlining its policy in various student rule handbooks and on its Student Activities website. The university defines hazing in line with Texas state law and prohibits all forms, including physical abuse, forced consumption of substances, mental distress, and any act endangering mental or physical health for initiation or membership. Reporting channels are available through the Dean of Student Life, MSC Student Programs, or the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMU PD). The university also provides an anonymous reporting option.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced its share of hazing allegations and incidents, highlighting that even institutions with strong internal discipline can struggle to eradicate the practice:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (Around 2021): This particularly egregious case involved two pledges who alleged they were forced to endure strenuous physical activity and then had substances, including what they claimed was industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries. The pledges filed a lawsuit seeking over $1 million, and the fraternity chapter was suspended by the university for two years. This incident tragically illustrates the potential for extreme physical and chemical hazing.
• Corps of Cadets Hazing Allegations (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing rituals within the Corps. These included simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, drawing attention to potential hazing within A&M’s revered Corps of Cadets, where traditional “privileges” can sometimes cross into abuse. A&M stated it addressed the matter through its internal processes.
• Kappa Sigma Allegations (2023, Ongoing): There have been allegations of severe physical hazing, potentially leading to injuries such as rhabdomyolysis (a serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down, often from extreme physical exertion) within the Kappa Sigma fraternity. Litigation for such cases often involves specialized legal expertise in documenting and recovering from these specific types of injuries.

These incidents demonstrate A&M’s ongoing struggle with hazing across different organizational types, from fraternities to the Corps. While the university takes disciplinary action, the repeated nature of such events underscores the need for eternal vigilance.

5.1.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed (with DeWitt County Context)

For a DeWitt County family whose child experiences hazing at Texas A&M, understanding the practical steps is crucial. Investigations might involve the TAMU Police Department and/or the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office or College Station Police Department, depending on whether the incident occurred on or off campus, within College Station or Bryan. Civil suits would typically be filed in Brazos County courts with jurisdiction over the region.

Potential defendants in such cases could include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or organization, and potentially the university itself, given its duty of care and various levels of oversight. Our firm, from our Houston offices (a straight drive up US-290 and TX-6 for many in DeWitt County), is adept at navigating the complex legal landscape that Aggie hazing cases present.

5.1.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do (Tailored for DeWitt County)

For DeWitt County families, we recommend the following:

• Report Internally Immediately: Utilize Texas A&M’s official reporting channels, including the Dean of Student Life office, MSC Student Programs, or TAMU PD.
• Preserve All Evidence: Emphasize the collection of digital communications (GroupMe, texts), photos, videos, and any medical documentation related to injuries.
• Understand the Corps’ Rules: If the hazing occurred within the Corps of Cadets, familiarize yourself with specific Corps regulations and reporting protocols.
• Document University Communications: Keep a detailed record of all interactions with Texas A&M officials, including dates, times, and summaries of conversations.
• Contact a Texas Hazing Attorney: Before making any statements to university investigators or legal representatives, contact Attorney911. We can help ensure your rights are protected, guide you through the process, and pursue the full extent of accountability.

5.2 University of Houston (UH)

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston, a vibrant public research university located in the heart of our state’s largest city, Houston, offers a rich and diverse student life. Its active Greek Council (HPC, IFC, MGC, NPHC) is a significant part of the social scene, alongside numerous other student organizations and thriving athletic programs. UH draws students from across Texas, including many from DeWitt County and the greater Houston area, making hazing incidents at UH of close concern to our metropolitan and surrounding communities.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH maintains a comprehensive anti-hazing policy, strictly prohibiting any activity that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation, admission, affiliation, or continued membership. The policy applies both on-campus and off-campus. The university provides clear reporting channels through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). Like other Texas institutions, UH publishes an annual hazing report, albeit often with generalized information.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Case (2016): This incident gained significant attention when pledges alleged severe hazing, including being deprived of adequate food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being body-slammed onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges, and the university responded with a suspension.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: UH’s public records reflect ongoing disciplinary actions against various Greek organizations that point to behaviors designed to “produce mental or physical discomfort.” These often involve alcohol misuse, forced activities, and general policy violations, leading to suspensions and probationary periods. These recurring incidents highlight that despite official policies, hazing persists.

5.2.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at UH can involve multiple law enforcement agencies. Depending on the incident’s location (on-campus, off-campus in Houston, or a surrounding suburb), the UH Police Department and/or the Houston Police Department or Harris County Sheriff’s Office could be involved in a criminal investigation. Civil suits against individuals, chapters, nationals, or the university would typically be filed in Harris County civil courts. The sheer size of Houston and its legal infrastructure mean that hazing cases here can be highly complex, demanding extensive legal resources and expertise.

5.2.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For UH students and their families:

• Report to UH Authorities: Contact the UH Dean of Students office or UHPD directly. Use their online reporting forms or call their non-emergency lines.
• Document Prior Complaints: Research the university’s public hazing reports and any news archives for prior incidents involving the specific organization.
• Seek Houston-Based Legal Expertise: Given that the incident occurred in a major metropolitan area, consulting a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases, like Attorney911, can be crucial. Our firm intimately understands the local legal and institutional landscape, and how to uncover prior discipline records and internal files.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution of the UT System, known for its academic rigor, vibrant campus culture, and massive Greek life presence. Students come from every corner of Texas, including DeWitt County, and beyond. Its campus is a hub of activism and tradition, making it a powerful force in the state, yet not immune from the challenges of hazing.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains one of the most transparent hazing policies among Texas universities, with explicit prohibitions against all forms of hazing both on and off campus. The university is obligated by Texas law to publish a detailed Hazing Violations page (https://hazing.utexas.edu/) that lists organizations, the date of the incident, the specific conduct, and the sanctions imposed. This public log serves as an invaluable resource for parents and legal counsel. Reporting can be made through the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, the Dean of Students, or the UT Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public hazing log showcases regular disciplinary actions, indicating both a proactive reporting culture and persistent issues:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Incident (2023): The UT chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha was found responsible for hazing after new members were directed to consume excessive amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics with limited breaks. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education, demonstrating a pattern similar to national Pike incidents.
• Texas Wranglers and Other Spirit Groups: Various spirit organizations and tradition groups at UT have faced sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, blindfolding, and emotionally degrading activities. These cases highlight that hazing is not confined to Greek life but permeates other student organizations.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Assault Case (January 2024): This high-profile incident involved an Australian exchange student who alleged severe assault by fraternity members at a party, resulting in injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, a fractured tibia, and a broken nose. The student filed a lawsuit for over $1 million against the SAE chapter, which was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations.

UT’s commitment to publicly listing hazing violations, while positive for transparency, also reveals the ongoing challenge of curbing hazing, even within highly regulated systems.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at UT Austin often involve UT Police Department (UTPD) and/or the Austin Police Department for criminal investigations. Civil litigation against individuals, chapters, nationals, or the university would typically occur in Travis County District Courts, which have a history of handling complex cases. The existence of UT’s public hazing log can be a powerful tool for civil suits, helping to establish patterns of behavior, prior institutional knowledge, and potential negligence.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

For UT students and families from DeWitt County:

• Consult the UT Hazing Violations Log: Before joining any organization, review the official UT Austin Hazing Violations at https://hazing.utexas.edu/.
• Report Formally: If hazing occurs, report to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, the Dean of Students, or UTPD.
• Utilize Public Records: Be aware that UT’s transparency can aid in legal action, as past violations may strengthen a civil claim.
• Engage Experienced Counsel: Given the size and complexity of UT Austin and its legal apparatus, securing an attorney who understands hazing litigation is crucial for navigating both university processes and civil claims.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University, a prestigious private university in Dallas, is known for its beautiful campus, strong academic programs, and a prominent Greek life system. It attracts students from affluent backgrounds across Texas and the nation, including some from DeWitt County who seek its specific programs. The tight-knit Greek community and emphasis on tradition mean hazing incidents carry significant weight within this campus culture.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU strictly prohibits hazing in any form, applying its policies to all student organizations, whether on or off campus. The university outlines its stance in the Student Code of Conduct and provides various reporting mechanisms, including through the Office of the Dean of Students, the SMU Police Department, and anonymous online reporting systems like “Real Response.” SMU regularly updates its hazing prevention efforts, sometimes in response to peer institutions or internal incidents.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Like many private universities with robust Greek systems, SMU has faced hazing challenges:

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): This incident involved allegations that new members were subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation during events. Following an investigation, the Kappa Alpha Order chapter was suspended by the university for several years, with strict limitations on recruiting upon its eventual return.
• Ongoing Focus on Prevention: SMU, like other institutions, remains under constant pressure to ensure student safety, especially within its social organizations. Its policies and prevention programs are continually refined, often in response to broader national trends and incidents.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

As a private institution, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it a direct potential defendant in civil hazing lawsuits. Criminal investigations would involve the SMU Police Department and/or the Dallas Police Department, depending on the incident’s location. Civil cases against individuals, chapters, nationals, or the university would be filed in Dallas County District Courts. The ability to compel discovery from a private university can often provide more direct access to internal records and communications than with a public institution.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For SMU students and their families:

• Understand Private University Differences: SMU is a private school, meaning its disciplinary processes can differ from public institutions. This also impacts legal strategies related to institutional liability.
• Use Anonymous Reporting: If fearful of retaliation, SMU’s anonymous reporting systems can be a valuable first step to alert the university.
• Document and Seek Counsel: As with all hazing incidents, comprehensive documentation and immediate legal consultation with an experienced attorney are vital to navigate SMU’s internal processes and pursue civil remedies.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a unique position among Texas institutions. It’s known for its strong Christian identity, academic prowess, and a significant Greek life presence. Baylor draws students seeking a faith-based educational environment, including some from DeWitt County, and its culture is shaped by its religious affiliation and traditions. Hazing incidents here often present complex questions tied to both university policy and moral responsibility.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, articulating its policies within its Student Handbook and detailing its definition in alignment with Texas law. The university’s policies emphasize the importance of dignity and respect, contrasting sharply with hazing behaviors. Reporting channels are available through the Dean of Students office, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and an ethics hotline. Baylor’s policies often highlight a “zero tolerance” stance, particularly given its religious mission.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor University has faced significant institutional challenges related to student safety, particularly in the context of its football program and Title IX issues, which cast a long shadow over all campus conduct, including hazing:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): Following an internal investigation into hazing allegations within the baseball program, 14 players were suspended. The suspensions were staggered to minimize the impact on the team’s season, highlighting the tension between maintaining disciplinary standards and athletic performance. This incident showcased that hazing issues persist even in contexts where the university leadership is under intense scrutiny.
• Ongoing Oversight Challenges: Baylor’s history of broader cultural and oversight challenges, particularly revealed during the sexual assault scandal, means that any hazing allegations at the university are met with heightened scrutiny. University statements often reiterate a commitment to “zero tolerance” for misconduct.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

As a private university, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity, making it a potential defendant in civil hazing lawsuits. Criminal investigations would involve the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) and/or the Waco Police Department and McLennan County law enforcement. Civil cases would typically be heard in McLennan County District Courts. Litigation against Baylor might explore its historical oversight challenges and how its policies and enforcement (or lack thereof) contributed to hazing.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Baylor students and families:

• Consider Baylor’s Unique Context: Baylor’s private, religiously affiliated status and its past institutional review mean that internal processes and public responses to hazing can be different from other Texas universities.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: Given the potential complexity of any claim against Baylor, meticulously documenting all communications, evidence, and medical records is paramount.
• Seek Specialized Legal Counsel: Engaging an attorney who can navigate the nuances of private university litigation, while also understanding Baylor’s specific institutional history, is crucial for pursuing accountability.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

The patterns we see in hazing often involve organizations that exist on many campuses, including those frequented by DeWitt County students. Many fraternities and sororities at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor are chapters of large national organizations. Understanding the history of these national groups is critical because it reveals a pattern of behavior and, often, a pattern of failed oversight.

Why National Histories Matter

When a student from DeWitt County is harmed during a hazing ritual by a local chapter of a fraternity or sorority, we look beyond just the actions of the local members. We investigate the national organization. Here’s why:

• Shared “Traditions”: Many national fraternities and sororities, despite official anti-hazing policies, have entrenched “traditions” or rituals that replicate dangerous behaviors across chapters. If a “Big/Little” drinking game, for example, caused a death in Ohio, and a similar practice caused injury at a Texas chapter, it demonstrates a foreseeable and recurring danger.
• Foreseeability: National headquarters often have thick anti-hazing manuals and extensive risk management policies. They implement these because they have a long history of deaths, catastrophic injuries, and costly lawsuits. When a Texas chapter repeats a dangerous act that has harmed students in other states, it can demonstrate foreseeability—meaning the national organization knew or should have known such an event was likely unless they intervened effectively. This can significantly bolster claims of negligence or gross negligence against the national entity.
• Policy and Enforcement Gaps: While national organizations all have anti-hazing policies, litigation often uncovers a gap between policy and practice. Were these policies actually enforced? Were prior incidents at the same chapter or others adequately investigated and punished to deter future hazing? Often, the answer is no, showing a pattern of deliberate indifference.
• Financial Resources: National organizations typically carry significant insurance policies and have greater financial resources than individual students or local chapters. Holding them accountable is often essential for victims to receive full compensation for their extensive medical bills, lost educational opportunities, and severe emotional distress.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Many well-known national Greek organizations have been embroiled in hazing controversies that extend beyond a single campus. For DeWitt County families, understanding these national histories in relation to Texas chapters can reveal critical patterns:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT. Nationally, Pike has a tragic history of alcohol-related hazing deaths. A prime example is the Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after a “Big/Little” event, leading to criminal convictions, a $10 million settlement, and state anti-hazing legislation. The David Bogenberger case at Northern Illinois University (2012) also involved alcohol poisoning leading to a $14 million settlement. When similar alcohol-related acts are alleged at Texas chapters, this national pattern becomes crucial evidence of foreseeability.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT, SAE has a particularly concerning national history, leading it to eliminate its traditional pledge process entirely in 2014, though hazing persists. Multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries have occurred nationwide. Recent lawsuits include a tragic traumatic brain injury case filed at the University of Alabama (2023) and the chemical burns case at Texas A&M (2021) involving industrial cleaner. The assault case at UT Austin (2024), where an exchange student was severely injured, further highlights ongoing concerns. These repeated incidents underscore a pattern of dangerous conduct that national SAE has been on notice about for years.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Found at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor. The most prominent national incident is the Max Gruver case at Louisiana State University (2017), where a pledge died from alcohol toxicity during a “Bible study” drinking game, leading to criminal convictions and the Max Gruver Act. This case is a stark example of how dangerous “drinking games” can be fatal.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH and Texas A&M. The Andrew Coffey case at Florida State University (2017) involved a pledge dying from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. This incident led to criminal prosecutions and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU, emphasizing the extreme risks associated with forced “initiation” drinking.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Active at Texas A&M. The Danny Santulli case at the University of Missouri (2021) is a devastating reminder of severe non-fatal hazing. Santulli suffered permanent brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol, resulting in multi-million-dollar settlements. This case is a powerful example of the catastrophic long-term injuries that hazing can cause.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor. The Chad Meredith case at the University of Miami (2001) involved a pledge drowning with a BAC of 0.13 after being coerced to swim across a lake, resulting in a $12.6 million jury verdict and a state anti-hazing law in Florida. More recently, allegations of severe injuries from physical hazing, including rhabdomyolysis, have emerged from the Texas A&M chapter (2023), indicating a continuing pattern of physical abuse.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor. Recent cases include a $10 million+ settlement for a pledge who suffered physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment at the College of Charleston (2024), and a pledge hospitalized for alcohol poisoning from hazing at UT Arlington (2020), which settled confidentially. These demonstrate that even major organizations face substantial liability for severe hazing.

This is not an exhaustive list. Hazing is a pervasive issue, and many other fraternities, sororities, and student organizations have faced similar allegations and sanctions nationwide.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The cumulative weight of these national and campus-specific incidents heavily influences our legal strategy for DeWitt County families. These patterns demonstrate:

• Foreseeability: Repeated incidents show that national organizations and universities are on notice about the dangers inherent in certain “traditions” or organizational cultures.
• Failure to Act: When organizations have multiple hazing incidents but fail to implement meaningful change, it strengthens arguments for negligent supervision, gross negligence, and even punitive damages.
• Settlement Leverage: Faced with a history of documented hazing, defendants (individual members, local chapters, national organizations, and even universities) may be more inclined to settle to avoid public exposure and potentially larger verdicts at trial.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: A track record of hazing can sometimes lead to disputes with insurance carriers, who may attempt to deny coverage based on “intentional acts” exclusions. However, our expertise allows us to argue that negligent supervision, which is covered, led to the intentional acts.

Leveraging these national and Texas-specific histories is critical for building a strong case and securing accountability for victims of hazing.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For families in DeWitt County facing the profound injustice of a hazing incident, understanding how a legal case is built can be empowering. It moves beyond the emotional pain to a concrete path toward accountability and recovery. A successful hazing lawsuit is meticulously constructed, relying on critical evidence, a thorough understanding of damages, and a strategic approach honed through years of complex litigation.

Evidence

In today’s digital age, evidence is collected from a variety of sources, often requiring advanced forensic techniques:

• Digital Communications: These are often the most crucial pieces of evidence. GroupMe messages, WhatsApp chats, iMessages, Discord servers, Snapchat snaps, and Instagram DMs can reveal planning, peer pressure, coercion, and attempts at cover-up. Our firm often works with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages, ensuring that nothing is lost. As Attorney911’s video on using your cellphone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains, proper screenshotting and preservation are paramount.
• Photos & Videos: Content filmed by members during hazing events, shared in group chats, or posted on social media can provide undeniable proof. Surveillance footage from houses, bars, or campus security cameras (including doorbell cameras) can also be critical.
• Internal Organization Documents: Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions” lists, and emails or texts from officers discussing “what we’ll do to pledges” can expose the premeditated nature of hazing. National organizational policies on hazing and risk management are also examined to show whether they were genuinely enforced or merely “paper policies.”
• University Records: This includes prior conduct files, probation/suspensions for the same organization, internal incident reports made to campus police or student conduct offices, and Clery reports (federal crime statistics). For public universities like UT, their public hazing logs are invaluable.
• Medical and Psychological Records: Emergency room reports, hospitalization records, surgery and rehabilitation notes, and toxicology reports (blood alcohol content, drug screening) document the physical harm. Psychological evaluations and therapy records (documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation) are essential for proving emotional and mental damages.
• Witness Testimony: Testimony from other pledges, current members, former members who quit, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, or even bystanders can provide critical firsthand accounts.

Damages

In a civil hazing lawsuit, damages are intended to compensate the victim (or their family in wrongful death cases) for all losses incurred. These fall into several categories:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers immediate emergency room visits, ambulance transport, hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and any long-term medical care. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure, this includes the cost of lifelong care plans, often calculated by forensic economists.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This category includes lost wages if the student was working, as well as the profound financial impact of hazing on their education. This can involve missed semesters, lost scholarships, delayed graduation, and a diminished future earning capacity if injuries lead to permanent disabilities or psychological barriers to advanced education or employment.
• Non-Economic Damages: These subjective yet legally compensable damages relate to the victim’s emotional and psychological suffering. They include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, humiliation, loss of dignity, and loss of enjoyment of life (e.g., inability to participate in sports or hobbies they once loved due to physical or psychological trauma).
• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the most tragic cases, families can seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and profound non-economic damages such as loss of companionship, love, and society, as well as the grief and emotional suffering of parents and siblings.
• Punitive Damages: These are not compensatory but are awarded to punish particularly egregious, reckless, or malicious conduct and to deter similar acts in the future. They are often sought when defendants (like national organizations or universities) had prior knowledge of hazing, deliberately ignored warnings, or engaged in a cover-up. While Texas law has caps on punitive damages in many cases, our firm rigorously pursues them when the facts support it, as they send a strong message about accountability.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases are complicated by the multitude of potential defendants and the intricate world of insurance.

• Multiple Defendants: As discussed, a hazing lawsuit can name individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and even property owners. Each defendant likely has their own lawyers and insurance carriers.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: Fraternities, universities, and individuals typically have insurance policies that should cover negligence claims. However, insurers frequently attempt to deny coverage for hazing, arguing that it constitutes “intentional conduct” or “criminal acts,” which are often excluded from standard general liability policies.
• Navigating Exclusions: This is where Attorney911’s expertise, specifically Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), becomes invaluable. We understand how to challenge these denials by demonstrating that the underlying negligence (e.g., negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies) falls within covered acts. We identify all potential sources of recovery, including general liability, excess, and umbrella policies, often forcing insurers to defend or settle. These battles are heavily fact-specific, but skilled attorneys know how to fight for coverage.

Attorney911 is built for these challenges. Our firm’s complex litigation experience, including against corporate giants in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, means we are not intimidated by powerful institutional defendants or their well-funded legal teams. We rigorously investigate and strategically prosecute hazing claims, ensuring that every responsible party is held accountable.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For DeWitt County families and students, knowing what to do, what to watch for, and what your rights are is incredibly empowering. Hazing thrives on secrecy, confusion, and fear. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to combat it.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Parents are often the first to notice subtle changes. Trust your intuition.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:
  • Unexplained Injuries: Look for bruises, burns, cuts, or sprains without credible explanations.
  • Sudden Exhaustion/Sleep Deprivation: Your child is constantly tired, falling asleep in class or missing appointments.
  • Drastic Mood Changes: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, sudden withdrawal from family or old friends, or difficulty concentrating.
  • Secrecy: Your child becomes defensive or evasive when asked about their organization’s activities, often saying, “I can’t talk about that.”
  • Constant Digital Demand: Obsessive checking of group chats, phone always on, fear of missing “mandatory” texts or calls at all hours.
  • Academic Decline: Sudden drops in grades, missing classes, or neglecting assignments due to “organization demands.”
  • Financial Strain: Unexplained needs for money, large purchases for older members, or “fines.”
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach them with empathy and without judgment. Start with open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with [organization]?” or “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize their safety and well-being over any organizational loyalty. Let them know you will support them no matter what.
• If Your Child Is Hurt: Immediately seek medical care. Document everything: take clear photos of injuries over several days, screenshot text messages or social media posts they show you, and write down everything your child tells you while it’s fresh. Preserve any physical evidence.
• Dealing with the University: Document every interaction with university administrators. Ask specific questions about their knowledge of the organization’s past conduct and what actions were taken. Recognize that the university’s primary goal may be public relations, not necessarily your child’s legal recourse.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child sustains significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, it’s time to contact an experienced hazing attorney. Early intervention can preserve critical evidence.

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

If you’re a student in DeWitt County, or anywhere in Texas, grappling with what you’re experiencing, this guide is for you.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?: Ask yourself: Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do? Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal? Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening? If you answer yes to any of these, it’s likely hazing. Your gut feeling is often right. If it feels wrong, it probably is.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: You might feel like you “agreed” to certain activities to fit in or gain membership. However, Texas law explicitly states that your consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes the immense power dynamics, peer pressure, and psychological manipulation that negate true voluntary consent. You are not to blame for being a victim of hazing.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the absolute right to leave a predatory situation at any time. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you want to de-pledge, notify the organization in writing (email) and inform a trusted adult outside the group (parent, RA, academic advisor). You do not need to go to a “final meeting” where you may be pressured or retaliated against. Anonymous reporting options are available through campus hotlines or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many universities and state laws (including Texas) encourage reporting and seeking help in medical emergencies. If you call 911 for someone in distress, you generally won’t be punished for related minor violations (like underage drinking), as your priority was saving a life.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were part of an organization where hazing occurred, or you witnessed it, you might feel a complex mix of guilt, fear, and a desire to help.

• Acknowledge Your Role, But Look Forward: Your testimony and any evidence you possess can prevent future harm and potentially save lives. It’s a critical step toward accountability for the victims.
• Legal Protections: While you may have concerns about your own legal exposure, an experienced attorney can help you navigate your role, potentially securing immunity as a good-faith reporter or advising on how your cooperation can impact any potential charges you might face. Your information can lead to meaningful change.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For DeWitt County families, acting quickly and correctly after a hazing incident is crucial. Attorney911’s video on client mistakes (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY) demonstrates how common errors can compromise a strong legal claim. These include:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: While parents might want to protect their child from further trouble, deleting essential digital evidence (texts, GroupMe, social media) can appear as a cover-up and make proving your case nearly impossible. Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content, by screenshotting and backing it up.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: Emotional confrontations can prompt the organization to immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and solidify their defenses. Instead: Document everything, then call an experienced hazing lawyer before any direct confrontation.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities may pressure families into signing waivers or agreeing to “internal resolutions.” This could waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, and any settlement offered might be far below the actual value of your case. Instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university without having it reviewed by an attorney first.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: While the urge to share your story is natural, anything posted publicly can be used by defense attorneys against you. Inconsistencies can hurt credibility, and you could inadvertently waive legal privileges. Instead: Document privately and let your lawyer guide public communication.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” with the organization: If the organization asks your child to “talk things over before doing anything drastic,” they may be attempting to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that could harm a legal case. Instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication from or to the organization should go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities’ internal investigation processes are often slow, lack transparency, and prioritize institutional reputation over victim’s legal rights. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations can expire. Instead: Preserve evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately. University discipline is not the same as real accountability or compensation.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters, whether for individuals, fraternities, or universities, represent their employer’s interests, not yours. Any statement you give can be used against you, and early settlement offers are typically lowball. Instead: Politely decline to speak with them and inform them that your attorney will be in contact.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT, while often protected by sovereign immunity, can be sued for gross negligence, certain Title IX violations, or by holding individual employees personally liable. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific; contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Potentially, yes. While basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony under Texas Education Code § 37.152 if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This means jail time and significant fines are possible for those convicted.
• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that true voluntary consent is often impossible in environments of peer pressure, coercion, and power imbalances. Your child is a victim, regardless of perceived “agreement.”
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, in Texas, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. However, exceptions like the “discovery rule” or fraudulent concealment can extend this period. Time is of the essence; crucial evidence vanishes quickly, so call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to discuss your specific timeline. Attorney911 also has a video explaining the statute of limitations at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, knowledge of off-campus activities, and their failure to supervise. Many major hazing cases, including deaths and severe injuries, have occurred at unauthorized off-campus houses or retreats.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While some major hazing cases attract media attention, most hazing lawsuits settle confidentially before trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and can work to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms while still pursuing strong accountability.
• “How much does it cost to hire a hazing lawyer?”
  The Manginello Law Firm takes hazing cases, like most personal injury cases, on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fees come as a percentage of the recovery. Watch our video explaining contingency fees at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family in DeWitt County faces the devastating impact of hazing, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies—fight back, and how to win anyway. This is where The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, stands apart.

We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with deep roots in the Texas legal community, and we serve families across the entire state, including those in Cuero, Yorktown, and throughout DeWitt County. We know that hazing at Texas universities impacts families far beyond the campus perimeter, reaching into every community that sends its children to these institutions.

Our firm brings unique qualifications to hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña): Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. This invaluable experience means she knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their settlement strategies. In essence, we know their playbook because we used to run it. Lupe’s complete background can be reviewed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello): Managing Partner Ralph Manginello has a proven track record of taking on formidable opponents. Our firm was one of the few Texas law firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a landmark case demonstrating our capability to handle complex litigation against billion-dollar corporations. With extensive experience in federal courts, we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We’ve taken on powerful defendants and won; we know how to fight for accountability. Ralph’s full credentials are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have built a legacy on securing multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for families in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. This includes working with economists to value loss of life and medical experts to project lifetime care needs for severe injuries like brain damage. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force accountability and truly compensate victims for their profound losses. For more information, visit our wrongful death practice area at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Dual Civil & Criminal Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores our firm’s deep understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual perspective allows us to advise not only victims but also witnesses and former members who may face criminal exposure while cooperating with civil inquiries. Our criminal defense expertise can be seen at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
• Unmatched Investigative Depth: Our firm employs a comprehensive investigative approach. We don’t just rely on what’s handed to us; we actively seek out and obtain hidden evidence, including deleted group chats through digital forensics, national fraternity records showing patterns of prior incidents, and university files through diligent discovery and public records requests. We build a network of experts, from medical professionals to psychologists, to fully document the physical and psychological toll of hazing.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments operate behind closed doors. We know how to expose modern hazing tactics, balance victim privacy with the need for public accountability, and navigate the delicate cultural nuances of Greek life to prove coercion. Our mission is clear: to get you answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We approach every case with empathy, knowing this is one of the hardest things a family can endure.

Call to Action

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s Texas A&M, UH, UT, SMU, Baylor, or another institution—we want to hear from you. Families in DeWitt County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, justice, and accountability.

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

Here’s what you can expect from your free and confidential consultation:

• We will listen to your story without judgment and with genuine empathy.
• We will review any evidence you have, including photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options transparently: whether a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither, is appropriate for your situation.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• We will answer all your questions about costs, explaining our contingency fee basis – we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
• There is absolutely no pressure to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time necessary to make the best decision for your family.
• Everything you tell us is confidential.

Do not face the aftermath of hazing alone.

Call Us Today for a Free, Confidential Consultation:
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

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

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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