Hazing at Texas Universities: A Guide for Eastland County Families

The crisp Texas air hung heavy with the scent of damp earth and the distant echoes of late-night revelry. For a college student from Eastland County, far from the familiar routines of home, it was a night meant to solidify new bonds, a step into a new chapter. Yet, as the hours wore on, the laughter grew strained, the demands more insistent. A forced drinking game in a dimly lit off-campus house quickly escalated. Each misstep met with a jeer, each refusal with a threat of exclusion. Pressure mounted, loyalty twisted into coercion, until blurry vision and a churning stomach became an all-consuming fight for self-control, far beyond the point of safety. The student, caught between the desire to belong and a primal instinct for survival, found themselves trapped, wondering how normal college life had devolved into this.

This scenario, tragically, is not a fictional exaggeration. It’s a chilling reality that families throughout Texas, from the bustling cities to the quiet communities of Eastland County, face year after year. Hazing continues to plague our universities, adapting its tactics to evade detection while leaving behind a trail of physical and emotional devastation.

This comprehensive guide is written for families in Eastland County and across Texas who need to understand what hazing truly looks like in 2025, how Texas and federal law address it, and what legal options are available to victims and their loved ones. We will explore:

• Understanding modern hazing: Moving beyond outdated stereotypes to recognize the subtle, psychological, and digital forms of abuse prevalent today.
• The Texas legal landscape: A clear overview of state and federal laws that prohibit hazing and hold perpetrators accountable.
• National precedents: Examining high-profile cases across the country and how their lessons apply to our Texas campuses.
• Spotlight on Texas universities: A detailed look at hazing policies, documented incidents, and unique cultural dynamics at major institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University—schools where many Eastland County families send their children.
• Connecting local chapters to national patterns: Understanding how the histories of national organizations impact local chapters in Texas.
• Building a case for accountability: Delving into the types of evidence, damages, and legal strategies crucial for successful hazing litigation.
• Practical guides and FAQs: Offering actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses on recognizing, responding to, and preventing hazing.

While this article provides general information, it is not specific legal advice. If your family is facing the devastating impact of hazing, The Manginello Law Firm is here to provide confidential, experienced legal counsel. We serve families throughout Texas, including Eastland County, helping them navigate these complex challenges.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

• In the first 48 hours:

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

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

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Eastland County families, understanding hazing means looking beyond the cinematic depictions of silly pranks or the casual dismissal of “boys will be boys.” Modern hazing has evolved, often operating in plain sight under the guise of tradition, brotherhood, or spirited challenges. It’s no longer confined to dark basement rituals; it thrives in group chats, on social media, and in the insidious psychological manipulation that exploits a young person’s fundamental desire to belong.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

At its core, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student.

It’s crucial to emphasize: when there’s a power imbalance, peer pressure, and the threat of exclusion, genuine consent is often impossible. The phrase “I agreed to it” does not automatically make an activity safe, legal, or non-hazing. The law looks at the inherent nature of the act and the environment in which it occurred.

Main Categories of Hazing: Beyond the Stereotypes

Hazing isn’t a monolithic act; it manifests in various forms, from subtle coercion to outright violence. Recognizing these categories is the first step toward combating them.

Subtle Hazing: The Insidious Foundation

Often dismissed as “harmless fun” or “just tradition,” subtle hazing establishes a power imbalance and normalizes abusive behaviors. It creates psychological distress and sets the stage for more severe acts.

• Deception and Secrecy: Pledges are often instructed to lie to parents, professors, and university officials about their “new member education,” fostering a culture of mistrust and isolation. The mantra, “What happens here, stays here,” is a hallmark.
• Servitude and Personal Demands: Requiring new members to clean older members’ rooms, do their laundry, act as their personal drivers (often at odd hours), or run errands for them. This extends beyond legitimate service projects to tasks designed solely to demean.
• Social Isolation and Control: Limiting communication with non-members, dictating who new members can socialize with, or imposing strict approval processes for outside activities.
• Deprivation of Privileges: Denying pledges the right to speak unless addressed, to sit in certain areas, or to use specific entrances or amenities.
• Excessive Time Commitments: Mandatory late-night meetings, study hours, or other activities that interfere with academic performance, sleep, or personal well-being.
• “Tradition-Based” Tasks: Seemingly innocent scavenger hunts or games designed to humiliate or put pledges in uncomfortable social situations.

Modern Evolution: Digital Control:
In today’s connected world, subtle hazing leverages technology. Pledges might be required to:

• Respond instantly to group messages at all hours, with failure leading to punishment.
• Share their live location via apps like Snapchat or Find My Friends for constant monitoring.
• Have their social media activity policed, dictating what they can post or requiring them to engage with fraternity content.

Harassment Hazing: Physical and Emotional Discomfort

These behaviors inflict emotional or physical discomfort, contributing to a hostile and abusive environment. While not always physically injurious, they create significant psychological harm.

• Verbal Abuse: Constant yelling, screaming, insults, and demeaning language designed to break down self-esteem.
• Sleep and Food Deprivation: Imposing extremely late-night or early-morning activities, allowing minimal sleep, or restricting access to regular meals or water breaks. Some instances involve forcing the consumption of unpleasant substances or excessive amounts of food.
• Excessive Physical Exertion: Mandating strenuous calisthenics, “smokings,” forced runs, or other workouts far beyond reasonable limits, often presented as “physical conditioning” or “brotherhood challenges.”
• Public Humiliation: Forcing pledges to perform embarrassing acts, wear demeaning attire, or be subjected to verbal ridicule in public. This often extends to creating humiliating digital content.
• Disgusting Conditions: Forcing pledges into unsanitary environments or handling repulsive items.

Modern Evolution: “Voluntary” Coercion and Digital Displays:
Activities are often framed as “voluntary” while tacitly conveying that refusal will lead to social exclusion or denial of membership. Hazing is increasingly documented and shared digitally:

• Pledges are coerced into posting embarrassing content on platforms like TikTok or Instagram.
• Hazing events are livestreamed or recorded and shared in private group chats, creating a digital “spectacle” of abuse.

Violent Hazing: High Risk of Injury or Death

This category includes activities with a clear and present danger of physical injury, sexual assault, or death. These are illegal and represent severe violations of ethical conduct and safety.

• Forced Alcohol/Substance Consumption: This is the most common and deadliest form of hazing. It includes:
  • “Lineup” drinking games.
  • “Big/Little” reveal nights where pledges are given bottles or handles of hard liquor.
  • “Bible study” or trivia games where incorrect answers are punished with forced drinking.
  • Coercing pledges to use illegal drugs or unknown substances.
• Physical Beatings and Assaults: Direct physical violence, including punches, kicks, slaps, and the notorious “paddling.” In Texas, several individuals have faced criminal charges for such acts.
• Dangerous Physical Activities: Blindfolded obstacle courses, forced fights, or hazardous stunts (e.g., jumping from heights, forced swimming while intoxicated, dangerous driving for “drop-offs”).
• Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, sexually suggestive poses, or being subjected to sexual harassment or assault.
• Racist, Homophobic, or Sexist Hazing: Activities that target specific identities with slurs, demeaning role-playing, or other discriminatory acts.
• Kidnapping and Restraint: Abducting pledges and transporting them to remote locations, or physically restraining them in degrading ways. The “roasted pig” pose, where individuals are bound with an object in their mouth, has been cited in hazing allegations at Texas A&M.
• Exposure to Extreme Environments: Forcing pledges to endure extreme heat or cold, or denying them access to basic necessities like bathrooms or proper clothing.

Modern Evolution: Off-Campus Escapes and Unexpected Dangers:
To circumvent university oversight, violent hazing increasingly occurs in off-campus Airbnb rentals, remote lodges, or private residences. New forms of violent hazing include:

• Fire/Burn Hazing: As seen in a recent San Diego State case, where a pledge was set on fire.
• Chemical Hazing: Allegations from a Texas A&M lawsuit involved industrial-strength cleaner poured on pledges, causing severe chemical burns.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is far from exclusive to traditional fraternities and sororities, though it is deeply entrenched there. It’s a broad campus problem fueled by dynamics of power, tradition, and secrecy across a diverse range of student organizations. For Eastland County families, it’s vital to recognize that your child could encounter hazing in many different settings:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, NPHC, Panhellenic, Multicultural): Despite national anti-hazing policies, these remain the most common settings for hazing incidents, encompassing social, cultural, and spiritual organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations like the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M have faced scrutiny for initiation practices that include physical and psychological abuse, often framed as “tradition” or “building discipline.”
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to club sports and cheerleading squads, hazing in athletics often involves forced drinking, physical abuse (e.g., “rookie night” beatings), and sexualized rituals. The recent Northwestern University scandal is a stark reminder of this. This is relevant to Eastland County students who may aspire to collegiate athletics.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous artistic groups can harbor hazing cultures, as tragically shown in the Robert Champion case at Florida A&M.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Groups dedicated to school spirit or preserving traditions, such as the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin, have faced disciplinary action for hazing.
• Service, Academic, and Cultural Organizations: The unspoken pressure to “prove yourself” can seep into any group where membership is highly valued, leading to subtle or even overt hazing.

In all these environments, the underlying dynamics are similar: individuals seeking acceptance and identity within a group are subjected to demands from those already in positions of power. The code of silence, fear of reprisal, and misguided loyalty allow these practices to persist even when everyone involved knows they are wrong.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial for Eastland County families. It defines what constitutes an illegal act, who can be held responsible, and the avenues for justice and accountability.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust laws against hazing, primarily outlined in the Texas Education Code. These statutes make it clear that hazing is a serious offense with significant consequences.

Definition of Hazing in Texas (Texas Education Code § 37.151):

Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

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

In plain English: If someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they either intended to do it or were reckless about the risks involved, that is hazing under Texas law. The fact that an activity takes place off-campus or seems “consensual” does not negate its status as hazing.

Key points of Texas hazing law:

• Location Immaterial: Hazing can occur on or off campus. The university or organization cannot claim lack of jurisdiction solely because the act took place off their property.
• Mental or Physical Harm: The law recognizes both physical injuries and profound psychological distress as grounds for hazing.
• Intent and Recklessness: Malicious intent is not always required. Simply being reckless—knowing an act carries a risk and proceeding anyway—can be enough to establish hazing.
• “Consent” is Not a Defense (Texas Education Code § 37.155): This is a critical provision. Even if your child verbally “agreed” or “volunteered” to participate, the law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to prosecution for hazing. This recognizes the immense power dynamics and peer pressure inherent in initiation scenarios.

Criminal Penalties (Texas Education Code § 37.152):

The severity of criminal charges for hazing in Texas depends on the outcome:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Standard hazing offenses, not resulting in serious injury. Punishment can include up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical attention.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This carries a potential prison sentence.

Additionally, failing to report hazing (if you possess knowledge as a member or officer) is a misdemeanor offense. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Organizational Liability (Texas Education Code § 37.153):

Beyond individual perpetrators, the organizations themselves (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can face criminal prosecution if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing activity.
• An officer or member acting in their official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it.

Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke official recognition, effectively banning the group from campus.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (Texas Education Code § 37.154):

Texas law protects individuals who, in good faith, report a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement. These individuals are immune from civil or criminal liability stemming from that report. This protection aims to encourage reporting, especially in emergencies.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, families often wonder about the different legal avenues available. It’s important to distinguish between criminal and civil cases:

• Criminal Cases:

  • Initiator: The State of Texas (through prosecutors at the county or state level).
  • Purpose: To punish individuals or organizations for breaking criminal laws.
  • Outcomes: Fines, jail time, probation, community service.
  • Burden of Proof: “Beyond a reasonable doubt”—a very high standard.
  • Hazing-Related Charges: Can include hazing offenses (misdemeanor or felony), furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, aggravated assault, or even negligent homicide or manslaughter in cases of death.

• Civil Cases:

  • Initiator: The victim or their family (known as the plaintiff).
  • Purpose: To compensate the victim for their losses and suffering, and to hold responsible parties (individuals, organizations, universities) financially accountable.
  • Outcomes: Monetary damages (compensation), injunctive relief (e.g., policy changes).
  • Burden of Proof: “Preponderance of the evidence”—meaning it’s more likely than not that the defendant is responsible.
  • Hazing-Related Claims: Often involve negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, premises liability, negligent supervision, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional distress.

It’s vital for Eastland County families to understand that criminal and civil cases are separate but can run concurrently. A criminal charge or conviction is not a prerequisite for filing a civil lawsuit. In fact, a skilled hazing attorney can strategically pursue both paths for comprehensive accountability.

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

Beyond state law, several federal provisions impact how hazing is addressed, particularly at institutions receiving federal funding:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal law is designed to enhance transparency and accountability. Phased in by around 2026, it requires colleges and universities receiving federal student aid to:

  • Disclose more detailed hazing incident reports to the public, including the nature of the violation and sanctions imposed.
  • Strengthen hazing prevention education for students and staff.
  • Maintain public hazing data to allow families to make informed decisions.
    This federal mandate provides an additional layer of oversight that Texas schools must comply with.

• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex discrimination in education. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based violence, or a hostile environment based on sex, Title IX obligations are triggered. This means universities must investigate, respond, and take steps to prevent further discrimination, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed.

• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. While hazing is not explicitly listed as a Clery crime, hazing incidents often involve:

  • Assaults (aggravated assault, simple assault).
  • Alcohol or drug violations.
  • These related offenses may fall under Clery reporting requirements, providing public data that can reveal patterns of campus misconduct.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

One of the strengths of civil litigation is the ability to hold multiple parties accountable, not just the individual perpetrators. This is crucial in hazing cases, where institutional failures often enable the abuse.

• Individual Students: The individuals who directly perpetrated, planned, encouraged, or failed to intervene in the hazing acts. This can include “pledge masters,” chapter officers, or any participating member.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The collegiate fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself. Even if unincorporated, these groups can be sued, often through their officers or governing board.
• National Fraternity / Sorority: The national headquarters (e.g., Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon) is often a primary target in litigation. Liability can arise if the national organization:
  • Had prior knowledge of hazing within its chapters (either this specific chapter or others).
  • Failed to adequately train, supervise, or discipline its local chapters.
  • Failed to enforce its own anti-hazing policies.
  • Profited from the chapter’s existence (e.g., through dues) while being willfully blind to known risks.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, including its board of regents, can be held liable under theories of:
  • Negligent supervision: Failing to adequately oversee student organizations.
  • Failure to warn: Not informing students/parents of known hazing risks.
  • Premises liability: If hazing occurred on university property under unsafe conditions.
  • Deliberate indifference: In Title IX cases, if the university was aware of severe sexual harassment/assault risks and failed to respond.
• Third Parties:
  • Property owners: Landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurred, especially if they ignored known dangerous activities.
  • Alcohol vendors/bars: Under “dram shop” laws, establishments that negligently serve alcohol to visibly intoxicated individuals or minors may be liable.
  • Parents of members: In some cases, parents who hosted hazing events or facilitated underage drinking may bear responsibility.

Identifying all potentially liable parties and understanding their respective roles is a complex undertaking that requires experienced legal counsel. Each party will invariably try to shift blame, making expert investigation and strategic litigation essential.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic stories of hazing victims across the United States serve as stark reminders of the pervasive danger and the severe consequences when institutions fail to act. For Eastland County families, these national cases are not distant headlines; they represent crucial legal precedents and patterns of abuse that influence how hazing cases are fought and won in Texas courts.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption remains the deadliest form of hazing, perpetuating a repeating script of tragedy despite national awareness campaigns and anti-hazing policies.

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

  • What Happened: During a “bid acceptance” night, 19-year-old pledge Timothy Piazza was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. After falling repeatedly, suffering multiple traumatic brain injuries, and internal bleeding, fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours. His agonizing final hours were captured on the fraternity’s security cameras.
  • Legal Actions: This case led to over 1,000 criminal charges against Beta Theta Pi members, including involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and hazing. While many charges were later reduced, the public and legal outcry was immense. The Piazza family settled a civil suit for a confidential (but reportedly substantial) amount.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: Piazza’s death highlighted the horrific consequences of combining extreme intoxication with a delay in seeking medical help, driven by a culture of fear and silence. His story galvanized the creation of the “Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law” in Pennsylvania, prompting other states (including Texas) to re-evaluate their hazing statutes. It is a powerful example of how gross negligence and cover-ups exacerbate tragic outcomes.

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

  • What Happened: Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, tragically died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them quickly.
  • Legal Actions: Multiple Pi Kappa Phi members were prosecuted, with some pleading guilty to misdemeanor hazing charges. The Coffey family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, which was settled under confidential terms. The incident led to FSU temporarily suspending all Greek life activities and widespread anti-hazing discussions across Florida.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: Coffey’s death illustrates how “formulaic” drinking rituals, often cloaked as “tradition,” are inherently dangerous. It serves as a stark warning about the risks associated with “bid night” or “big/little night” celebrations common at Texas universities.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017):

  • What Happened: Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU pledge, died after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to drink heavily if they answered questions incorrectly. His blood alcohol content measured a lethal 0.495%.
  • Legal Actions: The case resulted in multiple criminal charges against fraternity members, with one member convicted of negligent homicide for his direct role in Gruver’s death. The Gruver family settled civil lawsuits with various defendants. His death was a direct catalyst for Louisiana enacting the “Max Gruver Act,” a felony hazing statute.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: This case is pivotal because it demonstrates how degrading rituals, tied to forced drinking, become criminal acts. The Max Gruver Act provides a blueprint for what more stringent Texas hazing laws could entail and underscores the serious criminal exposure individuals face.

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

  • What Happened: Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to consume an entire handle of hard liquor during a “Big/Little Reveal” night. He died three days later from alcohol poisoning.
  • Legal Actions: Eight fraternity members were charged, and multiple individuals faced convictions for hazing, reckless homicide, and other offenses. The Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: The Foltz case highlights that liability extends to both the national fraternity and the university. The significant settlement amount underscores the severe financial consequences for institutions that fail to prevent foreseeable hazing, a critical lesson for UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical hazing and degrading rituals inflict severe trauma, sometimes leading to death, and demonstrate that negligence comes in many forms.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013):
  • What Happened: Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, was blindfolded, weighted down with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a brutal “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus retreat in the Pocono Mountains. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and died after fraternity members delayed calling 911 for too long.
  • Legal Actions: Multiple members were convicted, and, groundbreakingly, the national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Pi Delta Psi was banned from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years and fined over $110,000.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: This case establishes a critical precedent for organizational criminal liability and proves that off-campus locations do not shield hazers or their organizations from accountability. It’s a stark reminder that “retreats” or “remote gatherings” can be even more dangerous due to their isolated nature.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it is a systemic problem that can permeate any group with power hierarchies and initiation customs, including prestigious athletic programs.

• Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023–2025):
  • What Happened: Former Northwestern football players alleged a long-standing culture of widespread, severe hazing within the program, including sexualized and racist rituals, forced nudity, and physical abuse. These allegations spanned multiple years and coaching staffs.
  • Legal Actions: The scandal led to the firing of highly successful head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who subsequently filed a wrongful-termination lawsuit (later settled confidentially). Multiple players filed civil lawsuits against the university and individual coaches, claiming negligence and a failure to protect students.
  • Why it Matters for Texas: This case serves as a critical example that hazing exists at the highest levels of collegiate athletics, potentially affecting Eastland County students aspiring to play at major Texas universities. It demonstrates that universities can face massive liability when they fail to oversee and address abuse within their athletic departments, regardless of the sport or organization.

What These Cases Mean for Eastland County Families

These national tragedies, far from being isolated incidents, reveal profound patterns of behavior and institutional failure. For Eastland County students attending or considering attending the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, or Baylor, these cases show:

• Foreseeability: The types of hazing that cause injury or death—especially forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, and delayed medical care—are not new. They are recurring scripts that national organizations and universities have been warned about repeatedly. This foreseeability strengthens arguments for institutional negligence.
• Accountability: Multi-million-dollar settlements and criminal convictions demonstrate that victims and their families can achieve justice when hazing leads to severe harm. Courts are increasingly holding national organizations and educational institutions liable, rejecting defenses that blame individuals or claim ignorance.
• Legislative Impact: The public outrage generated by these cases often leads to stronger anti-hazing laws, making it easier to prosecute perpetrators and pursue civil claims.

When tragedy strikes close to home, as it did in the Leonel Bermudez case at the University of Houston, these national precedents become directly relevant. They provide a roadmap for experienced hazing attorneys to argue against powerful defendants, demonstrating that the dangers were known, and the harm was preventable.

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

For Eastland County families, the reality of hazing often hits closest to home when it involves the universities where their children study, dream, and live. Texas boasts some of the largest and most prestigious universities in the nation, each with its own unique culture, Greek life, and challenges surrounding hazing. At The Manginello Law Firm, we understand these nuances and the specific landscape of hazing at our state’s institutions.

While Eastland County itself doesn’t host a major four-year university, families here frequently send their children to the larger public and private institutions across Texas. Texas A&M, the University of Houston, and UT Austin are popular choices, alongside private schools like Baylor and SMU. Each of these campuses has faced hazing incidents, highlighting that the problem is widespread, not isolated. Understanding these individual campus environments is crucial for anticipating legal strategies and ensuring accountability. The information below is particularly relevant to Eastland County families whose children have attended, currently attend, or plan to attend these schools.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus in the heart of our firm’s home city, is currently at the center of our most significant litigation regarding hazing. Many Eastland County students choose UH for its diverse academic programs and proximity to Houston’s opportunities.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a large, public research university serving over 47,000 students. Its diverse population includes a mix of residential and commuter students, creating a dynamic campus environment. Greek life at UH is robust, with numerous fraternities and sororities affiliated with various governing councils, including the Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and several multicultural Greek organizations. Beyond Greek life, UH boasts a wide array of student organizations, from cultural groups to academic societies and social clubs, all of which operate within the university’s anti-hazing policies.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston prohibits hazing both on and off campus, clearly defining it as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers mental or physical health or safety for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. UH’s stated policy explicitly bans acts such as:

• Forced consumption of alcohol, food, drugs, or any other substance.
• Sleep deprivation.
• Physical mistreatment, beatings, or violent acts.
• Mental or emotional distress, including extreme humiliation or exploitation.

UH provides multiple avenues for reporting hazing incidents, including directly through the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university publishes a hazing statement on its website, outlining its commitment to prevention and detailing some disciplinary actions, though often not with the level of detail seen at other institutions.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

The University of Houston has a history of addressing hazing incidents within its student organizations. One notable example from 2016 involved a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter where pledges were allegedly subjected to sleep deprivation, food and water restriction, and physical abuse. One pledge reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen, among other injuries, after being violently slammed onto a table during an event. This incident led to criminal misdemeanor hazing charges against some individuals and significant university sanctions against the chapter, including suspension.

More recently, the Leonel Bermudez case has brought renewed attention to the severe hazing problem at UH. In late 2025, Attorney911 filed a lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, a UH student who, as a pledge for the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity’s Beta Nu chapter, suffered acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis—a severe muscle breakdown—after alleged hazing that included forced physical exertion and degrading rituals. Bermudez’s condition was so severe that he passed brown urine, a classic symptom of rhabdomyolysis, and required a four-day hospitalization. Allegations from the lawsuit detail a pledge fanny pack containing degrading items, forced sprints, bear crawls, and more than 100 push-ups and 500 squats in a single November 3rd workout. Pledges were also allegedly subjected to cold-weather exposure in underwear and hosing “similar to waterboarding.”

This case is currently ongoing, but the Pi Kappa Phi national headquarters suspended the Beta Nu chapter on November 6, 2025, and the chapter voted to surrender its charter eight days later on November 14th, permanently shutting down. The lawsuit names the University of Houston, its Board of Regents, the Pi Kappa Phi national organization, its housing corporation, and 13 individual fraternity leaders and members as defendants, seeking more than $10 million in damages. As Lupe Peña of Attorney911 stated, “If this prevents harm to another person…Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Ralph Manginello added, in reference to Bermudez’s severe condition, that “His urine was brown” and “We’re almost in 2026. This has to stop.”

Local news outlets such as Click2Houston (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 (https://abc13.com/post/waterboarding-forced-eating-physical-punishment-lawsuit-alleges-abuse-faced-injured-pledge-uhs-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity/18186418/), and Hoodline (https://hoodline.com/2025/11/university-of-houston-and-pi-kappa-phi-fraternity-face-10m-lawsuit-over-alleged-hazing-and-abuse/) have extensively covered the Bermudez case, highlighting the severity of the alleged hazing and the determination to seek accountability.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at the University of Houston, especially those involving physical injury or severe medical conditions, are complex. Since UH is in Houston, a populous metropolitan area, cases may involve:

• Law Enforcement: The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) or the Houston Police Department (HPD) if the incident occurs off-campus within city limits.
• Jurisdiction: Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Harris County courts, or federal court within the Southern District of Texas, depending on the nature of the claims and the parties involved.
• Potential Defendants: In addition to individuals and any local chapter involved, defendants could include the national fraternity/sorority, the University of Houston, and potentially property owners if the hazing occurred on third-party premises.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For Eastland County families with students at UH, being proactive is critical:

• Document Everything: Keep a meticulous record of any suspicious incidents, late-night activities, health changes, or unusual demands. This is especially true for any text messages, group chats, or social media posts that might indicate hazing. Attorney911’s video on documenting a legal case with your cellphone (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) provides valuable guidance here.
• Seek Medical Attention: Any physical or psychological symptoms should be immediately addressed by a medical professional. Ensure hazing is noted in medical records.
• Know UH Policies: Familiarize yourself with UH’s anti-hazing policies and reporting procedures.
• Contact an Attorney: If hazing is suspected or confirmed, an attorney experienced in Houston hazing cases can immediately help preserve evidence, advise on reporting, and protect your student’s rights. The quick action taken by Attorney911 in the Bermudez case demonstrates the importance of immediate legal intervention.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a major destination for Eastland County students, is renowned for its deep-rooted traditions and the strong presence of the Corps of Cadets. While these elements contribute to a unique campus culture, they can also become breeding grounds for hazing, often cloaked under the guise of tradition or discipline.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M, located in College Station, is one of the largest public universities in the U.S., with a student body exceeding 70,000. It is famously home to the Corps of Cadets, a military-style training organization integral to the university’s identity. Greek life is also significant, with a large number of fraternities and sororities. The campus culture is heavily influenced by loyalty, tradition, and a strong sense of community, which can sometimes be exploited in initiation processes.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M’s hazing policy, like all Texas public universities, is aligned with the Texas Education Code. It unequivocally prohibits hazing for any organization affiliated with the university, specifying that such acts can occur on or off campus, and includes both mental and physical endangerment.

• The university specifically forbids activities such as forced consumption of food or alcohol, physical labor, sleep deprivation, beatings, and any degrading or humiliating tasks.
• Reporting channels for hazing at Texas A&M include the Office of Student Conduct, the University Police Department (UPD), and specific reporting mechanisms within the Corps of Cadets and Fraternity & Sorority Life offices. The university also maintains a public record of hazing violations.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced significant challenges and scrutiny related to hazing in both its Greek life and the Corps of Cadets.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon Incident (circa 2021): This particularly egregious case involved allegations of pledging members being subjected to harmful substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns that required emergency medical treatment and skin graft surgeries for the pledges involved. The chapter was suspended, and a lawsuit seeking $1 million was filed against the fraternity. This incident highlights the extreme and physically damaging nature that hazing can take, even beyond alcohol.
• Corps of Cadets Allegations (2023): A lawsuit filed in 2023 detailed allegations of deeply degrading hazing within the Corps of Cadets, including forced participation in simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” position with an apple in the mouth. The cadet alleged that these acts caused severe emotional distress. While Texas A&M stated it addressed the matter through its internal conduct process, civil litigation brought these issues into public view and questioned the oversight of deeply entrenched traditions.
• Phi Gamma Delta (1997): Trey Walker, a Phi Gamma Delta pledge, died during a cleanup event that his family argued was hazing, though the university classified it differently. This highlights the contentious definition of hazing and the need for thorough investigation.

These incidents demonstrate the vulnerability points within A&M’s proud traditions, where “toughening up” or “earning your place” can cross the line into illegal and dangerous hazing.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Eastland County families, legal action concerning hazing at Texas A&M typically involves:

• Law Enforcement: College Station Police Department or Brazos County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus incidents, or the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) for on-campus violations.
• Jurisdiction: Civil lawsuits would generally be heard in Brazos County courts, or federal court in the Western District of Texas.
• Sovereign Immunity: As a public institution, Texas A&M University may invoke sovereign immunity, which protects state entities from certain lawsuits. However, this immunity is not absolute and can be waived in cases of gross negligence, Title IX violations, or by suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Our firm’s experience with complex litigation against public entities, including the BP Texas City explosion, positions us to navigate such challenges effectively.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Eastland County families with ties to Texas A&M should be particularly vigilant given the strong emphasis on tradition and group loyalty:

• Question Traditions: Encourage your student to critically evaluate any “tradition” that involves secrecy, forced acts, or discomfort.
• Understand Corps Culture: If your student is in the Corps, they should understand the difference between legitimate military training and illegal hazing. Documenting physical demands and emotional distress is crucial.
• Preserve Evidence: As with all hazing, collecting digital communications, photos, medical records, and witness accounts immediately is vital.
• Consult a Lawyer: Especially given sovereign immunity issues, it is imperative to speak with an attorney who has experience challenging public universities in Texas.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution where many Eastland County students aspire to attend, known for its academic rigor and vibrant social scene. Like other large universities, UT has grappled with persistent hazing issues, managing them with a notable degree of public transparency.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a sprawling public university characterized by a fervent school spirit and a massive student population. Its Greek system is extensive and influential. Beyond fraternities and sororities, UT is home to numerous student organizations, including renowned spirit groups like the Texas Cowboys (a group that has faced hazing allegations). The university’s culture balances academic excellence with a lively social calendar, making student involvement in various organizations a common and valued experience.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin strictly prohibits hazing across all its student organizations, adhering to the broad definition set by Texas Education Code. Its policy explicitly bans mental or physical endangerment for initiation or membership purposes, regardless of location.

• UT Austin stands out for its relatively high level of transparency regarding hazing offenses. The university maintains a publicly accessible “Hazing Violations” webpage (hazing.utexas.edu) that lists organizations found responsible for hazing acts, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed. This resource is invaluable for prospective and current students and their families.
• Reporting channels include the Dean of Students Office, the Student Conduct and Academic Integrity office, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

The UT Austin Hazing Violations page is a window into the ongoing challenges on campus. It routinely lists numerous organizations found responsible for hazing, demonstrating that despite policies and awareness, these incidents persist.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (circa 2023): Records show a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume excessive amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. This incident resulted in findings of hazing violations, leading to chapter probation and mandatory hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Cowboys (numerous incidents): This prominent spirit organization has repeatedly faced sanctions for hazing and misconduct. Incidents have included forced alcohol consumption, physical activities designed to humiliate, and attempts to conceal hazing acts, often resulting in temporary suspensions and behavioral requirements. One former Texas Cowboy “New Man,” John Howard, died in a truck accident that his parents allege was related to sleep deprivation induced by hazing activities in 2018. A related hazing case involving Sigma Chi at UT Austin, mentioned by parents in the context of Sawyer Updike’s death in 2024, points to ongoing hazing challenges within traditional Greek and campus organizations.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (2006): In a widely cited incident, Tyler Cross, a pledge, died in a fall while under the influence of alcohol after a party. While initially debated, police suspected hazing as a factor.

The recurring nature of violations, even with public disclosure, indicates the deep-seated cultural components of hazing that universities continually combat.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Eastland County families, legal considerations for hazing at UT Austin include:

• Law Enforcement: UTPD handles on-campus incidents, while the Austin Police Department (APD) and Travis County Sheriff’s Office handle off-campus cases in Austin and Travis County.
• Jurisdiction: Civil lawsuits are typically filed in Travis County courts or federal court within the Western District of Texas.
• Sovereign Immunity: As a public university, UT Austin benefits from sovereign immunity under Texas law. However, as noted before, exceptions apply, and diligent attorneys can pursue claims against individuals or under specific waivers. The transparency of UT’s public hazing records can be a powerful tool in demonstrating a pattern of knowledge and failure to prevent.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

Given UT Austin’s transparency (hazing.utexas.edu), Eastland County families can take specific steps:

• Review UT’s Hazing Violations Page: Before joining any organization, check its disciplinary history. A pattern of violations is a significant red flag.
• Utilize UT’s Resources: Understand how to report hazing through UT’s various channels.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: Given the prevalence of digital hazing, preserving text messages, group chats, and social media evidence is paramount.
• Consult Experienced Counsel: Our attorneys, including Ralph Manginello with decades of experience and Lupe Peña with her insurance insider advantage, can leverage UT’s public data and our investigative skills to build a strong case.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private institution in Dallas, is a popular choice for Eastland County families seeking a more intimate campus experience, often associated with a vibrant social and Greek life scene. Its private status means different legal dynamics in confronting hazing.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private university located near Dallas, known for its beautiful campus and strong academic programs, particularly in business and law. The university has a prominent Greek system, attracting a significant percentage of the student body. SMU’s social culture is often active, and student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, play a major role in campus life.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU strictly prohibits hazing, articulating clear definitions and consequences for violations. The university’s policies align with Texas law, extending to both on-campus and off-campus activities, and cover physical, mental, and emotional harm.

• Being a private institution, SMU’s internal disciplinary records are generally not as publicly accessible as those of state-funded universities. However, SMU does outline its commitment to hazing prevention and provides resources for reporting incidents.
• Reporting options typically include the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Affairs, and the SMU Police Department.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has seen its share of hazing incidents that have led to chapter suspensions and disciplinary actions, particularly within its Greek organizations.

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): This case involved allegations of severe hazing, including forced physical abuse (paddling), coerced alcohol consumption, and extensive sleep deprivation of new members. The chapter faced immediate suspension from the university, and its national organization also imposed sanctions. The chapter was prohibited from recruiting new members for several years, effectively pausing its campus presence.
• SMU has, at other times, placed various fraternities and sororities on various forms of probation, suspension, or revoked charters due to hazing violations related to alcohol misuse, physical exertion, and behavior deemed humiliating or dangerous.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing lawsuits involving SMU or its affiliated organizations involve different considerations due to its private status:

• Law Enforcement: Dallas Police Department (DPD) or university police would be involved depending on the incident’s location.
• Jurisdiction: Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Dallas County courts or federal court within the Northern District of Texas.
• Immunity: As a private institution, SMU generally does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially easier to sue the university directly for negligence or other torts compared to public universities. This does not mean it is simple, as private institutions often have considerable resources for legal defense.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Eastland County families with students at SMU should:

• Understand SMU’s Specific Protocols: While private, SMU has an ethical and legal obligation to prevent hazing. Familiarize yourself with their internal reporting and investigation methods.
• Document Discretely: Given the less public nature of private university disciplinary records, diligent personal documentation of any hazing incidents (texts, photos, witness accounts) becomes even more crucial.
• Seek External Counsel: An experienced hazing attorney can help uncover internal records, apply pressure for full investigations, and secure accountability. Our firm’s ability to take on powerful defendants in complex litigation is particularly relevant here.

5.5 Baylor University

For Eastland County families who value faith-based education, Baylor University in Waco stands as a prominent choice. While deeply committed to its Christian mission, Baylor has faced its own challenges with student misconduct, including hazing, which highlights that no institution is immune to these issues.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is a private Baptist research university in Waco. It cultivates a distinct culture emphasizing faith, community, and tradition. Baylor has a substantial Greek life presence, alongside numerous other student organizations that contribute to a vibrant campus experience. The university has undergone significant public scrutiny in recent years regarding its handling of sexual assault allegations within its football program, which has led to widespread changes in governance and reporting.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University maintains a “zero tolerance” policy for hazing, emphasizing its incompatibility with the university’s mission and values. Its definition of hazing broadly encompasses any act that endangers mental or physical well-being, for purposes of initiation or affiliation, on or off campus.

• Baylor’s policies specifically condemn forced alcohol or drug consumption, physical punishments, sleep deprivation, and any activities that are demeaning, humiliating, or intimidating.
• Reporting channels include the Baylor Police Department, the Office of Student Conduct, and resources within the Greek Life Office. Baylor actively promotes ways for students to report anonymously.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s recent history has placed it under intense public and legal scrutiny regarding student safety and institutional oversight. While often associated with its high-profile sexual assault scandal, cases of hazing have also emerged.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): In 2020, 14 members of the Baylor baseball team were suspended following an internal investigation into hazing allegations. The suspensions were staggered over the early part of the season. While specific acts were not publicly detailed, the university confirmed violations of its anti-hazing policy. This incident highlights that hazing can occur even in highly visible, successful athletic programs at faith-based institutions.
• Baylor Chamber of Commerce Hazing (1967): In a historical yet pertinent incident, John E. Clifton died after alleged physical hazing involving forced consumption of a foul concoction and laxatives. While ruled an accident by the state, the university’s president later reversed his stance and banned “physical” hazing, underscoring evolving understanding and definitions of hazing.

These incidents, particularly the baseball team suspensions, indicate that despite strong stated policies and a values-driven mission, Baylor must continually battle hazing practices within its student organizations.

5.4.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Eastland County families considering or attending Baylor, here’s what to know about hazing litigation:

• Law Enforcement: Waco Police Department (WPD) or Baylor Police Department (BPD) would be involved depending on the incident location.
• Jurisdiction: Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County courts or federal court in the Western District of Texas.
• Private Status: As a private university, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity, which can simplify the process of suing the institution directly for negligence compared to public universities. However, like SMU, Baylor has considerable resources to defend against litigation.
• Prior Scrutiny: Baylor’s recent history of high-profile litigation related to campus safety means that policies and procedures have been extensively reviewed. An attorney will need to carefully analyze whether these reforms were truly effective in preventing hazing or if systemic issues persisted.

5.4.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

Eastland County families with students at Baylor should:

• Prioritize Well-being over Pressure: Reinforce that no organization, faith-based or otherwise, justifies endangering mental or physical health.
• Understand Baylor’s Reforms: Be aware of the changes Baylor has implemented regarding student safety and misconduct reporting.
• Utilize Reporting Channels: Use Baylor’s reporting mechanisms, but also understand that an independent legal evaluation is often necessary to ensure full accountability.
• Contact Experienced Counsel: Our attorneys have experience challenging institutions, both public and private, and can navigate the complexities of litigation against well-resourced universities like Baylor.

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

Understanding that many hazing practices are deeply rooted, not just in campus culture but within the national organizations themselves, is crucial for Eastland County families seeking to hold perpetrators and institutions accountable. When a local chapter at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor engages in hazing, they are often replicating behaviors that have caused harm, and sometimes death, in other chapters across the country.

6.1 Why National Histories Matter

Most fraternities and sororities operating at Texas universities are part of large, national, or international organizations. These national bodies typically:

• Develop and disseminate anti-hazing policies: Often comprehensive manuals and “new member education” programs intended to prevent hazing, which are designed partly in response to previous tragedies.
• Collect dues and fees: From individual members and local chapters, which fund national operations, including risk management and legal defense.
• Employ professional staff: Who oversee chapter operations, investigate complaints, and provide “guidance.”
• Carry significant insurance policies: Specifically designed to cover liabilities arising from member misconduct, including hazing.

The relevance of these national structures is critical in litigation. When a Texas chapter engages in hazing that causes injury or death, a legal strategy effectively targets the national organization. This is not merely about finding a “deeper pocket”; it’s about establishing foreseeability and demonstrating a pattern of negligence or deliberate indifference.

If a national fraternity’s local chapter at, say, the University of Houston employs forced drinking games that have led to alcohol poisoning deaths at other chapters across the country (e.g., Pi Kappa Alpha’s pattern, Pi Kappa Phi’s history), it’s far harder for the national to claim they “had no idea” this could happen or that it was the act of “rogue individuals.” Their own risk management policies exist because these dangers are known and foreseeable.

Our legal approach demonstrates that:

• Prior incidents create knowledge: National organizations are expected to learn from their past incidents and implement effective preventative measures.
• Failure to enforce policies is negligence: Simply having an anti-hazing policy is insufficient if it is not actively enforced, monitored, and supported by meaningful sanctions.
• Pattern evidence strengthens claims: Demonstrating a recurring pattern of similar hazing activities across multiple chapters of the same national organization significantly bolsters claims of institutional negligence and can increase the potential for punitive damages.

6.2 Organization Mapping: Familiar Names, Recurring Patterns

Below are some of the major national fraternities and sororities that have a significant presence at Texas universities, including UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. We highlight national incidents associated with these organizations, illustrating the patterns of hazing that attorneys like us leverage in civil litigation. Please note that while these organizations have national histories of hazing, this listing does not imply that every local chapter has engaged in such behavior. Attorney911 operates strictly on documented facts and verified incidents.

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

• About PIKE: A large national fraternity with chapters at many major Texas universities.
• National Hazing History:
  • Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (2021): Stone Foltz died of alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire handle of alcohol during a “Big/Little Reveal” night. This incident led to multiple criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement, with $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and nearly $3 million from BGSU.
  • David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University (2012): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event, leading to a $14 million settlement for his family.
• Relevance to Texas: PIKE chapters are present at UT Austin and other Texas universities. The direct and severe consequences of forced alcohol consumption highlight why their national policies must be rigorously enforced at every local chapter. The pattern of such incidents across the country makes this type of hazing highly foreseeable.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

• About SAE: One of the largest fraternities in the country, often referred to as “America’s deadliest fraternity” by media due to numerous hazing-related deaths over the years. Chapters are active at Texas A&M, UT Austin, and other institutions.
• National Hazing History:
  • University of Alabama (2023): A lawsuit was filed against SAE alleging fraud, negligence, and assault after a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual.
  • Texas A&M University (2021): Two pledges alleged severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries after being covered in industrial-strength cleaner, eggs, and spit during forced strenuous activity. The pledges sued the fraternity for $1 million.
  • University of Texas at Austin (2024): An international student alleged assault by fraternity members, resulting in significant injuries including a dislocated leg and fractured bones. This chapter was already suspended for prior violations.
  • Carson Starkey – Cal Poly (2008): 18-year-old pledge died from alcohol poisoning. His family later created the “Aware Awake Alive” foundation.
• Relevance to Texas: SAE’s extensive history of hazing, including incidents at Texas A&M and UT Austin, demonstrates a clear national pattern. This makes it challenging for the national organization to disclaim knowledge or responsibility when similar events occur.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

• About Phi Delta Theta: A prominent fraternity with chapters across Texas, including at LSU (where a major incident occurred), UT Austin, and other schools.
• National Hazing History:
  • Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University (2017): Pledge died from alcohol toxicity during a “Bible study” (forced drinking game). This led to the “Max Gruver Act” in Louisiana, making felony hazing a criminal offense. A civil lawsuit for wrongful death also ensued, resulting in a $6.1 million verdict and prior confidential settlements.
• Relevance to Texas: The tragic circumstances of Max Gruver’s death serve as a potent reminder of the dangers of forced drinking rituals within Phi Delta Theta. Any similar activity in a Texas chapter can immediately draw comparisons, strengthening arguments for pattern-based liability.

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

• About Pi Kappa Phi: Pi Kappa Phi has a presence at many top universities, including a chapter recently under scrutiny at the University of Houston.
• National Hazing History:
  • Leonel Bermudez v. University of Houston / Pi Kappa Phi (2025): Our firm, Attorney911, is actively litigating this $10 million lawsuit on behalf of Leonel Bermudez, who suffered acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis after alleged severe hazing. This includes forced physical exertion at Yellowstone Boulevard Park, brown urine, and alleged “waterboarding”-like hosing.
  • Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (2017): Pledge died from acute alcohol poisoning during “Big Brother Night,” involving forced consumption of hard liquor.
• Relevance to Texas: The ongoing Bermudez case is a clear example of Pi Kappa Phi’s national hazing patterns manifesting in Texas. The previous national incidents, including Coffey’s death, provide strong evidence of foreseeability in our current litigation against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi.

Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ)

• About Kappa Sigma: Kappa Sigma maintains a presence at various Texas universities.
• National Hazing History:
  • Texas Christian University (2018): A member was arrested for allegedly hazing pledges with forced drinking.
  • Chad Meredith – University of Miami (2001): Pledge drowned after being coerced into swimming across a lake while intoxicated. His family received a $12.6 million jury verdict, leading to Florida’s “Chad Meredith Law.”
• Relevance to Texas: The TCU incident, coupled with the national history of tragic outcomes like Chad Meredith’s death, demonstrates that Kappa Sigma chapters in Texas are bound by this national pattern of risk and liability concerning alcohol and dangerous practices.

Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ) and Alpha Phi Alpha (ΑΦΑ) (Historically Black Greek Letter Organizations)

• About NPHC Organizations: These historically Black fraternities and sororities have deep traditions and community involvement. While they officially prohibit hazing, some chapters have unfortunately faced severe incidents.
• National Hazing History:
  • Omega Psi Phi, University of Southern Mississippi (2023): Former student Rafeal Joseph alleged severe hazing including repeated beatings with wooden paddles during “Hell Night,” leading to extensive injuries and required emergency surgery. He filed a federal lawsuit against the university and the Nu Eta chapter.
  • Alpha Phi Alpha, Morehouse College (1989): Joel Harris died following suspected physical hazing.
• Relevance to Texas: Chapters of Omega Psi Phi and Alpha Phi Alpha are present at Texas universities. Claims of physical hazing, often involving paddling or excessive exertion, tragically underscore that no Greek organization is immune.

6.3 Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The documented national histories of these organizations are not mere footnotes; they are fundamental to building a strong hazing case in Texas. Our legal strategy actively connects these patterns to local incidents:

• Establishing Foreseeability: When a local chapter in Texas engages in a form of hazing that has previously led to injury or death in another chapter of the same national organization, it becomes nearly impossible for the national to argue lack of awareness. They had prior warnings, creating a clear case of foreseeability.
• Proving Negligence and Intentional Indifference: If a national organization fails to genuinely enforce its anti-hazing policies, ignores red flags, or provides insufficient oversight despite a documented history of severe incidents, it can be held liable for negligence or even intentional indifference, which can open the door to punitive damages.
• Challenging Insurance Denials: Lupe Peña’s experience as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable here. She understands how national fraternities’ and universities’ insurance carriers try to deny coverage by claiming “intentional acts” or “rogue behavior.” We dismantle these arguments by proving patterns of negligence that fall within coverage.

This strategic approach amplifies the pressure on all responsible parties, positioning Attorney911 as a relentless advocate for Eastland County families seeking justice against powerful, well-resourced organizations.

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully navigating a hazing lawsuit requires far more than just proving an injury occurred. It demands a meticulous gathering of evidence, a comprehensive understanding of recoverable damages, and a sophisticated legal strategy capable of challenging powerful institutional defendants. For Eastland County families, this means building a case designed for maximum accountability.

7.1 Evidence: The Modern Crime Scene is Digital

In 2025, the most crucial and often overlooked evidence in a hazing case is digital. Hazers, mistakenly believing in their own savvy, leave a trail of breadcrumbs across social media and messaging apps. Preserving this digital footprint immediately is paramount. Attorney911’s video on using your cellphone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) is a must-watch for anyone in this situation.

• Digital Communications: These are often the “smoking gun,” revealing intent, coercion, and cover-up attempts.
  • Group Messaging Apps (GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack): These platforms are used for instructions, threats, derogatory comments about pledges, and discussions about hazing activities. Proper screenshots must capture full threads with contact names/numbers, timestamps, and context. If messages are auto-deleted (e.g., Snapchat), immediate screenshots or screen recordings are essential.
  • Direct Messages (DMs) on Social Media: Private conversations between members or with pledges can reveal explicit hazing demands or threats.
  • Emails: Official or unofficial communications between members, alumni, or advisors can provide critical insights into organizational knowledge and directives.
• Photos & Videos: Hazing is often documented by perpetrators themselves for “fun” or “bragging rights.”
  • From Members’ Phones: Pictures or video from hazing events, including forced drinking, humiliating acts, or physical abuse. These are frequently shared in private group chats or on “Finsta” (fake Instagram) accounts.
  • Social Media Posts (Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat): Even seemingly innocuous posts can depict locations, participants, or activities that imply hazing.
  • Security Camera Footage: From houses, university buildings, or nearby businesses, which might capture arrivals/departures, or physical altercations.
• Internal Organization Documents: These reveal policies, procedures, and official communications that can be compared against actual behavior.
  • Pledge Manuals/New Member Guides: Often contain veiled instructions or “traditions” that constitute hazing.
  • Ritual Scripts: May outline activities that, while not explicitly hazing, create a coercive environment.
  • Meeting Minutes/Correspondence: Documents or communications between local chapters and national headquarters can show awareness or warnings regarding hazing.
• University Records: These establish the institution’s knowledge, policies, and actions (or inactions) regarding the organization.
  • Prior Conduct Files: History of hazing violations, probations, or suspensions for the specific organization (e.g., UT Austin’s public hazing.utexas.edu page).
  • Campus Police Reports: Records of incidents, even minor ones, involving the organization or its members.
  • Clery Reports: Annual security reports that mention alcohol-related offenses or assaults linked to student organizations.
  • Internal University Communications: Emails or memos between administrators, Greek life advisors, and conduct officers, which can reveal awareness of ongoing hazing issues.
• Medical and Psychological Records: Crucial for documenting the extent of the harm.
  • Emergency Room/Hospital Records: Detailed accounts of injuries, toxicology reports (for alcohol/drugs), lab results (e.g., for rhabdomyolysis as in the Bermudez case).
  • Therapy/Counseling Notes: Documentation of PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other emotional trauma.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts provide the human element and corroborate other evidence.
  • Other Pledges/New Members: Often reluctant to come forward, but their accounts are invaluable.
  • Former Members: Individuals who left the organization or were expelled may share insights into hazing practices.
  • Bystanders: Anyone who witnessed suspicious activities, changes in the victim’s behavior, or overheard conversations.

7.2 Damages: Compensating the Full Scope of Harm

When a hazing incident causes injury or death, victims and their families can pursue legal recourse to recover various types of damages. These aim to compensate for both tangible financial losses and intangible suffering. Our firm’s expertise in wrongful death (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/) and catastrophic injury cases is particularly relevant here.

• Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):
  • Medical Bills: Covering all past and future medical expenses, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, therapy, medications, and psychiatric treatment. In cases of severe brain injury or permanent disability, a “life care plan” calculates lifelong needs.
  • Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Compensation for wages lost due to injury, and for any diminished ability to earn money in the future due to permanent injuries or a curtailed career path. This also includes the cost of lost educational opportunities and scholarships.
  • Property Damage: Costs associated with replacing personal items damaged during the hazing.
• Non-Economic Damages (Subjective Suffering):
  • Physical Pain & Suffering: Compensation for the pain endured from injuries and any ongoing discomfort.
  • Emotional Distress: Covering psychological harm such as PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and the deep emotional trauma caused by humiliation and abuse.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Addressing the inability to participate in activities or experiences that once brought joy, friendship, or personal growth.
• Wrongful Death Damages: If hazing leads to a fatality, surviving family members (parents, children, spouse in Texas) can claim:
  • Funeral and Burial Expenses.
  • Loss of Financial Support: The income the deceased would have contributed to the family over their lifetime.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: The profound emotional void left by the deceased.
  • Grief and Mental Anguish.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness, malice, or gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendants and deter similar future conduct. This is where a pattern of ignored warnings and prior incidents by national organizations or universities becomes critical.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation is complex because it often involves multiple defendants, each with their own legal teams and insurance carriers.

• Identifying Insurance Coverage: Our firm meticulously identifies all potential insurance policies that might cover the incident, including those held by the local chapter, the national organization, the university, individual members (e.g., homeowners’ policies), and any third-party venues.
• Navigating Denials: Insurance companies often initially deny coverage using arguments like “intentional acts” or “hazing exclusions.” Lupe Peña’s specialized background as a former insurance defense attorney is invaluable here. She understands these tactics intimately and knows how to challenge wrongful denials, often demonstrating that the organization’s negligent supervision or failure to enforce policies is a covered event, even if the underlying hazing was intentional.
• Challenging Institutional Defenses: Universities and national fraternities frequently deploy high-powered legal teams to protect their reputations and minimize payouts. They may claim “rogue individuals,” “no knowledge,” or blame the victim. Our strategy uses the collected evidence, national hazing patterns, and our deep understanding of institutional liability to systematically dismantle these defenses.

By combining thorough investigation, aggressive litigation, and an intimate understanding of how these powerful defendants operate, Attorney911 builds comprehensive cases that demand full accountability for Eastland County families.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family in Eastland County, the immediate aftermath can be confusing, frightening, and overwhelming. Knowing what steps to take, what mistakes to avoid, and what questions to ask is crucial for protecting your child and pursuing justice.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Parents are often the first line of defense, but the secretive nature of hazing can make it incredibly difficult to detect. Look for these warning signs:

• Physical Signs: Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or chronic exhaustion. Your child might make vague excuses or dismiss them as “accidents.” Also watch for symptoms of illness, dehydration, or rhabdomyolysis (often indicated by dark urine), as in the Leonel Bermudez case.
• Behavioral & Emotional Changes:
  • Sudden secrecy about activities (“I can’t talk about it,” “It’s a secret”).
  • Withdrawal from family, academic responsibilities, or old friends.
  • Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or fear of “getting in trouble.”
  • Expressions of extreme loyalty to the group or disdain for non-members.
  • Obsession with constant phone checking due to group chat demands.
• Academic Decline: Falling grades, missed classes, or unusual fatigue affecting studying.
• Financial Red Flags: Requests for money for unexplained “fines,” excessive dues beyond advertised costs, or being forced to buy items for older members.

How to Talk to Your Child (and What to Do Next):

• Open, Non-Judgmental Conversation: Start by expressing concern, not accusation. “Are you okay? Is everything going well with [organization]?”
• Prioritize Safety First: Emphasize that their health and safety are more important than any group’s approval.
• Listen Actively: If they confide in you, listen without judgment. Reassure them that you believe them and will support them.
• Document Everything: If hazing is confirmed or strongly suspected, begin to document: dates, times, specific acts, names of individuals involved, and any physical or emotional consequences.
• Seek Medical & Psychological Evaluation: Insist on medical checks for any injuries or unusual symptoms. A therapist or counselor can help assess and address emotional trauma.
• Contact an Attorney: Before confronting the organization or making formal reports, consult with a hazing attorney. We can advise on how to protect your child, preserve evidence, and navigate the complex process.

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

If you’re a student from Eastland County going through “new member education” or an initiation process across Texas, it’s critical to distinguish between healthy bonding and dangerous hazing.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself:
  • Am I being forced or pressured to do something I’m uncomfortable with?
  • If I said no, would there be negative consequences for me socially or for my membership?
  • Would I feel comfortable doing this activity if my parents or the university president were watching?
  • Does this activity cause me physical pain, emotional distress, embarrassment, or humiliation?
  • Am I being told to keep this a secret from outsiders?
  • Am I being treated differently or asked to do things that older members don’t do?
    If the answer to any of these is YES, it’s likely hazing.
• Your Rights: “Consent” is Not Compliance: The law recognizes that true consent is impossible in a power-imbalanced environment. Even if you “agreed” to participate, you have legal rights and protections.
• Exiting Safely: You have the absolute right to leave any organization at any time. There may be social consequences, but your safety and well-being are paramount. If you fear retaliation, tell a trusted adult (RA, professor, parent) or attorney immediately. You never have to “just get through it.”
• Amnesty for Reporting: In Texas, if you or a friend are in an emergency due to hazing (e.g., alcohol poisoning), call 911 immediately. Texas law provides “amnesty” for good-faith reporters, meaning you will generally not face charges for alcohol or drug violations simply for calling for help. Your life or a friend’s life is more important than any party or organization.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: Breaking the Silence

If you are a former member, a current member witnessing hazing, or a friend who knows about it, your actions can save lives and prevent future harm.

• Your Role in Accountability: You have unique knowledge, and your testimony can be invaluable in bringing justice to victims and forcing change in organizations. You may fear reprisal or implicating yourself, but there are ways to come forward responsibly.
• Seek Legal Counsel: If you have information about hazing, especially if you were involved, contacting an attorney can help you understand your legal protections, potential liabilities, and the best way to safely share your knowledge without jeopardizing yourself. Our criminal defense expertise (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can advise individuals on both criminal exposure and civil liability aspects.
• Anonymity & Protection: Many universities and national organizations offer anonymous reporting channels. While these may not lead to civil justice, they can initiate investigations and disciplinary action. The National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) also provides anonymous reporting.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Knowing these common pitfalls can protect your family’s ability to seek justice.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence:
   • Why It’s Wrong: This looks like a cover-up, can constitute obstruction of justice, and makes proving your case exponentially harder.
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing or seemingly minor content. Take screenshots or use screen recording functions.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:
   • Why It’s Wrong: The organization will immediately lawyer up, instruct members to destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses, making your path to justice more difficult.
   • What to Do Instead: Document what you know privately, then contact an attorney before any direct communication.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms Without Legal Advice:
   • Why It’s Wrong: These documents often require you to waive your right to sue or settle for far less than your case is worth.
   • What to Do Instead: Never sign anything from the university or an insurance company without a hazing attorney reviewing it.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Consulting a Lawyer:
   • Why It’s Wrong: Anything posted online can be used by the defense, create inconsistencies in your testimony, or inadvertently waive legal privileges.
   • What to Do Instead: Document privately. Your attorney will help manage public messaging, if any.
5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting” With the Organization:
   • Why It’s Wrong: This is often a tactic to pressure, intimidate, or elicit statements that can be used against them later.
   • What to Do Instead: Once legal action is considered, all communication should go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”:
   • Why It’s Wrong: Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run. Universities prioritize their own reputation and may not pursue the full extent of justice you seek.
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve evidence now and consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s internal process is separate from legal accountability.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:
   • Why It’s Wrong: Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you give can be used against you, and early settlement offers are usually lowballs.
   • What to Do Instead: Politely decline to speak with them and refer them to your attorney.

8.5 Safe Alternatives to Greek Life in Eastland County

For students in Eastland County seeking meaningful campus connections without the pervasive emotional and physical risks of hazing, rich opportunities abound. Healthy organizations prioritize genuine mentorship, shared interests, and positive community engagement.

Campus Organizations (Hazing-Free Alternatives)

• Student Government/Leadership: Offers leadership development, advocacy, and direct impact on campus policies without any pledging or hazing.
• Academic Honor Societies: Organizations like Phi Beta Kappa honor scholastic achievement and provide networking, often with no “initiation” beyond formal acceptance. Legitimate honor societies explicitly do NOT haze.
• Career-Focused Groups: Societies for pre-law, pre-med, business, engineering, and other fields offer professional development, networking, and mentorship within a supportive, hazing-free environment.
• Community Service Groups: Dedicated to local and global impact, these organizations provide teamwork and shared purpose through volunteering, fundraising, and advocacy.
• Religious/Spiritual Associations: Campus ministries and interfaith groups offer fellowship, spiritual growth, and community support.
• Cultural Organizations: Celebrate heritage, promote diversity, and provide a sense of belonging for students from similar backgrounds.
• Club Sports & Intramural Athletics: Offer competitive play and team camaraderie without the often dangerous “initiation” customs found in varsity or some Greek programs.

Social Alternatives

• Residence Hall Communities: Campus housing often hosts events, study groups, and social activities that foster immediate connections.
• Academic Support Groups: Study partners or tutoring programs can lead to strong, genuine friendships formed around shared goals.
• Campus Employment: Part-time jobs on campus can introduce students to diverse peers and mentors.
• University-Sponsored Events: Concerts, workshops, festivals, and recreation programs are planned to be safe, inclusive, and fun.

What to Look for in ANY Organization

Before joining any group, Eastland County students should ask critical questions and look for clear indicators of a healthy environment:

• ☑️ Clear Anti-Hazing Policy: Is there an accessible, unambiguous policy with real enforcement?
• ☑️ Faculty/Staff Advisor: Is the advisor actively involved and present, or merely a name on paper?
• ☑️ Transparent Membership Process: Are the steps to join clear and communicated without “secrets” or vague descriptions of “new member education”?
• ☑️ Respect for Personal Time: Does the organization respect academic commitments, sleep, and personal well-being?
• ☑️ No “Secrets”: Are members open about activities, rather than evasive or secretive?
• ☑️ Ability to Leave: Is there a clear path to disengage without threat of retaliation or social isolation?

Red Flags to Avoid

• 🚩 “What happens here, stays here” mentality.
• 🚩 Excessive time demands that interfere with academics or sleep.
• 🚩 Requirement to consume alcohol or drugs, especially in a forced manner.
• 🚩 Vague descriptions for “new member education” or “initiation activities.”
• 🚩 Any activity that makes you feel humiliated, degraded, or physically unsafe.
• 🚩 Financial demands beyond standard, published dues.
• 🚩 Physical contact, direct or indirect, as part of initiation.

8.6 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  • Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) often claim sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, specific federal statutes like Title IX, or when suing individual employees. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) typically do not have sovereign immunity. Every case is unique and hinges on specific facts. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  • Yes, it can be. While standard hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, it escalates to a state jail felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals or organizational officers failing to report hazing can also face misdemeanor charges.
• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  • Absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes the coercive environment of hazing, where true voluntary consent is often impossible due to peer pressure, power imbalances, and fear of exclusion.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  • In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of injury or death. However, this period can sometimes be extended by the “discovery rule” if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent, or by “tolling” in cases involving minors or fraudulent concealment. Time is critical, as evidence can disappear quickly. Watch our video on the statute of limitations (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) and call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.
• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  • The location of the hazing does not necessarily absolve organizations or institutions of responsibility. Many major hazing cases (like Michael Deng’s death at an off-campus retreat) occurred off-campus and still resulted in significant liability for national organizations and local chapters. Universities can also be held liable based on their knowledge, sponsorship, and failure to oversee affiliated groups, regardless of location.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  • While high-profile cases do attract media attention, most hazing lawsuits ultimately settle out of court, often with confidentiality clauses that protect the victim’s name and details. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy interests while fiercely pursuing justice and accountability.
• “How do contingency fees work for hazing cases?”
  • At Attorney911, we handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay us nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case through a settlement or a verdict. Our fees are a percentage of the recovery. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to every Eastland County family, regardless of their financial situation. For a detailed explanation, watch our video on contingency fees (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).

9. About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family in Eastland County faces the devastating impact of hazing at a Texas university, you need more than a compassionate ear. You need experienced legal advocates who understand the intricate legal landscape, the cunning tactics of powerful institutional defendants, and how to fight effectively for justice. At The Manginello Law Firm, operating as Attorney911, we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with the unique qualifications and relentless dedication to take on hazing cases.

Our firm is uniquely positioned to handle hazing litigation for Eastland County families, wherever the incident may occur in Texas. We combine specialized legal acumen with a deep understanding of how fraternities, sororities, universities, and their insurance companies operate. Our team’s credentials offer a critical advantage:

• Insurance Insider Advantage with Lupe Peña: As a former insurance defense attorney for a prominent national defense firm, Lupe Peña brings invaluable insight into how fraternity and university insurance companies assess, dispute, and attempt to minimize hazing claims. She understands their playbook – their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusions, and their settlement strategies – because she used to run it. This insider knowledge is a formidable asset in negotiating for maximum compensation.
• Complex Litigation Against Powerful Institutions with Ralph Manginello: Ralph P. Manginello, our managing partner, has over 25 years of experience and is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. His background includes involvement as one of the few Texas firms in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a case that demanded challenging a multi-billion-dollar corporation. This experience means The Manginello Law Firm is not intimidated by national fraternities, public universities, or their seasoned defense teams. We have a proven track record of taking on formidable opponents and holding them accountable.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: Our firm has secured multi-million dollar results for families in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working with economists to fully value lifetime needs stemming from brain injuries or permanent disabilities. This expertise is critical in hazing cases where the physical and emotional scars can last a lifetime. Read more about our experience with wrongful death claims at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Dual Civil and Criminal Hazing Expertise: With Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA), we possess a unique understanding of how potential criminal hazing charges (which can be state jail felonies in Texas) intersect with civil litigation. This allows us to provide comprehensive advice, whether your child is a victim, a witness, or a former member of an organization facing criminal scrutiny.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments operate behind closed doors. Our investigative depth involves a network of experts—medical, digital forensics, economists, and psychologists—to uncover hidden evidence and build an unassailable case. We know how to obtain deleted group chats, subpoena national fraternity records, and access university files to expose patterns of negligence. We investigate every case like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We know this is one of the hardest things an Eastland County family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another child. We are committed to thorough investigation and achieving real accountability, not just quick settlements. Our firm’s complete credentials can be found on our website, including Ralph Manginello’s profile at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/ and Lupe Peña’s profile at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

Call to Action: Your Legal Emergency Deserves Immediate Attention

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

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to what happened without judgment, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family. There’s no pressure to hire us, and everything you share is confidential. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.

Reach out to us today:

• Emergency Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email for Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com
• Email for Lupe Peña (Hablamos Español): lupe@atty911.com

Whether you’re in Eastland County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to help you turn a legal emergency into a path toward healing and prevention. 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