Facing Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Guadalupe County Families

The phone rings late at night. Your child, a student at a Texas university, sounds distraught. They try to explain something that happened at an “initiation event” for their fraternity, sorority, or university organization. They speak in hushed tones about forced drinking, humiliating tasks, or physical abuse, and then, almost whispering, they say someone got hurt. The other members are panicking, scared to call for help, terrified of “getting the chapter shut down.” Your child feels trapped, confused, and alone, torn between loyalty to their friends and their own safety and well-being.

This terrifying scenario is not a distant possibility; it’s a harsh reality unfolding too often at college campuses across our state. For families in Guadalupe County, whether your child attends a local university, one of the larger institutions like the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, or the University of Houston, or even a smaller college across Texas, the fear of hazing is very real. When the unthinkable happens, understanding your rights, the law, and your options is crucial.

We understand that you’re seeking answers, protection for your child, and a path toward accountability. We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, also known as Attorney911, and we are established personal injury attorneys focused on complex litigation, including hazing cases, across Texas. We have prepared this comprehensive guide to shed light on hazing in 2025: what it looks like, how Texas and federal laws apply, what we can learn from major national cases, and what specific challenges and patterns exist at major Texas universities, including the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University.

This article is designed to be your definitive resource for understanding the complexities of hazing—both legally and emotionally. While this guide provides general information, not specific legal advice for your unique situation, we hope it empowers you with knowledge. We serve families throughout Texas, and this includes families in Guadalupe County who wish to understand their options for pursuing legal accountability for hazing.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

Your child’s safety is our highest priority. If you believe your child is in danger right now or has suffered a severe injury:

Call 911 immediately for any medical emergency. Texas law often provides good-faith reporter immunity for those seeking aid in an emergency, even if underage drinking was involved.
Then call Attorney911: Our team is available for immediate consultation. Connect with us at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ for a reason—we provide immediate help when you need it most.

In the critical first 48 hours following a hazing incident, immediate action can make a monumental difference:

Prioritize Medical Attention: Even if your child insists they are “fine,” seek medical evaluation for any physical injuries, signs of alcohol poisoning, or emotional distress. Document any medical visits thoroughly.
Preserve Evidence NOW: Hazing evidence can disappear rapidly.
- Screenshot all group chats, text messages, direct messages, and social media posts relevant to the hazing immediately. Capture timestamps and participant names.
- Photograph all visible injuries from multiple angles, ideally with a ruler or common object for scale. Document progression over several days.
- Secure any physical items related to the hazing, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or unusual objects.
- Write down everything your child tells you about what happened, who was involved, and when and where events occurred. Contemporaneous notes are powerful evidence.
Do NOT take these actions without legal guidance:
- Do NOT confront the fraternity/sorority or individuals involved directly. This can lead to evidence destruction, witness coaching, or retaliation.
- Do NOT sign anything from the university or an insurance company. These documents may waive your child’s rights or lead to inadequate settlements.
- Do NOT post details on public social media. This can compromise your child’s legal case and privacy.
- Do NOT allow your child to delete any messages or “clean up” evidence. This could be seen as obstruction and severely harm their case.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney at Attorney911 within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears quickly, and universities and organizations often move to control the narrative. Our team can help ensure crucial evidence is preserved and your child’s rights are protected. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

2. HAZING IN 2025: WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE

For families in Guadalupe County, when you hear the word “hazing,” you might picture caricatures from movies or news headlines from decades past. However, hazing in 2025 is far more insidious, sophisticated, and often completely hidden in plain sight. It’s not just a “prank” or “boys being boys”; it’s a dangerous and often criminal pattern of abuse that can have lifelong consequences.

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students, where it endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student.

The critical takeaway: “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal. When there’s a significant power imbalance, peer pressure, or the threat of social exclusion, consent is rarely truly voluntary. The law, and our firm, recognize this coercive dynamic.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms, often escalating through subtle, harassment, and violent tiers. Understanding these categories is vital for recognizing it.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is by far the most common and deadly form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, participation in “chugging challenges,” “lineups” where pledges consume drinks rapidly, or games designed to ensure intoxication. It can also include pressure to consume unknown substances or illicit drugs. The goal is often to incapacitate pledges or break down their inhibitions.
Physical Hazing: This includes activities that inflict physical pain or discomfort. Examples range from paddling and beatings to extreme and prolonged calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond a normal physical conditioning regimen. Other forms include sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, or forced exposure to extreme cold or heat, or dangerous environments. These activities are designed to exhaust, degrade, and control.
Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This particularly traumatic form involves forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like the “roasted pig” position reported in some incidents), degrading costumes, or performing sexually suggestive acts. It can also include acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones, using slurs, or forcing pledges to role-play stereotypes. The intent is to strip away dignity and create deep emotional scars.
Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but profoundly damaging, psychological hazing involves verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, and social isolation. This can involve gaslighting, manipulation, forced confessions, or public shaming, sometimes through social media or during group meetings where individuals are “grilled” or “roasted.” This type of hazing aims to break down a person’s mental state and self-esteem.
Digital/Online Hazing: This is a rapidly evolving form, taking advantage of modern technology. It includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, GroupMe, and others. Pledges can be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or to respond instantly to commands at all hours, leading to sleep deprivation and constant anxiety. Location tracking via apps can also be used for control.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

While many associate hazing primarily with fraternities, it is a pervasive problem that transcends organizational types. Hazing can occur in:

Fraternities and Sororities: This includes those under the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and various multicultural Greek councils.
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations with hierarchical structures and traditions can sometimes foster environments where hazing is mistaken for discipline or team building. Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets, for example, has faced allegations of hazing.
Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs & Student Organizations: Groups like “Absolute Texxas” or the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin, or various other spirit and social clubs across campuses, have been disciplined for hazing activities.
Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to swimming, baseball, and cheerleading squads, hazing can occur across sports teams. The recent Northwestern University scandal highlights that even major athletic programs can harbor widespread abuse.
Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign organizations, like Florida A&M’s marching band, have experienced fatal hazing incidents.
Other Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations: Any group that involves initiation or a hierarchical structure can be susceptible to hazing. The Harvard-Radcliffe Orchestra’s suspension in 2025 for hazing reinforces this reality.

Regardless of the type of organization, hazing persists due to a complex interplay of social status, a misguided sense of “tradition,” and a powerful culture of secrecy. Understanding these dynamics is the first step toward combating this dangerous problem and seeking justice for victims.

3. LAW & LIABILITY FRAMEWORK (TEXAS + FEDERAL)

For families in Guadalupe County, understanding the legal landscape of hazing in Texas is essential. Our state has specific laws designed to address this harmful practice, and these combine with federal regulations to provide avenues for accountability.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has a specific legal framework to combat hazing, primarily outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This chapter broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

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

In plain terms, if someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they did so intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly (meaning they were aware of, or should have been aware of, the risk), that is hazing under Texas law. The law explicitly states that hazing can happen on or off campus, and it can cause mental or physical harm. Critically, the intent to harm is not always required; “reckless” behavior is sufficient.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas:

Class B Misdemeanor (default): Applies if hazing doesn’t cause serious injury (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000).
Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes injuries requiring medical treatment.
State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This carries potential prison time.

Additionally, failing to report hazing (if you are an officer or member and knew about it) is a misdemeanor. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Organizational Liability: Under § 37.153, organizations themselves (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can face criminal prosecution and fines up to $10,000 per violation if they authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about it and failed to report it. Universities can also revoke recognition and ban an organization. This means that both individuals and the organizations they belong to can be held criminally accountable.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Texas law (§ 37.154) offers protection: a person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement is generally immune from civil or criminal liability resulting from that report. This is designed to encourage reporting, though students often still fear social repercussions.

Consent is Not a Defense: A vital component of Texas law, § 37.155, explicitly states: “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity.” This directly rebuts the common defense that victims “voluntarily participated” or “agreed” to the behavior.

This summary provides a foundational understanding. The law is more technical in its actual code, but it clearly demonstrates that Texas takes hazing seriously and provides legal recourse.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, there are often two distinct legal paths that can be pursued:

Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (prosecutors) and aim to punish individuals or organizations for violating criminal statutes. Typical hazing-related criminal charges can include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and even manslaughter or negligent homicide in fatal cases. The goal is justice through penalties.
Civil Cases: These are initiated by the victims or their surviving family members. The primary goal is to obtain monetary compensation for the harm suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil claims often focus on legal theories such as negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

It’s important to understand that these two types of cases can run concurrently, and a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a successful civil claim.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also influence how universities respond to hazing:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding must publicly report hazing incidents, strengthen their hazing education and prevention efforts, and maintain transparent hazing data. These provisions are being phased in by approximately 2026 and aim to increase accountability and transparency nationwide.
Title IX: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility (e.g., forcing male pledges to dress in degrading female attire, or homophobic acts), Title IX obligations are triggered. This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education and requires universities to respond promptly and effectively to such incidents.
Clery Act: This federal law requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents, particularly those involving assaults, alcohol or drug offenses, or other criminal behaviors, often overlap with Clery reporting requirements, further compelling transparency from institutions.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Determining liability in a civil hazing case can be complex, often involving multiple parties. An experienced hazing attorney carefully investigates all potential avenues of accountability:

Individual Students: Those who actively planned, enforced, carried out the hazing acts, supplied alcohol, or participated in cover-ups can be held personally liable. The 2024 court order for Daylen Dunson to personally pay $6.5 million to the Stone Foltz family for his role as chapter president during the fatal hazing underscores this individual responsibility.
Local Chapter / Organization: The fraternity, sorority, or student organization itself, as a legal entity, can be sued. This often extends to individuals acting as officers or “pledge educators” who orchestrated or permitted the hazing.
National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which sets policies, collects dues, and supervises local chapters, can be held liable. This hinges on what the national organization knew or should have known from prior incidents, its enforcement (or lack thereof) of anti-hazing policies, and its oversight of the local chapter.
University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, or its governing board (Board of Regents), may be sued. This can occur under theories of negligence (e.g., negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies), gross negligence, or premises liability. Public universities in Texas (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) benefit from sovereign immunity, but exceptions apply for gross negligence, willful misconduct, and certain federal claims like Title IX violations. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections.
Third Parties: Other entities may also bear responsibility, such as landlords or property owners of off-campus houses where hazing occurred, or bars/alcohol providers under “dram shop” laws if they knowingly served minors or obviously intoxicated individuals who then engaged in hazing.

Every hazing case involves a unique set of facts, and the determination of which parties are liable requires a thorough investigation by experienced legal counsel.

4. NATIONAL HAZING CASE PATTERNS (ANCHOR STORIES)

For Guadalupe County families, understanding the national landscape of hazing incidents is crucial because these cases often set legal precedents and reveal patterns of organizational behavior that affect chapters even here in Texas. These aren’t just isolated tragedies; they are guideposts showing how accountability can be achieved and what is foreseeable to institutions.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and devastating hazing pattern involves forced or coerced alcohol consumption, leading to severe injury or death.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017): 19-year-old pledge Timothy Piazza died from traumatic brain injuries after a “bid acceptance” night involving extreme alcohol consumption. Horrifyingly, surveillance cameras captured Piazza falling repeatedly and lying injured for hours, while fraternity brothers hesitated and delayed calling for help. Dozens of criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter, were filed against fraternity members, and the Piazza family pursued extensive civil litigation. This tragedy led to Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law and remains a stark example of the dangers of extreme intoxication, delayed medical intervention, and a pervasive culture of silence. Takeaway: the cover-up itself often fuels both criminal and civil liability.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017): Pledge Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” initiation. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume them. Multiple fraternity members were prosecuted, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life, leading to a statewide anti-hazing movement and contributing to the criminalization of hazing in Florida. Takeaway: “traditional” formulaic drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster within national fraternities.
Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (September 2017): Max Gruver died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where he was forced to consume alcohol if he answered questions incorrectly. Several members were charged, and one was convicted of negligent homicide. The Gruver family’s pursuit of justice led to the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, which made hazing a felony punishable by prison time. Takeaway: clear public proof of hazing, especially when fatal, can compel significant legislative change.
Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (March 2021): 20-year-old pledge Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of liquor during a “Big/Little” night. This incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions for hazing-related charges against fraternity members. Civilly, Foltz’s family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million paid by the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and approximately $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This case demonstrated that public universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences for failing to prevent hazing, alongside the fraternities themselves.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualistic hazing can be profoundly dangerous and has led to fatalities.

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College / Pi Delta Psi (December 2013): Michael Deng died from a traumatic brain injury after participating in a violent, blindfolded ritual known as the “glass ceiling” during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. He was repeatedly tackled while wearing a weighted backpack. Fraternity brothers dangerously delayed calling 911. This case notably led to criminal convictions for multiple members and the national fraternity itself, which was found guilty of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. Takeaway: off-campus “retreats” are not safe havens from liability, and national organizations can face criminal as well as civil accountability.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing isn’t exclusive to Greek life. Prestigious athletic programs can also harbor dangerous hazing cultures, particularly in contexts of power dynamics and secrecy.

Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023–2025): Multiple former football players came forward alleging widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the Northwestern football program over several years. These allegations led to the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who subsequently filed a wrongful-termination lawsuit against the university (which was confidentially settled in August 2025). Numerous players sued Northwestern and its coaching staff. Takeaway: hazing can extend far beyond Greek life into major athletic programs, highlighting issues of institutional oversight and accountability.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies share common threads: forced intoxication, verbal abuse, physical violence, humiliation, and often, a dangerous delay or outright denial of medical care, followed by attempts at cover-up. While tragic, these cases also demonstrate that accountability is possible. Multi-million-dollar settlements, legislative reforms, and criminal convictions often follow where victims and families bravely pursue justice.

For Guadalupe County families, these anchor stories serve as a crucial reminder: the patterns of behavior seen in these national incidents are often replicated in Texas chapters and organizations, including those at the major universities where many Texans send their children. These national lessons shape our current legal landscape and provide blueprints for successful litigation against powerful institutions like national fraternities and universities.

5. TEXAS FOCUS: UH, TEXAS A&M, UT, SMU, BAYLOR

For Guadalupe County families, understanding the specific hazing environments at Texas’s major universities is crucial, especially if your child attends one of these institutions. While we are based in Houston, serving families across Texas, we understand the local dynamics of each campus. Guadalupe County is centrally located, making these universities accessible and relevant to many families in the area. Each university presents a unique culture and response to hazing, but across the board, patterns of misconduct persist, and the legal principles of accountability remain consistent.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston, located in the heart of the nation’s fourth-largest city, is a large, diverse urban campus with a vibrant mix of commuter and residential students. Its Greek life is active, encompassing various fraternities and sororities under different councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural). Additionally, various student organizations, clubs, and sports teams contribute to a dynamic campus environment, all of which are subject to university hazing policies.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, prohibiting any form of hazing on or off campus. Their policy specifically bans forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and activities causing mental distress as part of initiation or membership. UH provides clear reporting channels through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the UH Police Department (UHPD). The university also often publishes a hazing statement and information on disciplinary actions on its website.

5.1.3 Example Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has a history of addressing hazing. A notable incident involved the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity in 2016. During a multi-day event, pledges were allegedly deprived of sufficient food, water, and sleep. The hazing culminated in a tragic outcome for one student, who suffered a lacerated spleen after reportedly being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and a significant university suspension. Beyond this severe incident, UH’s disciplinary records have indicated other instances involving fraternities and various student organizations where behavior conducive to “mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and policy violations, led to subsequent suspensions or probationary periods. Such incidents highlight the ongoing challenges UH faces in ensuring student safety.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing case originating at UH, several agencies and legal jurisdictions could become involved. Depending on whether the hazing occurred on campus or at an off-campus house in Houston, the UH Police Department and/or the Houston Police Department (HPD) would be primary law enforcement agencies. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County, such as district courts in Harris County. Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter itself, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the University of Houston and property owners if the incident occurred off-campus.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For students and parents connected to the University of Houston, maintaining vigilance and knowing how to act are paramount:

Report Hazing Promptly: Utilize UH’s official reporting channels, including the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, the UHPD, or online reporting forms.
Document Everything Thoroughly: If you suspect hazing, immediately document all warning signs, conversations, physical evidence, and digital communications as outlined in our “Immediate Help” section.
Understand Historical Context: Be aware of past incidents and disciplinary actions at UH; this information can be crucial knowledge if you ever need to demonstrate a pattern of misconduct or institutional awareness.
Consult Houston-Based Legal Expertise: Given UH’s location in Harris County, talking to a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases, particularly one like Attorney911 who understands the nuances of local law enforcement and civil courts, can prove invaluable. We can help uncover prior discipline and internal university files.

5.2 Texas A&M University

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, is deeply rooted in tradition, particularly its iconic Corps of Cadets, which fosters a distinct military-style culture. The university also boasts a large and active Greek life, as well as numerous student organizations across academics, interests, and sports. For Guadalupe County families, Texas A&M is a prominent destination, attracting students from across the region to its unique and often intense campus environment.

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M has a clear and strict anti-hazing policy that applies to all student organizations, including Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. Their policy prohibits any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for initiation, affiliation, or continuation of membership. Reporting channels are available through the Division of Student Affairs, Student Conduct Office, Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and specific reporting mechanisms within the Corps of Cadets.

5.2.3 Example Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced multiple significant hazing allegations:

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (Circa 2021): In a harrowing incident, pledges for the Texas A&M chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon alleged they were subjected to strenuous physical activity and then doused with a mixture of substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit. This caused severe chemical burns that required emergency skin graft surgeries for two pledges. The fraternity was suspended by the university for two years, and the pledges subsequently sued the national fraternity, alleging damages in excess of $1 million. This case highlighted how physical and chemical hazing can be used, and the severe medical consequences.
Corps of Cadets Sexualized Hazing Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a federal lawsuit against Texas A&M, alleging he was subjected to degrading and sexualized hazing rituals. These included being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth and other forms of physical and mental abuse. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages, accusing the university of failing to protect students despite clear warnings. Texas A&M responded by stating it handled the matter according to its regulations. This case underscored that hazing is not confined to Greek life and can permeate even highly structured, traditional organizations like the Corps of Cadets.

These incidents demonstrate the diverse forms hazing can take at Texas A&M and the university’s challenges in fully eradicating such practices.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

A hazing case at Texas A&M would involve investigators from the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and potentially the College Station Police Department or Brazos County Sheriff’s Office if off-campus. Civil suits would typically be filed in Brazos County district courts. Given Texas A&M’s status as a public university, plaintiffs might encounter defenses related to sovereign immunity, which can require proving a higher degree of culpability like gross negligence. Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and Texas A&M University itself.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For families with connections to Texas A&M:

Engage with A&M’s Resources: Familiarize yourself with the university’s hazing policies and direct reporting channels through the Student Conduct Office or UPD.
Be Aware of Cultural Specifics: Understand the dynamics of both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets, as each may have unique hazing traditions that could be considered subtle or overt.
Document All Incidents: In the event of hazing, meticulously document all evidence. This is particularly crucial for cases against public universities where proving gross negligence may be necessary.
Seek Specialized Legal Counsel: Given the unique cultural aspects and the potential sovereign immunity defense for Texas A&M, consulting with attorneys experienced in Texas hazing law, like those at Attorney911, is critical to navigating these complexities effectively.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and most prestigious public universities in the state, drawing students from across Texas, including many from Guadalupe County. With its sprawling campus, vibrant student life, and a strong presence of Greek organizations (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and various multicultural councils), as well as numerous spirit and athletic groups, UT Austin offers a rich but sometimes challenging environment.

5.3.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

UT Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy that is clearly defined and widely publicized. It prohibits any behavior that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership. Crucially, UT Austin also provides a highly transparent Public Report of Hazing Violations, which details organizations found responsible, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed. This transparency is a valuable resource for students and parents. Reporting can be made through the Dean of Students, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, or the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Example Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public hazing report (found at hazing.utexas.edu) frequently lists incidents, indicating both the university’s active enforcement and the persistence of hazing:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): The UT chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha was found responsible for hazing violations in 2023, where new members were directed to consume milk and undertake strenuous calisthenics. This resulted in the chapter being placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.
Spirit Organizations: UT Austin has also disciplined various spirit organizations, such as the Texas Wranglers and Absolute Texxas, for hazing activities that included forced workouts, alcohol-related misconduct, and punishment-based practices. These incidents highlight that hazing is not confined to Greek life at UT.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (January 2024): A lawsuit was filed against the SAE chapter at UT Austin after an Australian exchange student alleged he was brutally assaulted by fraternity members at a party, sustaining severe injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and a broken nose. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations, underscoring a pattern of misconduct.

The recurring incidents, despite transparent reporting, indicate that organizations continue to engage in hazing practices, making proactive vigilance crucial for UT families.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing incidents at UT Austin, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) and/or the Austin Police Department (APD) would typically be involved, depending on the location of the incident. Civil lawsuits would generally be filed in Travis County district courts or federal court. As a public university, UT Austin could assert sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist, particularly for gross negligence or federal claims like Title IX. The unique transparency of UT’s public hazing reports can be a significant asset in civil litigation, providing clear evidence of prior violations and institutional knowledge.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For Guadalupe County families whose student attends UT Austin:

Review UT’s Public Hazing Report: This unique resource (hazing.utexas.edu) can provide critical information on an organization’s history, allowing you to make informed decisions.
Understand UT’s Policies: Familiarize yourself with the university’s explicit anti-hazing policies and a wide range of reporting options.
Document Everything Diligently: Given that prior violations are publicly recorded, strong documentation of any new hazing incidents becomes even more powerful for building a case.
Seek Experienced Legal Counsel: An attorney experienced in Texas hazing law, particularly those familiar with UT Austin’s specific reporting mechanisms and the process of obtaining records from a public university, can provide invaluable guidance.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University, situated in Dallas, is a private institution known for its affluent student body and a prominent Greek life scene. Its smaller, more contained campus environment, compared to large public universities, still necessitates careful attention to student conduct and hazing prevention. For Guadalupe County families, SMU is a highly regarded private option, and its unique culture comes with its own set of considerations regarding hazing.

5.4.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU maintains a strong anti-hazing policy that applies to all student organizations. The university prohibits any act that causes or is likely to cause mental or physical discomfort, humiliation, harassment, or ridicule for the purpose of initiation or membership. SMU offers reporting mechanisms through its Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, as well as an anonymous reporting system (e.g., “Real Response” platform) to encourage students to come forward without fear of retribution.

5.4.3 Example Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has taken action against various organizations for hazing:

Kappa Alpha Order (KA) Incident (2017): The SMU chapter of Kappa Alpha Order faced disciplinary action following allegations that new members were subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended for several years and faced significant restrictions on its activities and recruitment until approximately 2021.
Other Suspensions: SMU’s records indicate other instances where fraternities and sororities have faced suspensions or probation for hazing violations, often involving violations of alcohol policies and activities that threatened mental or physical well-being.

These actions demonstrate SMU’s efforts to enforce its policies, emphasizing that even private, well-resourced institutions are not immune to hazing issues.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For incidents at SMU, the SMU Police Department and/or the Dallas Police Department (DPD) would be involved in criminal investigations. Civil lawsuits against SMU or its affiliated organizations would typically be heard in Dallas County district courts or federal court. As a private university, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more straightforward to pursue negligence claims directly against the institution. However, private universities can be protective of their reputations, making thorough legal preparation crucial.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For Guadalupe County families whose students attend SMU:

Utilize SMU’s Anonymous Reporting: Encourage the use of SMU’s “Real Response” or other anonymous reporting systems if there’s fear of direct retaliation.
Understand Private University Dynamics: Be aware that private universities have different legal frameworks and public transparency levels compared to public institutions.
Document Meticulously: Ensure all relevant evidence is preserved to counter any attempts by the institution to control the narrative privately.
Seek Legal Counsel Promptly: Given the potential for vigorous defense from a well-funded private university, engaging an attorney experienced in hazing law without delay is essential to protect your child’s rights and properly investigate claims.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, is a private Baptist university renowned for its strong religious identity and academic programs. It attracts students from across Texas, including Guadalupe County. Baylor has a significant Greek life presence and numerous other student organizations and athletic programs. Its campus culture, while emphasizing values and community, has also faced scrutiny for how it addresses student safety and misconduct.

5.5.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, defining it broadly to include any action that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, personal degradation, or humiliation as a condition for initiation or membership. Baylor provides reporting avenues through its Student Conduct Office, the Baylor Police Department, and an anonymous reporting hotline. The university regularly updates its policies and prevention efforts in line with state and federal regulations.

5.5.3 Example Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history includes documented hazing incidents and broader challenges in student oversight:

Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): 14 members of the Baylor baseball team were suspended following a hazing investigation. The suspensions were staggered to minimize programmatic disruption but confirmed hazing occurred within a prominent athletic program.
Broader Oversight Challenges: Baylor University has faced intense national scrutiny in recent years related to its handling of sexual assault cases (which resulted in significant Title IX investigations and leadership changes). This broader history of institutional oversight failures, while not directly hazing-related, underscores the importance of scrutinizing how the university fosters a safe environment and responds to all forms of student misconduct.

These incidents highlight that despite its religious affiliation and stated values, Baylor University, like other institutions, must continually confront and address hazing within its student organizations and athletic programs.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing incidents at Baylor, the Baylor Police Department and/or the Waco Police Department would be involved in criminal investigations. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County district courts or federal court. As a private university, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity, making it directly subject to civil negligence claims. However, well-resourced private institutions can mount significant defenses, making it crucial to have experienced legal representation. The firm’s deep understanding of how Baylor’s policies, religious branding, and prior scandals interact with hazing and abuse claims can be invaluable.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Guadalupe County families whose student attends Baylor:

Prioritize Safety & Document: Given Baylor’s unique context, immediately document any hazing incident and prioritize your child’s physical and mental health.
Engage with Baylor’s Resources: Familiarize yourself with Baylor’s reporting mechanisms.
Be Aware of Baylor’s History: Understand how Baylor’s past challenges in institutional oversight might influence its current responses to misconduct.
Consider Legal Counsel Early: An attorney experienced in Texas hazing law can help navigate the particular complexities of seeking accountability from a private university like Baylor, especially in light of its broader history with student conduct issues.

6. FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES: CAMPUS-SPECIFIC + NATIONAL HISTORIES

For Guadalupe County families navigating a hazing incident, it’s crucial to understand that many local fraternity and sorority chapters at campuses like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are not isolated entities. They are part of vast national organizations, often with storied histories, extensive resources, and, unfortunately, documented patterns of hazing across the country.

Why National Histories Matter

National headquarters, such as those governing Pi Kappa Alpha, Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, or Kappa Alpha Order, are well aware of the dangers of hazing. They dedicate substantial resources to anti-hazing manuals, risk management policies, and training programs, not out of altruism, but because they have repeatedly faced catastrophic injuries, deaths, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits stemming from hazing. They know the patterns: forced drinking nights, paddling traditions, humiliating rituals, and the dangerous culture of secrecy that fosters them.

When a local chapter in Texas – whether in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, or Waco – replicates the same dangerous script that led to a lawsuit or disciplinary action at another chapter in a different state, this can be powerful evidence. It demonstrates foreseeability – meaning the national organization knew or should have known that such hazing was likely to occur within its chapters. This foreknowledge can significantly strengthen arguments for negligence, gross negligence, and even punitive damages against national entities.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

While we cannot list every single chapter and incident, certain national fraternities and sororities have recurrent histories of severe hazing that are highly relevant to our understanding of local chapter behavior. Here, we synthesize some of these patterns:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This national fraternity has a well-documented history of severe hazing, significantly often involving forced alcohol consumption. The fatal hazing of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University (2021) involved Pike and resulted in a $10 million settlement for his family. Another tragic incident was the death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (2012), which led to a $14 million settlement. These cases, particularly the “Big/Little” drinking night incidents, create a clear pattern that makes it difficult for the national organization to claim ignorance when similar incidents occur at local chapters, such as those found at UH, Texas A&M, or UT Austin.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): SAE has faced numerous lawsuits and disciplinary actions for hazing, including multiple fatalities nationwide. The chapter at Texas A&M was suspended for two years following allegations that pledges suffered severe chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner, leading to a $1 million lawsuit. At UT Austin, a January 2024 lawsuit alleged assault by SAE members, resulting in an exchange student suffering a dislocated leg and other severe injuries, with the chapter already under prior suspension. The traumatic brain injury case filed against an SAE chapter at the University of Alabama (2023) further emphasizes a pattern of severe physical abuse. These incidents illustrate that SAE has a consistent pattern of dangerous hazing at multiple campuses, making it a key focus for scrutiny.
Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): This fraternity was at the center of the tragic death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University (2017), where he died from extreme alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” drinking game. Max’s death led to Louisiana’s felony hazing Max Gruver Act. This national history is crucial when evaluating hazing allegations against Phi Delta Theta chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor.
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): The death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017) due to acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” was linked to Pi Kappa Phi. This incident, like others, involved pledges being given handles of hard liquor. Pi Kappa Phi chapters exist at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, and families should be aware of this national organization’s history when evaluating a local chapter’s behavior.
Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): The highly publicized death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State (2017) involved a Beta Theta Pi chapter. Piazza’s death, due to traumatic brain injuries exacerbated by delayed medical care during extreme alcohol hazing, led to the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. Beta Theta Pi has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, and its national history of severe alcohol hazing patterns is relevant nationwide.
Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): The catastrophic injury of Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri (2021), who suffered permanent brain damage from forced alcohol consumption during a hazing event, involved Phi Gamma Delta. His family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants, demonstrating the multi-faceted liability in hazing cases. This case is a critical reminder of the severe, non-fatal injuries that can result from hazing.
Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): This NPHC fraternity has faced numerous hazing allegations, including the federal lawsuit filed by Rafeal Joseph against the University of Southern Mississippi (2023), alleging severe beatings with a wooden paddle during “Hell Night” that required emergency surgery and months of rehabilitation. Joseph Snell’s 1997 civil victory against Omega Psi Phi at Bowie State ($375,000 verdict) set an important precedent for organizational liability nationwide.
Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Kappa Sigma has a significant national history, including the $12.6 million jury verdict against them in the Chad Meredith drowning death case at the University of Miami (2001), which ultimately led to a criminal hazing law in Florida. Recent allegations of hazing resulting in severe injuries (rhabdomyolysis – severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical hazing) are also ongoing against a Kappa Sigma chapter at Texas A&M (2023).

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The documented history of these national organizations is not merely anecdotal. In litigation, these patterns serve several crucial purposes:

Proving Foreseeability and Notice: When a Texas chapter engages in a form of hazing that has previously led to injury or death in another chapter of the same national organization, it strengthens the argument that the national body had clear warning—or “notice”—of the dangerous nature of such activities.
Showing Failure to Enforce: If national organizations maintain “thick binders” of anti-hazing policies but consistently fail to enforce them or impose negligible penalties for violations, it suggests a deliberate indifference to known risks.
Impact on Settlement and Insurance: This pattern evidence can significantly increase a plaintiff’s leverage in settlement negotiations. It can also be critical in overcoming arguments by insurance carriers that hazing was an “unforeseeable accident” or “intentional conduct” not covered by policies.
Supporting Punitive Damages: In some cases, a history of repeated, severe misconduct by a national organization may support claims for punitive damages, designed not just to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant and deter future similar conduct.

For Guadalupe County families, understanding these national patterns and how they connect to local chapters is a testament to how seriously our firm investigates these cases. We delve into these histories to hold accountable those who have ignored the clear warnings presented by past tragedies.

7. BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY

Building a compelling hazing case requires meticulous investigation, a deep understanding of the law, and the strategic gathering of evidence. For Guadalupe County families, understanding what constitutes valuable evidence and what damages are recoverable is crucial. We approach each case by meticulously piecing together the events and demonstrating how a pattern of negligence or willful disregard for safety led to harm.

Evidence is Everything

In modern hazing cases, evidence is rapidly collected and, unfortunately, often quickly destroyed. Our firm acts swiftly to preserve and uncover data that tells the full story.

Digital Communications: These are often the most critical pieces of evidence. GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, fraternity/sorority-specific apps, Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, and TikTok comments provide a direct window into the planning, execution, and cover-up of hazing. Our team knows how to preserve these messages through screenshots, and in many cases, digital forensic experts can recover deleted communications, timestamps, and participant identities.
Photos & Videos: Content filmed by members during hazing events, footage shared in private group chats, or posted on social media (even if quickly deleted) can be invaluable. We also investigate security camera footage from houses, venues, or campus locations, as well as Ring/doorbell camera recordings from private residences that may have captured events.
Internal Organization Documents: This includes pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, and any email or text communications from officers detailing plans for new members. We also pursue national organization policies, risk management files, and training materials to compare official guidelines against actual behavior.
University Records: Through discovery in a lawsuit or public records requests (for public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT), we uncover prior conduct files, probation/suspension records, letters of warning issued to organizations, and incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices. Clery Act reports and similar disclosures can reveal patterns of misconduct and the university’s awareness of them.
Medical and Psychological Records: These records document the extent of the harm. This includes emergency room reports, hospitalization records, surgery and rehabilitation notes, toxicology reports (for alcohol or drug-related hazing), and psychological evaluations diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidality caused by the trauma.
Witness Testimony: The accounts of other pledges, active members, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, or even bystanders can provide critical corroboration. Former members who have quit or been expelled are often vital sources of information willing to speak out.

Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

When hazing results in injury or death, the law provides for the recovery of damages. It’s important to understand these categories, though specific amounts depend on the unique facts of each case.

Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers expenses from Emergency Room visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, ongoing treatments, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term care plans for catastrophic injuries such as brain damage or organ failure.
Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes compensation for missed semesters, delayed graduation, lost scholarships, and setbacks in entering the workforce. If injuries result in permanent disability, we work with economists to calculate the lifetime loss of earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages: These address the intangible but profound harms suffered, including physical pain and suffering, emotional distress (such as PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression), humiliation, and the loss of enjoyment of life. These are often significant components of a hazing settlement or verdict.
Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the most tragic cases, where hazing leads to death, surviving family members can recover for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and “non-economic” losses such as the loss of companionship, love, guidance, and the profound emotional suffering endured by parents and siblings.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation often involves multiple defendants, each with their own legal counsel and, crucially, their own insurance policies. National fraternities and universities typically carry substantial liability insurance. However, their insurers frequently attempt to:

Deny Coverage: By arguing that hazing, assault, or intentional acts are explicitly excluded from their policies.
Limit Liability: By claiming that certain defendants are not covered or that the incident was unforeseeable.

Our legal team, leveraging insights from attorneys like Lupe Peña who previously worked for national defense firms, understands these tactics. We meticulously identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, challenge wrongful denials, and strategically navigate disputes about exclusions and “intentional conduct” to maximize recovery for our clients. We know their playbook because we used to run it.

8. PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS

For Guadalupe County families and students, knowing what to do immediately and in the days and weeks following a suspected hazing incident can significantly impact legal and personal outcomes. Here are actionable steps and answers to common questions.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Vigilance is your child’s first line of defense. Here’s what Guadalupe County parents should watch for and how to respond:

Warning Signs of Hazing:

Unexplained injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or “accidents” that don’t add up.
Extreme fatigue: Your child is constantly exhausted, even after “sleeping.”
Sudden mood changes: Increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed.
Secrecy: Your child becomes evasive or defensive when asked about their organization’s activities, often using phrases like “I can’t talk about it” or “It’s a secret.”
Constant phone use: Anxiety about missing a group chat message or responding instantly, especially at odd hours.
Decline in academic performance: Grades dropping, missing classes, or sleep-deprived during exams.

How to Talk to Your Child:
Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Start by asking open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with [organization]? Is everything okay?” Emphasize that their safety, health, and well-being are your top priorities, far above loyalty to any group. Reassure them that you will support them no matter what and that they won’t “get in trouble” for being honest.

If Your Child Is Hurt:
Immediately seek medical attention. Do not delay. As soon as your child is safe, begin documenting everything:

Photograph injuries clearly, with a ruler or common object for scale, and repeatedly over days.
Screenshot all digital evidence (texts, chats, social media) from your child’s phone.
Take detailed notes of what your child tells you, including dates, times, names, and locations.

Dealing with the University:
Document every single communication you have with university officials. Ask directly about:

Any prior incidents or disciplinary actions against the organization in question.
What the university’s specific anti-hazing policies are and how they are enforced.
Be cautious. Universities often attempt to control the narrative internally. Do not sign any “releases” or “resolutions” offered by the university without legal review.

When to Talk to a Lawyer:
If your child has experienced significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, it is time to speak with an experienced hazing attorney. We can help you navigate these complex situations.

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

We speak directly to you, the students, especially those feeling immense pressure to “fit in” or “make it through.”

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?
Ask yourself:

Am I being forced or pressured to do something I genuinely don’t want to do?
Would I do this activity if there were no social consequences or fear of being “cut”?
Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
Would university officials, my parents, or the public approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide these activities from outsiders?

If you answer “yes” to any of these, it’s very likely hazing, regardless of what they call it. The feeling of shame or discomfort is a strong indicator that boundaries are being crossed.

Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story:
You may feel like you “agreed” to this, but the law, particularly Texas Education Code § 37.155, clearly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. We understand the immense peer pressure, the fear of exclusion, and the powerful desire to belong. These dynamics mean that “agreement” in a hazing context is often coerced consent, not true free will. You are not to blame for being victimized.

Exiting and Reporting Safely:

Your Right to Leave: You have the legal right to quit or de-pledge from any organization at any time, regardless of what they tell you.
Tell Someone: Inform a trusted adult outside the organization—a parent, RA, professor, or university official—that you are leaving and why.
Formalize Your Exit: Send a brief email or text to key leaders in the organization stating, “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately.”
Avoid “Last Meetings”: Do not agree to meet with members who intend to “talk you out of it,” as this can create opportunities for further pressure or retaliation.
Anonymous Reporting: Utilize university anonymous reporting systems or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE.

Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty:
Many universities and state laws (including Texas law) offer forms of amnesty or immunity for students who call for medical help in an emergency, even if underage drinking or illicit activities were involved. Your health and safety matter most. Do not hesitate to call 911 or seek immediate medical care for yourself or another student in distress.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were once involved in hazing, either as a participant or an unwilling witness, you might carry a heavy burden of guilt, fear of reprisal, or concern about legal consequences. We want you to know that your voice can be a powerful force for change and accountability.

Your testimony and any evidence you possess could be crucial in:

Preventing future harm to other students.
Holding responsible individuals and institutions accountable.
Bringing justice to victims.

We understand your personal exposure and the ethical dilemmas you may face. Speaking with an attorney for a confidential consultation can help you understand your options, potential protections, and how your cooperation might prevent further tragedies. You do not have to navigate this complex situation alone.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Guadalupe County families and students, knowing what not to do is as important as knowing what to do. These common mistakes can severely undermine a hazing case:

Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence: Parents often want to protect their child from further trouble, leading to the deletion of incriminating texts or photos. This is a critical error. It can be seen as a cover-up, potentially lead to obstruction charges, and makes proving hazing exceedingly difficult for lawyers. Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even if it’s embarrassing.
Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: While your anger is understandable, directly confronting the organization or its members almost always leads to them hiring lawyers, destroying evidence, coaching witnesses, and preparing their defense. Instead: Document everything, then contact an attorney before any direct confrontation.
Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms Without Legal Review: Universities often pressure families into signing waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. These documents can waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, and any settlements are often far below the actual value of your case. Instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university without having an experienced attorney review it first.
Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer: Your desire to share what happened is natural, but anything posted on public social media can be used against you by defense attorneys. Inconsistencies can damage credibility, and you might inadvertently waive legal privileges. Instead: Document privately, and let your lawyer control any public messaging strategically.
Letting Your Child Go Back for “One Last Meeting” with the Organization: Once you show interest in legal action, the fraternity or university may invite your child for a “talk” or “meeting.” This is often an attempt to pressure them, intimidate them, or extract statements that can be used against them. Instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communications with the organization should typically go through your attorney.
Waiting “to See How the University Handles It”: Universities often promise internal investigations and disciplinary action. While these processes are important, they are often designed to protect the institution’s reputation. Instead: Evidence quickly disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations can run out. University processes are not the same as full legal accountability. Preserve evidence and consult with a lawyer immediately.
Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: Insurance adjusters, even those who seem friendly, are working for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to minimize payouts. They will try to get a recorded statement that can be used against you, and early settlement offers are often lowball. Instead: Politely decline to discuss the incident and inform them that your attorney will be in touch. Watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can damage your injury case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

8.5 Short FAQ

Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas? Yes, under certain conditions. Public universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin have some sovereign immunity protection, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, and certain federal claims like Title IX violations, or when suing individual employees. Private universities like SMU and Baylor generally have fewer immunity defenses. Every case is unique and depends heavily on specific facts. We recommend contacting Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
Is hazing a felony in Texas? Hazing can be a felony in Texas. While by default it is a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This means individuals convicted of felony hazing can face prison time.
Can my child bring a case if they “agreed” to the initiation? Texans Education Code § 37.155 is clear: consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that consent given under duress, peer pressure, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Your child is a victim, not responsible for the illegal acts committed against them.
How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas? Generally, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases in Texas is 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 through “tolling” in cases of fraudulent concealment or for minors. Regardless, time is critical in hazing cases because evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate, and organizations work to destroy records. Contact Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to protect your rights.
What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house? The location of hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held responsible based on their sponsorship of the organization, control over its members, knowledge of past misconduct, and the foreseeability of hazing occurring off-campus. Many major national hazing cases, including fatal ones (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat case mentioned earlier), occurred at off-campus locations, resulting in multi-million-dollar judgments against both the chapter and their national organizations.
Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news? Most hazing cases achieve resolution through confidential settlements before going to a public trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and can work to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. However, our primary goal is accountability and justice, and sometimes raising public awareness can be a part of that. We discuss all strategies with you to ensure your goals are met.

9. ABOUT THE MANGINELLO LAW FIRM + CALL TO ACTION

When your family is impacted by hazing, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need skilled, dedicated attorneys who understand the intricate dynamics of powerful institutions, their defense tactics, and how to effectively navigate the legal landscape to secure accountability and justice. For families in Guadalupe County, and across Texas, The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, brings a unique blend of expertise and tenacity to hazing cases.

We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with a proven track record in serious injury, wrongful death, and complex institutional liability cases. Our firm is uniquely equipped to handle the complexities of hazing litigation:

The Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. This invaluable experience means we know how fraternity and university insurance companies evaluate (and undervalue) hazing claims. We understand their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusions, and their settlement strategies because we used to run their playbook. This insider knowledge gives our clients a distinct edge. Learn more about Lupe Peña at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
Complex Litigation Against Powerful Institutions: Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has extensive experience in high-stakes, complex litigation, including being one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation. This federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we are not intimidated by formidable defendants like national fraternities, major universities, or their well-resourced legal teams. We have taken on billion-dollar corporations and won, and we know how to fight for the rights of victims against powerful opponents. Explore Ralph Manginello’s credentials at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to fully value the immense loss. We understand how to calculate and pursue the full scope of damages, including lifetime care needs for those suffering brain injuries or permanent disabilities. We don’t settle cheaply; we build cases that compel true accountability and meaningful compensation.
Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides us with a nuanced understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual perspective allows us to advise not only victims but also witnesses or former members who may face dual exposure, navigating the complex interplay between criminal and civil proceedings.
Unrivaled Investigative Depth: We investigate hazing incidents with the rigor and scope usually seen in major corporate liability cases. This includes working with a network of experts—medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists—to build comprehensive cases. We are adept at uncovering hidden evidence through subpoenas to obtain deleted group chats, internal chapter records, and university disciplinary files. Our investigative approach is thorough, believing that your child’s well-being and justice depend on it.

Our firm deeply understands how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments operate behind closed doors. We know what makes hazing cases different: the powerful institutional defendants, the complex insurance coverage disputes, the delicate balance between victim privacy and public accountability, and the need to prove coercion within the context of specific Greek cultures and traditions. We approach each case with profound empathy, recognizing the immense emotional toll hazing takes on families. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We are committed to a thorough investigation and securing real accountability, rather than quick settlements that don’t address the full scope of the harm.

Your Path to Accountability Starts Here: Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Guadalupe County, and throughout the surrounding region, deserve answers and accountability when their child’s safety and well-being have been jeopardized by illicit hazing practices.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story without judgment, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward. In our free consultation, you can expect us to:

Listen intently and empathetically to what happened.
Review any evidence you might already have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
Explain the various legal options available to you, including criminal reports, civil lawsuits, or other avenues.
Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
Address your questions about fees, clearly explaining our contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Learn more about how contingency fees work here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
There’s no pressure to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time you need to make an informed decision.
Everything you share with us is strictly confidential.

Do not face the overwhelming challenges of a hazing incident alone. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and powerful institutions begin to build their defenses immediately. Protecting your rights and seeking justice requires prompt action and experienced legal counsel.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 today:

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

Hablamos Español: If you prefer to consult in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español están disponibles para su conveniencia.

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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