Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Hood County Families

The silence in a group chat, the forced smile in a photograph, the sudden withdrawal from activities they once loved – these can be subtle yet agonizing signs that a young person is caught in the invisible web of hazing. Imagine a student from Hood County, full of hope and excitement for their academic journey, finding themselves in a hidden ritual at a Texas university. They might be pressured to drink far beyond safe limits, endure degrading acts, or face physical abuse, all under the guise of “tradition” or “earning your place.” Others might be filming on phones, chanting, or laughing, while the student feels trapped between loyalty to the group and their own safety. Someone gets hurt – they fall, they vomit, they collapse – yet nobody wants to call 911 because they’re afraid of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.”

This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the often-hidden world of hazing and the profound impact it has on students and families across Texas, including our neighbors right here in Hood County. We understand that whether your child attends a university close to home or one several hours away, the fear and confusion surrounding hazing can be overwhelming. This guide is designed to provide Hood County families with a deep understanding of:

What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
The specific legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas, from criminal charges to civil liability.
Key lessons from major national hazing cases and how they inform situations here in Texas.
Detailed insights into hazing dynamics at prominent Texas institutions: University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University.
How the historical patterns of national fraternities and sororities contribute to modern hazing risks.
The critical steps involved in building a strong legal case, from evidence collection to understanding potential damages.
Practical, actionable guides for parents, students, and witnesses navigating a hazing incident.

We want to be clear that while this article offers a wealth of general information, it is not a substitute for specific legal advice tailored to your unique situation. However, it can serve as an invaluable resource in understanding your rights and options. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, serving as Attorney911, is a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with extensive experience in navigating the complexities of hazing litigation. We serve families throughout Texas, including those in Hood County, helping them find answers, seek accountability, and prevent future tragedies.

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, every decision matters:

Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
- Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately.
- Photograph any injuries from multiple angles, ensuring timestamps are visible.
- Save any physical items like damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects involved in the hazing.
Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when it occurred, and where.
Do NOT:
- Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This can lead to evidence destruction or retaliation.
- Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice.
- Post details on public social media, as this could compromise a future legal case.
- Allow your child to delete messages or attempt to “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

Evidence disappears remarkably fast through deleted group chats, destroyed physical items, and coached witnesses.
Universities often move quickly to control the narrative and perform internal investigations that may not prioritize victim rights.
We can help preserve crucial evidence and protect your child’s rights from the very beginning.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Hood County families, understanding modern hazing is crucial, as it often looks very different from the “pranks” of past generations. Hazing is far more insidious and dangerous than simple horseplay. In 2025, hazing encompasses any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, often tied to joining, maintaining membership in, or gaining status within a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits a student. It’s critical to understand that if someone feels unsafe, degraded, or coerced, their “consent” is not truly voluntary. This is why “I agreed to it” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal, especially when there is an inherent power imbalance and intense peer pressure.

Clear, Modern Categories of Hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms, many of which are designed to be secretive and difficult to detect:

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often through chugging challenges, “lineups,” or games designed for rapid consumption. Pledges may also be pressured to consume unknown or illicit substances, putting their health and lives at extreme risk.
Physical Hazing: This category includes direct physical abuse such as paddling, beatings, and intense physical “workouts” or “smokings” that go far beyond healthy athletic conditioning. Other forms include sleep deprivation, food or water restriction, and exposure to extreme cold or heat, or other dangerous elements.
Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply traumatic form of hazing can involve forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, or degrading positions often described with euphemisms like “roasted pig.” It can also include acts with racist, homophobic, or sexist overtones, using slurs, or forcing students to participate in demeaning role-play.
Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but equally damaging, psychological hazing involves sustained verbal abuse, threats, and deliberate isolation from friends and family. It can include intense manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming campaigns on social media or during group meetings, leading to severe emotional distress and trauma.
Digital/Online Hazing: This newer form exploits technology, with hazing occurring through group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, and others. Students can be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or face relentless online harassment. Texting and calling new members at all hours, demanding immediate responses, is a common tactic to induce sleep deprivation and psychological distress.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

The reality is that hazing is not confined to stereotypical “frat boy” antics. It is a pervasive issue across a wide spectrum of collegiate organizations:

Fraternities and Sororities: This includes social Greek life under Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek councils.
Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Many schools, including Texas A&M, have military-structured organizations where hazing can unfortunately become intertwined with “tradition” or “discipline.”
Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Groups like cheerleading teams, dance teams, and university spirit organizations can also engage in hazing practices.
Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, swimming, and cheerleading, hazing can occur within any athletic program.
Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly harmless artistic or performance-oriented groups can be sites of hazing.
Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with a hierarchical structure and initiation rituals can fall prey to hazing.

The prevalence of hazing across such diverse groups highlights a disturbing cultural problem. Social status, an overwhelming desire for belonging, strict adherence to “tradition,” and a powerful code of secrecy all combine to keep these dangerous practices alive, even when everyone involved “knows” hazing is illegal and explicitly forbidden by university policies. This complex web of factors makes it incredibly difficult for individuals to speak out, and it’s why an experienced legal team is often necessary to break that silence.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For Hood County families, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial. The law provides avenues for both criminal prosecution against individuals and organizations, as well as civil action for victims and their families seeking compensation and accountability.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code. In plain terms, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether performed by one person or a group, directed against a student, that:

Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that 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.

This definition is broad and critical:

On or Off-Campus: The location of the hazing does not matter under Texas law; it can occur on university grounds, at an off-campus house, or even at a remote retreat.
Mental or Physical Harm: Hazing is not limited to physical abuse. Psychological torment, humiliation, and severe emotional distress also qualify as hazing.
Intent: An individual does not need to have malicious intent to be found engaging in hazing. “Reckless” conduct – meaning they were aware of a significant risk but disregarded it – is sufficient.
“Consent” is Not a Defense: One of the most important aspects of Texas hazing law (Texas Education Code § 37.155) explicitly states that the victim agreeing to the activity is not a defense to prosecution for hazing. This recognizes the inherent power imbalance and pressure in hazing situations.

Criminal Penalties:

Hazing by default is a Class B Misdemeanor.
If the hazing causes an injury requiring medical attention, it elevates to a Class A Misdemeanor.
Crucially, if the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it can be prosecuted as a State Jail Felony.
Furthermore, failing to report hazing (if you are a member or officer with knowledge) and retaliating against someone who reports hazing are also misdemeanors.

Organizational Liability:

Organizations (fraternities, sororities, clubs, athletic teams) can face criminal prosecution for hazing under Tex. Educ. Code § 37.153 if they authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer or senior member knew about it and failed to report it. Penalties can include fines of up to $10,000 per violation and loss of university recognition.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:

Texas law (Tex. Educ. Code § 37.154) offers immunity from civil and criminal liability to individuals who report hazing incidents in good faith. This is designed to encourage witnesses and victims to come forward without fear of retribution.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important for Hood County families to understand the distinct, yet often intertwined, paths of criminal and civil legal action in hazing cases:

Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (prosecutors) against individuals or organizations. The primary aim is punishment, which can include fines, jail time, or probation. Common hazing-related criminal charges include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, various levels of assault, and even manslaughter in fatal cases.
Civil Cases: These are initiated by victims or their surviving families. The goal is monetary compensation for damages suffered and holding liable parties accountable. Civil claims often focus on negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, and premises liability, among other theories.

A critical point is that these two types of cases can proceed side-by-side. Furthermore, a criminal conviction is not required to successfully pursue a civil hazing case. The burden of proof in civil cases is lower (“preponderance of the evidence”) than in criminal cases (“beyond a reasonable doubt”).

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

While Texas law provides a strong state-level framework, federal regulations also play a significant role:

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding must:
- Report hazing incidents and related disciplinary actions more transparently.
- Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs.
- Maintain and make publicly available data on hazing incidents as part of their annual Clery Act reports (with full implementation phased in by around 2026).
Title IX: When hazing involves sexual violence, sexual harassment, or creates a hostile environment based on sex or gender, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 can be invoked. Universities have strict obligations under Title IX to investigate and address such allegations, protecting victims’ rights.
Clery Act (Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act): This law requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents involving assault, alcohol violations, or other crimes often fall under Clery Act reporting requirements, contributing to transparency (or lack thereof) around campus safety.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Obtaining justice and accountability in a civil hazing case often involves identifying multiple parties who may share culpability. An experienced attorney knows how to investigate and build a case against all potentially liable entities:

Individual Students: Those who actively planned, encouraged, supplied alcohol, carried out hazing acts, or participated in cover-ups can be held personally liable.
Local Chapter / Organization: The fraternity, sorority, or club itself, if it operates as a legal entity, can be sued. This often includes officers or “pledge educators” who directly orchestrated the hazing.
National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which typically sets policies, grants charters, receives dues, and formally supervises local chapters, can often be held liable. Liability often hinges on whether the national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing and failed to intervene effectively.
University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, including its board of regents or trustees, may be sued. This can involve claims of negligence, gross negligence, negligent supervision of student organizations, or failure to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, especially if there was prior knowledge of hazing. Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT have some sovereign immunity through the Texas Tort Claims Act, but exceptions exist, particularly for gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections.
Third Parties: Depending on the specific facts, other entities might be liable, such as landlords or owners of off-campus houses or event venues, bars or other alcohol providers (under “dram shop” laws if they served obviously intoxicated individuals or minors), or even event organizers and security companies.

Every hazing case is fact-specific, and not every party listed above will be liable in every situation. A thorough investigation is crucial to identifying all responsible parties.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When Hood County families face a hazing incident, it’s important to recognize that their situation is rarely unique. Across the country, similar patterns of abuse, cover-ups, and devastating outcomes have led to landmark legal battles. These national cases not only underscore the severe risks of hazing but also provide critical precedents for how such cases are prosecuted and litigated in Texas courts. They show that powerful institutions can and must be held accountable.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and tragically fatal hazing pattern involves forced or coerced alcohol consumption:

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017): 19-year-old pledge Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” event involving extreme alcohol consumption. Security cameras captured Piazza falling repeatedly, suffering severe head injuries, yet fraternity brothers delayed calling for help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath involved dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and direct legislative action, leading to the impactful Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case grimly illustrated how a culture of extreme intoxication, combined with deliberate delays in seeking medical attention and a code of silence, can be legally devastating for both individuals and the organizing entity.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017): Pledge Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. He was given a handle of liquor and forced to consume it rapidly. The tragic outcome resulted in multiple criminal hazing charges against fraternity members and led to Florida State University temporarily suspending all Greek life, eventually overhauling its anti-hazing policies. For Texas families, this case highlights how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights, presented as rites of passage, are a repeating script for disaster, yet often ignored by chapters and national organizations.
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 fraternity “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers. The widespread public outrage following his death directly led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing statute with serious criminal penalties. This case serves as a poignant reminder that legislative change, often making hazing a severe felony, frequently follows clear proof of egregious hazing practices and public pressure for accountability.
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 a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” pledge night. Following a thorough investigation, multiple fraternity members were convicted of hazing-related criminal charges. Critically, the Foltz family also reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with approximately $7 million coming from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and roughly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This highly publicized case demonstrated that universities, even public ones, and national fraternities both face significant financial and reputational consequences when their students or chapters engage in lethal hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and psychologically brutal hazing rituals have also led to tragic outcomes:

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (December 2013): Michael Deng died after participating in a violent “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Pledges were blindfolded, weighted with heavy backpacks, and repeatedly tackled by members. Deng suffered fatal head injuries, and fraternity members delayed seeking medical help for hours, attempting to cover up the incident. Multiple individuals were convicted, and in a landmark decision, the national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, subsequently being banned from Pennsylvania for a decade. This case proved that seemingly remote, off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or even more hazardous than on-campus events, and national organizations can be held directly criminally liable for the acts of their chapters.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it is a pervasive problem that can infect even high-profile athletic programs:

Northwestern University Football Hazing Scandal (2023–2025): This case rocked the collegiate sports world when former football players alleged widespread and systemic sexually explicit, racist, and physically abusive hazing within the Northwestern football program over multiple years. The allegations included forced sexual acts, racial slurs, and degrading physical rituals. The scandal led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and its coaching staff, the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later reached a confidential settlement in a wrongful-termination suit), and a wave of national scrutiny. This pivotal case demonstrated that hazing is a deeply rooted issue that extends far beyond Greek life, permeating even major, revenue-generating athletic programs, raising significant questions about institutional oversight and responsibility.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national hazing cases share several disturbing common threads: forced consumption of alcohol, humiliating and degrading physical rituals, severe violence, deliberate attempts to delay or deny medical care, and systemic cover-ups. Tragically, significant reforms, multi-million-dollar settlements, and new legislative actions often only follow after a student has been severely injured or died, and the victim’s family has pursued relentless litigation.

For Hood County families, these national lessons are directly applicable. Whether a loved one attends UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is continuously shaped by these precedents. Families affected by hazing in Texas are not alone; they are operating within a legal and cultural environment where such institutional failures have been repeatedly exposed and held to account.

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

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, serving as Attorney911, operates from our Houston office to assist families across Texas, including Hood County. Many students from Hood County and the surrounding Central Texas region attend or aspire to attend these prominent Texas universities. Understanding the specific culture and hazing policies of these schools is vital for any family involved with them. While we are located in Houston, our reach and experience extend to all corners of the state, ensuring that Hood County families have access to specialized hazing litigation expertise no matter where the incident occurs.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus, is a pillar of the Houston area and attracts many students from Hood County who come to experience its diverse academic and social environment.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a large, public research university with a dynamic student body, encompassing both commuter and residential students. Its active Greek life includes a wide array of fraternities and sororities from various councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural), alongside numerous other student organizations, cultural groups, and competitive sports clubs. The bustling environment offers abundant opportunities but also potential for hazing.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Houston maintains a strict policy prohibiting hazing, clearly outlined in its student code of conduct. This policy unequivocally bans hazing on or off-campus and includes specific prohibitions against forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and any act causing mental distress related to initiation or affiliation. UH provides multiple reporting channels, including the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university aims to foster a zero-tolerance environment for hazing, with disciplinary actions ranging from probation to permanent expulsion for individuals and suspension or permanent derecognition for organizations.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

A notable incident involved the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity in 2016. Pledges allegedly endured sleep, food, and water deprivation over several days, with one student suffering a lacerated spleen after reportedly being slammed against a surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and subsequent university suspension, highlighting the severe physical dangers involved. While UH’s publicly available disciplinary records may not be as detailed as some institutions, there have been other instances of fraternity discipline for behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and policy violations leading to suspensions or probations.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at UH, legal proceedings can be complex. Involved agencies might include the UHPD, or depending on the location of the incident (e.g., off-campus), the Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts within the Harris County system, potentially naming individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the University of Houston and associated property owners as defendants. Navigating the specific jurisdiction and legal processes requires detailed knowledge of the Houston legal landscape.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

Families from Hood County sending their children to UH should be especially vigilant:

Familiarize yourselves with UH’s specific hazing policy and understand the clear prohibitions against such activities.
Utilize UH’s reporting channels such as the Dean of Students, UHPD, or online reporting forms if you suspect hazing.
Document everything you can, including communications, photos, and any observable changes in your child. Any details, especially related to prior complaints or incidents, can be crucial.
Contact an attorney experienced in Houston-based hazing cases as soon as possible. Legal counsel can help uncover prior discipline, internal university files, and help navigate the local law enforcement and court systems.
Educate your student about their rights, the definition of hazing, and how to safely exit a dangerous situation, emphasizing that their safety and well-being are paramount.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station holds a unique place in the hearts of many Texans, drawing countless students from Hood County and the surrounding areas. Its strong traditions, particularly the Corps of Cadets, create a distinctive campus culture.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its deeply ingrained traditions, including a massive and historic Corps of Cadets. Alongside a prominent Greek life system and a vast array of student organizations, the university fosters a strong sense of community and loyalty. This tradition-heavy, often military-style, environment can unfortunately create conditions where hazing is disguised as “rites of passage” or “building camaraderie.”

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M has robust anti-hazing policies governing all student organizations, including Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. These policies explicitly forbid any activity that endangers mental or physical health or safety. The university conducts trainings and investigations, with reporting mechanisms available through the Dean of Student Life, Office of Student Conduct, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). The Corps of Cadets also has its own internal regulations and reporting procedures related to proper conduct and prohibiting hazing.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has a history of addressing hazing incidents within both its Greek system and the Corps of Cadets.

Circa 2021, a civil lawsuit was filed against Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) by two pledges who alleged that during a hazing ritual, they were covered in a mixture including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, resulting in severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The fraternity chapter was suspended for two years by the university.
In 2023, a former Corps of Cadets member filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing that included simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The university stated it addressed the matter through its internal conduct processes.
Another ongoing litigation from 2023 involves allegations of hazing by Kappa Sigma members resulting in severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis—a serious muscular breakdown often caused by extreme physical exertion. This case is currently being litigated, with legal representation focusing on the significant injury recovery.

These cases highlight the persistent hazing concerns within A&M’s diverse student population, showing that both Greek life and Corps traditions can harbor dangerous practices.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing at Texas A&M, law enforcement involved would likely include the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) and potentially the Bryan Police Department or Brazos County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus incidents. Civil lawsuits would fall under the jurisdiction of Brazos County courts. Due to A&M being a public institution, cases against the university itself would need to navigate sovereign immunity, requiring proof of gross negligence or specific waiver exceptions. Potential defendants include individual students, chapter leadership, the local chapter, relevant national organizations (for Greek life), and potentially high-ranking university or Corps officials for systemic failures.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Families from Hood County with connections to Texas A&M should be particularly aware:

Understand both university and Corps of Cadets hazing policies. “Tradition” is never an excuse for illegal or dangerous behavior.
Pay close attention to changes in behavior or physical condition, especially during new member or “Fish Camp” periods.
Promptly report any suspected hazing to the Dean of Student Life, UPD, or an appropriate Corps official. Do not tolerate cover-ups.
Document meticulously: Photos of injuries (even minor ones), screenshots of group chats (including “Fish Camp” groups), and detailed notes of incidents are vital.
Consult with an attorney experienced in Texas A&M hazing cases who understands both Greek life and Corps culture and the nuances of litigation against public universities.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The flagship University of Texas at Austin is a common destination for ambitious students from Hood County, offering world-class academics and a vibrant campus life that sometimes includes hazing.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a large, public, highly-regarded university known for its diverse academic programs, robust research initiatives, and dynamic student body. Its Greek life is extensive, encompassing a multitude of fraternities and sororities, alongside numerous spirit organizations, athletic clubs, and student groups, many with deep-seated traditions. This rich campus environment, while offering immense opportunities, requires vigilance regarding hazing practices that can be masked by “tradition.”

5.3.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Texas at Austin has a strong and publicly enforced anti-hazing policy. The university defines hazing in alignment with Texas law, strictly prohibiting any action that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. UT’s policies emphasize that an individual’s consent to hazing is not a defense. The university utilizes various reporting channels, including the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), and provides an anonymous online reporting form. Significantly, UT Austin is one of the more transparent universities, maintaining a public Hazing Violations website (hazing.utexas.edu) that lists organizations, the specific nature of their conduct, and disciplinary actions taken.

5.3.3 Example Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public hazing violations page offers direct insight into ongoing issues:

In 2023, the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity was sanctioned for hazing after new members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, among other activities. The chapter was placed on probation and mandated to implement new hazing-prevention education.
Other groups, including spirit organizations like the Texas Wranglers, have faced disciplinary action for various hazing behaviors, including forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based practices designed to degrade new members.
In 2022, the “Absolute Texxas” spirit group was disciplined for hazing violations including alcohol/drug misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, and degrading new members.

UT’s commitment to publicly listing these violations, though not exhaustive, demonstrates a level of transparency that can be invaluable for students and families in identifying problematic organizations and for legal counsel in establishing patterns of misconduct. However, the recurring nature of these violations also underscores the persistent challenge of hazing culture.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing incidents at UT Austin, law enforcement could include the UTPD for incidents on campus, or the Austin Police Department and the Travis County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events in the broader Austin area. Civil lawsuits would generally proceed in Travis County courts. When pursuing claims against the University of Texas, attorneys must carefully navigate the issue of sovereign immunity, seeking to demonstrate gross negligence or other exceptions. The existence of UT’s public hazing log is a powerful tool in civil litigation, allowing attorneys to demonstrate the university’s prior knowledge of an organization’s behavior (foreseeability) and any failures to adequately address repeat offenders, potentially bolstering claims against the institution.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

Hood County families with students at UT Austin should take these proactive steps:

Regularly check UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations website (hazing.utexas.edu) to research the disciplinary history of any organization your student is considering joining. This is an unparalleled resource for due diligence.
Report any suspected hazing promptly through UT’s official channels, utilizing the specific information available on their Dean of Students website.
Document all instances of hazing—even those that seem minor—with photos, screenshots, and detailed notes.
If hazing leads to injury or substantial distress, contact a lawyer experienced in UT Austin hazing cases. Such an attorney understands how to leverage the university’s public records and navigate the specific legal landscape of Travis County.
Emphasize to your student that UT’s policy against hazing is serious and that they have a right to feel safe and respected even within traditions. They should feel empowered to report without fear of retribution.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, located in Dallas, is a private institution that attracts students from Hood County looking for a distinctive academic and social experience, often characterized by a strong Greek presence.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private, well-regarded university recognized for its beautiful campus and prominent social scene, particularly its active Greek life. The university has numerous fraternities and sororities, many with long-standing traditions and significant social influence both on and off-campus. Its reputation for academic rigor and social engagement draws a specific demographic, but also makes it a potential site for hazing activities within its numerous student organizations.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies that align with Texas law, explicitly prohibiting any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of students for the purpose of initiation, admission, or affiliation. SMU’s policies emphasize that hazing is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action for both individuals and organizations. The university provides various mechanisms for reporting, including concerns submitted to the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, and the SMU Police Department (SMU PD). SMU also utilizes tools like the anonymous reporting platform Real Response to encourage students to come forward.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

A significant incident at SMU involved the Kappa Alpha Order (KA) fraternity in 2017. Reports alleged that new members were subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. Following the investigation, the chapter was suspended from campus activities for over three years, with strict restrictions on recruiting and membership renewal until approximately 2021. Numerous other chapters have faced disciplinary actions ranging from social probation to temporary suspension due to hazing allegations, often related to alcohol misuse, physical abuse, or psychological manipulation.

5.1.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing at SMU, law enforcement could involve the SMU Police Department for campus incidents, or the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits against SMU or its affiliated organizations would typically be filed in Dallas County courts. As a private university, SMU generally does not have the same sovereign immunity protections as public institutions, which can sometimes simplify the litigation process against the university itself. Potential defendants include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and the university, among other parties.

5.1.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Families from Hood County with students attending SMU should be mindful:

Familiarize yourselves with SMU’s specific anti-hazing policies and the severe consequences for violations.
Encourage discrete communication about activities and any discomfort your student might be feeling during new member periods.
Utilize SMU’s reporting mechanisms, including anonymous options, if you suspect any hazing. Early reporting can be crucial.
Document everything: Capture screenshots of any group chat messages, photos of events, or any physical evidence related to hazing.
If a hazing incident causes harm, consult with an attorney experienced in SMU hazing cases. Such legal counsel understands the dynamics of private university litigation and can help navigate the Dallas County legal system effectively.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, situated in Waco, is a private Christian university that attracts a dedicated student body, including many from Hood County, for its unique blend of faith-based education and competitive sports.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is a private, nationally recognized Christian university with a strong emphasis on tradition and community. Its campus culture is shaped by its Christian mission, alongside robust athletic programs and a substantial Greek life presence. While promoting values of respect and integrity, Baylor has, like many universities, faced challenges with student conduct, including instances of hazing within its various student groups, athletic teams, and fraternities and sororities.

5.5.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing in any form, defining it broadly to include actions that endanger mental or physical health or safety. Their policy extends to all student organizations, athletic teams, and groups, regardless of whether the activity occurs on or off-campus. Baylor emphasizes that student consent to hazing activities is not a defense to disciplinary action. They provide official reporting channels through the Dean of Students office, the Department of Student Activities, and the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD). The university is committed to investigating all hazing allegations and taking appropriate disciplinary action.

5.5.3 Example Incidents & Responses

Baylor University has, in recent years, addressed hazing within its sports programs:

In 2020, the Baylor baseball team faced significant scrutiny after 14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation. The suspensions were staggered through the early season, impacting team performance. This incident highlighted that hazing extends beyond Greek life into even high-profile athletic teams at religious institutions.
While not always publicly detailed, Baylor’s history of addressing institutional issues, including past Title IX violations and challenges within its football program, provides context for how the university approaches student conduct matters, balancing internal investigations with external scrutiny.

These incidents underscore that even with strong institutional values, hazing can penetrate various student organizations at Baylor, requiring vigilance from students and families.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing at Baylor, law enforcement could involve the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) for on-campus incidents, or the Waco Police Department and McLennan County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits against Baylor University or its affiliated organizations would typically be filed in McLennan County courts. As a private institution, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it more directly susceptible to civil claims compared to public universities. Given Baylor’s history of navigating high-profile litigation related to student conduct, legal cases can be complex, often requiring persistent advocacy to ensure full accountability.

5.5.5 What Baylor University Students & Parents Should Do

Hood County families with students at Baylor should consider these points:

Thoroughly review Baylor’s comprehensive anti-hazing policies and discuss them openly with your student.
Be alert to any behavioral changes or signs of distress in your student, particularly around initiation or new member periods for Greek life or sports teams.
Do not hesitate to report suspected hazing to the Dean of Students or BUPD. Baylor’s commitment to its mission should translate into a safe environment for all students.
Document any evidence rigorously: Capture screenshots of communications, photos, and keep detailed notes of any alleged hazing incidents.
If a hazing incident results in harm, consult with a lawyer experienced in Baylor hazing cases. This ensures that the unique aspects of litigating against a private religious institution, and within the McLennan County legal system, are properly addressed.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Hood County families, it’s essential to understand that many fraternities and sororities on Texas campuses are part of larger national organizations. These national entities, with their vast networks and extensive histories, often carry a heavy burden of past hazing incidents, which profoundly impacts their current liability and the legal strategies used against them.

Why National Histories Matter

The reality is that fraternities and sororities operate under the umbrella of their national headquarters. These national bodies typically:

Develop comprehensive anti-hazing manuals and risk management policies. They implement these protocols precisely because they have a painful history of dealing with severe injuries, fatalities, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits from past hazing incidents across their chapter network.
Possess extensive knowledge of hazing patterns. They are well aware of common rituals such as forced drinking nights, physically abusive “traditions,” and humiliating initiation ceremonies that have repeatedly led to tragedy.
Collect dues and exercise oversight. National organizations maintain control over their chapters through chartering, advising, and financial relationships.

When a local chapter at a Texas university—whether it’s UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor—engages in hazing practices that closely mirror those that resulted in a lawsuit or a chapter closure in another state, this creates a powerful legal concept known as foreseeability. It argues that the national organization knew or should have known these dangers were likely to occur and failed to take adequate preventative measures. Such patterns can significantly bolster arguments for negligence or even punitive damages against national entities.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Many of the fraternities and sororities found on Texas campuses have national histories stained by hazing. Here are just a few examples of national organizations and how their past incidents matter:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor, Pike has a tragic national history of hazing. Landmark cases include the $10 million settlement in the Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (forced alcohol consumption, fatal), and a $14 million settlement in the David Bogenberger case at Northern Illinois University (alcohol poisoning death). These cases revolve around “Big/Little” pledge events involving extreme drinking, a pattern that shows national Pike was on clear notice about these dangers.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU, SAE has faced multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. Noteworthy incidents include a traumatic brain injury lawsuit filed in 2023 at the University of Alabama chapter, and severe chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner poured on pledges at Texas A&M in 2021. The University of Texas at Austin chapter was sued in 2024 for an alleged assault. SAE famously eliminated its traditional pledge process nationwide in 2014 in response to a pattern of deaths, yet incidents continue, proving that policy changes without rigorous enforcement are often insufficient.
Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor, and SMU, Phi Delta Theta was at the center of the Max Gruver hazing death at Louisiana State University. Gruver died from alcohol toxicity during a forced “Bible study” drinking game, leading to Louisiana’s felony hazing Max Gruver Act. This underscores the organization’s awareness of dangerous drinking rituals.
Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT, Pi Kappa Phi was involved in the Andrew Coffey hazing death at Florida State University. Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were given handles of hard liquor.
Kappa Alpha Order (KA): Chapters can be found at Texas A&M and SMU. This fraternity has a history of hazing suspensions across the country, including those at SMU itself, often involving alcohol and physical abuse.
Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU, Beta Theta Pi was responsible for the Timothy Piazza hazing death at Penn State University. Piazza suffered fatal brain injuries after extreme alcohol consumption and multiple falls, with brothers delaying medical help for hours. This case resulted in groundbreaking criminal charges and civil settlements.
Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Present at Texas A&M, FIJI chapters have also faced hazing allegations. The Danny Santulli case at the University of Missouri, where a pledge suffered severe, permanent brain damage from excessive alcohol consumption, resulted in multi-million-dollar confidential settlements from numerous defendants including the fraternity.
Pi Delta Psi (ΠΔΨ): While not listed at current major Texas universities, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter after the Chun “Michael” Deng hazing death at a New York-based chapter’s retreat in the Poconos. This demonstrates that organizations can face criminal liability.
Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): An NPHC fraternity with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, Baylor, and UT. A federal lawsuit was filed in 2023 against a chapter at the University of Southern Mississippi alleging severe beatings during “Hell Night” causing injuries requiring emergency surgery.
Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, Baylor, and SMU. A chapter at the University of College of Charleston faced a lawsuit where the family received more than $10 million in damages for allegations of physical beatings, forced consumption of drugs/alcohol, and psychological torment. Their chapter at the University of Texas at Arlington also settled a lawsuit in 2021 after a pledge was hospitalized with alcohol poisoning from hazing.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it illustrates how hazing patterns—particularly heavy alcohol consumption, physical abuse, and cover-ups—recur within specific national Greek organizations across various campuses.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For Hood County families pursuing a hazing claim, understanding these national histories is not merely academic; it is central to a successful legal strategy:

Foreseeability: A core argument in negligence claims is that the national organization had repeated warnings about specific dangerous hazing practices at its chapters but failed to take effective action.
Policy-Enforcement Gap: We can often demonstrate that while nationals might have “anti-hazing policies,” these policies were not meaningfully enforced, or prior violations were met with insufficient punishment, essentially signaling that hazing could continue without severe consequences.
Insurance Coverage: These patterns can influence how insurance companies for national fraternities and universities approach claims. An experienced attorney knows how to navigate these complexities, challenging denials of coverage based on prior knowledge and systemic failures.
Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, especially where an organization showed deliberate indifference to known risks, the potential for punitive damages (designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter others) can be a significant factor.

By connecting local incidents to broader national patterns, we build powerful cases that demonstrate not just individual wrongdoing, but also systemic institutional failures, creating a stronger path to accountability and justice for Hood County families.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

When a hazing incident impacts a family in Hood County, the path to justice is often complex, requiring meticulous investigation, legal skill, and a deep understanding of modern evidence collection. Our approach at The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, is built on uncovering every piece of the puzzle to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Evidence: The Foundation of a Hazing Case

Modern hazing cases are won or lost based on the quality and comprehensiveness of the evidence. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. Here’s what we prioritize:

Digital Communications: In 2025, group messages are often the most critical evidence. This includes platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even fraternity-specific apps. These communications reveal planning, intent, knowledge, and participation. We seek to preserve or recover both active and deleted messages. As noted in Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), proper screenshotting techniques (full threads, timestamps, participant names visible) and immediate backup are crucial.
Photos & Videos: Any content—whether filmed by members during the event, shared in group chats, or posted on social media—can be irrefutable evidence. This includes security camera footage or doorbell camera recordings from houses or venues where hazing occurred.
Internal Organization Documents: These can include pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” guides, emails or texts from officers giving instructions, and the national organization’s official anti-hazing policies and training materials. These documents often expose the blueprint of clandestine activities.
University Records: Through discovery in a lawsuit or public records requests (especially for public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT), we seek prior conduct files, probation/suspension records, letters of warning regarding hazing, campus police incident reports, and Clery Act disclosures. These records can establish a pattern of known misconduct and institutional inaction.
Medical and Psychological Records: These document the full extent of the harm. This includes emergency room and hospitalization records, surgery and rehabilitation notes, toxicology reports (crucial for alcohol/drug hazing), and psychological evaluations diagnosing conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidality resulting from the trauma.
Witness Testimony: We meticulously identify and interview pledges, current members, former members who have left the organization, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, and any bystanders who observed the hazing or its aftermath. Many individuals, once given a safe and confidential outlet, are willing to provide crucial testimony.

Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

When hazing causes harm, the law seeks to compensate victims and families for their losses. We understand these damages in great detail, working with specialized experts to ensure comprehensive recovery for Hood County families.

Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers immediate expenses like emergency room visits, ICU stays, surgeries, and ongoing costs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological counseling, and specialist medications. For catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury, it can include a “life care plan” estimating future care costs for decades, as seen in cases like Danny Santulli’s.
Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes wages lost if the victim or a parent had to take time off work, but critically, it also encompasses the long-term impact of missed semesters, loss of scholarships, delayed graduation, and reduced earning capacity if permanent injuries or psychological trauma prevent them from pursuing their career goals. Working with economists, we evaluate the full lifetime financial impact.
Non-Economic Damages: These quantify the profound, subjective pain that hazing inflicts. This includes physical pain and suffering from injuries, severe emotional distress (such as PTSD, anxiety, depression), humiliation, loss of dignity, and the loss of enjoyment of life—the inability to participate in activities they once loved or to experience a normal college life.
Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the most tragic hazing cases, families can seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and the profound, immeasurable loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Holding powerful institutions accountable for hazing is challenging because they are typically represented by sophisticated legal teams and protected by complex insurance policies. Universities and national fraternities often have deep pockets, but their insurance carriers sometimes try to deny coverage or minimize payouts by arguing:

Hazing or intentional acts are excluded from coverage.
Their policy doesn’t cover certain individuals or specific types of incidents.

Our team, including Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), understands these tactics firsthand. We know how to identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, challenge wrongful denials, and navigate complex disputes about exclusions and the nature of “intentional” versus “negligent” conduct. Our goal is to ensure that every available resource is brought to bear for our clients.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing strikes, Hood County families and students need clear, actionable guidance. We aim to empower you with the knowledge to recognize hazing, respond effectively, and protect your rights.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

As parents in Hood County, your vigilance can be the first line of defense.

Warning Signs of Hazing: Be alert to changes in your child. These can include unexplained bruises, cuts, or physical injuries; extreme fatigue or exhaustion; sudden changes in mood, increased anxiety, or withdrawal from family and friends; constant use of a phone for group chats, especially late at night; secrecy about organization activities (e.g., “I can’t talk about it”); a sudden drop in academic performance; or unexpected financial requests or unexplained expenses.
How to Talk to Your Child: Approach conversations with empathy, not judgment. Start with open-ended questions like, “How are things going with the organization?” or “Is there anything about the new member process that makes you uncomfortable?” Reassure them that their safety and well-being are your top priorities, and that you will support them no matter what.
If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize medical care immediately. Document everything: take clear photos of any injuries (with dates), screenshot any relevant text messages or social media posts your child shows you, and write down an accurate account of what they tell you, including dates, times, and names.
Dealing with the University: If you choose to engage with the university, document every communication. Ask specific questions about their hazing investigation process, prior incidents involving the organization, and what preventative measures were supposedly in place. Do not blindly accept claims that “it’s being handled internally.”
When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or covering up what happened, contact an attorney immediately. Evidence disappears quickly, and universities often control the narrative.

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

If you’re a student from Hood County involved in a new member process or organization, your safety and well-being are paramount.

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do? Would I do this if I had a real choice, without fear of exclusion? Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal? Would university administrators or my parents approve of this if they knew? If older members are making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves, it is hazing. If you’re being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide activities from outsiders, it’s hazing.
Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: In Texas, the law is clear: consent is not a defense to hazing. Institutions understand that true consent is impossible under duress, peer pressure, or the desire to belong. Your feelings of intimidation or fear of exclusion invalidate any “agreement” you give.
Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you wish to de-pledge, discreetly inform a trusted adult outside the organization (parent, RA) and then formally communicate your resignation (e.g., via email to the organization’s president). Avoid “one last meeting” where you might be pressured or intimidated.
Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer good-faith protections for students who report hazing or call for emergency medical help, even if they were consuming alcohol underage or involved in the incident. Your safety is prioritized over minor infractions when seeking help in an emergency.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were once part of a hazing organization or witnessed hazing, and now carry guilt or regret, your actions can be pivotal.

Your Testimony Matters: Your firsthand account and any evidence you possess can be crucial in holding individuals and institutions accountable, preventing future tragedies, and potentially saving lives.
Seek Legal Advice: While your fear of consequences is valid, an attorney can advise you on your rights, potential legal exposure, and how to safely cooperate with investigations without self-incrimination. Our criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can help advise witnesses and former members facing potential criminal charges in conjunction with civil claims.
Confidentiality: Discussing your experiences with an attorney is confidential, allowing you to explore options without immediate public exposure.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Hood County families need to be keenly aware that even well-intentioned actions can inadvertently harm a hazing case. Avoid these critical mistakes:

Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: While parents might want to protect their child from further trouble, deleting evidence can be seen as a cover-up, makes a case nearly impossible to prove, and can even be a criminal act (obstruction of justice). Preserve everything immediately, even if it seems embarrassing.
Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: Your natural instinct to protect your child could backfire. Direct confrontation alerts the organization, leading them to destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses. Document everything privately, then call a lawyer before any direct interaction.
Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities often pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements to avoid litigation. Signing these without legal review can waive your right to sue and typically results in settlements far below the true value of the case. Never sign any document without your attorney reviewing it first.
Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: While you may want to share your story or seek support, anything posted publicly can be used against you by defense attorneys. Inconsistencies can harm credibility, and certain posts can waive legal privileges. Document privately and allow your lawyer to guide any public messaging.
Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: Organizations might try to lure your child back for a “talk” or “apology.” This is often a tactic to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can be used against you. Once considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.
Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities’ internal processes are often designed to protect the institution, not solely the victim. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run. Preserve evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s disciplinary process is separate from your civil legal options.
Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters for the defendants will often contact you quickly, seeming helpful, but their goal is to obtain information and settle the claim for the lowest possible amount. Any statements you give can be recorded and used against you. Politly decline to speak to them and state, “My attorney will contact you.” For more insight, watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can ruin 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 circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations (if applicable), and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is unique, so contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. While hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony under Texas law if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who fail 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. Courts and juries understand that “agreement” under immense peer pressure, intimidation, and the desire to belong is not true voluntary consent.
“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical – evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations may destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. You can learn more about the statute of limitations in our video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on their sponsorship of the organization, their control over its members, their knowledge of hazing risks, and the foreseeability of such events. Many major hazing cases resulting in multi-million-dollar judgments occurred at off-campus locations.
“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
The vast majority of hazing cases resolve through confidential settlements before a public trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy and can often negotiate for sealed court records and confidential settlement terms while still pursuing full accountability.
“How do contingency fees work?”
At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means we don’t get paid unless we win your case. There are no upfront legal fees, and if we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing for our legal services. This allows families, regardless of their financial situation, to pursue justice against powerful institutions. You can watch our video explaining contingency fees in more detail here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the profound crisis of a hazing incident, you need more than just a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—universities, national fraternities, and their insurance companies—fight back, and how to effectively overcome those defenses. You need a legal team that understands the cultural nuances of Greek life, military organizations, and athletic programs, as well as the intricate legal strategies required to secure justice.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we are precisely that team. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including those in Hood County and the surrounding Central Texas region. We understand that hazing at Texas universities deeply impacts families far and wide, and we are dedicated to providing the specialized advocacy they deserve.

Our unique qualifications are especially suited to the complexities of hazing litigation:

Insurance Insider Advantage: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows their playbook because she used to run it. Lupe understands exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She anticipates their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies, giving our clients a critical edge. You can learn more about Lupe Peña on her profile at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience taking on and winning against formidable defendants. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the historic BP Texas City explosion litigation, a case against a billion-dollar corporation. This federal court experience (United States District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, well-resourced universities, or their sophisticated defense teams. We know how to fight powerful defendants and secure meaningful accountability. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We possess a proven track record in obtaining multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. This includes working with economists to accurately value the loss of life and calculating comprehensive lifetime care needs for victims of severe injuries like brain damage. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force accountability and ensure adequate long-term care for our clients.
Dual Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides us with a unique perspective. This expertise is critical in hazing cases, which often carry both civil liability implications and potential criminal charges for individuals. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, allowing us to advise witnesses and former members on navigation of their potential dual exposure effectively.
Unrivaled Investigative Depth: We invest heavily in thorough investigations. Our network includes medical experts, digital forensics specialists who can recover deleted group chats and social media evidence, economists, and psychologists. We are adept at subpoenaing national fraternity records, uncovering prior incidents, and obtaining critical university files through discovery and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We are The Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We understand that a hazing incident is one of the hardest things a family can face, bringing immense pain, confusion, and fear. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We approach every case with empathy and unwavering victim advocacy, ensuring that thorough investigation and real accountability are at the forefront of our efforts.

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

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

What to Expect in Your Free Consultation:

We will listen to your story with compassion and without judgment.
We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
We will clearly explain your legal options, including a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither, and discuss the nuances of each path.
We will provide realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
We will answer all your questions about our contingency fee structure, ensuring you understand that we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
There will be no pressure to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time you need to make this crucial decision.
Everything you tell us during the consultation is strictly confidential.

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

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911

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 – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

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