It’s late at night, and your child’s phone goes dead. They’re at an off-campus house where the fraternity initiation is taking place, a house they described as “just a tradition,” but you can’t shake the feeling something is wrong. You’ve heard whispers of excessive drinking, demeaning acts, and the constant pressure to conform. You call their friends, but no one answers. Anxiety grips you—is this just harmless fun, or is your child part of a dangerous hazing ritual in Angelina County or at a university far from home?

This scenario is far too common for families throughout Angelina County, the surrounding communities like Diboll, Lufkin, Huntington, and Pollok, and across East Texas. The fear that your child might be subjected to harmful “traditions” at college, whether at Texas A&M, the University of Texas at Austin, University of Houston, SMU, Baylor, or another institution, is a real and terrifying prospect. Many parents and students in Angelina County aren’t fully aware of what modern hazing looks like, the devastating impact it can have, or their legal rights when it occurs.

This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on hazing and the law in Texas for families in Angelina County and across our great state. We will explore:

• What hazing looks like in 2025, moving beyond old stereotypes.
• The intricacies of Texas and federal law concerning hazing.
• Critical insights gleaned from national hazing cases and their relevance to Texas families.
• Detailed historical and recent incidents at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University.
• The legal options available to victims and families in Angelina County and throughout Texas.

Please remember that this article provides general information and is not specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm is here to evaluate individual cases based on their unique facts. We serve families across Texas, including those in Angelina County and the broader East Texas region, and we are dedicated to helping victims of hazing find justice.

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)
  • Our team is ready to provide immediate help—that’s why we’re known as the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

• In the first 48 hours:

  • Get medical attention for your child immediately, even if they insist they are “fine.” Prioritize their health 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 physical items such as clothing worn during the incident, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing.
  • Write down everything while your memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when, and where.
  • Do NOT:
    • Directly confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization responsible.
    • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice.
    • Post details about the incident on public social media.
    • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

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

  • Evidence in hazing cases can disappear remarkably fast, including deleted group chats, destroyed physical evidence, and witnesses being coached on what to say.
  • Universities often move quickly to control the narrative and conduct their own investigations, which may not align with your child’s best interests.
  • We can help preserve crucial evidence and protect your child’s legal rights.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

HAZING IN 2025: WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE

For Angelina County families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or collegiate activities, hazing might evoke images of mild pranks or silly dares. However, the reality of hazing in 2025 is far more sinister and dangerous. It has evolved significantly, often becoming an insidious blend of physical abuse, emotional manipulation, and digital coercion, all designed to exploit power imbalances within a group.

Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action connected to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status within any group (fraternity, sorority, club, team). This behavior endangers mental or physical health, humiliates, or exploits an individual. We emphasize that a student’s “agreement” to participate does not automatically make the act safe or legal, especially when peer pressure and power imbalances are at play.

Main Categories of Hazing

Modern hazing defies a single description. It manifests in various forms, each designed to assert dominance and control over new members.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is one of the most perilous forms of hazing and a leading cause of fatalities. It involves forced or coerced drinking, often through dangerous “chugging challenges,” “lineups” where pledges consume drinks in rapid succession, or games that require excessive alcohol intake. Students may also be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, putting their health and lives at extreme risk.

• Physical Hazing: Beyond superficial pranks, physical hazing involves direct bodily harm. This can include paddling and beatings, extreme calisthenics or “workouts” that push individuals far beyond safe physical limits, and “smokings” which are punitive physical tasks. Sleep deprivation and food/water deprivation are also common, debilitating victims physically and mentally. Some tactics involve exposure to extreme cold or heat, or dangerous environments, designed to induce fear and discomfort.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are profoundly degrading and psychologically damaging. They often involve forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (sometimes referred to by crude terms like “roasted pig” positions), and wearing degrading costumes. Hazing can also incorporate acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, using slurs or forcing individuals to role-play offensive stereotypes.

• Psychological Hazing: While not always visible, psychological hazing inflicts deep emotional scars. It encompasses verbal abuse, threats, and social isolation, cutting individuals off from their support systems. Manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming—whether in person or online—are common tactics that strip victims of their dignity and self-worth.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the pervasive use of technology, hazing has moved into the digital realm. This includes group chat dares, challenges, and public humiliation orchestrated via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, and others. Students can be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or constantly monitor group chats, creating an inescapable environment of anxiety and control.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to one type of organization or campus. While often associated with fraternities, it proliferates across a wide spectrum of collegiate groups:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes traditional Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council (Panhel) organizations, as well as National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) “Divine Nine” groups and multicultural Greek chapters.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These groups, often emphasizing discipline and tradition, can unfortunately be fertile ground for hazing when mentorship devolves into abuse.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Groups like student spirit organizations or campus tradition clubs (e.g., Texas Cowboys-type groups) can also engage in hazing in the name of loyalty or “earning your place.”
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, cheerleading, and smaller sports, hazing can occur as a twisted form of “initiation” or team bonding.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can foster environments where hazing takes root.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Hazing is not limited to highly social clubs; the pressure to “prove yourself” can appear in unexpected places.

The alarming truth is that social status, tradition, and secrecy play powerful roles in perpetuating these harmful practices, even when everyone involved knows hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited.

LAW & LIABILITY FRAMEWORK (TEXAS + FEDERAL)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing is crucial for families in Angelina County and across Texas. Our state has clear laws against hazing, and there are federal regulations that further protect students. The Manginello Law Firm believes in empowering families with this knowledge.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This code defines hazing in broad terms to cover a wide range of harmful behaviors.

Hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—whether on or off campus, by one person 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. This act must either:

• Endanger the physical health or safety of a student (e.g., beatings, forced exercise, coerced consumption of alcohol or drugs).
• Or substantially affect the mental health or safety of a student (e.g., extreme humiliation, intimidation, psychological manipulation).

In plain English, if someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they did so intentionally or were reckless about the risks, that constitutes hazing under Texas law. A critical point for Angelina County families to remember is that a student’s “agreement” or “consent” to participate does not automatically make the act safe or legal, particularly when power imbalances and peer pressure are present.

Criminal Penalties:

• Hazing that does not result in serious injury is typically a Class B Misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• If hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment, it can be elevated to a Class A Misdemeanor.
• Most severely, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a State Jail Felony, carrying significant prison time and fines.
• State law also makes it a misdemeanor for individuals (including organization officers) who know about hazing and fail to report it. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Organizational Liability:

• Organizations themselves (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can also face criminal prosecution. This occurs if the organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer acting in an official capacity knew about hazing and failed to report it. Penalties for organizations can include fines of up to $10,000 per violation and the revocation of university recognition.

Reporter Protections:

• A person who reports a hazing incident in good faith to university officials or law enforcement is generally immune from civil or criminal liability that might result from the report. This protection is designed to encourage reporting without fear of reprisal. Additionally, in life-threatening medical emergencies, Texas law and most university policies provide amnesty for students who call 911, even if they were underage drinking or involved in the hazing themselves.

It is important to remember that this is a summary. For the exact wording and full details, consult the Texas Education Code.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, there are two primary legal avenues that can be pursued, and understanding their differences is vital.

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (Texas in our context) through a prosecutor. The primary goal of criminal cases is to seek punishment for illegal acts, which can include incarceration, fines, and probation. Hazing-related criminal charges can range from hazing offenses themselves, to furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and even negligent homicide or manslaughter in fatal incidents.

• Civil Cases: These are brought forth by the victims of hazing or their surviving families. The central aim of a civil case is to obtain monetary compensation for damages suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil hazing lawsuits often focus on legal theories such as:

  • Negligence and gross negligence (failure to exercise reasonable care, or a conscious disregard for safety).
  • Wrongful death (when hazing leads to a fatality).
  • Negligent hiring, supervision, or retention (holding institutions or organizations accountable for their employees or members).
  • Premises liability (when hazing occurs on a property where the owner failed to maintain a safe environment).
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress.

It is crucial to understand that these two types of cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil case. The burden of proof is different, and a civil case can provide compensation and a sense of justice even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction.

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

Beyond state laws, federal regulations also play a significant role in addressing hazing and ensuring campus safety, affecting universities and colleges in Angelina County and across Texas.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This crucial federal legislation was enacted to mandate greater transparency and accountability from institutions receiving federal funding. By around 2026, it will require colleges and universities to:

  • More transparently report hazing incidents and their outcomes.
  • Strengthen existing hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Maintain and make public annual hazing data, similar to how crime statistics are reported.
    This act aims to provide families with a clearer picture of hazing activity on campuses and empower them with information.

• Title IX / Clery Act Obligations:

  • Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based hostility, or exploitation (such as forced nudity or sexual acts), it falls under Title IX’s purview. Universities have specific obligations to investigate and address such misconduct, regardless of whether it also constitutes hazing under state law.
  • Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires institutions to disclose campus crime statistics and security information. While hazing is not always a Clery-reportable crime in itself, hazing incidents frequently involve underlying criminal acts such as assault, sexual assault, hate crimes, or alcohol/drug violations, which are Clery-reportable. This means hazing incidents can trigger significant reporting and response duties from universities, irrespective of whether they occurred on or off campus, if they involve recognized student groups or university property.

These federal layers provide additional avenues for accountability and underscore the serious consequences for universities that fail to address hazing effectively.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

In the unfortunate event of hazing, understanding who can be held legally responsible is key to pursuing justice. Multiple parties can hold liability in a civil hazing lawsuit, a complexity that necessitates experienced legal counsel.

• Individual Students: The students who actively planned, enforced, supplied alcohol, carried out, or helped conceal the hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes those in leadership positions within the organization.

• Local Chapter / Organization: The immediate fraternity, sorority, or club itself (if structured as a legal entity) can be sued. This extends to individuals acting as officers or “pledge educators” who often bear direct responsibility for the activities.

• National Fraternity / Sorority: The national headquarters, which sets policies, collects dues, and is responsible for overseeing its local chapters, can face liability. Their potential liability often hinges on what they knew, or should have known, about prior hazing incidents, especially if specific hazing patterns are repeated across their chapters nationwide.

• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, or its governing board, may be sued under various legal theories, including negligence, gross negligence, or premises liability. Factors like prior warnings regarding the organization’s behavior, the enforcement of their own anti-hazing policies, and any “deliberate indifference” to known risks are critical in determining the university’s culpability. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) may invoke sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist, particularly in cases of gross negligence or Title IX violations. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections.

• Third Parties: Other entities can also be implicated:

  • Landlords or Owners of Property: If hazing occurs at a rented house or an event space, the landlord or property owner could face liability if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities on their premises.
  • Bars or Alcohol Providers: Under Texas dram shop laws, establishments that sell or serve alcohol to obviously intoxicated individuals or minors who then cause harm can be held liable.
  • Security Companies or Event Organizers: If these entities failed in their duty to ensure safety at an event where hazing took place, they might also be subject to legal action.

It is important to remember that every case is unique and highly fact-specific; not every party will be liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney from The Manginello Law Firm can evaluate the specifics of your case to identify all potentially liable parties.

NATIONAL HAZING CASE PATTERNS (ANCHOR STORIES)

While a hazing incident deeply affects Angelina County families on a personal level, it’s crucial to understand that these tragedies are rarely isolated. They often fit into grim patterns, with national fraternities, sororities, and universities facing repeated warnings and lawsuits. These “anchor stories” highlight the systemic nature of hazing and set powerful legal precedents for cases across Texas and the nation.

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 (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” event. He was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, leading to severe falls that were captured on the fraternity’s own security cameras. For nearly 12 hours, fraternity brothers delayed calling for medical help, attempting to conceal the evidence. The ensuing legal actions led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members and significant civil litigation. This tragic case resulted in the enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. For Texas families, this case underscores how extreme intoxication, a deliberate delay in calling 911, and a pervasive culture of silence can lead to devastating legal consequences for individuals and institutions.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during an off-campus “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to drink them. Multiple fraternity members were prosecuted, and most pled guilty to misdemeanor hazing. Florida State University responded by temporarily suspending all Greek life activities across campus, initiating a comprehensive overhaul of its hazing policies. This case from Florida highlights how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster, signaling to fraternities and universities across the country, including in Texas, the dire need for stricter oversight.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): At LSU, Max Gruver died from alcohol toxicity after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. During this hazing ritual, pledges were forced to consume alcohol if they answered questions incorrectly. Max’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was found to be an astonishing 0.495%. His death led to multiple members being charged, with one convicted of negligent homicide. More importantly, Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute, in response to this tragedy. This case demonstrates how public outrage and clear proof of hazing can directly lead to significant legislative change that impacts families in Texas and states nationwide.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge at Bowling Green State, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night hazing event. The incident led to multiple criminal convictions for hazing-related charges against fraternity members. On the civil side, the Foltz family reached a landmark $10 million settlement in 2023, with approximately $7 million coming from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. Critically, Stone Foltz’s chapter president, Daylen Dunson, was personally ordered to pay $6.5 million to the Foltz family. For families in Angelina County and across Texas, this case is a stark reminder that universities, even public ones, can face significant financial and reputational consequences for hazing, alongside the Greek organizations themselves. It also highlights the substantial personal liability that individual student officers can incur.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, hazing often involves extreme physical abuse and ritualized violence, sometimes leading to death or permanent injury.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College / Pocono Mountains, PA retreat (2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge of Pi Delta Psi fraternity, died from a traumatic brain injury during an off-campus “retreat” in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. During the “glass ceiling” hazing ritual, Deng was repeatedly blindfolded, forced to wear a heavy backpack, and tackled. Tragically, fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours, attempting to cover up the incident. Multiple members were convicted of various charges, and notably, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter – a landmark case of organizational criminal liability. Pi Delta Psi was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years and fined over $110,000. This case illustrates that off-campus “retreats” or remote locations, often chosen to evade campus oversight, can be as dangerous or even more so than parties, and that national organizations can face severe criminal and civil sanctions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue that can infiltrate major athletic programs, often shrouded in secrecy and team loyalty.

• Northwestern University – Athletic Hazing Scandal (2023–2025): In a widely publicized event, former football players at Northwestern University alleged a widespread pattern of sexualized and racist hazing within the football program, spanning multiple years. The allegations included forced sexual acts, derogatory language, and other deeply disturbing behaviors. This led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and its coaching staff. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later filed a confidential wrongful-termination lawsuit against the university, which was settled in August 2025. This scandal serves as a stark reminder for Angelina County families that hazing is not limited to fraternities and sororities; major athletic programs can also harbor systemic abuse, raising serious questions about institutional oversight and accountability.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national anchor stories share harrowing common threads: forced intoxication, humiliating degradation, deliberate physical violence, a dangerous delay or denial of medical care, and concerted efforts to cover up the abuse. From Pen State to Florida State, LSU to Bowling Green, and Northwestern, the pattern of institutional failure and severe harm is clear.

For families in Angelina County, whether their child attends a university close to home or one across the state, these precedents are vital. They demonstrate that while these institutions and national organizations are powerful, they are not above the law. Critically, these cases show that significant reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often only follow after tragedy strikes and determined legal action is taken. Texas families facing hazing challenges at institutions like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor are operating in a legal landscape profoundly shaped by these national lessons. You are not alone, and there are legal avenues to seek justice and accountability.

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

For families in Angelina County, their children attend or plan to attend many of Texas’s prominent universities, often including the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University. While Angelina County itself is located in East Texas, with its own rich timber and agricultural heritage, its residents send their students to these larger institutions across the state. The Manginello Law Firm understands that a hazing incident transcends geographic boundaries, impacting families whether their child is studying in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, or Waco.

In this section, we will delve into the hazing context at each of these major Texas universities, providing Angelina County families with specific information relevant to these campuses.

University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus easily accessible from Angelina County via US-59 S, is a significant draw for students from East Texas. With its diverse student body and active Greek life, UH presents both rich opportunities and potential risks for new students.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a Tier One research university located in the heart of Houston, a major metropolitan hub. It serves a diverse student population, with a mix of commuter and residential students. The campus hosts a bustling Greek life, encompassing Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council (HPC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) fraternities and sororities. Beyond Greek life, UH boasts a wide array of student organizations, including cultural groups, academic clubs, and sports teams, all of which contribute to campus social dynamics.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, clearly stating that hazing is prohibited both on and off campus. Their policy specifically bans activities like forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and acts causing mental distress, all when used for initiation or affiliation purposes. Students and families at UH can report hazing through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, or the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). UH also provides information regarding hazing on its website, including procedures for reporting violations.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has a history of addressing hazing incidents within its student organizations:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Case: In a particularly severe incident, pledges of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity chapter at UH were allegedly subjected to significant deprivation of food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. Disturbingly, one student suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface during the hazing. This chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was subsequently suspended by the university.
• Throughout other disciplinary actions, UH has referenced incidents involving fraternities where behavior was found to be “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often including alcohol misuse and other policy violations. These incidents have led to various sanctions, including official warning, probation, and suspension of chapters.

These examples highlight UH’s active stance in suspending chapters found responsible for hazing, though transparency regarding specific details may sometimes be limited compared to other institutions.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Angelina County families, understanding the legal process for a UH hazing case is essential. Given UH’s location in Houston, cases often involve the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) for on-campus incidents or the Houston Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits emanating from UH hazing can be filed in courts within Harris County, which encompasses Houston, or potentially federal court, depending on the claims.

Potential defendants in such cases could include the individual students directly involved in the hazing, the local chapter of the fraternity or sorority, the national organization of that Greek letter society, and potentially the University of Houston itself if negligence or deliberate indifference can be demonstrated. Property owners where the hazing occurred, especially if it was an off-campus house, might also face liability.

What UH Students and Parents Should Do

Families from Angelina County with students at UH should be vigilant and proactive:

• Familiarize yourselves with UH’s hazing policy and reporting channels, including the Dean of Students and UHPD.
• Encourage your student to immediately report any suspicious activities through official university channels or, if anonymity is desired, through the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).
• If hazing is suspected or confirmed, meticulously document all evidence. This includes screenshots of group chats, photos of injuries or events, and any communication related to the hazing.
• For severe incidents or persistent issues, contact a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases, like the attorneys at The Manginello Law Firm. We can help uncover prior disciplinary actions against organizations at UH and navigate their internal files, which might not be publicly available.
• Prioritize your child’s physical and mental well-being above all else, ensuring medical attention is sought if there are any signs of injury or distress.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a major institution known for its deep-rooted traditions and the iconic Corps of Cadets, attracts a significant number of students from Angelina County and East Texas, located just a couple of hours away. The unique culture and powerful sense of “Aggie Spirit” at A&M, while a source of pride, also underscore the importance of understanding hazing risks within its storied campus environment.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M in College Station is renowned for its traditions, strong alumni network, and the prominent Corps of Cadets, a military-style collegiate lifestyle program. The university also has a large and active Greek life, contributing to its vibrant social scene. The emphasis on tradition and unity, while integral to A&M’s identity, can sometimes inadvertently create environments where hazing is perpetuated under the guise of “earning your Aggie Ring” or “building character.”

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M University unequivocally prohibits hazing, articulating its stance through the Student Conduct Office and specific Corps of Cadets regulations. Their policy aligns with Texas state law, defining hazing as any act that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Students and parents can report hazing via the Student Conduct Office, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), or specifically through the Corps of Cadets leadership and reporting mechanisms for Corps-related incidents.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced its share of hazing allegations and incidents across various organizations:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (Around 2021): In a deeply disturbing incident, two pledges of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chapter at Texas A&M alleged they were subjected to a severe hazing ritual. They claimed they were forced to endure strenuous physical activity while substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit were poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns that tragically required skin graft surgeries. The pledges subsequently filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity, and the chapter was suspended for two years by the university.
• Corps of Cadets Hazing Allegations (2023): A lawsuit filed in 2023 shed light on deeply degrading hazing within the Corps of Cadets. A former cadet alleged severe and prolonged hazing, including simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages, highlighting the psychological and physical trauma inflicted. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its strict anti-hazing regulations.
• Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): Allegations surfaced of severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis (a dangerous muscle breakdown condition), resulting from extreme physical hazing within the Kappa Sigma chapter. This incident has led to ongoing litigation, focusing on the specific health risks associated with aggressive physical hazing.

These incidents underscore that hazing at Texas A&M is not limited to traditional Greek life; it is a concern that can extend to the highly revered Corps of Cadets and other student organizations.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Angelina County parents and students, a hazing incident at Texas A&M would likely involve investigation by the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) for on-campus activities, or College Station Police Department and Brazos County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus incidents. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Brazos County courts in Bryan, or possibly in federal court.

Potential defendants would include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority (if applicable), and potentially Texas A&M University or its governing board, particularly in cases involving Corps of Cadets hazing where institutional oversight is paramount.

What Texas A&M Students and Parents Should Do

Families in Angelina County with students at Texas A&M should be particularly attuned to the university’s strong cultural components:

• Understand that “tradition” should never be an excuse for hazing. If an activity feels demeaning, dangerous, or coerced, it is hazing.
• Report any suspected hazing directly through Texas A&M’s Student Conduct Office or UPD. For Corps-specific hazing, utilize Corps reporting channels.
• Emphasize to your student that they should prioritize their safety and well-being over “loyalty” to any group or tradition.
• Collect and preserve all possible evidence: screenshots of messages, photos of injuries, and accounts of what happened.
• If a severe incident occurs, contact an experienced Texas hazing attorney immediately. Our team at The Manginello Law Firm understands the unique dynamics of A&M, including the complexities of Corps hazing and how it intersects with campus-wide hazing issues.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution located in the state capital, a popular destination for many students from Angelina County and East Texas. As a large public university with a dynamic student body and robust Greek system, UT Austin is unfortunately not immune to the pervasive issue of hazing.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is one of the largest universities in Texas, celebrated for its academic rigor, vibrant campus life, and deep-seated traditions. It hosts a thriving Greek community, including a wide array of Panhellenic, Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek organizations. Beyond Greek life, UT is home to countless student groups, sports clubs, and spirit organizations, all contributing to the rich tapestry of student life where hazing can sometimes occur.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin maintains an explicit and detailed anti-hazing policy, strictly prohibiting any action that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of affiliation or initiation. UT’s policy covers all student organizations, both on and off campus. A key feature of UT’s approach is its public-facing Hazing Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu), which lists organizations, dates of infractions, specific conduct, and corresponding sanctions. This commitment to transparency is a crucial resource for Angelina County families. Students and parents can report hazing via the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, or the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s public Hazing Violations page openly details numerous incidents:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): The Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity chapter was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics as part of their new member activities. The university determined this constituted hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization): This well-known spirit organization has faced disciplinary actions for hazing violations, including forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and other punishment-based practices over the years.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (January 2024): In a high-profile incident, an Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at a party, resulting in severe injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, fractured tibia, and a broken nose. The student filed a lawsuit against the SAE chapter for over $1 million. Notably, the chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations, highlighting a pattern of misconduct.

UT’s proactive stance on publicly listing violations demonstrates a unique commitment to transparency among Texas universities. However, the recurring nature of these violations underscores the ongoing challenges in eradicating hazing.

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Angelina County families, a hazing case at UT Austin would involve investigations by the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) for on-campus incidents, or the Austin Police Department (APD) for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County courts, where Austin is located, or potentially in federal court, depending on the legal grounds.

Potential defendants often include the individual students directly responsible, the local chapter of the organization, its national headquarters, and potentially UT Austin itself. The public record of prior violations on UT’s hazing webpage can be a powerful tool in civil litigation, demonstrating a pattern of misconduct and the university’s knowledge of such issues.

What UT Students and Parents Should Do

Angelina County students and parents connected to UT Austin should:

• Regularly check the UT Hazing Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu) to stay informed about active sanctions against organizations.
• Understand that UT has specific reporting mechanisms, and encourage reporting through the Dean of Students or UTPD.
• Document any suspected hazing meticulously, utilizing screenshots of group chats, photos, videos, and detailed written accounts—these are critical for evidence.
• If a serious incident occurs, contact an experienced Texas hazing attorney immediately. Our team at The Manginello Law Firm is adept at navigating UT’s policies and leveraging its transparent reporting to build strong cases.
• Emphasize to your student that their physical and mental health is paramount and that they have the right to leave any unsafe or coercive situation without fear of retribution.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a distinguished private university in Dallas, is another institution that draws students from Angelina County and across Texas. SMU’s vibrant Greek life and active social scene make it important for families to be aware of the hazing risks present in its collegiate environment.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private, well-regarded university known for its beautiful campus, strong academics, and prominent Greek presence. Its student body often comes from affluent backgrounds, and Greek life plays a central role in the social fabric of the university. The culture often emphasizes tradition and social standing, which, in some instances, can unfortunately be intertwined with hazing practices.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Southern Methodist University strictly prohibits hazing for all its student organizations, both on and off campus. SMU’s policy defines hazing broadly, consistent with Texas state law, to include any activity that endangers the physical or mental health of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. SMU encourages students and parents to report hazing through its Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, or the SMU Police Department (SMU PD). The university also provides anonymous reporting systems, such as “Real Response,” to encourage individuals to come forward without fear of retaliation.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has taken disciplinary action in various hazing incidents within its Greek organizations:

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): This well-publicized incident involved allegations that new members of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity were subjected to paddling, forced to consume excessive alcohol, and deprived of sleep. Following an investigation, the chapter was suspended by the university for several years and faced significant restrictions on its recruiting activities.
• Overall, SMU’s commitment to enforcement is visible through sanctions including probation, suspension, and required educational programs for chapters found responsible for hazing.

These incidents highlight SMU’s vigilance in addressing hazing within its vibrant Greek system.

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Angelina County families, a hazing case at SMU would likely involve investigations by the SMU Police Department (SMU PD) for incidents on campus. For off-campus hazing in the Dallas area, the Dallas Police Department (DPD) or Dallas County Sheriff’s Office would typically be involved. Given SMU’s private university status, civil lawsuits would generally be filed in Dallas County courts or potentially federal court.

Potential defendants in an SMU hazing case could include the individual students perpetrating the hazing, the local chapter of the fraternity or sorority, its national organization, and Southern Methodist University itself. Unlike public universities, private institutions like SMU generally do not benefit from sovereign immunity, which can simplify the legal path to holding the university accountable if negligence is proven. Civil cases can compel discovery of internal reports and communications, even if not publicly posted.

What SMU Students and Parents Should Do

Angelina County students attending SMU and their families should:

• Fully understand SMU’s anti-hazing policy and the consequences for violations.
• Utilize SMU’s reporting channels, including the anonymous “Real Response” system, if they witness or experience hazing.
• Meticulously document any evidence of hazing, including digital communications, photos, and personal accounts—this is paramount for building a strong case.
• Contact an experienced Texas hazing attorney immediately if a serious incident occurs. Our team at The Manginello Law Firm is skilled at navigating the complexities of private university policies and pursuing accountability on behalf of students.
• Always prioritize physical and mental health, seeking medical or psychological support as needed.

Baylor University

Baylor University, a respected private Christian university in Waco, draws students from across Texas, including Angelina County. Baylor’s distinctive religious identity and history of dealing with institutional misconduct, particularly related to Title IX issues, provide a unique backdrop against which to consider hazing on its campus.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor is known for its strong Christian mission, academic programs, and passionate student body. It maintains a significant Greek life, alongside numerous other student organizations that contribute to its campus culture. The emphasis on community and shared values at Baylor is strong, yet this environment, like any other, can harbor hazing when traditions or group loyalty are misguided. Baylor also faced intense scrutiny and reform after its well-publicized football and Title IX scandals, a context that has shaped its approach to student safety and accountability.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, adhering to Texas law and its own institutional values. Its policy defines hazing comprehensively to include any activity that threatens a student’s physical or mental health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Baylor encourages students and parents to report hazing through its Department of Student Activities, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), or anonymously through their institutional channels. Baylor regularly issues statements emphasizing its “zero tolerance” policy for hazing and other forms of misconduct.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor has experienced hazing incidents across various student organizations, including athletics:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An investigation into hazing within the Baylor baseball program led to the suspension of 14 players. These suspensions were staggered over the early season, underscoring the university’s disciplinary response to allegations of misconduct within its athletic teams.
• These incidents are often viewed within the broader context of Baylor’s previous challenges with institutional oversight and its ongoing efforts to rebuild trust and ensure student safety.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Angelina County families, a hazing incident at Baylor University would typically involve investigations by the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) for on-campus events. For off-campus hazing in the Waco area, the Waco Police Department or McLennan County Sheriff’s Office would be involved. As a private university, civil lawsuits against Baylor would generally be filed in McLennan County courts or potentially in federal court.

Potential defendants could include the individual students involved, the local chapter of the organization, its national headquarters (if a Greek organization), and Baylor University itself. Baylor’s private status means it is not shielded by sovereign immunity, potentially simplifying the path to accountability for the university if negligence or a breach of its duty of care can be established. The institution’s history of addressing misconduct, particularly related to Title IX, provides a framework for how it approaches student safety claims.

What Baylor Students and Parents Should Do

Angelina County students and their families connected to Baylor should:

• Thoroughly familiarize themselves with Baylor’s anti-hazing policies and reporting procedures.
• Understand that any activity that constitutes hazing, regardless of its framing as “tradition,” is prohibited and subject to disciplinary and legal consequences.
• Immediately report any suspected hazing to the Department of Student Activities or BUPD, or use anonymous reporting options.
• Document all evidence meticulously, including any digital communications, photos, or personal accounts.
• If a severe incident occurs, promptly consult with an experienced Texas hazing attorney. Our team at The Manginello Law Firm is familiar with Baylor’s institutional context and internal processes, allowing us to effectively pursue claims on behalf of students.
• Prioritize mental and physical well-being. Baylor also offers counseling services, which students are encouraged to utilize if experiencing distress or trauma.

FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES: CAMPUS-SPECIFIC + NATIONAL HISTORIES

For Angelina County families navigating the complexities of college life, especially when hazing accusations arise at universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, it’s vital to recognize that local chapter incidents are rarely isolated. They often echo a broader, national pattern rooted in the histories of the Greek organizations themselves. At The Manginello Law Firm, we understand how these national histories play a critical role in building a strong legal case.

Why National Histories Matter

Most fraternities and sororities present at Texas universities are part of large national organizations. These national headquarters are not merely symbolic; they are powerful entities that set policies, receive dues, and are responsible for overseeing their thousands of local chapters across the country.

Crucially, national HQs often have voluminous anti-hazing manuals and elaborate risk management policies for a very specific reason: they have witnessed, and often been held liable for, numerous deaths and catastrophic injuries in the past. They are acutely aware of the dangerous patterns—forced drinking nights, paddling traditions, humiliating rituals—that plague their organizations and they often have a financial interest in preventing such incidents.

When a Texas chapter at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor repeats the same dangerous behaviors that have led to another chapter being shut down or sued in another state, that can powerfully demonstrate foreseeability. This concept is central to legal arguments for negligence or even punitive damages against national entities. It shows that the national organization had prior notice of the inherent dangers and failed to take adequate steps to prevent a similar incident.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While it’s impossible to list every single chapter, many of the major fraternities and sororities with well-known national hazing issues have a presence on Texas campuses. Here, we highlight some that appear on the rosters of UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, linking them to significant national incidents to illustrate these patterns.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Known for its large presence and active social life on many campuses, including UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor. Nationally, Pike has been implicated in numerous serious hazing incidents. The most prominent example is the tragic 2021 death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University, after being forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night. This incident led to a $10 million settlement and highlights a pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing within the fraternity. Another case involved the $14 million settlement to the family of David Bogenberger following his alcohol-related death during a Pi Kappa Alpha event at Northern Illinois University in 2012. These cases illustrate a worrying trend regarding forced alcohol consumption during initiation.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. SAE has a national legacy marked by multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries. In 2014, SAE made headlines by eliminating its traditional pledge process nationwide in response to a pattern of deaths, yet incidents persist. Examples include:

  • A $1 million lawsuit filed against the Texas A&M chapter in 2021 where pledges sustained chemical burns from industrial cleaner during hazing.
  • A $1 million lawsuit against the UT Austin chapter in January 2024 by an exchange student alleging assault and severe injuries at a party, with the chapter already under suspension for prior violations.
  • A traumatic brain injury case filed in 2023 at the University of Alabama, where a pledge allegedly suffered a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual. These incidents demonstrate an ongoing pattern of physical and dangerous hazing despite stated policy changes.

• Phi Delta Theta: Found at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor. The national organization gained tragic notoriety with the 2017 death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University, resulting from a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers led to forced drinking. His death was a catalyst for Louisiana’s felony anti-hazing law, the Max Gruver Act. This case, among others, tragically highlights the dangers of forced alcohol consumption during initiation.

• Pi Kappa Phi: Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT. Pi Kappa Phi was involved in the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University, where he died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. This case illustrates a tragic pattern of excessive substance use during seemingly traditional Greek events.

• Kappa Alpha Order: A presence at Texas A&M and SMU for example. The SMU chapter was notably suspended in 2017 after allegations of paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation during pledgeship. The national organization has faced numerous hazing accusations across campuses, pointing to recurring issues of physical and psychological hazing.

• Beta Theta Pi: Present and active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. Beta Theta Pi is tragically linked to the 2017 death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University. His death involved extreme alcohol consumption, multiple falls, and a shocking delay in seeking medical help, leading to extensive criminal charges and civil litigation. His case was instrumental in strengthening anti-hazing laws in Pennsylvania.

• Sigma Chi: Found at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor. National incidents include a College of Charleston hazing case (2024) resulting in a $10 million+ settlement for a pledge who alleged physical beatings, forced substance consumption, and psychological torment. Another incident at the University of Texas at Arlington (2020) saw a pledge hospitalized with alcohol poisoning from hazing, leading to a lawsuit (settled August 2021) alleging negligent supervision. These illustrate widespread issues within the fraternity regarding severe physical and alcohol-related hazing.

These patterns are not exhaustive lists but rather examples of the types of recurring issues within specific national fraternities.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For Angelina County families considering legal action stemming from hazing, understanding these national histories is not just about awareness—it’s a critical legal strategy.

• Foreseeability and Pattern Evidence: When an organization has a history of similar hazing incidents across states and campuses, it becomes incredibly difficult for them to argue that a particular event was “unforeseeable” or an isolated incident. This pattern evidence suggests that national organizations had repeated warnings that their policies were ineffective or being ignored.
• Institutional Negligence: Courts can consider whether national organizations and universities:
  • Meaningfully enforced their existing anti-hazing policies, or if these policies were mere “paper policies.”
  • Responded aggressively enough to prior incidents, or if punishments were so lenient that they failed to deter future hazing.
• Impact on Lawsuits: This deep understanding of organizational history can profoundly affect:
  • Settlement Leverage: Demonstrating a pattern of negligence often strengthens the victim’s position in settlement negotiations, leading to more favorable outcomes.
  • Insurance Coverage Disputes: Such evidence is vital in battling against insurance companies that might try to deny coverage by claiming incidents were “unforeseeable” or “intentional acts” not covered by policy.
  • Potential for Punitive Damages: In some cases, if it can be proven that an organization showed a reckless disregard for student safety despite repeated warnings, punitive damages may be sought. These are awarded not to compensate the victim, but to punish the defendant and deter similar future conduct.

At The Manginello Law Firm, we meticulously investigate these national patterns to build the strongest possible case for families in Angelina County and across Texas, holding powerful entities accountable.

BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY

For families in Angelina County whose child has suffered harm due to hazing, building a robust legal case is a complex undertaking that demands meticulous evidence collection, a thorough understanding of potential damages, and a clear legal strategy. At The Manginello Law Firm, we are adept at navigating these intricacies to seek justice and accountability.

Evidence

Modern hazing cases are often won or lost based on the quality and comprehensiveness of the evidence. As we’ve seen from countless cases, evidence disappears quickly, which makes preservation paramount.

• Digital Communications: In today’s digital age, group chats and direct messages (DMs) are Gold Mines for hazing evidence. Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, iMessage, SMS group texts, Discord servers, and even specific fraternity/sorority apps are used for planning, communicating, instructing, and often documenting hazing. This evidence can include live messages, but also crucially, recovered deleted messages. It reveals who was involved, what was said, the timing of events, and often the intent or knowledge of the perpetrators.

  • Action: As detailed in Attorney911’s video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), it is critical for students or parents to immediately screenshot entire message threads, ensuring sender names, profile pictures, and timestamps are visible. Saving these in native resolution and backing them up to cloud storage or emailing them to a trusted party is essential.

• Photos & Videos: Any visual media is powerful. This includes:

  • Content filmed by members themselves during hazing events, often found in group chats or private social media stories.
  • Footage unintentionally captured by security cameras (e.g., at fraternity houses, university buildings, or private residences).
  • Photos of injuries: These should be taken immediately after the incident, from multiple angles, with close-ups, and ideally with a ruler or coin for scale. Re-photographing injuries over several days documents their progression.

• Internal Organization Documents: These can lay bare the reality behind “paper policies.” We seek:

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, or lists detailing “traditions” that may include hazing.
  • Emails or texts from officers or older members discussing “what we’ll do to pledges” or planning activities.
  • National organization policies, training materials, and risk management guidelines, which often contradict chapter behavior.

• University Records: Open records requests and legal discovery can compel universities to produce:

  • Records of prior disciplinary actions, probation, or suspensions against the perpetrating organization.
  • Incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices regarding the organization or its members.
  • Clery Act reports and similar disclosures that indicate patterns of similar incidents.
  • Internal emails among administrators discussing the organization’s conduct or known hazing risks.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the full extent of harm endured. We collect:

  • Emergency room reports, ambulance records, and hospitalization notes.
  • Surgical reports, rehabilitation notes, and long-term care plans.
  • Toxicology reports (especially important in alcohol/drug hazing).
  • Psychological evaluations and therapy notes that diagnose PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental health impacts.

• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are crucial. This includes:

  • Other pledges, current members (who may choose to cooperate later), roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, and bystanders.
  • Former members who previously left the organization or were expelled, as they often have firsthand knowledge of past hazing.

Damages

In plain English, “damages” refer to the financial compensation a victim or their family can receive for the harm suffered. Hazing cases can result in a range of economic and non-economic damages.

• Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):

  • Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers expenses for emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, medications, and, in severe cases, long-term care plans for permanent injuries like brain damage or organ damage.
  • Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes lost wages if the student was working, tuition for missed semesters, loss of scholarships, and potential reduced earning capacity if the injuries are permanent or hinder their ability to complete their education.

• Non-Economic Damages (Non-pecuniary Losses):

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the actual physical pain endured from injuries.
  • Emotional Distress, Trauma, Humiliation: This is a significant component in hazing cases, covering psychological conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, or the profound humiliation and lasting emotional scars.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the inability to participate in previously enjoyed activities, social withdrawal, or the overall diminished quality of life.

• Wrongful Death Damages (For Families): When hazing tragically results in death, the surviving family can claim:

  • Funeral and Burial Costs.
  • Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the financial contributions the deceased would have made to the family.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: Monetary damages for the profound emotional loss to parents, siblings, or spouses.
  • Emotional Harm: Compensation for the grief and emotional suffering of family members. (Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience, as detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/).

While we meticulously calculate and pursue these damages, we want to be clear that we are describing types of damages, not promising or predicting specific dollar amounts for any individual case.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

The legal strategy in a hazing case often hinges on identifying all liable parties and navigating their insurance coverage.

• National Fraternities and Universities: These powerful institutions almost always have robust insurance policies designed to protect them from liability. However, insurers are often reluctant to pay out on hazing claims.
• Insurance Company Tactics: Insurers frequently argue that hazing incidents are excluded from coverage because they are considered “intentional acts” or “criminal conduct.” They prioritize protecting their bottom line and will delay, undervalue, or outright deny claims if possible.
• Navigating Insurance Disputes: Experienced hazing lawyers like those at The Manginello Law Firm know how to dismantle these arguments. We identify all potential sources of insurance coverage (national fraternity policies, local chapter policies, university general liability, umbrella policies, individual homeowner’s policies) and strategically engage in disputes over policy exclusions and the “intentional conduct” defense. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, with her background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), provides invaluable insider knowledge on how these large companies operate, allowing us to anticipate their moves and force them to the table.

For Angelina County families, evidence collection starts immediately, and understanding these complexities is vital. We build cases that not only seek monetary compensation but also aim to compel institutional change and accountability.

PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS

Navigating the aftermath of a hazing incident can be overwhelming for Angelina County families and students. This section provides immediate, actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses, empowering you to protect rights and promote safety.

For Parents

Parents in Angelina County are often the first line of defense. Here’s how to recognize hazing, respond effectively, and protect your child.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be vigilant for a sudden onset of:

  • Unexplained injuries (bruises, burns, cuts) or repeated “accidents” with shifting or implausible explanations.
  • Extreme exhaustion and sleep deprivation, often caused by mandatory late-night events.
  • Drastic changes in mood, such as increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or social withdrawal from non-Greek friends.
  • Constant, secret phone use, especially for group chats, coupled with anxiety about missing “mandatory” events or responding quickly.
  • Complaints of constant hunger or thirst, or forced consumption of unusual substances.
  • Unexpected dips in academic performance due to lack of sleep or attendance pressure.
  • Requests for money without clear explanations, or signs of forced purchases for older members.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation calmly and empathetically.

  • Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things going with the fraternity/sorority? Are you enjoying it?” or “What do they ask you to do as a new member?”
  • Emphasize that their safety and well-being are paramount, far more important than any group status.
  • Reassure them that you will support them regardless of what they tell you, and that they will not be “in trouble.”

• If Your Child is Hurt:

  • Get them medical care immediately. Prioritize their physical and mental health. Do not delay.
  • Document everything. Photograph all injuries from multiple angles and over several days to show progression. Screenshot any digital communications your child shows you. Write down every detail your child shares (who, what, when, where) while it’s fresh.
  • Save names, dates, locations, and any physical evidence.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document every communication you have with campus administrators (emails, notes from phone calls).
  • Specifically ask about: any prior incidents involving the same organization, and what actions the school took (or didn’t take) in response.
  • Be aware that university investigations, while necessary, may prioritize institutional reputation over your child’s legal rights.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer:

  • If your child suffers significant physical or psychological harm.
  • If you feel the university or organization is minimizing, ignoring, or attempting to hide what happened.
  • If you suspect an attempted cover-up or retaliation.
  • You can—and should—contact a lawyer for a confidential consultation even if you are unsure about filing a lawsuit. We can advise you on how to best protect your child and preserve evidence.

For Students / Pledges

Students in Angelina County or at any Texas university experiencing hazing should know their rights and how to protect themselves.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? If you feel unsafe, humiliated, coerced, or forced to drink or endure pain; if the activity is hidden from the public or administrators; if older members make you do things they don’t do themselves—it is most likely hazing, regardless of what it’s called.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Even if you said “yes” or felt you agreed, the law recognizes that “consent” under intense peer pressure, a significant power imbalance, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. You are the victim, not the culpable party.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal and moral right to leave an unsafe situation.
  • If in immediate danger: Escape first, then call 911 or campus police. You will generally not get into trouble for seeking help in an emergency, especially regarding alcohol or drug use (good-faith reporter protections).
  • If you want to leave: Communicate your decision to quit the organization clearly. Do not attend “one last meeting” where you might be pressured or intimidated. If you fear retaliation, report this fear to the Dean of Students and campus police.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer protections (amnesty) for students who report hazing or call for help in an emergency, even if they were also involved in minor infractions like underage drinking. This encourages reporting without fear of personal consequences.

For Former Members / Witnesses

If you are a former member or a witness to hazing, you are in a unique and often difficult position.

• Acknowledge that any guilt, fear, or moral conflict you feel is valid.
• Understand that your testimony and any evidence you possess can be instrumental in:
  • Preventing future harm to other students.
  • Saving lives by holding organizations accountable.
  • Exposing systemic issues that need to be addressed.
• While you may be concerned about your own legal exposure, cooperating with law enforcement or a legal investigation can often be an important step toward accountability and can be carefully managed with your own legal counsel. Lawyers can help navigate your role as a witness without exposing you to unnecessary risk.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Angelina County families, swift and informed action is crucial in hazing cases. Even well-meaning actions can inadvertently undermine a potential legal claim. Here are critical mistakes to avoid:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence:

   • What Parents Think: “I don’t want them or their friends to get in more trouble.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Deleting evidence can look like an attempted cover-up, potentially constituting obstruction of justice, and it makes proving the case incredibly difficult. Digital forensics can often recover deleted data later, but original, untampered screenshots are invaluable.
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve everything immediately, no matter how embarrassing. Store it securely in the cloud or email it to a trusted adult. As Attorney911 highlights in our video on gathering evidence, “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), your phone is a critical tool.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • What Parents Think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: This immediately alerts the organization, prompting them to destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their legal defenses.
   • What to Do Instead: Document every detail privately. Then, contact an experienced attorney before any confrontation.

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms:

   • What Universities May Do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements to keep matters confidential.
   • Why It’s Wrong: These documents may inadvertently waive your child’s right to pursue legal action later. Settlements offered by universities in these internal processes are often far below the actual value of the case.
   • What to Do Instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university without having an attorney review it first.

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer:

   • What Families Think: “I want people to know what happened.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Every social media post can be used by defense attorneys. Inconsistencies or emotional details can undermine credibility and potentially waive legal privileges.
   • What to Do Instead: Document privately. Your lawyer can advise on strategic public communication, if any, when it benefits the case.

5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting” with the Organization:

   • What Fraternities May Say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic” or “Let’s clear things up.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: These meetings are often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that could harm your child’s legal position.
   • What to Do Instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication from the organization should be directed through your attorney.

6. Waiting to “See How the University Handles It”:

   • What Universities May Promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Evidence vanishes, witnesses graduate, and the crucial statute of limitations (the legal deadline to file a lawsuit) can expire. Universities primarily focus on their own reputation and internal policies, which may not align with seeking maximum accountability or compensation for your child.
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve evidence now. Consult with an attorney immediately. The university process often doesn’t equate to real justice or accountability for victims.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:

   • What Adjusters May Say: “We just need your statement to process the claim.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Insurance adjusters serve the insurance company’s interests, not yours. Recorded statements can be used against your child, and initial settlement offers are often lowball attempts to resolve the case cheaply.
   • What to Do Instead: Politely decline to speak to any insurance adjuster and advise them that your attorney will contact them.

Our video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY), further emphasizes these critical missteps.

Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under specific circumstances. Public universities such as the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas at Austin often benefit from some level of sovereign immunity under Texas law. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, certain constitutional violations, Title IX violations, or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities like Southern Methodist University and Baylor University have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends heavily on its specific facts. For a case-specific analysis, contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, it can be. While hazing is typically classified as a Class B misdemeanor, it is elevated to a state jail felony under Texas law if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or results in death. Additionally, individual officers of an organization can face criminal charges if they know about hazing and fail to report it. Attorney911’s criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can advise on both criminal exposure and civil liability paths.

• “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 intense peer pressure, significant power imbalances, and fear of social exclusion is not true voluntary consent. The law is designed to protect students from these coercive environments.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  In Texas, the general statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits is two years from the date of injury or death. However, this period can be extended under certain circumstances, such as the “discovery rule” if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent, or in cases involving fraudulent concealment or victims who were minors at the time. Time is critical in hazing cases because evidence can rapidly disappear, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy relevant records. For accurate guidance on your specific timeline, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Our video on statutes of limitations, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c), provides further insight.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of hazing does not absolve universities or national organizations of liability. Many significant hazing cases, including the Pi Delta Psi retreat death (Michael Deng) and the Sigma Pi incident at an unofficial house (Collin Wiant), occurred off-campus yet resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments. Universities and national organizations can still be held liable based on their sponsorship of the group, their knowledge of hazing practices, their control over the organization, and the foreseeability of such events.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases reach a settlement before going to trial. In many such settlements, confidentiality is a common provision, meaning the details (including your child’s name and the settlement amount) remain private. We can also request that court records be sealed. Your family’s privacy is a paramount concern for us as we pursue accountability.

• “How do contingency fees work?”
  The Manginello Law Firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means we don’t get paid unless we win your case. There are no upfront legal fees, and our payment is a percentage of the compensation we secure for you. This allows Angelina County families to pursue justice without immediate financial burden. You can find more details in our video, “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).

ABOUT THE MANGINELLO LAW FIRM + CALL TO ACTION

When your family faces the profound trauma of a hazing incident, you need more than just a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, wealthy universities, and their complex insurance networks—operate, how they fight back, and, most importantly, how to secure accountability and justice.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, stands ready to serve families in Angelina County and throughout Texas. From our Houston office, we extend our services across the state, recognizing that hazing at Texas universities impacts students and their families no matter where they reside. Whether your child attends a school across East Texas or one of our major university hubs, we understand the stakes and the legal landscape.

Our firm brings unique qualifications to hazing cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), previously worked as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. This invaluable experience means she knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusions, and their overall settlement strategies because she used to be on their side. We know their playbook because we used to help write it.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), has extensive experience taking on formidable opponents. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the high-stakes BP Texas City explosion litigation, a case against a multi-billion-dollar corporation. His federal court experience in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, powerful universities, or their well-resourced defense teams. We’ve taken on massive corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We possess a proven track record in obtaining multi-million dollar results in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to thoroughly value lifetime care needs for severe injuries like brain damage or organ failure, ensuring that full and fair compensation is pursued. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force genuine accountability. Our film’s wrongful death page (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/) details our commitment to families who have suffered the unthinkable.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides us with a critical understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual perspective is invaluable, allowing us to advise witnesses and former members who may face their own criminal exposure while simultaneously pursuing civil justice.

• Investigative Depth: We leverage a robust network of experts, including medical specialists, digital forensics analysts, economists, and psychologists. Our experience in obtaining hidden evidence—from deleted group chats and social media artifacts to subpoenaing national fraternity records and uncovering university files through discovery—is unparalleled. We investigate these cases like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments operate behind closed doors. We know what makes hazing cases uniquely challenging: powerful institutional defendants, fierce insurance coverage disputes, and the delicate balance between victim privacy and public accountability. Our approach is characterized by thorough investigation and a steadfast commitment to real accountability, rather than just quick settlements. We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today for a Confidential Consultation

If your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether you’re in Angelina County, along the Sabine River, or anywhere across East Texas—we want to hear from you. Families in Angelina County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, support, 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 for your family.

When you contact us, here’s what you can expect from your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story with empathy and without judgment.
• We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options, discussing whether a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither is the right path for your unique situation.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what you can expect during the legal process.
• We will answer your questions about costs, clearly explaining our contingency fee basis – we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
• There is absolutely no pressure to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time you need to make an informed decision.
• Everything you share with us is confidential.

Call Now to Speak with an Experienced Hazing Attorney:

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

Hablamos Español: Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for a confidential consultation in Spanish. We ensure our legal services are accessible to all families.

Whether you’re in Angelina County, Diboll, Lufkin, or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this challenge 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