Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Bosque County Families

The late-night call breaks the silence in your Bosque County home. Your child, away at a Texas university, is in the emergency room. They passed out. They fell. They’re bruised, disoriented, and scared. Or perhaps, week after week, you’ve noticed changes: your formerly outgoing student is withdrawn, exhausted, secretive, and flinches when their phone buzzes. They claim it’s just “part of the process,” “bonding,” or “tradition.” But deep down, you know something is terribly wrong.

This scenario, tragically, plays out too often across university campuses in Texas, from the sprawling urban landscape of the University of Houston to the historic traditions of Texas A&M, the vibrant culture of UT Austin, the prestigious halls of SMU, and the spiritual grounds of Baylor. Hazing, often disguised as “rites of passage” or “team building,” remains a dangerous and pervasive problem, impacting students and devastating families. For parents in Bosque County, sending a child off to college is a moment of pride and hope, but it also carries the underlying fear that they could become a victim of this destructive practice.

This comprehensive guide is designed for families in Bosque County and across Texas who are navigating the complex and often painful reality of hazing. We at The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC (Attorney911) understand the confusion, fear, and anger that arise when your child is harmed by the very institutions and organizations meant to foster growth and community. We want to equip you with the knowledge to understand:

• What modern hazing truly looks like in 2025, far beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The intricate web of Texas and federal laws that govern hazing.
• Critical lessons from major national hazing cases and how they inform the fight for justice here in Texas.
• Specific insights into hazing dynamics and documented incidents at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, institutions that many Bosque County families frequently choose for their children’s higher education.
• The profound impact of national fraternity and sorority histories on local chapter conduct and legal liability.
• How experienced legal counsel can help you build a compelling case, from evidence collection to pursuing the full scope of damages.

This article provides general information, not specific legal advice. We invite you to contact us for a confidential evaluation tailored to your unique situation. We serve families throughout Texas, including our neighbors in Bosque County, ensuring that justice is accessible wherever hazing leaves its mark.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in immediate danger RIGHT NOW:

  • Call 911 for medical emergencies without hesitation. Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
  • Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate help in legal emergencies – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

• In the first 48 hours following a hazing incident:

  • Get medical attention immediately, even if your child insists they are “fine.” Injuries, especially internal, may not be immediately apparent, and mental health trauma needs professional assessment.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it can be deleted or destroyed:
    • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately. This is often the most critical evidence.
    • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles, dating and time-stamping each picture.
    • Save physical items such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing.
  • Write down everything your child tells you while memory is fresh. Include who was involved, what happened, when it occurred, and where.
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or individuals involved directly. This can lead to evidence destruction or witness coaching.
    • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel reviewing it first. You could inadvertently waive your rights.
    • Post details on public social media. This can compromise your legal case.
    • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” evidence.

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

  • Evidence, particularly digital, disappears incredibly fast. Group chat messages are often deleted, witnesses graduate, and organizations work quickly to control the narrative.
  • Universities and organizations may try to conduct their own “internal investigations” which can be designed to protect them, not your child.
  • Attorney911 can help preserve critical evidence, guide you through the reporting process, and protect your child’s rights from the outset.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for an immediate, confidential consultation.

2. Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Bosque County families unfamiliar with the evolving landscape of modern Greek life and campus organizations, understanding what hazing truly means today is crucial. It’s no longer just the caricature of a silly prank. Hazing has become more sophisticated, more dangerous, and often more insidious, adapting to avoid detection while retaining its core elements of power, control, and humiliation.

2.1 A Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

In plain English, hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership in, or gaining status within a group, where that behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits an individual.

It’s vital to acknowledge that a victim’s “agreement” to participate does not automatically make the activity safe or legal. When there’s immense peer pressure, a deep desire for acceptance, and a clear power imbalance, true consent is often impossible. The law, and common sense, recognize that students might endure harmful acts for fear of social exclusion, reprisal, or simply to belong.

2.2 Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Hazing manifests in various forms, often overlapping and escalating. We draw upon the “Three-Tier Classification System” from hazing prevention research (StopHazing.org) to illustrate these categories:

Tier 1: Subtle Hazing

This tier often masks itself as “harmless fun” or tradition, but its primary purpose is to establish a power imbalance and diminish the new member’s individuality. It creates psychological harm and sets the stage for more severe acts.

• Deception and Secrecy Oaths: New members are systematically told to lie to parents, university officials, or outsiders about activities.
• Servitude and Personal Errands: Requiring new members to endlessly serve older members by cleaning rooms, running errands at odd hours, or acting as designated drivers. The mindset that “pledges are on call 24/7” is a key indicator.
• Social Isolation: New members might be forbidden from interacting with non-members, or require permission to socialize outside the group.
• Deprivation of Privileges: Not being allowed to speak unless spoken to, or being restricted from certain areas unless invited.
• Interference with Academics: Mandatory late-night meetings or activities that directly conflict with studying or sleep, especially during exam periods.
• “Scavenger Hunts” or “Tasks”: Seemingly benign tasks designed to humiliate (e.g., steal bizarre items, perform public stunts), push boundaries, or involve significant time commitments.
• Modern Digital Controls: This now includes requiring immediate responses to group chats at all hours, geo-tracking via location-sharing apps, or policing social media posts.

Tier 2: Harassment Hazing

These behaviors cause emotional or physical discomfort, often creating a hostile and abusive environment. While they may not immediately result in lasting injury, they are designed to break down a new member’s will and often precede violent acts.

• Verbal Abuse: Relentless yelling, screaming, insults, degrading language, or threats.
• Sleep Deprivation: Forcing new members to stay awake for extended periods through late-night “meetings,” mandatory activities, or repeated wake-up calls.
• Food and Water Restriction: Limiting access to meals, forcing consumption of unpleasant substances (like spoiled food, hot sauce, or excessive amounts of a bland item), or depriving them of water during strenuous activities.
• Forced Physical Activity: “Smokings” or extreme calisthenics pushing students beyond their safe limits, such as hundreds of push-ups or wall-sits until collapse. This is often framed as “conditioning” but is purely punitive.
• Public Humiliation: Forcing embarrassing acts in public, such as wearing degrading costumes, performing humiliating skits, or being subjected to “roasts” where members verbally tear down pledges.
• Exposure to Uncomfortable Conditions: Forcing pledges into filthy spaces, or covering them in unpleasant (but non-harmful) substances like eggs, condiments, or trash.
• Coerced Participation: Framing hazing as “voluntary” or “optional” while making it unequivocally clear that refusal will result in social exclusion or denying them status.
• Digital Humiliation: Forcing pledges to post embarrassing content on social media (e.g., TikTok challenges, degrading photos) or participating in online “games” that publicly ridicule them.

Tier 3: Violent Hazing

This is the most dangerous tier, involving activities with a high potential for severe physical injury, sexual assault, or death. Acts in this category often violate state criminal laws.

• Forced and Coerced Alcohol Consumption: The most common cause of hazing deaths. This includes “lineup” drinking games, “Big/Little” nights requiring consumption of hard liquor, “Bible study” where wrong answers mean forced drinking, or aggressive chugging/funneling.
• Forced Drug Use: Pressuring pledges to consume marijuana, pills, or other substances.
• Physical Beatings and Paddling: Direct physical assaults such as punches, kicks, slaps, or beatings with wooden paddles. This can also include “branding” or physical marking.
• Dangerous Physical “Tests”: Activities like the “glass ceiling” (blindfolded tackling), forced fights, jumping from heights, or dangerous driving while intoxicated.
• Sexualized Hazing: Forced nudity, simulated sexual acts (e.g., “elephant walk,” “roasted pig” positions), sexual assault, or coercion to watch pornography or participate in sexually degrading acts. This is often driven by misogynistic, homophobic, or racist motivations.
• Racist, Homophobic, or Sexist Hazing: Using slurs, forcing role-playing of stereotypes, or requiring minority members to perform demeaning acts based on their identity.
• Kidnapping and Restraint: Physically abducting pledges, blindfolding them, tying them up, or physically restricting their movement in confined spaces.
• Exposure to Extreme Environments: Leaving pledges in freezing temperatures, extreme heat, or denying them access to bathrooms for extended periods.

2.3 Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is limited to “frat boys.” The reality for Bosque County families sending their students to Texas universities is that hazing permeates a wide array of campus organizations:

• Fraternities & Sororities: This includes social Greek letter organizations (Interfraternity Council, Panhellenic Council) as well as National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Divine Nine and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) groups. While many Greek organizations actively fight hazing, it persists underground in some chapters.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: The hierarchical, tradition-bound nature of these groups can, unfortunately, make them susceptible to hazing.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to cheerleading, swimming, and even e-sports teams, hazing for “team bonding” or “toughening up” is a widespread problem.
• Marching Bands & Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can have hazing traditions, as tragically seen in the Florida A&M Marching Band case.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Groups built around school spirit or long-standing campus traditions can sometimes develop dangerous hazing rituals.
• Academic, Service, and Cultural Organizations: While less common, hazing can occur even in groups seemingly dedicated to positive causes, often under the guise of “dedication” or “earning your spot.”

The underlying factors — the desire for belonging, social status, tradition, and fervent secrecy — unfortunately allow these destructive practices to continue even when students, parents, and administrators “know” hazing is illegal and dangerous. For Bosque County students, the pressure to conform and endure for the sake of acceptance can be immense, making it difficult to speak out or recognize the line between “initiation” and abuse.

3. Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing is crucial for Bosque County families seeking accountability and justice. Texas law, combined with federal regulations, provides mechanisms to address hazing on multiple fronts, both criminally and civilly.

3.1 Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions primarily found in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This law defines hazing broadly and applies to any public or private post-secondary educational institution in the state.

Texas Education Code § 37.151 defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

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

In plain English, for our Bosque County residents: If someone makes a student do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they either intended to do it or were reckless about the risks involved, that’s hazing under Texas law. This means:

• Location is irrelevant: Hazing can happen on campus, off-campus, at a private residence, or a remote location.
• Harm can be mental or physical: The law protects against both emotional trauma and bodily injury.
• No malicious intent required: “Reckless” means the person knew there was a significant risk of harm and disregarded it.
• “Consent” is not a defense: As explicitly stated in § 37.155, even if a student being hazed seemingly “agreed” to the activity, it does not make it legal or exempt the perpetrators from responsibility. The law recognizes that true consent is absent when there’s coercion, peer pressure, or power imbalance.

Criminal Penalties (§ 37.152):

Texas law ensures that those who commit hazing can face criminal charges:

• Class B Misdemeanor (default): For hazing that doesn’t result in serious injury (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000).
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes an injury requiring medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death. Our firm has seen the catastrophic impact of such hazing incidents.

The law also criminalizes:

• Failing to Report Hazing: Individuals (including organization officers and members) who know about hazing and fail to report it can face misdemeanor charges.
• Retaliation: Threatening or retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Organizational Liability (§ 37.153):

Beyond individual students, organizations themselves can be held criminally responsible:

• If the organization authorized or encouraged the hazing.
• If an officer or a member acting in their official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it.

Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities retain the right to revoke recognition and ban the group. This is crucial for asserting accountability against the groups that allow hazing to occur.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (§ 37.154) & Amnesty:

Texas law provides some protection for individuals who report hazing. A person who, in good faith, reports a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise arise from that report.

Furthermore, many Texas universities, and the state as a whole, support medical amnesty policies. This means that in alcohol-related medical emergencies, students who call 911 for help (even if they were drinking underage or involved in the hazing) often receive leniency or immunity to encourage seeking immediate medical aid. These protections aim to prioritize saving lives over punishment for minor infractions.

This summary provides a foundational understanding but, like all legal concepts, the specific application of Texas hazing law is technical and demands an experienced attorney’s interpretation.

3.2 Criminal vs. Civil Cases

For Bosque County families, understanding the distinction between criminal and civil legal actions is important in the aftermath of a hazing incident. Both pathways can be pursued simultaneously and serve different purposes.

• Criminal Cases:

  • Purpose: Brought by the State of Texas (through district attorneys or prosecutors) to punish illegal behavior.
  • Outcome: If found guilty, individuals or organizations face jail time, fines, or probation.
  • Hazing Context: These cases ensure that dangerous or life-threatening hazing acts are recognized as crimes. Common charges include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, or, in tragic fatal cases, even manslaughter. The focus is on upholding societal laws and deterring future criminal conduct.

• Civil Cases:

  • Purpose: Initiated by the victim or their surviving family members (as plaintiffs) to seek monetary compensation and enforce accountability.
  • Outcome: If successful, defendants (individuals, chapters, national organizations, universities) pay damages designed to compensate for losses suffered by the victim and their family.
  • Hazing Context: Civil lawsuits address the direct harms. Causes of action often include negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent supervision or hiring, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The goal is to provide financial recovery for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and to compel institutions to implement real changes to prevent future incidents.

It is critical to note that a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case in Texas. The standards of proof differ, and a civil jury can find a party liable for negligence even if criminal charges were never filed or resulted in an acquittal. Both avenues can run concurrently, offering different forms of justice for victims and their families.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also play an increasing role in holding institutions accountable for hazing. For students attending universities in Texas, whether they are in Bosque County or across the state, these federal requirements provide additional layers of protection and recourse.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal law is designed to increase transparency and accountability for hazing on college campuses. By 2026, institutions receiving federal funding will be required to:

  • Publicly report hazing incidents in detail, offering greater transparency than ever before.
  • Implement stronger hazing education and prevention programs, moving beyond mere compliance to proactive measures.
  • Maintain and disclose public data on hazing, allowing families to research institutional track records more easily.
    This act aims to create a national standard for hazing response and prevention, giving families more tools to make informed decisions and more data to support legal claims.

• Title IX: This federal civil rights law prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. When hazing crosses the line into sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility (which often happens in Tier 3 violent hazing), Title IX obligations are triggered. This means universities have a legal duty to:

  • Investigate promptly and equitably.
  • Provide remedies for victims.
  • Prevent recurrence.
    Failure to fulfill these duties can open universities to federal lawsuits alleging Title IX violations, providing an additional avenue for accountability if hazing includes a sexual component.

• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents frequently overlap with categories of crime that must be reported under Clery, such as:

  • Assault offenses.
  • Alcohol or drug-related violations.
  • Homicides or serious injuries.
    The Clery Act ensures that schools provide annual security reports to the public, offering statistical data that can reveal patterns of misconduct and provide crucial evidence for legal cases.

These federal statutes, while not directly creating criminal hazing charges, leverage federal funding and civil rights protections to compel universities to address hazing more seriously, offering additional legal leverage for victims and their families.

3.4 Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

One of the complexities of hazing litigation is identifying all potential parties responsible for the harm caused. For Bosque County families, understanding the web of potential defendants is key to securing comprehensive accountability and compensation. An experienced hazing attorney at Attorney911 meticulously investigates each case to identify every entity that may bear liability.

• Individual Students:

  • Who: The students who planned, instigated, coerced, participated in, or covered up the hazing acts. This often includes chapter officers, “pledge educators,” or even senior members who simply stood by.
  • Why: They can be held personally liable for their direct actions, gross negligence, or intentional misconduct (e.g., assault and battery).

• Local Chapter / Organization:

  • Who: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or athletic team (if it’s a legal entity) that conducted the hazing.
  • Why: The chapter can be liable if it authorized, encouraged, or failed to prevent the hazing, especially when conducted by its officers or members acting in the organization’s name.

• National Fraternity / Sorority:

  • Who: The parent organization or national headquarters that charters local chapters, sets policies, and collects dues.
  • Why: National organizations can be held liable based on theories of negligent supervision, agency (where the local chapter acts as an agent of the national), or if they had prior knowledge of hazing at that chapter or similar patterns across their organizations but failed to intervene effectively. Our firm often demonstrates a “failure to enforce” thick anti-hazing rulebooks.

• University or Governing Board:

  • Who: The college or university itself, its board of regents, or specific administrators (e.g., Dean of Students, Greek Life advisors).
  • Why: Universities have a duty to protect students and can be liable for:
    • Negligent supervision of student organizations or campus events.
    • Failure to enforce their own anti-hazing policies.
    • Deliberate indifference to known hazing problems (especially if there were prior complaints or incidents).
    • Violations of Title IX or the Clery Act.
      Public universities in Texas (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) often claim sovereign immunity, but crucial exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, and certain federal claims. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections.

• Third Parties:

  • Who: Other entities that may have enabled or contributed to the hazing.
  • Why: This can include:
    • Property Owners: Landlords who lease houses where hazing occurs, particularly if they knew of illegal activities.
    • Alcohol Providers: Bars, stores, or individuals who illegally furnish alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated persons (under Texas dram shop laws).
    • Security Companies: If hired to monitor events where hazing occurred but failed in their duties.

Every hazing case is fact-specific; not every party is liable in every situation. A thorough investigation is essential to identify all responsible parties and maximize the potential for full compensation and accountability.

4. National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragedies of hazing often transcend state lines, but the lessons learned from national cases are profoundly relevant to Bosque County families and students attending Texas universities. These “anchor stories” reveal recurring patterns of harm, institutional negligence, and the legal strategies that have ultimately led to accountability and substantial settlements or verdicts. They demonstrate that the fight against hazing is a nationwide battle, and the successful legal strategies developed elsewhere can be applied effectively in Texas courts.

4.1 Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption continues to be the deadliest form of hazing. These cases highlight the pattern of extreme intoxication, delayed medical care, and a pervasive culture of silence.

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

  • What Happened: During a “bid acceptance” initiation event, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. After falling repeatedly, suffering multiple traumatic injuries including a ruptured spleen and a traumatic brain injury, fraternity members delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours. His agonizing deterioration was captured on the chapter’s security cameras.
  • Legal Actions & Significance: The incident led to one of the largest hazing prosecutions in U.S. history, with 18 fraternity members facing over 1,000 criminal counts. His family pursued extensive civil litigation, resulting in confidential settlements with multiple parties. This case was instrumental in the passage of Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, one of the toughest in the nation. It starkly revealed how extreme intoxication, egregious delays in seeking medical attention, and a deep-seated culture of silence can lead to fatal consequences and massive legal repercussions.

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

  • What Happened: During a “Big Brother Night” initiation event, 20-year-old Andrew Coffey, a pledge, was coerced into drinking an entire handle of liquor. He died from acute alcohol poisoning.
  • Legal Actions & Significance: Multiple fraternity members were prosecuted, mostly pleading guilty to misdemeanor hazing. FSU responded by temporarily suspending all Greek life and implementing comprehensive policy overhauls. The Coffey family filed a wrongful death suit, settled for confidential terms. This case became a catalyst for statewide anti-hazing movements in Florida and underscored the deadly “tradition” of forced drinking at initiation events.

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

  • What Happened: 18-year-old Max Gruver died from alcohol toxicity with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.495% (more than six times the legal limit for driving). He had participated in a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to consume alcohol excessively if they answered questions incorrectly.
  • Legal Actions & Significance: Several members were criminally charged, with one convicted of negligent homicide. The Gruver family settled for confidential terms with LSU and the fraternity’s insurer, and later won a $6.1 million verdict against a former chapter officer. This tragedy directly led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing statute with substantial penalties. It demonstrated that legislative change frequently follows public outrage ignited by clear cases of hazing death.

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

  • What Happened: 20-year-old Stone Foltz, a new member, was forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol as part of an initiation ritual called “Big/Little Night.” He died from alcohol poisoning.
  • Legal Actions & Significance: Multiple fraternity members were criminally convicted of various hazing-related offenses. In a landmark civil case, the Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with approximately $7 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha organization and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This case not only yielded a substantial financial outcome but also led to strengthening Ohio’s anti-hazing laws. It powerfully illustrated that universities and national fraternities face significant financial and reputational consequences when their policies and oversight fail. Importantly, in 2024, a court ordered the former chapter president, Daylen Dunson, to personally pay $6.5 million to the Foltz family, highlighting the potential for massive individual liability.

4.2 Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and psychologically brutal rituals continue to claim lives or cause devastating injuries.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (December 2013):

  • What Happened: 19-year-old Michael Deng was taken to a remote cabin in the Pocono Mountains for a fraternity retreat. During a ritual called “the glass ceiling,” he was blindfolded, forced to wear a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled by members. He suffered a fatal traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours, instead trying to cover up the incident.
  • Legal Actions & Significance: Multiple members faced criminal charges, and, uniquely, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. They were subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for a decade and fined over $110,000. This case was a landmark for establishing organizational criminal liability. It underscored that off-campus, remote “retreats” are often chosen precisely to evade oversight and can be as dangerous or even more so than on-campus incidents.

• Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (October 2021):

  • What Happened: During a “pledge dad reveal” night, 18-year-old Danny Santulli was forced to consume a liter of vodka and beer in a short time. He lost consciousness, stopped breathing, and suffered severe, permanent brain damage. He now cannot walk, talk, or see, requiring 24/7 care.
  • Legal Actions & Significance: Several fraternity members faced criminal charges. The Santulli family settled lawsuits with 22 different defendants, including the fraternity, with reported multi-million-dollar outcomes. This tragic case became a national example of catastrophic non-fatal hazing injury, demonstrating that hazing doesn’t have to be fatal to incur immense liability and destroy lives.

4.3 Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not limited to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue within athletic programs, often justified as “team building” or “toughening up” athletes.

• Northwestern University Football – Multiple Incidents (2023–2025):
  • What Happened: Former football players came forward with allegations of widespread sexualized, racist, and physically abusive hazing within the highly visible football program, spanning multiple years. Incidents included forced naked “dry humping” and racist taunts.
  • Legal Actions & Significance: This scandal triggered multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and coaching staff. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and subsequently filed a wrongful-termination suit, which was confidentially settled in August 2025. This series of events proved that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, reaching into major, high-profile athletic programs, and raised critical questions about institutional oversight and the responsibility of university leadership.

4.4 What These Cases Mean for Bosque County Families in Texas

These national hazing tragedies, while occurring outside of Texas, establish critical precedents and reveal patterns of behavior that are profoundly relevant to Bosque County families and students enrolled in Texas universities.

• Common Threads of Danger: These cases consistently show that forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, deliberate delays in medical care, and systematic cover-ups are hallmarks of dangerous hazing practices.
• Predictable Tragedies: The repetition of similar incidents across different organizations and campuses demonstrates that these are not isolated “freak accidents” but rather foreseeable consequences of unchecked hazing cultures. This predictability is a key element in establishing legal liability.
• Reforms & Accountability: Multi-million-dollar settlements, criminal convictions, and legislative reforms often follow only after victims and their families courageously pursue legal action. These successes create a roadmap for future cases.
• Legal Leverage for Texas Families: The legal strategies, evidence collection techniques, and arguments proven effective in these national cases can be directly applied to hazing lawsuits against individuals, chapters, national organizations, and Texas universities.

For Bosque County families facing hazing situations at institutions like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, knowing these national precedents means that the fight for accountability is not uncharted territory. We use these lessons to anticipate defense tactics, build stronger cases, and pursue maximum justice for our clients.

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

Many Bosque County families choose to send their children to prominent universities across Texas—institutions that draw students from all corners of the state and beyond. While each university boasts its own unique culture, all grapple with the persistent issue of hazing, whether in Greek life, athletic programs, or other student organizations. This section provides an in-depth look at hazing at five major Texas universities, including relevant incidents and how legal cases might proceed, offering crucial insights for Bosque County residents who have connections to these schools.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

Located in the heart of one of America’s largest and most diverse cities, the University of Houston is a sprawling urban campus serving a mix of residential and commuter students. Its vibrant Greek life and numerous student organizations create a rich campus environment, but one that is unfortunately not immune to hazing incidents. For Bosque County families, the University of Houston represents a major educational hub, even if it’s a few hours’ drive from their homes.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a Tier One research university, a major driver of talent in the Houston metropolitan area. Its Panhellenic, Interfraternity, National Pan-Hellenic, and Multicultural Greek Councils are active, fostering a dynamic student body deeply integrated into the city’s diverse fabric. Many Bosque County students may choose UH for its strong academic programs and urban opportunities.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a clear and comprehensive hazing policy, consistently reflecting the state’s anti-hazing laws. UH’s Student Code of Conduct strictly prohibits hazing, defining it in alignment with the Texas Education Code. Key aspects of their policy include:

• Prohibition: Hazing is forbidden whether on-campus, off-campus, at official events, or informal gatherings.
• Specific Acts: The policy explicitly bans forced consumption of alcohol, food, drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, psychological abuse, and any acts that endanger physical or mental health as part of initiation or affiliation.
• Reporting Channels: UH provides multiple avenues for reporting, including the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, the UH Police Department (UHPD), and an online reporting form. They post a prominent hazing statement on their official website (e.g., https://uh.edu/offices/student-affairs/dean-of-students/hazing/).

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Like many large universities, UH has grappled with significant hazing incidents:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Case: This highly publicized incident involved allegations that pledges were severely hazed, deprived of adequate food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. One specific and widely reported allegation involved a student suffering a lacerated spleen after reportedly being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The incident resulted in misdemeanor hazing charges against individuals and the fraternity chapter faced university suspension and disciplinary action.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: Public records and university reports frequently reference disciplinary action against various fraternities and sororities where behavior was deemed “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort, degradation, abuse, or endangerment,” often involving alcohol misuse and violations of university conduct policies. These actions have led to chapter suspensions, loss of recognition, and mandatory compliance training. While UH’s public reporting isn’t as detailed as UT’s verified hazing log, these actions demonstrate the university’s efforts to enforce its policies.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed for a Bosque County Family

If a student from Bosque County were to experience hazing at UH, the legal process would typically involve:

• Law Enforcement: UHPD would have primary jurisdiction for incidents on campus. For off-campus events within Houston, the Houston Police Department (HPD) would be involved. Depending on the severity, criminal investigations could lead to charges against individuals or the organization.
• University Investigation: The Dean of Students Office or Office of Student Conduct would launch an internal investigation, which could result in disciplinary sanctions for the students and the organization involved.
• Civil Litigation: Families pursuing a civil lawsuit would generally file in the civil district courts of Harris County, which encompasses Houston. Potential defendants could include the individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the University of Houston itself. As a public university, UH may assert sovereign immunity, but exceptions for gross negligence or federal claims still apply. Our firm’s deep roots and extensive experience in Harris County courts, including litigating against major institutions, make us particularly well-equipped for these cases.

55.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Report to UH Authorities: Utilize UH’s official reporting channels (Dean of Students, Ethics and Compliance, UHPD).
• Document Everything Thoroughly: Preserve all digital communications (group chats, texts, social media), photographs of injuries, and any physical evidence. Attorney911’s video on using your cellphone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) is an excellent resource.
• Seek Medical Attention: Ensure any physical or psychological injuries are professionally documented.
• Consult a Houston-Based Hazing Attorney: An attorney experienced in Houston-based hazing cases, especially one who understands how to navigate the specific dynamics at UH and the legal landscape of Harris County, can provide crucial guidance. We can assist in uncovering prior disciplinary actions and internal records that might not be publicly disclosed. For a confidential consultation, call 1-888-ATTY-911 or visit https://attorney911.com.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a beloved institution for many Bosque County families, is steeped in tradition, particularly through its iconic Corps of Cadets. While these traditions foster immense loyalty, they have also, at times, created environments where hazing can take hold within both Greek life and the Corps. The proximity of Texas A&M to Bosque County makes it a relevant consideration for our local community.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M, located in College Station, boasts a unique culture emphasizing loyalty, unity, and a strong sense of tradition, epitomized by the Corps of Cadets. Its Greek life is also robust, with a wide array of fraternities and sororities. Many students from Bosque County attend A&M, drawn by its academic reputation and deep-rooted community.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M’s Uniform Hazing Policy aligns with Texas state law, defining and prohibiting hazing explicitly. Key elements include:

• Zero Tolerance: A&M states a zero-tolerance policy for hazing acts that threaten physical or mental well-being or are abusive.
• Prohibited Acts: This includes any form of abusive force, forced consumption, sleep deprivation, or humiliation.
• Reporting: Students aware of hazing are expected to report to university officials (Dean of Student Life), local law enforcement (College Station Police Department, University Police Department), or anonymously through the Hazing Report Form.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced scrutiny over hazing in various organizations:

• 2021 Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit: In a shocking incident, two new members alleged that they were forced to engage in strenuous physical activity, and then had substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued the fraternity for $1 million, and the chapter was suspended by the university for two years. This case highlights the extreme and dangerous forms physical and chemical hazing can take.
• 2023 Corps of Cadets Lawsuit: A former cadet filed a federal lawsuit alleging egregious hazing over several months. This included claims of being forced into degrading, simulated sexual acts (such as a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth) and subjected to physical and psychological torment. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, underscoring the severe emotional and physical toll of hazing even within the highly disciplined Corps. While A&M stated it addressed the matter under its internal rules, the lawsuit seeks broader accountability.
• Texas A&M University Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): Allegations of hazing leading to severe injuries including rhabdomyolysis (a condition caused by severe muscle breakdown, often from extreme physical exertion) were under investigation and led to ongoing litigation. This highlights the hidden dangers of extreme physical conditioning disguised as team bonding.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed for a Bosque County Family

For Bosque County families involving Texas A&M, the process would be similar to other public Texas universities:

• Law Enforcement: The University Police Department (UPD) on campus, or the College Station Police Department for off-campus incidents, would handle criminal investigations. Crimes like assault or felony hazing would be prosecuted in Brazos County courts.
• University Disciplinary Action: The Office of Student Life would conduct its internal investigation, which could lead to suspension or expulsion for students, and loss of recognition for organizations.
• Civil Suit Considerations: Civil lawsuits against individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and potentially Texas A&M itself would be filed in Brazos County. As a public university, A&M would likely raise sovereign immunity defenses, but our firm understands how to navigate these challenges through exceptions for gross negligence or Title IX claims.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Report to A&M Authorities: Utilize the university’s reporting forms or contact the Dean of Student Life.
• Document Everything Diligently: Given the strong “culture of silence” found in some organizations’ hazing, meticulous documentation of digital and physical evidence is paramount.
• Seek Expert Legal Advice: An attorney with experience specifically handling hazing cases at institutions like Texas A&M and within the Corps of Cadets understands the nuances of its traditions and how to thoroughly investigate them.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is the flagship institution for many students, including those from Bosque County. It is renowned for its academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and active Greek system. UT is also notable for its significant transparency regarding hazing, publicly listing violations and sanctions, which provides invaluable data for families seeking accountability.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin, located in the state capital, is a large, dynamic university with a prominent Greek presence, an active spirit organization network (e.g., Texas Cowboys, Texas Wranglers, Orange Jackets), and a range of athletic teams. It is a major destination for college-bound students from Bosque County.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin has one of the most transparent and vigorously enforced anti-hazing policies in Texas. Key features include:

• Absolute Prohibition: Hazing is unequivocally prohibited, consistent with Texas state law, for all student organizations whether on or off campus.
• Transparency: UT maintains a publicly accessible Hazing Disclosure webpage (https://hazing.utexas.edu/) that lists organizations, dates of incidents, a summary of hazing conduct, and the disciplinary actions taken by the university. This resource is critical for identifying patterns and demonstrating institutional knowledge of repeat offenders.
• Reporting: Students and parents can report hazing to the Dean of Students Office, UTPD (University of Texas Police Department), or through online complaint forms.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s public hazing log reveals a constant struggle against the practice:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): Disciplinary records state that new members were forced to consume milk and participate in strenuous calisthenics. This was deemed hazing, and the chapter was placed on probation, required to implement new hazing prevention education, and faced other sanctions.
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization): This well-known spirit organization has appeared on the list for violations involving forced exercises, sleep deprivation, and other forms of physical and psychological abuse of new members.
• Texas Cowboys (Spirit Organization): Like the Wranglers, the Texas Cowboys, another prominent tradition group, has faced sanctions for hazing related to excessive physical demands and alcohol.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (January 2024): This chapter, already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations, faced a federal lawsuit after an Australian exchange student alleged assault by fraternity members at a party, resulting in severe injuries including a dislocated leg, torn ligaments, and a broken nose. This illustrates how prior hazing can escalate and how organizations can continue to operate recklessly even under university sanctions.

The constant updates to UT’s hazing log, while concerning, demonstrate the university’s commitment to reporting. However, the repeated appearances of certain organizations on the list underscore the entrenched nature of hazing despite university efforts.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed for a Bosque County Family

• Law Enforcement: UTPD would handle on-campus matters, while the Austin Police Department (APD) would address off-campus incidents. Criminal prosecution would occur in Travis County courts.
• University Disciplinary Process: UT’s Dean of Students Office would launch an investigation, and findings would likely be reported on the public hazing log.
• Civil Litigation: Lawsuits would be filed in Travis County, naming individuals, the local fraternity/sorority chapter, the national organization, and potentially the University of Texas. UT is a state institution, so sovereign immunity considerations apply, but exceptions for gross negligence or federal claims (like Title IX) are crucial. The public hazing log provides valuable, documented evidence of prior violations, which can significantly strengthen a civil negligence argument by demonstrating the university’s knowledge of recurring issues.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

• Utilize UT’s Public Resources: Review the UT Hazing Disclosure webpage (https://hazing.utexas.edu/) for prior violations involving specific organizations. This is an excellent starting point for research.
• Report to UT or Law Enforcement: File a report with the Dean of Students or UTPD.
• Document Rigorously: Use digital tools to capture evidence.
• Consult a Hazing Lawyer with Travis County Experience: An attorney familiar with UT’s policies, the Austin legal landscape, and the intricacies of Texas hazing law is vital to navigating this process effectively.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private university in Dallas, is another institution where many Bosque County families may enroll their children. SMU is known for its rigorous academics and active Greek system, which, like other universities, has seen its share of hazing allegations and disciplinary actions.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU, situated in a prominent Dallas neighborhood, attracts a diverse student body, often from affluent backgrounds. Its active Greek system plays a significant role in campus social life, and its traditions are a strong part of student identity. For Bosque County students, SMU offers a distinct private university experience in a major urban center.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

As a private institution, SMU’s hazing policies reflect its commitment to a safe campus environment:

• Strong Prohibition: SMU maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that prohibits any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, particularly in relation to joining or maintaining membership in an organization.
• Specific Prohibitions: This includes forced alcohol consumption, physical abuse, psychological torment, servitude, and any acts that demean or humiliate.
• Reporting: SMU encourages reporting through the Dean of Students Office, SMU Police Department (SMU PD), and various online forms. They also utilize confidential reporting systems like “Real Response.”

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has taken disciplinary action against several Greek organizations for hazing violations:

• 2017 Kappa Alpha Order (KA) Incident: This fraternity chapter faced allegations of severe hazing, including reports of new members being publicly paddled, forced to consume alcohol to excess, and deprived of sleep over an extended period. The chapter was ultimately suspended by the university for several years, facing tight restrictions on recruiting and activities upon its return, if any.
• Other Chapters: SMU’s disciplinary records contain examples of various other fraternities and sororities being placed on probation, suspended, or having their recognition revoked for violations involving forced activities, inappropriate rituals, and alcohol abuse. While SMU, as a private institution, may not publicize its disciplinary actions with the same level of detail as UT, these incidents are part of its institutional history.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed for a Bosque County Family

• Law Enforcement: SMU PD would typically be involved in on-campus incidents. Off-campus hazing within Dallas would involve the Dallas Police Department (DPD), with criminal cases tried in Dallas County courts.
• University Disciplinary Action: The Dean of Students Office at SMU would conduct an internal review, which could lead to severe sanctions for students and the organization.
• Civil Litigation: Lawsuits would be filed in Dallas County. As a private university, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it a more direct target for negligence claims compared to public institutions. Potential defendants would include individuals, the local chapter, the national organization, and SMU itself. Our firm has extensive experience navigating complex litigation in Dallas County, fighting for justice against private entities and large organizations.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Report to SMU Authorities: Utilize SMU’s official reporting channels, including their confidential systems.
• Document Rigorously: Preserve all digital and physical evidence related to the hazing.
• Seek Legal Counsel with Private University Experience: An attorney familiar with the nuances of private university liability and experienced in handling cases in Dallas County can effectively pursue claims against SMU and affiliated entities.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, located in Waco, is deeply intertwined with its Christian mission and values, making it another popular choice for families in Bosque County and across Texas. While Baylor seeks to foster a values-driven community, it has not been immune to hazing incidents within its Greek organizations and athletic programs, occasionally drawing national attention.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University offers a distinctive educational environment, often chosen by students from Bosque County for its strong academic reputation and faith-based community. Its Greek life is active, and athletics, particularly football, command significant visibility. Baylor has historically faced scrutiny over issues of Title IX and institutional oversight, which provides a unique lens for examining its response to hazing.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor maintains strict anti-hazing policies that align with its Christian values and state law:

• Zero Tolerance: Baylor explicitly states a zero-tolerance policy for hazing activity, defining it broadly as any act that endangers a student’s health or safety, regardless of consent.
• Prohibited Acts: Their policy details prohibited behaviors, including physical abuse, forced substance consumption, psychological torment, and public humiliation.
• Reporting: Baylor directs students to report hazing to the Division of Student Life, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), or anonymously through their “Baylor Aware” reporting system.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor has encountered its own challenges with hazing:

• 2020 Baylor Baseball Hazing: A significant incident led to the suspension of 14 baseball players following a university investigation into hazing allegations within the team. The suspensions were staggered over the early season, impacting the team’s performance and highlighting that hazing is not confined to Greek organizations but extends to high-profile athletic programs. This incident underscored the challenges universities face in eradicating these practices, even with strong policies.
• Prior Greek Life Violations: Baylor’s disciplinary records contain instances of fraternities and sororities facing probation, suspension, or revocation of recognition for hazing and misconduct, often involving alcohol and physical activity requirements.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed for a Bosque County Family

• Law Enforcement: BUPD would handle on-campus matters. Off-campus hazing within Waco would involve the Waco Police Department (WPD), with criminal cases tried in McLennan County courts.
• University Disciplinary Action: Baylor’s Division of Student Life would conduct an internal investigation, leading to potential disciplinary measures for students and organizations. Baylor’s history of public scrutiny over institutional oversight can influence how intensely they investigate and sanction.
• Civil Litigation: Lawsuits would be filed in McLennan County. As a private university, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it subject to direct claims of negligence. Attorneys would investigate not only the individuals and organization involved but also Baylor’s institutional knowledge of prior misconduct and the effectiveness of its anti-hazing policies.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Report to Baylor Authorities: Utilize Baylor’s official reporting mechanisms, including “Baylor Aware.”
• Document Thoroughly: Preserve all evidence of hazing, both digital and physical.
• Consult a Hazing Lawyer Experienced in Confronting Private Institutions: An attorney with a deep understanding of Baylor’s specific culture and legal framework, as well as experience litigating in McLennan County, is crucial for effectively pursuing a claim against the university and affiliated organizations.

Even if your child attends a smaller university elsewhere in Texas, the principles of law, evidence, and accountability discussed for these larger universities still apply. If hazing impacts your family, wherever in Texas it occurs, The Manginello Law Firm is here to help. Contact us using the information in Section 9 to discuss your specific situation.

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

When a Bosque County family’s child faces hazing at a Texas university, they often join a national organization that operates nationwide. This interconnectivity is crucial because the national histories of these fraternities and sororities—their past incidents, policies, and responses to hazing elsewhere—play a significant role in establishing liability and demonstrating foreseeability in hazing lawsuits right here in Texas.

6.6.1 Why National Histories Matter in Texas Hazing Cases

Most fraternities and sororities at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are chapters of national organizations. While these national bodies often have comprehensive anti-hazing manuals and risk management policies, it’s often because they have been forced to create them in response to tragic deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits across the country.

• Foreseeability: When a Texas chapter engages in the same type of alcohol hazing, physical abuse tactics, or ritualized humiliation that has caused harm or death in another chapter of the same national organization, it demonstrates foreseeability. The national organization arguably “knew or should have known” the risks involved in these behaviors.
• Pattern Evidence: Repeated hazing incidents within an organization, even if in different chapters and states, establish a pattern. This pattern can be used in civil litigation to argue that the national organization failed to adequately supervise its chapters, enforce its policies, or take sufficient steps to prevent harm, thus increasing its liability.
• Institutional Knowledge: National headquarters often maintain extensive records of past incidents at their various chapters. Discovery in a hazing lawsuit can compel the release of these records, which may reveal a long history of warnings, complaints, and disciplinary actions that were either ignored or inadequately addressed.

When a Texas chapter repeats a dangerous script that has led to tragedy elsewhere, it’s not an isolated incident; it’s often a continuation of a foreseeable pattern that national organizations have a responsibility to stop.

6.2 Organization Mapping: From Local Texas Chapters to National Histories

While we cannot list every single chapter at every Texas university, it is important to recognize that many of the major Greek organizations with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor also have significant national hazing histories. Below, we provide examples of how these national patterns connect to the types of incidents seen in Texas:

Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor.

• National History: Pi Kappa Alpha has a particularly tragic national history regarding alcohol-related hazing. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), resulting in a $10 million settlement for alcohol poisoning during a “Big/Little Night,” is a stark example. Similarly, the David Bogenberger case at Northern Illinois University (2012) also involved a pledge death from alcohol poisoning during an initiation event, leading to a $14 million settlement.
• Relevance to Texas: The 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case at the University of Houston, where a pledge allegedly suffered a lacerated spleen and severe hazing, mirrors the type of dangerous initiation practices that have plagued this national organization repeatedly. The 2023 incident at UT Austin also highlights ongoing issues involving forced activities.

Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Chapters present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU.

• National History: SAE historically faced so many alcohol-related deaths and injuries (including the 2008 Carson Starkey case at Cal Poly) that its national organization notably (and controversially) eliminated its traditional pledge process in 2014. Despite these efforts, incidents persist. Recent national headlines include a 2023 traumatic brain injury lawsuit at the University of Alabama.
• Relevance to Texas: The Texas A&M University (2021) lawsuit, alleging pledges endured chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner, and the University of Texas at Austin (2024) lawsuit, alleging assault by members of a chapter already under suspension, are examples of how SAE continues to face dangerous allegations within Texas.

Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.

• National History: This fraternity is unfortunately linked to the tragic Max Gruver case at LSU (2017), where a pledge died from a .495 BAC during a forced drinking game. The case led to Louisiana’s felony hazing Max Gruver Act.
• Relevance to Texas: The national organization’s history underscores the severe danger of forced drinking games, a pattern that local chapters in Texas may be tempted to replicate, despite national policy.

Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin.

• National History: Pi Kappa Phi tragically lost pledge Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017) to acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night,” which resulted in criminal prosecutions and a confidential wrongful death settlement.
• Relevance to Texas: This national history points to a known risk pattern of dangerous alcohol consumption during chapter events, a behavior that poses a continued threat to Texas students.

Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Chapters at Texas A&M and SMU.

• National History: KA has faced numerous hazing allegations and disciplinary actions nationwide.
• Relevance to Texas: The 2017 incident at SMU, where new members were reportedly paddled, forced to drink, and deprived of sleep, directly reflects the pattern of concerning behavior that has followed this fraternity across various campuses.

Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, Baylor.

• National History: Kappa Sigma was involved in the Chad Meredith case at the University of Miami (2001), where a pledge drowned after being coerced by fraternity members to swim while intoxicated, leading to a $12.6 million verdict and a Florida anti-hazing law in his honor. There were ongoing allegations at Texas A&M in 2023.
• Relevance to Texas: The Meredith case, involving a drowning in an initiation ritual, underscores the extreme danger of “tests” and shows how a known pattern of hazing can be repeated, even years later, as indicated by the ongoing allegations at Texas A&M concerning rhabdomyolysis due to extreme physical hazing.

It’s important for Bosque County families to recognize that these organizations are not isolated entities. The actions of one chapter, or the pattern of an entire national organization, can and should inform how we approach hazing allegations at any Texas university.

6.3 Tying Back to Legal Strategy: Why Past Patterns Bolster Texas Claims

For The Manginello Law Firm, understanding these national and campus-specific histories is not just about historical context; it’s a critical component of constructing a powerful legal case:

• Demonstrating Foreseeability: When a fraternity chapter at UT Austin repeats an alcohol hazing ritual that has killed a pledge of the same national fraternity at Penn State, we can argue the national organization had foreseeable knowledge of the danger. They knew such rituals were dangerous and failed to take adequate preventative measures.
• Challenging “Rogue Chapter” Defenses: National organizations often claim that incidents are the work of a “rogue chapter” or “bad apples” who violated their policies. However, a pattern of similar incidents across multiple chapters and years effectively dismantles this defense, showing a systemic failure of oversight and enforcement by the national body.
• Impact on Insurance Coverage: These patterns can also influence how insurance companies approach hazing claims. While insurers may initially deny coverage for “intentional acts,” a history of known negligence by the national organization or university can force them to defend and settle claims. Lupe Peña’s background as an insurance defense attorney gives our firm an unparalleled advantage in navigating these complex insurance coverage disputes.
• Supporting Punitive Damages: In some cases, a history of ignoring warnings and failing to act can support claims for punitive damages. These damages are designed not just to compensate the victim but to punish particularly reckless or malicious conduct and deter future similar acts.

For Bosque County families seeking justice after a hazing incident at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, we meticulously investigate not only what happened at the local level but also the broader context of the organization’s national history. This comprehensive approach is essential to holding powerful institutions fully accountable.

7. Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Building a successful hazing case requires meticulous investigation, a deep understanding of the law, and a strategic approach that can stand up against powerful defendants. For Bosque County families dealing with the trauma of hazing, understanding how a case is constructed provides crucial insight into the path toward accountability and justice. Attorney911 approaches each hazing case with the same rigor and investigative depth as we do multi-million-dollar refinery accidents or complex wrongful death claims.

7.1 Evidence: The Foundation of Your Case

In modern hazing cases, evidence is everything, and much of it is digital. We educate our clients, including those from Bosque County, on the critical steps needed to preserve this evidence before it disappears. Attorney911’s video on using your cellphone to document a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.

• Digital Communications: These are often the most crucial pieces of evidence in a hazing case.

  • Group Chats & DMs: Messages from GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Signal, Telegram, Discord, Slack, and social media platforms (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook Messenger) can reveal:
    • Planning of hazing events.
    • Coercion and threats against new members.
    • Instructions during hazing.
    • Cover-up attempts (e.g., “delete everything,” “don’t talk to anyone”).
    • Foreseeability of danger.
  • Proper Preservation: Screenshots must capture the full thread, including sender names, timestamps, and context. Even deleted messages can often be recovered by digital forensics experts, but original, unedited screenshots are invaluable.

• Photos & Videos:

  • Hazing in Progress: Members often document hazing events themselves for “memories” or to show off. This footage, even if shared on private group chats, can be critical.
  • Injuries: Detailed photographs of any bruises, cuts, burns, or other physical injuries, taken from multiple angles and over several days to show progression, are essential medical evidence.
  • Locations & Objects: Photos of the physical location where hazing occurred, and any objects used (e.g., paddles, alcohol bottles, costumes), can corroborate testimony.

• Internal Organization Documents:

  • National Policies: Risk management guidelines, anti-hazing policies, and codes of conduct from the national organization.
  • Chapter Records: Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” documents, emails, or texts among chapter leadership discussing new member activities.
  • Financial Records: Dues, fines, or receipts for purchases made for older members or hazing activities.

• University Records:

  • Prior Discipline: Records of past hazing violations, probations, or suspensions involving the same organization. For UT Austin, this is a distinct advantage due to their public hazing log (https://hazing.utexas.edu/).
  • Incident Reports: Reports filed with campus police or the student conduct office regarding prior misconduct.
  • Safety Reports: Clery Act reports and other institutional safety disclosures.
  • Emails/Memos: Internal university communications among administrators that reveal knowledge of hazing problems but a failure to act.

• Medical and Psychological Records: Crucial for documenting the full extent of harm.

  • Emergency Care: ER reports, ambulance records, toxicology screens (blood alcohol content).
  • Treatment: Hospitalization records, surgical notes, physical therapy, medication prescriptions.
  • Specialist Consultations: Reports from neurologists (for brain injuries), nephrologists (for organ damage like rhabdomyolysis), or psychologists/psychiatrists (diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety from trauma).
  • Life Care Plans: For catastrophic, permanent injuries, these detailed reports by experts outline future medical and care needs, a key component of damages.

• Witness Testimony:

  • Other Pledges/Members: Crucial for corroborating incidents, detailing the culture of coercion, and identifying perpetrators. Many former members or pledges, once removed from the fear of retaliation, are willing to provide testimony.
  • Bystanders: Roommates, RAs, coaches, or anyone who observed unusual behavior or the aftermath of hazing.
  • Emergency Responders: Medical personnel who treated the victim.

7.2 Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

When hazing causes injury or death, the law aims to provide financial compensation for a wide range of losses. For Bosque County families, understanding the scope of potential damages is critical to achieving full justice.

Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):

• Medical Expenses: This includes past medical bills (emergency room, hospital stays, medication, therapy) and projected future medical expenses for ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, psychological counseling, and potentially lifelong care plans for severe injuries.
• Lost Income & Earning Capacity: If the hazing caused a student to miss school, withdraw, or suffer permanent injury that affects their ability to work, damages can include lost wages, tuition for missed semesters, and the loss of future earning potential over their lifetime.
• Other Losses: This can include property damage (phone, personal items damaged during hazing) or relocation costs if a student must transfer schools due to trauma.

Non-Economic Damages (Subjective, But Legally Compensable):

• Physical Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the pain caused by injuries, physical recovery, and any chronic pain from permanent injuries.
• Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: This includes diagnosed conditions like PTSD, severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and suicidality. It also encompasses profound feelings of humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, fear, and the emotional toll of the traumatic experience. Lupe Peña’s background and our firm’s experience are critical in demonstrating to insurance companies and juries the true value of these often-unseen injuries, helping them understand what is fair compensation for pain and suffering (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG07vbB4cdU).
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries prevent a student from participating in activities they once loved (sports, hobbies, social life), leading to withdrawal and a diminished quality of life.

Wrongful Death Damages (For Families):

In the tragic event that hazing leads to death, certain family members (parents, children, spouse) can file a wrongful death claim in Texas:

• Funeral and Burial Costs: Direct expenses associated with the passing.
• Loss of Financial Support: Compensation for the income and financial contributions the deceased would have provided to their family over their lifetime.
• Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: Monetary compensation for the profound grief, emotional suffering, and irreplaceable loss of the relationship, guidance, and comfort of the deceased. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.

Punitive Damages:

In cases where defendants acted with extreme recklessness, malice, or gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded. Their purpose is to punish the egregious conduct, deter similar actions in the future, and send a message to institutions. While often capped in Texas, they can significantly increase the total recovery and are aggressively pursued when the facts warrant.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple layers of defendants, each with their own legal counsel and insurance policies.

• National Organizations and Universities: These entities typically have extensive insurance coverage, often through general liability policies, D&O (Directors and Officers) policies, or specific fraternity/sorority policies.
• Insurance Company Tactics: Insurers frequently try to deny coverage by arguing that hazing, as an “intentional act” or “criminal act,” is excluded from their policies. They may also claim lack of notice, or argue that only the individual students, not the institution, bear responsibility. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) is crucial here. She knows the insurance companies’ playbook—how they value (and undervalue) claims, their delay tactics, and their arguments for denying coverage. This insider knowledge allows our firm to anticipate their defenses and strategically pursue coverage disputes, often forcing them to honor their obligations.
• Overcoming Defenses: Our team specializes in demonstrating that even if hazing involved intentional acts by individuals, the national organization’s or university’s failure to supervise, educate, or enforce policies constituted negligence, which can fall under insurance coverage. We meticulously unravel complex policy language and aggressively fight for our clients’ right to compensation.

7.4 Legal Strategy: Overcoming the Defense Playbook

Defendants in hazing cases, particularly powerful national fraternities and universities, often employ a standard playbook of defenses. Attorney911 is prepared to dismantle each one.

• “The Pledge Consented/It Was Voluntary”: This is the most common defense. We counter this by showing that consent in the context of hazing is invalid due to duress, coercion, subtle threats, and the power imbalance inherent in new member education. Texas law explicitly rejects “consent” as a defense to hazing (§ 37.155).
• “Rogue Chapter/National Didn’t Know”: We overcome this by uncovering pattern evidence of prior incidents within the same chapter or other chapters of the national organization. This demonstrates that the national entity had “constructive notice” of the dangers but failed to act effectively.
• “Happened Off-Campus/Not Our Property”: We argue that universities and national organizations still have a duty of care, especially if the event was sponsored or if they knew of recurrent off-campus hazing. Locations are often chosen precisely to avoid oversight, proving foreseeability.
• “Strict Anti-Hazing Policies”: We expose the gap between paper policies and actual enforcement. We demonstrate that policies were mere window-dressing, with little to no meaningful action taken against prior violations.
• “Unforeseeable Accident”: We use expert testimony, prior incident reports, and widely known risks of alcohol and physical abuse to prove that harm was entirely foreseeable. Organizations have policies precisely because they know the dangers.
• Sovereign Immunity (for Public Universities): For public institutions like UH, Texas A&M, and UT, we focus on exceptions to immunity, such as gross negligence, willful misconduct, or specific federal claims like Title IX abuses. We also pursue individual liability claims against administrators where applicable.

For Bosque County families, this means having an advocate who understands the intricate dance between these defenses and how to strategically gather evidence and apply the law to achieve the best possible outcome.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs

Navigating the aftermath of a hazing incident can be overwhelming for Bosque County families and their students. This section offers practical guidance and answers to frequently asked questions, empowering you with actionable steps during a deeply challenging time.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Your intuition as a parent is invaluable. Trust it if you suspect hazing.

Warning Signs Your Child May Be Being Hazed:

• Physical Signs: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or other injuries, especially if the explanations don’t add up. Look for extreme fatigue, significant weight changes (loss or gain), sleep deprivation, or signs of chemical exposure.
• Behavioral & Emotional Changes: Sudden secrecy about their organization’s activities (“I can’t talk about it”), withdrawal from family and old friends, marked personality shifts (anxiety, depression, irritability), defensiveness when asked about the group, or fear of “getting in trouble.” They might say things like “I just have to get through this.”
• Academic Red Flags: A sudden drop in grades, missing classes, falling asleep in class, or prioritizing “mandatory” group events over academic responsibilities.
• Financial Red Flags: Unexpected large expenses, being forced to buy alcohol or items for older members, or unexplained requests for money.
• Digital/Social Behavior: Constant phone use for group chats, anxiety when their phone buzzes, obsessively deleting messages, or signs of geo-location tracking demands from the group.

How to Talk to Your Child (Non-Confrontationally):

Approach these conversations with empathy, not judgment. Start with open-ended questions like:

• “How are things really going with [Organization Name]? Are you enjoying it?”
• “Are they respectful of your time for classes and sleep?”
• “What have they asked you to do as a new member?”
• “Has anything made you uncomfortable, or that you wish you didn’t have to do?”
• “Have you seen anyone get hurt, or have you been hurt?”
• “Do you feel like you can leave if you want to? What would happen if you did?”
• “Are you being asked to keep secrets from me or the university?”

If your child opens up, listen without judgment. Reassure them that their safety and well-being are your top priority, and you will support them regardless of what they say. If they shut down, don’t force it, but continue to monitor closely and be ready to intervene.

If Your Child is Hurt:

• Immediate Safety & Medical Care: If there’s any danger or physical injury, call 911 immediately. Get medical attention. Prioritize their health.
• Document Everything: Write down the date, time, and everything your child tells you. Screenshot any messages, photos, or videos they show you on their phone. Photograph any visible injuries.
• Contact The Manginello Law Firm: Even if you’re unsure about pursuing a lawsuit, an early consultation with an experienced hazing attorney (1-888-ATTY-911) can help you preserve critical evidence and understand your child’s rights.

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

For students from Bosque County and across Texas encountering hazing, recognizing the problem and planning a safe exit are paramount.

Is This Hazing? A Decision Guide:

Ask yourself these questions:

• Am I being forced or pressured to do something I genuinely don’t want to do?
• Would I do this activity if I had a real choice (without fear of social consequences or being “cut”)?
• Is this activity dangerous, degrading, humiliating, or illegal?
• Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are older members making me do things they don’t have to do?
• Is this truly about initiation and bonding, or just for the entertainment or power of older members?
• Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?

If you answered YES to any of these, it is very likely hazing. Remember that under Texas law, consent is not a defense to hazing.

Exiting Safely & Reporting:

• You Have the Right to Leave: You can leave an organization or de-pledge at any time, regardless of what they’ve told you.
• Tell Someone Outside the Group: Confide in a trusted parent, friend, RA, or university official so there is a record of your intentions.
• Formal Exit (if safe): Consider sending an email to the chapter president and new member educator stating: “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately.”
• Do Not Go to “One Last Meeting”: This can be a trap for pressure or retaliation.
• Anonymous Reporting: The National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) offers anonymous reporting. You can also use university anonymous systems.

Good-Faith Reporting & Amnesty:

Texas law and many university policies provide amnesty for students who call 911 in a medical emergency, even if they were drinking underage or involved in hazing. Prioritize your safety and the safety of others – you will not be punished for seeking life-saving help.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you’re a former member or a witness to hazing, you may feel immense guilt, fear of retaliation, or complicity. However, your actions now can prevent future harm and save lives.

• Your Testimony Matters: Your insider knowledge and testimony can be critical in holding perpetrators and institutions accountable, potentially preventing the same tragedy from befalling another student.
• Seek Your Own Legal Advice: If you fear criminal or civil repercussions, consult with an attorney to understand your rights and options. Our firm, with Ralph Manginello’s extensive criminal defense experience, can advise on both criminal exposure and civil litigation. We can help you navigate your role as a witness or co-defendant.
• Cooperation for Prevention: While difficult, cooperating with investigations can be a powerful step toward accountability and preventing future incidents.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Bosque County families seeking accountability for hazing, avoiding common missteps is as crucial as gathering evidence. These mistakes can severely undermine a legal claim.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

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

   • Why it’s wrong: This can appear as evidence tampering, can make a case impossible to prove, and may even be illegal.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even if embarrassing or seemingly irrelevant. Digital forensics can recover deleted data, but original screenshots are always best.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • Why it’s wrong: This immediately puts them on alert. They will likely lawyer up, immediately delete evidence, coach witnesses on what to say, and construct defenses.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in private, then contact our legal team before any direct confrontation.

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms Without Legal Review:

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities may pressure families into signing agreements that waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, often in exchange for minimal internal disciplinary action.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or organization without an experienced hazing attorney thoroughly reviewing it first.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Anything posted can be used against you. Defense attorneys routinely comb social media. Inconsistencies or emotional outbursts can damage credibility and inadvertently waive legal protections.
   • What to do instead: Document privately. Allow your legal team to strategize and control all public messaging.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: If a chapter leadership asks to speak to your child after they’ve expressed concerns, it’s often to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can be used to undermine a legal claim.
   • 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”:

   • Why it’s wrong: University “internal investigations” often prioritize protecting the institution’s reputation over securing justice for your child. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the crucial statute of limitations (the time limit to file a lawsuit) continues to run.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Consult with an attorney immediately. The university’s internal process is entirely separate from real legal accountability.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters, even if polite, represent the insurance company’s interests, not yours. Recorded statements can be misconstrued, and initial settlement offers are almost always lowball.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with any adjuster and tell them, “My attorney will contact you.”

For a deeper dive into these pitfalls, watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

8.5 Short FAQ

Here are answers to some common questions Bosque County families have about hazing and legal action:

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) often claim sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, willful misconduct, and violations of certain federal laws like Title IX. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections. Every case is unique and depends on specific facts. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. Under Texas law, hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor, but it escalates to a State Jail Felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals, including organization officers, can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing charges or a civil claim. The law recognizes that “agreement” under immense peer pressure, coercion, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally a 2-year statute of limitations applies from the date of injury or death. However, this period can sometimes be extended by the “discovery rule” if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups, fraud, or if the victim was a minor, the deadline might be “tolled” (paused). Regardless, time is critical. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and organizations destroy records. For a full explanation of the statute of limitations, watch our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights.

• “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/sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship of the organization, their knowledge of ongoing hazing activities, and their failure to prevent foreseeable harm, even if the event occurred off-campus. Many major hazing settlements and verdicts have arisen from incidents that took place in off-campus housing or remote locations.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases, particularly those involving sensitive allegations, settle confidentially before ever going to trial. Our legal team can employ strategies to request sealed court records and negotiate confidential settlement terms, helping to protect your family’s privacy while still pursuing full accountability. We prioritize your child’s well-being and privacy throughout the process.

9. About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions — national fraternities, universities, and their insurers — fight back vigorously, and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we bring unparalleled expertise and a fierce commitment to justice for Bosque County families and students across Texas.

From our Houston office and through our additional locations in Austin and Beaumont, we serve families throughout Texas, including our neighbors in Bosque County and the surrounding region. We understand that hazing at Texas universities frequently impacts students connected to our rural communities, and we are dedicated to providing them with sophisticated legal representation.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases?

• Insider Insurance Knowledge: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, brings a unique advantage to hazing cases. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), Lupe knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies operate. She understands their process for valuing (and often undervaluing) claims, their delay tactics, their arguments for denying coverage, and their overall settlement strategies. When we say we know their playbook, it’s because we used to run it. This insider perspective is invaluable in maximizing your family’s recovery.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello is a seasoned litigator with a quarter-century of experience, including taking on some of the largest corporations in the world. Our firm was one of the few Texas firms involved in the complex BP Texas City explosion litigation, a case against a multi-billion-dollar entity. Our federal court experience (United States District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we are not intimidated by powerful national fraternities, well-funded universities, or their defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. 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: Hazing too often leads to tragic fatalities or severe, life-altering injuries. Our firm has a proven track record in obtaining multi-million dollar settlements in complex wrongful death cases and catastrophic injury claims. We don’t settle cheap. We meticulously collaborate with economists and medical experts to accurately value a life lost, or to project the lifetime care needs for victims with traumatic brain injuries or permanent disabilities.

• Dual Criminal + Civil Expertise: Hazing can involve both criminal charges and civil litigation. Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a deep understanding of criminal hazing charges, how they interact with civil lawsuits, and how to advise potential witnesses or former members who may face dual exposure.

• Investigative Depth & Modern Evidence Collection: We know how to investigate 21st-century hazing. This includes employing digital forensics experts to recover deleted group chats, texts, and social media evidence. We subpoena national fraternity records to uncover patterns of prior incidents and strategically utilize discovery and public records requests to reveal university files and internal communications. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it – because for many of our clients, it truly does.

We intimately understand the nuances of how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments operate behind closed doors. Knowing their culture, their “traditions,” and their typical cover-up strategies allows us to build an impenetrable case. We approach every case with empathy and a profound commitment to victim advocacy. We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face, and our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family.

Call to Action: Your Path to Accountability and Healing

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or another institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Bosque County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, accountability, and justice. You don’t have to face this alone.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will meticulously listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward for your family.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story with compassion, without judgment.
• We will review any evidence you have preserved, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will clearly explain your legal options: whether pursuing a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither is appropriate for your situation.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what you can expect from the legal process.
• We will answer your questions about costs – we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. For more information, watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There is absolutely no pressure to hire us on the spot. You will have the time and information needed to make the right decision for your family.
• Everything you tell us during the consultation is strictly confidential.

Take the first step toward justice and healing. Contact us today:

• Call Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Houston Office: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781 (available for urgent communications)
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email Ralph Manginello: ralph@atty911.com

Hablamos Español: Servicios legales en español están disponibles. Contact Lupe Peña directly for a consultation in Spanish at lupe@atty911.com.

Whether you’re in Clifton, Meridian, Valley Mills, Whitney, or anywhere across Bosque County and beyond, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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