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Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Brazoria County Families

A phone call shatters the quiet of a Brazoria County evening. On the other end, your college student, usually so upbeat, sounds distant, strained. They mumble about an initiation night, a mandatory event, and a friend who collapsed after being forced to drink. Later, they dismiss it as “just part of joining” or “harmless fun,” but the unease lingers. This scenario, or one tragically similar, plays out far too often in Texas. Even here in Brazoria County, where our communities are founded on strong values and safety, our children attend universities where such dangerous practices can thrive, often hidden behind traditions and a code of silence.

The fear, confusion, and anger that follow a hazing incident deeply impact families throughout Brazoria County and across our great state. We understand these powerful emotions because we have stood with countless Texas families facing these exact challenges. Hazing is not just a rite of passage; it is a dangerous, illegal act that can lead to severe injury, lasting psychological trauma, and even death. It happens at universities both near and far from our homes in Angleton, Pearland, Lake Jackson, Alvin, and other Brazoria County communities, impacting students from all backgrounds.

This guide is for you, our neighbors in Brazoria County and across Texas. We aim to equip you with critical information about hazing, what it truly looks like in 2025, and how Texas law addresses these harmful practices. We will delve into real-world cases, examine the policies and patterns at major Texas universities like the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University. Most importantly, we will outline your rights, offer practical steps for intervention, and explain how an experienced legal team can help hold negligent organizations and individuals accountable.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

• In the first 48 hours:

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

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

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

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like Across Texas

When many of us think of hazing, images from old movies or news reports might come to mind – perhaps a paddle or forced public humiliation. However, hazing in 2025 is far more insidious, sophisticated, and often hidden. It thrives in the digital age and adapts to evade detection, making it harder for parents in Brazoria County and throughout Texas to recognize until it’s too late. The core of hazing remains forcing, coercing, or strongly pressuring someone to engage in actions that endanger their physical or mental health, humiliate them, or exploit them, all tied to joining or maintaining membership in a group. It’s crucial to understand that “I agreed to it” does not automatically make the act safe or legal, especially when peer pressure and power imbalances are at play.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

The landscape of hazing has evolved, but it can generally be broken down into these categories:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the most common and often deadliest form. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, participation in dangerous drinking games, chugging challenges, or pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances. Many tragic hazing deaths across the country, as we will discuss, are directly linked to alcohol poisoning.

• Physical Hazing: Beyond the historical paddling, physical hazing today includes extreme calisthenics, forced “workouts” far beyond an individual’s limits, sleep deprivation over multiple days, and food or water deprivation. Students might be exposed to extreme cold or heat, blindfolded, or forced into dangerous environments, all under the guise of “building brotherhood” or “toughness.”

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are deeply degrading and can inflict severe psychological trauma. They include forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (often designed to ridicule), wearing degrading costumes, or engaging in acts with racist, sexist, or homophobic overtones. Such incidents exploit vulnerabilities and violate personal dignity, affecting students from communities like ours in Brazoria County.

• Psychological Hazing: This often leaves no visible bruises but can be intensely damaging. It involves relentless verbal abuse, threats, forced social isolation from friends and family, and constant manipulation. Public shaming, whether in person, in online group chats, or on social media, contributes to a hostile and emotionally abusive environment.

• Digital/Online Hazing: This is a rapidly growing area where hazing leverages modern technology. Students are subjected to group chat dares, online “challenges,” threats, and public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, and GroupMe. Pressure may extend to creating or sharing compromising images or videos, or being required to respond to messages at all hours, leading to sleep deprivation and anxiety.

Where Hazing Actually Happens in Texas

Hazing is not confined to one type of organization or campus in Texas. While fraternities and sororities, including Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek organizations, are frequently in the news, it is crucial for Brazoria County families to understand that hazing can occur in a wide array of groups:

• Fraternities and Sororities: These maintain a strong presence at most Texas universities, and despite national anti-hazing policies, local chapters can engage in prohibited activities.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Highly structured, tradition-rich organizations like the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets have faced allegations of hazing that exploit strict hierarchical structures.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Organizations: Groups like the Texas Cowboys at UT Austin, independent spirit organizations, and various cultural or social clubs can also foster environments where hazing practices take root, often disguised as “team building” or “tradition.”
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to swimming and cheerleading, hazing is not uncommon on athletic teams. It often manifests as physical exhaustion tasks, forced alcohol consumption, or degrading rituals meant to “welcome” new team members.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign groups like marching bands or theater ensembles can sometimes develop hazing rituals rooted in historical “traditions.”
• Academic and Service Organizations: While less frequent, hazing dynamics can sometimes emerge in any group where there is a strong desire for membership and an established hierarchy.

The pervasive nature of hazing is maintained by social status, the allure of tradition, and an ingrained code of secrecy. These factors allow dangerous practices to persist, often under the radar, even when everyone “knows” that hazing is illegal and harmful. For Brazoria County students entering these environments, recognizing the signs and understanding their rights is essential.

Law & Liability Framework for Hazing in Texas

For Brazoria County families wondering about legal recourse after a hazing incident, understanding the Texas legal framework is paramount. Hazing is not merely a university policy violation; it is an illegal and often criminal act under Texas law, with significant legal consequences for individuals and organizations involved.

Texas Hazing Law Basics: Education Code Chapter 37

Texas has clear anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This code defines hazing broadly, covering a wide range of harmful activities:

• Hazing refers to any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, performed by an individual or a group.
• This act must be directed against a student.
• It must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of that student.
• Crucially, it must occur for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

In plain English, if someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they did it intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly (meaning they were aware of or should have been aware of the risks but proceeded anyway), that is hazing under Texas law. This definition clarifies that the “intent to haze” is not required if the act itself was reckless and harmful.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas:
Texas law outlines criminal penalties based on the severity of the hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: For hazing that does not cause serious bodily injury. This can carry up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This is a far more severe charge, carrying potentially years in state jail.

It is also a criminal offense in Texas to:

• Fail to Report Hazing: Any student, faculty, or staff member who witnesses hazing or has reliable information about it and fails to report it can face misdemeanor charges.
• Retaliate Against a Reporter: Any person who retaliates against someone for reporting a hazing incident can also face misdemeanor charges.

These provisions are vital for encouraging reporting and acknowledging the seriousness of hazing.

Criminal vs. Civil Hazing Cases

It’s important for Brazoria County families to distinguish between criminal and civil legal actions related to hazing:

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (prosecutors) against individuals or organizations. The goal is punishment (jail time, fines, probation) for violations of criminal law. Common hazing-related criminal charges include, but are not limited to, specific hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and even manslaughter or negligent homicide in cases involving severe injury or death.

• Civil Cases: These are brought by the victims or their surviving family members. The primary goal in a civil lawsuit is to seek monetary compensation for damages suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil claims often focus on legal principles such as negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability (if the incident occurred on property owned by a liable party), and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Crucially, a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The standards of proof differ, and a civil case can proceed even if no criminal charges are filed or if a criminal case does not result in a conviction. Both types of cases can run simultaneously, often benefiting from shared evidence and investigations.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also impact how hazing is addressed at Texas universities:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation, now being implemented, mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding (which includes most major institutions in Texas) must:

  • Publicly report hazing incidents in a more transparent and standardized way.
  • Strengthen education and prevention efforts.
  • Collect and make public hazing data. These provisions are expected to be fully phased in by 2026, providing students and families, including those from Brazoria County, with more insight into hazing issues on campuses.

• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or creates a gender-based hostile environment, it can trigger a university’s obligations under Title IX. This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education and requires schools to investigate and address such complaints.

• Clery Act: This federal law requires colleges to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents may overlap with crimes covered by the Clery Act, particularly if they involve assault, alcohol or drug violations, or other offenses that impact campus safety statistics.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit?

Civil lawsuits for hazing typically cast a wider net in terms of potential defendants than criminal cases. For Brazoria County families seeking accountability, understanding who can be sued is vital:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, encouraged, participated in, or carried out the hazing acts, supplied illegal alcohol, or engaged in cover-up efforts.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself, if it is structured as a legal entity. Key individuals in leadership roles, such as the chapter president or “pledge educator,” may also be targeted.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, umbrella organizations, or governing bodies. Liability often hinges on what the national entity knew (or should have known) about a chapter’s hazing history, its enforcement of anti-hazing policies, and its oversight responsibilities.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, or its governing board (like the Board of Regents for public universities). Universities can be held liable under various theories, including negligent supervision, deliberate indifference to known patterns of hazing, or failure to uphold their duty of care to students.
• Third Parties: This can include landlords or property owners who provided homes or event spaces where hazing occurred, particularly if they knew or should have known about the illegal activities. Bars or alcohol providers may also be liable under “dram shop” laws if they served alcohol to minors or visibly intoxicated individuals who then engaged in hazing. Security companies hired for events could also bear responsibility if their negligence contributed to an incident.

Every case is fact-specific, and not every party will be liable in every situation. However, a comprehensive investigation by an experienced hazing attorney from Attorney911 can identify all potentially responsible parties and build a strong case for accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns and What They Mean for Texas Families

While our focus in Brazoria County and across Texas is on incidents within our state, national hazing cases set crucial legal precedents. These anchor stories reveal patterns of negligence, illustrate the devastating consequences of hazing, and demonstrate the potential for multi-million-dollar settlements and significant institutional reforms. They are stark reminders of what happens when hazing is allowed to flourish and a powerful education on how to fight for justice.

Alcohol Poisoning and Death Pattern

Forced alcohol consumption continues to be the most common and deadly form of hazing. Cases from across the country highlight a disturbing pattern:

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most high-profile hazing cases in U.S. history, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” event involving extreme alcohol consumption. Fraternity members recorded Piazza’s falls and injuries on security cameras but delayed calling for medical help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath involved dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, civil litigation that resulted in confidential settlements, and the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case underscored that extreme intoxication, a deliberate delay in seeking aid, and a pervasive culture of silence are legally devastating for an organization.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where he was given a handle of hard liquor. This tragedy led to multiple criminal prosecutions of fraternity members and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU, followed by a comprehensive overhaul of its hazing policies. Coffey’s death, like Piazza’s, reveals the deadly consequences of formulaic “tradition” drinking nights that frequently result in disaster.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to drink when answering questions incorrectly. His death spurred the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony and significantly increasing penalties. Max’s case exemplifies how public outrage and clear evidence of hazing can drive critical legislative change, creating stronger protections for students.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume nearly a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night event. The incident led to multiple criminal convictions against fraternity members and a significant $10 million settlement for the Foltz family (with $7 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha organization and approximately $3 million from Bowling Green State University). This case powerfully demonstrates that universities themselves can face substantial financial and reputational consequences alongside the fraternities.

• Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (2021): Danny Santulli, an 18-year-old pledge, suffered catastrophic brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” event. He is now permanently disabled, unable to walk, talk, or see, requiring 24/7 care. The Santulli family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants, including the fraternity, reportedly for multi-million-dollar amounts. This non-fatal case became another national example of the severe, life-altering injuries that can result from hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualistic hazing methods continue to cause severe harm:

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng died from a traumatic brain injury suffered during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. He was blindfolded, weighted down with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a brutal “glass ceiling” ritual. Fraternity members delayed calling 911. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, leading to a 10-year ban from operations in Pennsylvania. This case highlighted that off-campus or secluded retreats are often chosen specifically to enable dangerous hazing away from university oversight.

• Joseph Snell – Bowie State University, Omega Psi Phi (1997): Joseph Snell endured severe beatings over a four-week period, suffering burns and requiring hospitalization. He bravely pursued litigation, rejecting an initial $5,000 settlement, and ultimately secured a $375,000 verdict. This ruling was significant because it was collected by seizing the fraternity’s bank assets across multiple states, establishing a crucial precedent that both the international organization and local chapters can be held accountable for hazing.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is far from exclusive to Greek life, deeply affecting athletic programs as well:

• Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023–2025): This case shockingly revealed widespread, often sexualized and racist, hazing within Northwestern’s powerhouse football program spanning many years. Multiple former players filed lawsuits against the university and coaching staff. The head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, was fired and later settled his own wrongful-termination suit confidentially. The Northwestern scandal powerfully demonstrated that hazing extends to major athletic programs, involving coaches and university officials, and isn’t just a “frat issue.”

What These Cases Mean for Brazoria County Families

These national cases share chilling common threads: forced consumption of alcohol or noxious substances, physical abuse, prolonged humiliation, and terrifying delays or outright denial of life-saving medical care. In nearly every instance, there are also attempts at cover-ups, coercion to maintain silence, and a pervasive institutional indifference until tragedy strikes.

For Brazoria County families, these lessons are directly applicable. Whether your child attends a major state university or a smaller private college, the legal precedents established in these cases – particularly concerning a national organization’s foreseeability of harm, their duty of care, and the liability of a university – shape how hazing cases are litigated in Texas. Justice, often taking the form of multi-million-dollar settlements and significant institutional reforms, frequently only follows robust litigation brought by determined families and experienced legal counsel. Brazoria County families facing these issues are not alone in this complex landscape; we are ready to advocate for you.

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

The Manginello Law Firm has deep roots in Texas, and we understand the unique cultures and challenges present at our state’s major universities. For Brazoria County families, these institutions represent high hopes and bright futures. However, they can also, unfortunately, become sites where hazing takes root. While our office is based in Houston, a short drive from much of Brazoria County, we frequently represent families whose children attend these diverse Texas schools.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston, located in the heart of Houston, is a diverse and dynamic urban campus with families from Brazoria County often sending their children to attend. It serves a mix of commuter and residential students and boasts a vibrant Greek life composed of Panhellenic, Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural fraternities and sororities, alongside a myriad of other student organizations, cultural groups, and sports clubs. The energy of the city often amplifies the social scene, which can sometimes provide cover for troubling behaviors if not properly managed. For Brazoria County residents, UH is an accessible and often preferred choice, making its institutional policies and hazing incidents highly relevant to our local community.

5.1.2 UH Hazing Policy & Reporting

UH has a clear, no-tolerance hazing policy that prohibits any act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s physical or mental health or safety. This includes, but is not limited to, forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, branding, and any acts that cause mental distress for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Students and parents can report hazing confidentially through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, or the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). UH also maintains mechanisms for anonymous reporting. This commitment to policy for the safety of students from Brazoria County and beyond is a positive step, though enforcement remains key.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While UH actively promotes anti-hazing initiatives, incidents have occurred:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) Case: This case garnered significant attention when pledges allegedly suffered severe deprivation of food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. One student reportedly sustained a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced both misdemeanor hazing charges and a university suspension. This highlighted how severe physical hazing can occur even at a large public institution.
• Ongoing Disciplinary Actions: UH’s public records sometimes reference disciplinary actions involving fraternities for behavior that was “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and other policy violations. These often lead to sanctions such as suspensions or probations, reflecting the university’s efforts to address misconduct.

These incidents underscore UH’s willingness to implement disciplinary actions, yet also the persistent challenge of enforcing anti-hazing policies. Transparency about these incidents, though sometimes limited in detail publicly, serves as an important warning.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Brazoria County family pursuing a hazing claim against an organization at UH, the legal process will likely involve:

• Law Enforcement: Depending on the nature and location of the incident, either the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) or the Houston Police Department (HPD) may be involved in criminal investigations. An experienced personal injury attorney can help navigate the complexities of these parallel investigations.
• Civil Jurisdiction: Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts falling under Harris County jurisdiction, often in downtown Houston, given the university’s location. Attorney911, located in Houston, has extensive experience in these courts.
• Potential Defendants: In a civil suit, potential defendants could include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university itself. The specific facts will dictate which parties are named.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For Brazoria County students attending UH and their families, swift and informed action is critical:

• Know Your Resources: Familiarize yourself with UH’s official reporting channels through the Dean of Students’ office and the UHPD.
• Document Everything: If you suspect hazing, immediately document any injuries, suspicious communications (texts, group chats), or behavioral changes. Keep a detailed timeline.
• Prior Incident Research: An attorney experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can assist in investigating prior complaints and disciplinary actions against fraternities or organizations at UH, which can be crucial for building a civil case.
• Seek Legal Counsel Immediately: Contacting an attorney like Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 can help you navigate university processes, ensure evidence is preserved, and protect your legal rights.

5.2 Texas A&M University

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M University, located in College Station, is deeply rooted in tradition, with a reputation for strong community and loyalty. It is a major destination for students from Brazoria County and across Texas seeking a spirited campus experience. Its unique culture includes a vibrant Greek life and the renowned Corps of Cadets, a military-focused ROTC program. These tradition-heavy environments, while fostering camaraderie, have unfortunately also been sites of hazing allegations. For Brazoria County families whose children embrace the Aggie spirit, understanding the risks and reporting mechanisms at A&M is particularly important.

5.2.2 Texas A&M Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, defining it broadly to include actions that endanger mental or physical health for the purpose of affiliation. This stance applies to the Corps of Cadets, Greek life, and all student organizations. The university provides clear reporting channels through the Office of Student Conduct and the campus police (UAPD). They also offer anonymous reporting options. The culture of “Aggie loyalty” can sometimes create pressure to overlook violations, making these reporting mechanisms even more crucial for students from Brazoria County.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced its share of high-profile hazing incidents:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case (2021): In a particularly egregious incident, two pledges alleged they suffered severe chemical burns after industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit were poured on them during a hazing ritual. The injuries required skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued the fraternity for over $1 million, and the university suspended the chapter for two years. This case tragically showed hazing escalating to life-altering physical injury.
• Corps of Cadets Hazing Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing that included simulated sexual acts and being restrained in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages. While A&M stated it handled the matter internally, the graphic allegations highlighted the risks within highly traditional groups.
• Kappa Sigma Rhabdomyolysis (2023, ongoing): Allegations surfaced of severe physical hazing in the Kappa Sigma fraternity resulting in rhabdomyolysis, a dangerous muscle breakdown condition, requiring specialized medical care. This incident continues to be part of ongoing litigation.

These cases demonstrate a pattern of severe physical abuse within certain organizations at A&M, emphasizing the need for Brazoria County families to be vigilant.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Brazoria County family pursuing a hazing claim against a Texas A&M organization:

• Law Enforcement: Incidents at A&M are often investigated by the university’s police department (UAPD) and/or College Station Police Department. Brazos County District Attorney’s office could handle criminal charges.
• Civil Jurisdiction: Lawsuits would typically be filed in Brazos County or potentially federal court, depending on the claims. Attorney911 has the experience to navigate cases in these differing jurisdictions across Texas.
• Potential Defendants: Cases often name individual student perpetrators, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially Texas A&M University and its officials, especially concerning incidents within the Corps of Cadets or university-recognized groups.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Brazoria County families sending students to Texas A&M should be particularly aware:

• Understand the “Loyalty” dynamic: While commendable, “Aggie loyalty” can sometimes be misused to enforce a code of silence around hazing. Prioritize your child’s safety over group loyalty.
• Document and Report: If you suspect any form of hazing, document everything meticulously and report to the Office of Student Conduct or UAPD.
• Gather Evidence: Collect all digital evidence (group chats, photos of injuries) and physical evidence (clothing, receipts).
• Immediate Legal Counsel: Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for guidance. Our firm can help navigate complex university bureaucracy and ensure your case is handled with the seriousness it deserves, protecting students from communities like Brazoria County.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, draws students from across Texas, including many from Brazoria County. UT is known for its academic rigor, spirited student body, and a vibrant, often intense, Greek life. Its location in the state capital can sometimes create a sense of detachment from parental oversight, making students more vulnerable. With an extensive range of clubs, sports, and organizations, the potential for hazing to occur exists widely across campus, not just within fraternities and sororities.

5.3.2 UT Hazing Policy & Reporting

UT Austin has one of the most transparent hazing reporting systems in the state. Its comprehensive anti-hazing policy prohibits any act that “causes or is likely to cause physical or mental harm or serious alarm” for the purpose of joining or maintaining membership in an organization. UT’s website, hazing.utexas.edu, publicly lists organizations that have been found responsible for hazing violations, along with the date, conduct, and sanctions. This level of transparency is rare and invaluable for families from Brazoria County researching student safety. Students and families can report anonymously or directly through the Dean of Students, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, or UTPD.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public hazing database reveals a recurring pattern:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): Among numerous entries, the UT Pike chapter was found responsible for hazing when new members were directed to consume milk and participate in strenuous calisthenics, causing physical discomfort. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers (2022): This high-profile spirit organization was sanctioned for forced calisthenics, blindfolding, sleep deprivation, and engaging in activities that “demonstrated a disregard for the health and safety of new members.”
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (January 2024): This case involved an Australian exchange student who suffered severe injuries, including a dislocated leg, torn ligaments, and a broken nose, after being assaulted by fraternity members at a party. The student sued the SAE chapter for over $1 million, highlighting physical violence.

While UT’s transparency is commendable, the recurrence of violations underscores the university’s ongoing challenge to fully eradicate hazing despite public disciplinary actions.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Brazoria County family pursuing a hazing claim stemming from UT Austin:

• Law Enforcement: Hazing incidents can involve the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) and/or the Austin Police Department (APD). Criminal cases would proceed through Travis County courts.
• Civil Jurisdiction: Civil lawsuits are typically filed in Travis County, which includes Austin. Attorney911 maintains an Austin office and is well-versed in navigating the local legal landscape.
• Defendant Leverage: UT’s public hazing violation log provides a powerful pre-existing record that can be used to demonstrate patterns, institutional knowledge, and foreseeability of harm in civil litigation against the university and student organizations.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

For Brazoria County students and families involved with UT Austin, be proactive:

• Check the Hazing Report: Before joining an organization, review UT’s public hazing violation page (hazing.utexas.edu) to understand an organization’s history.
• Document and Record: Capture all digital communications, photos of injuries, and notes about incidents. UT’s transparency might lead organizations to be more secretive, making personal documentation even more critical.
• Understand Reporting Channels: Utilize UT’s robust reporting system, but also be aware that for legal action, an experienced attorney from Attorney911 should be consulted to guide the process.
• Strategic Legal Action: If harm has occurred, contact 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential case review. Our firm specializes in cases against universities like UT, protecting students from communities like Brazoria County.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University (SMU) is a private university in Dallas, a significant metropolitan hub that attracts students from affluent communities, including some from Brazoria County. SMU is well-known for its prominent Greek life, which holds considerable social influence on campus. The intense social scene and high expectations associated with SMU create a unique environment where hazing, even if subtle, can be deeply ingrained. For Brazoria County families considering SMU, understanding both its prestige and its institutional challenges with hazing is essential.

5.4.2 SMU Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU has a comprehensive anti-hazing policy that prohibits any practice “that subjects another person to mental or physical harassment, abuse, ridicule, humiliation, or endangerment.” This policy extends to all recognized student organizations. While private universities are not subject to the same public disclosure requirements as public institutions, SMU provides avenues for reporting hazing through the Office of the Dean of Students, SMU Police Department (SMUPD), and anonymous reporting via platforms like “Real Response.” This reflects their commitment to student safety for students from Brazoria County and elsewhere.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Like many universities with active Greek systems, SMU has faced hazing issues:

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA) Incident (2017): In a widely reported incident, the SMU chapter of Kappa Alpha Order was suspended after allegations emerged of new members being paddled, forced to consume excessive alcohol, and subjected to sleep deprivation. The chapter faced a ban from campus until 2021, severely impacting its ability to recruit new members. This incident highlighted the prevalence of traditional physical and alcohol hazing even at private institutions.

SMU’s response generally involves internal investigations and disciplinary actions aligned with its policies. As a private institution, the public availability of detailed incident reports may be more limited compared to public universities, but this does not prevent legal action.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Brazoria County family pursuing a hazing claim against an organization at SMU:

• Law Enforcement: Incidents at SMU may involve the SMU Police Department (SMUPD) or the Dallas Police Department (DPD), with criminal cases proceeding through Dallas County courts.
• Civil Jurisdiction: Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Dallas County. The Manginello Law Firm works out of its Houston and Austin offices, but frequently handles cases across Texas, including Dallas.
• Defendant Transparency: As a private university, SMU may be less transparent with public records. However, civil litigation provides powerful discovery tools to compel the production of internal university records, emails, and prior hazing reports that might not otherwise be public.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Brazoria County families with a student at SMU should be particularly diligent:

• Understand Private University Dynamics: While SMU has policies, due to its private status, the details of past incidents may not be as readily public. This reinforces the need for individual vigilance.
• Document and Report Internally: Use SMU’s reporting mechanisms but also ensure meticulous private documentation of all related evidence, including texts, photos, and personal notes.
• Consider Anonymous Reporting: If fear of retribution is high, anonymous channels can be a first step, but remember that for legal action, a more formal report is often beneficial.
• Seek Experienced Legal Counsel: Contacting Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 can help you understand the specific legal landscape of a private institution like SMU, and how to compel critical evidence that may not be public.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University, located in Waco, is a prominent private Christian university renowned for its strong academic programs and traditional values. Students from Brazoria County and across Texas are drawn to its unique campus environment. Baylor’s culture places a strong emphasis on community and ethical conduct, a backdrop against which hazing incidents are particularly jarring. The university has faced significant scrutiny in the past for its handling of student welfare issues, specifically in relation to sexual assault, which has led to increased awareness and, hopefully, more robust oversight.

5.5.2 Baylor Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor maintains a strict “zero tolerance” hazing policy, clearly defining prohibited acts that endanger mental or physical health for the purpose of group affiliation. This policy applies to all student groups, including Greek organizations and athletic teams, and emphasizes that consent is not a defense. Baylor encourages reporting through its Department of Student Conduct and Administration, campus police, and anonymous tip lines. Given its prior challenges, the university is under intense pressure to rigorously enforce these policies and protect its students, including those from Brazoria County.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history includes documented hazing incidents that test its commitment to “zero tolerance”:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An investigation into alleged hazing within the Baylor baseball program led to 14 players being suspended. The suspensions were staggered to minimize programmatic impact but highlighted that hazing extends beyond Greek life into respected athletic programs at Baylor.
• General Greek Life Violations: While specific high-profile individual hazing incidents may not always be broadly publicized due to Baylor’s private status, the university regularly addresses allegations of misconduct within its Greek organizations, which can range from alcohol violations to more severe hazing practices. The ongoing scrutiny over institutional oversight has hopefully encouraged more proactive enforcement.

These past incidents underscore that even universities with strong ethical frameworks and a history of facing scrutiny can still contend with hazing, requiring continuous vigilance from parents and students from communities like Brazoria County.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Brazoria County family considering a hazing claim related to Baylor University:

• Law Enforcement: Incidents at Baylor may involve the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) or the Waco Police Department (WPD), with criminal proceedings handled through McLennan County courts.
• Civil Jurisdiction: Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County. Attorney911 has the expertise to manage cases throughout Texas, including those in Central Texas.
• Institutional Scrutiny: Baylor’s prior experiences with institutional accountability will likely influence how legal actions are pursued. Discovery in a civil suit can provide critical insights into how the university responds to and documents hazing allegations.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Brazoria County students and families connected to Baylor:

• Be Mindful of Culture: While Baylor emphasizes positive community, be aware that like any institution, hazing can occur. Open communication with your student is key.
• Document and Report: Meticulously document any suspected hazing, including digital evidence and physical symptoms. Report through Baylor’s official channels.
• Leverage Prior Precedent: Baylor’s history of managing institutional misconduct means they are highly sensitive to legal challenges. This can be strategically leveraged in a civil claim.
• Seek Professional Legal Guidance: Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential consultation. Our firm understands the complexities of bringing actions against institutions like Baylor and can help ensure your legal rights are protected.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Understanding the national history of a fraternity or sorority is just as crucial as knowing the local chapter’s behavior. When hazing tragically occurs at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, it’s often not an isolated incident perpetrated by a “rogue” chapter. Instead, these acts frequently mirror a disturbing pattern of similar behaviors that have plagued the national organization for decades, sometimes resulting in catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths across the country. For families in Brazoria County, recognizing these patterns can be key to building a strong case for accountability.

Why National Histories Matter

Most fraternities and sororities active at Texas campuses are part of larger, national (or even international) organizations. These national headquarters are responsible for setting policies, collecting dues, and overseeing their local chapters. Ironically, many national anti-hazing policies are the direct result of past tragedies. They have thick anti-hazing manuals and extensive risk management policies precisely because they have seen deaths, severe injuries, and devastating lawsuits in the past. They know the script: forced drinking nights, aggressive physical challenges, humiliating rituals, and the code of silence that protects perpetrators.

When a local chapter at a Texas university, drawing students from places like Angleton, Pearland, or Lake Jackson in Brazoria County, repeats the same hazing script that injured or killed students at chapters in other states, this demonstrates foreseeability. It proves the national organization was (or should have been) aware of the specific dangers associated with their local chapters. This knowledge can be a powerful tool in proving negligence or even establishing a basis for punitive damages against both the local chapter and the national entity.

Organization Mapping: Tracing National Hazing Patterns and Texas Connections

While every organization has its own unique character, some national fraternities and sororities have a more notorious history of hazing incidents than others. It’s important to state that no organization is inherently “good” or “bad” – rather, it’s the actions of specific members and chapters, and the willingness of national organizations to enforce their rules, that determine the true risk.

Below, we detail some of the organizations with a significant presence at the five Texas universities discussed, linking them to known national hazing histories. This is not an exhaustive list but highlights patterns of concern.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike)

  • Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor.
  • National History: Pi Kappa Alpha has been involved in multiple high-profile hazing cases nationwide. The tragic Stone Foltz case (Bowling Green State University, 2021), where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after a “Big/Little” event, resulted in a $10 million settlement for his family, with the national organization contributing significantly. Earlier, David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois University, 2012) also died from alcohol poisoning, leading to a $14 million settlement. These pattern incidents demonstrate a recurring issue with forced alcohol consumption during pledge activities sanctioned by the national chapter.
  • Texas Connection: The University of Texas at Austin chapter was sanctioned in 2023 for hazing, demonstrating that the national pattern regrettably extends to Texas campuses.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE)

  • Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU.
  • National History: SAE has a long and troubling national history of hazing, including multiple alcohol-related deaths that led the national organization to famously (and controversially) ban pledging in 2014, an effort that largely failed to stop hazing.
  • Texas Connection: In 2021, two pledges at Texas A&M University alleged they suffered severe chemical burns after being subjected to industrial-strength cleaner, eggs, and spit during hazing – leading to a $1 million lawsuit. The University of Texas at Austin chapter was sued for over $1 million in January 2024 after an exchange student alleged assault at a party. These incidents show egregious hazing and violence within SAE chapters right here in Texas.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

  • Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor.
  • National History: The tragic death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver (Louisiana State University, 2017) from alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” drinking game is a critical part of Phi Delta Theta’s national history, leading to the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana.
  • Texas Connection: Local chapters at various Texas universities have been suspended or disciplined for hazing and alcohol violations, indicating that national patterns can manifest here.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

  • Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor.
  • National History: Pi Kappa Phi was involved in the death of Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, 2017), who died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event.
  • Texas Connection: Chapters at Texas universities have faced suspensions for hazing, aligning with the national concern for reckless alcohol practices.

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA)

  • Presence: Active at Texas A&M, SMU.
  • National History: Kappa Alpha Order has several documented hazing incidents and suspensions at campuses nationwide, often involving alcohol and physical challenges.
  • Texas Connection: The SMU chapter was suspended in 2017 after allegations of paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation, demonstrating local manifestations of national patterns.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)

  • Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor.
  • National History: Beta Theta Pi is tragically linked to the death of Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, 2017), which became a landmark case for hazing prosecution and legal reform.
  • Texas Connection: Chapters in Texas have faced disciplinary actions related to alcohol and hazing, indicating a need for strong oversight.

• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI)

  • Presence: Active at Texas A&M.
  • National History: Critically linked to the severe, permanent brain damage suffered by Danny Santulli (University of Missouri, 2021) due to forced alcohol consumption, leading to multi-million dollar settlements.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

These patterns across states and campuses are not mere coincidences. They demonstrate that certain national organizations, due to repeated warnings and historical incidents, should have been acutely aware of the dangers lurking within their local chapters. Our legal strategy at Attorney911 focuses on proving that these national entities failed to:

• Meaningfully enforce their anti-hazing policies beyond merely having them on paper.
• Respond aggressively enough to prior incidents, allowing dangerous behaviors to persist.
• Properly supervise and educate their local chapters and members about the real dangers of hazing.
• Protect students from known foreseeable harms often caused by their own members.

This evidence can be crucial in:

• Leveraging settlements: Documented patterns increase pressure on national organizations and their insurers to settle cases.
• Insurance coverage disputes: Knowing the organization’s history can help overcome arguments that hazing was an unforeseeable “intentional act” not covered by insurance.
• Potential for punitive damages: In some situations, a repeated pattern of disregard for student safety can justify punitive damages, meant to punish egregious behavior and deter future misconduct.

For Brazoria County families, understanding these national histories empowers your legal team to challenge the standard defenses put forth by powerful institutions, bringing full accountability for hazing injuries and deaths.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy in Brazoria County Hazing Lawsuits

When hazing has caused pain, injury, or loss, merely knowing the law is not enough. Building a strong civil case requires meticulous investigation, aggressive evidence collection, and sophisticated legal strategy. At The Manginello Law Firm, we are adept at navigating these complex waters, particularly for families in Brazoria County seeking justice from powerful university and fraternity systems. We understand what evidence matters, how to prove damages, and how to position your case for maximum accountability.

7.1 Crucial Evidence in Hazing Cases

Modern hazing cases are often won or lost based on the quality and quantity of evidence. Unlike past generations, digital footprints now play a massive role.

• Digital Communications: The New Frontier of Evidence
  Group chats and direct messages (DMs) are often the most potent sources of incriminating evidence. These include internal communications from platforms like:

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and fraternity/sorority-specific apps.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, and TikTok content.
    This evidence captures real-time planning, instructions, peer pressure, and cover-up attempts. It reveals who was involved, what was said, and when. Our firm utilizes digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages, analyze data, and present this crucial evidence in court.

• Photos & Videos:
  Students often document their lives, and hazing is no exception. This includes:

  • Photos and videos filmed by members during hazing events, often initially shared within private group chats.
  • Surveillance footage from campus security cameras, private residences (Ring/doorbell), or local businesses near hazing locations. This can establish timelines, identify participants, and show the chaotic or abusive nature of incidents.

• Internal Organization Documents:
  We diligently seek documents that illuminate an organization’s clandestine practices:

  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, and ritual books often detail hazing activities.
  • Emails and texts between officers or between local chapters and national headquarters can reveal knowledge of hazing.
  • National policies and training materials demonstrate what the organization claimed to prohibit versus what was actually practiced.

• University and Institutional Records:
  These records can reveal a pattern of negligence or indifference:

  • Prior conduct files related to the specific organization, detailing past disciplinary actions, probations, or suspensions for hazing or alcohol violations.
  • Incident reports filed with campus police (e.g., UTPD, UHPD, BUPD) or student conduct offices.
  • Clery Act reports and other public disclosures that reveal patterns of campus safety issues.

• Medical and Psychological Records:
  These documents are vital for proving the extent of harm suffered:

  • Emergency room reports, ambulance transport records, and hospitalization notes (including ICU stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and medication logs).
  • Toxicology reports (detailing alcohol or drug levels).
  • Imaging reports (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs for injuries like brain trauma or internal organ damage).
  • Psychological evaluations documenting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation resulting from hazing trauma.

• Witness Testimony:
  Eyewitness accounts can be incredibly powerful:

  • Other pledges, former members, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, and bystanders who witnessed the events or noticed changes in the victim.
  • Former members who quit or were expelled due to hazing often provide crucial insight.

7.2 Proving Damages: What Brazoria County Families Can Recover

Our goal is not just to prove hazing occurred, but to thoroughly document and recover the full extent of damages suffered by the victim and their family in Brazoria County. This includes both tangible financial losses and intangible suffering.

• Medical Bills & Future Care:
  This covers the costs of immediate emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, and medications. For severe injuries like traumatic brain injury or organ damage, it can include the projected costs of long-term care, rehabilitative services, and specialized equipment for a lifetime.

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact:
  Hazing can derail a student’s academic and career path. We seek compensation for:

  • Tuition and fees for missed semesters, or if the student was forced to withdraw.
  • Lost scholarships or academic opportunities.
  • The income a student would have earned if they didn’t have to delay graduation.
  • The diminished lifetime earning capacity if a permanent injury (like brain damage or severe PTSD) prevents them from pursuing their chosen career or working at full capacity.

• Non-Economic Damages:
  These aim to compensate for the profound, non-financial suffering:

  • Physical pain and suffering: The actual pain endured from injuries.
  • Emotional distress and trauma: Including PTSD, anxiety, depression, humiliation, shame, and fear.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: The inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social events that once brought joy, or the general detrimental impact on their quality of life.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families):
  When hazing leads to death, surviving family members (parents, spouses, children) in Brazoria County can seek:

  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided over their lifetime.
  • Loss of companionship, love, and society, recognizing the profound emotional void left by their passing.
  • Grief and emotional suffering endured by the family.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Holding powerful institutions accountable is complex. National fraternities, sororities, and universities often carry substantial insurance policies designed to protect them from liability. However, these insurers will aggressively defend against claims:

• Exclusions for Intentional Acts: Insurers often argue that hazing or intentional assaults are “intentional conduct” and therefore excluded from coverage.
• Coverage Disputes: They may also dispute whether the policy covers specific defendants or the type of incident that occurred.

Attorney911 has deep experience in these insurance coverage battles. Lupe Peña, with her background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm (see her profile at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), understands exactly how these insurance companies operate, their delay tactics, and their strategies for avoiding payouts. We identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, challenge wrongful denials, and strategically negotiate or litigate to maximize recovery for our clients.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs for Brazoria County Families

Facing a hazing incident can feel overwhelming, isolating, and confusing. You may not know where to turn or what steps to take. This section provides practical, actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses, empowering Brazoria County families with the knowledge to respond effectively and protect their rights.

8.1 For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

For parents in Brazoria County, recognizing the often-subtle signs of hazing is the first step toward intervention:

• Warning Signs of Hazing:

  • Physical Changes: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries (especially if explanations don’t add up); extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation; sudden weight loss or gain; signs of illness or alcohol poisoning.
  • Behavioral & Emotional Shifts: Sudden secrecy about their organization or refusal to talk about activities; withdrawal from old friends or family; noticeable anxiety, depression, irritability, or anger; defensiveness when asked about the group; fear of “getting in trouble” or “getting the chapter shut down.”
  • Academic Decline: Grades dropping suddenly; missing classes; falling asleep during lectures due to late-night “mandatory” events.
  • Digital Obsession: Constant checking of group chats; anxiety when their phone receives pings or calls at unusual hours; deleting messages or clearing browser history.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Start with open-ended questions like, “How are things going with your organization? Are you truly enjoying it?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are paramount, far more important than fitting in or maintaining group status. Reassure them that you will support them, no matter what.

• If Your Child Is Hurt: Prioritize medical care immediately. Document everything meticulously: take photos of injuries, screenshot any relevant texts or social media, and write down everything your child tells you while it is fresh in your mind (dates, times, names).

• Dealing with the University: Document all communications with university administrators (emails, notes from phone calls). Ask specific questions about their prior knowledge of hazing within the organization and what actions were previously taken. Understand that the university’s priority may be protecting its reputation, not necessarily your child’s legal rights.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has experienced significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or actively concealing what happened, contact an experienced hazing attorney. We can help you navigate university bureaucracy and protect your child’s legal interests.

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

If you are a student from Brazoria County involved in a new member process, these questions can help you determine if you are being hazed and what to do next:

• Is This Hazing or Just “Tradition”? Ask yourself: Am I being pressured to do something I genuinely don’t want to do? Would I choose to do this if there were no social consequences? Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal? Are current members forcing new members to do things they don’t have to do? If you answer yes to any of these, it’s likely hazing, regardless of what they call it.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The law, and common sense, recognizes that “consent” given under duress, intense peer pressure, or fear of exclusion is not true consent. You have the right to be safe, irrespective of whether you initially “agreed” to certain activities. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation immediately. Tell a trusted adult (parent, RA, professor, counselor) outside the organization. If you fear retaliation, report that fear to the Dean of Students or campus police; they can implement no-contact orders. Most schools and Texas law offer amnesty if you report a medical emergency, even if you were drinking underage. Confidential, anonymous reporting options are also available through campus channels and the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293).

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were once a part of a hazing incident, perhaps even participating, and now carry guilt or regret, know that your testimony can prevent future tragedies.

• Acknowledging your role can be difficult, but your evidence may be critical to bringing justice for victims and preventing others from suffering.
• An experienced hazing attorney at Attorney911 can advise you on your legal rights and potential exposures, and help you understand how cooperation might protect you or mitigate any potential liability. Your testimony could be the key to holding dangerous organizations accountable.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Brazoria County families and students, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do when hazing occurs. Avoid these common pitfalls that can severely damage a hazing claim:

1. Deleting Messages or “Cleaning Up” Evidence:

   • Why it’s wrong: Deleting evidence (texts, group chats, photos, videos) looks like a cover-up, can be considered obstruction of justice, and makes proving your case almost impossible.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately. Screenshot group chats with timestamps and sender names. Photograph physical injuries. Even embarrassing content can be crucial. As our firm explains in “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), proper digital evidence collection is paramount.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • Why it’s wrong: Organizations will immediately “lawyer up,” destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses.
   • What to do instead: Document everything, then contact an attorney before any direct confrontation.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities may pressure you to sign waivers or internal “resolution” agreements that could waive your legal right to sue. These settlements are often far below the actual value of your case.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys will screenshot everything. Inconsistencies in your story (even minor ones) can hurt your credibility, and public posts might inadvertently waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document privately. Your legal team can help strategically control any public narrative.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Organizations will often use these meetings to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against you.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: As our firm discussed in “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY), evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run. Universities prioritize internal processes, which rarely achieve full legal accountability.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurers’ primary goal is to minimize their payout. Recorded statements or early settlements are almost always used against you and are typically lowball offers.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to comment and state that your attorney will contact them.

8.5 Short Frequently Asked Questions

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT have some sovereign immunity protection under Texas law, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when individual employees are sued in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default. However, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who are officers of an organization and fail to report hazing can also face criminal charges.

• “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. Courts and laws recognize that “consent” often occurs under immense peer pressure, power imbalances, and fear of social exclusion, making it coerced, not truly voluntary.

• “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, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause was not immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is always critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. For more details, watch our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c). Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and the foreseeability of hazing occurring off-campus. Many major hazing cases that resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments occurred at off-campus residences or private retreats.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. While some cases become public due to criminal charges or trials, many families choose to keep the details of civil settlements out of the public eye. We prioritize your family’s privacy while aggressively pursuing accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm: Your Brazoria County Hazing Lawyer

When your family faces the profound trauma of a hazing incident, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions like national fraternities, universities, and their insurers fight back — and how to win. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we are a Texas personal injury firm with deep roots in Houston, extending our services to Brazoria County and throughout our great state. We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families in Angleton, Pearland, Lake Jackson, Alvin, and every community across Brazoria County. We are here to help.

Hazing cases are unique. They rarely involve a simple “accident.” Instead, they expose systemic failures, a culture of secrecy, and institutions that prioritize reputation over student safety. Our firm possesses unique qualifications to tackle these complex battles:

• Insurance Insider Advantage with Lupe Peña: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm (you can learn more about her background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), Lupe knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies operate. She understands their playbook – how they value (and undervalue) hazing claims, their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their settlement strategies. We know their weaknesses because we used to be on their side.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions with Ralph Manginello: Our Managing Partner, Ralph P. Manginello (learn more about Ralph at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), has a deep background in taking on colossal defendants. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a case against one of the world’s largest corporations. This federal court experience equips us to take on national fraternities, multi-billion-dollar universities, or entrenched athletic programs without intimidation. We’ve gone against the biggest and won.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death & Catastrophic Injury Expertise: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases and catastrophic injury claims, where stakes are highest. We don’t settle cheap. We meticulously build cases, often collaborating with economists and life care planners, to ensure full accountability for medical bills, lost earnings, and long-term care needs for victims of severe brain injuries or other permanent disabilities. Our experience (see our wrongful death page at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/) ensures your family’s future needs are protected.

• Dual Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a distinct advantage. When hazing leads to criminal charges – for individuals or the organization – we understand how criminal proceedings interact with civil litigation. This means we can advise not only on your civil claim but also provide critical guidance if witnesses or former members are facing criminal exposure, ensuring all aspects of accountability are addressed. For more on our criminal defense capabilities, visit https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.

• Unmatched Investigative Depth: Our firm maintains a robust network of experts, including digital forensics specialists to recover deleted group chats, medical professionals, and psychologists specializing in trauma. We know how to uncover hidden evidence, subpoena national fraternity records detailing prior incidents, and obtain crucial university files through discovery and public records requests. We investigate as if your child’s life depends on it – because it does.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually work behind closed doors. We know what makes hazing cases different: the powerful defense teams, the insurance coverage disputes, and the delicate balance between victim privacy and public accountability. Our commitment is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family in Brazoria County or elsewhere in Texas.

Call to Action for Brazoria County Families

If you or your child has experienced the devastation of hazing at any Texas campus – be it the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other institution – we want to hear from you. Families in Angleton, Pearland, Lake Jackson, Alvin, and throughout Brazoria County have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will listen to your story without judgment, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen attentively to what happened.
• We’ll review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will clearly explain your legal options: whether to pursue a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or simply focus on other forms of accountability.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what you can expect during the legal process.
• We’ll answer your questions about fee structures. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. 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. We encourage you to take the time you need to make an informed decision.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

Reach out to Attorney911 today:

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

Hablamos Español. If you prefer to discuss your case in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly via email at lupe@atty911.com for a consultation.

Reading this article does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every hazing case is unique, and we cannot guarantee specific outcomes. However, an experienced attorney from Attorney911 can review your specific facts, explain your rights under Texas law, and help you understand your best options for justice. Whether you’re in Brazoria County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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