In Coleman County, Attorney911 offers expert legal representation for fraternity and sorority hazing cases. With former insurance defense experience, our lawyers understand fraternity insurance tactics. We have federal court experience taking on national fraternities and universities, proven by our BP Explosion litigation. Our team combines HCCLA criminal defense and civil wrongful death expertise, achieving multi-million dollar results. We handle hazing cases from UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, specializing in evidence preservation. With 25+ years of experience, we offer free consultations on a contingency fee basis. Hablamos Español. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

It’s late at night, and your phone pings with a flurry of distressing texts. Your child, a student from Coleman County, away at a Texas university, mentions a mandatory “initiation” for their new club. The messages hint at excessive drinking, humiliating acts, and physical exhaustion. They don’t sound like themselves. Suddenly, the silence that follows is deafening. You wonder, with a knot in your stomach, if they are safe, if they’re in trouble, or worse, if they’re being hazed.

This could be a scenario unfolding for any family in Coleman County or across Texas. The promise of college life – academic growth, new friendships, enriching experiences – can sometimes be overshadowed by the dangerous and illegal practice of hazing. What many consider harmless tradition can escalate rapidly, leading to severe physical injury, lasting psychological trauma, and, tragically, even death.

This comprehensive guide is designed for families in Coleman County and throughout Texas who need clarity and direction in the face of alleged hazing. We will delve into what hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes to reveal the insidious modern tactics organizations employ. We will explore the complex legal landscape in Texas, detailing both criminal and civil avenues for justice. By examining major national hazing cases and connecting them to incidents closer to home at prominent Texas institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University, we aim to demystify the legal process.

Our goal is to arm you with knowledge, showing you how fraternity, sorority, and other campus organizations’ histories can be crucial in proving liability. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operates as Attorney911, and we are dedicated to informing and empowering victims and their families. This article provides general information, not specific legal advice. However, should you or a loved one be impacted by hazing, our experienced legal team is prepared to offer a confidential evaluation of your unique circumstances. We serve families throughout Texas, including those right here in Coleman County, bringing our specialized expertise to your aid.

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

For families in Coleman County and elsewhere in rural Texas, the term “hazing” might bring to mind old movies or exaggerated tales. However, the reality of hazing in 2025 is far more sophisticated, insidious, and dangerous than many realize. It’s often disguised, minimized, and hidden, but its impact on students’ physical and mental health is devastating. It extends far beyond simple pranks and has evolved into a complex web of psychological manipulation, extreme physical abuse, and digital exploitation.

At its core, hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. This definition is critical because organizations often claim “everyone consented.” However, the legal and psychological reality is that “consent” is meaningless when there’s a profound power imbalance, intense peer pressure, economic repercussions, or implicit threats involved. The desire to belong, to fit in, and to gain the social or professional benefits of membership can create an environment where students feel they have no real choice but to comply.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing tactics have evolved, becoming more covert and incorporating modern technology. We categorize hazing into three escalating tiers based on its severity and impact: subtle, harassment, and violent.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

This remains the leading cause of hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide, and it continues to plague campuses across Texas.

• Forced or coerced drinking: Pledges compelled to consume alcohol rapidly or in excessive quantities. This can occur through:
  • Chugging challenges or “lineups”: New members forced to drink large amounts of hard liquor or beer in a short time.
  • “Games” that require rapid consumption: Events like “Bible study” or “family tree” games where incorrect answers or specific cues lead to mandated drinking.
  • Big/Little reveal nights: Often involve new members being given entire bottles or “handles” of liquor by older members.
• Pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances: In some extreme cases, pledges are forced to ingest a cocktail of various alcohols mixed with other liquids, or even illicit drugs.
• Withholding water: Pledges are intentionally deprived of water during strenuous activities, leading to dehydration, only to then be forced to consume alcohol.

Physical Hazing

Physical hazing is designed to inflict pain, exhaustion, and physical degradation.

• Paddling, beatings, and assault: Direct physical violence, including being hit with paddles, fists, or other objects. This can cause severe bruising, internal injuries, and in some cases, catastrophic trauma.
• Extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings”: Forced exercises far beyond safe limits, often in inappropriate conditions or for extended periods, leading to muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), heatstroke, or injury.
• Sleep deprivation: Mandatory late-night activities, early morning wake-up calls, or multi-day retreats with minimal sleep, severely impacting mental and physical health.
• Food or water deprivation: Limiting access to basic necessities, leading to dehydration, malnutrition, and extreme discomfort. Forcing consumption of unusual or unpleasant substances also falls into this category.
• Exposure to extreme cold/heat or dangerous environments: Leaving pledges in freezing conditions, forcing them to stand in uncomfortable positions for long periods, or making them enter unsafe locations.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

This category involves acts that degrade an individual’s dignity and often carry deeply traumatic psychological impacts.

• Forced nudity or partial nudity: Pledges compelled to be nude or partially nude in front of others.
• Simulated sexual acts: Forcing individuals to perform or simulate sexual acts, often with other pledges or objects. This can include explicit and deeply scarring “positions” or “skits.”
• Degrading costumes or behaviors: Making pledges wear embarrassing outfits or perform publicly humiliating acts.
• Acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones: Hazing that targets individuals based on their identity, using slurs, stereotypes, or role-play designed to demean and dehumanize.

Psychological Hazing

Often underestimated, psychological hazing can inflict deep, lasting emotional scars. It manipulates, intimidates, and isolates.

• Verbal abuse, threats, and intimidation: Constant yelling, insults, derogatory names, and threats of social exclusion or physical harm.
• Isolation and ostracization: Deliberately excluding new members from social interactions with non-pledges, demanding they cut off contact with friends or family.
• Manipulation and forced confessions: Coercing pledges to reveal highly personal information or confess to fabricated wrongdoings.
• Public shaming: Forcing new members to endure verbal attacks or humiliation in front of the group or on social media.
• Secrecy and deception: Requiring pledges to lie to parents, university officials, or external authorities about their activities, fostering a culture of fear and mistrust.

Digital/Online Hazing

The digital age has opened new, pervasive avenues for hazing, making it harder to escape.

• Group chat dares and “challenges”: Pledges commanded to perform embarrassing or dangerous acts, with peer pressure enforced through messaging apps like GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, or Snapchat.
• Public humiliation via social media: Forcing pledges to post degrading content on Instagram, TikTok, or other platforms, or to participate in trending online “challenges” that are abusive.
• Pressure to create or share compromising images/videos: Pledges forced to film or be filmed in vulnerable situations, with the threat of these images being shared if they don’t comply.
• Constant digital surveillance: Requiring pledges to be available 24/7 for group chat demands, checking in at all hours, or using location-sharing apps (like Find My Friends or Life360) to track their movements.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not limited to “frat boys” or Greek life. While fraternities and sororities frequently make headlines for hazing incidents, the practice is disturbingly widespread across various campus organizations at all Texas universities.

• Fraternities and sororities: This includes social Greek letter organizations across Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek councils.
• Corps of Cadets/ROTC/Military-style groups: These highly structured organizations, particularly prominent at institutions like Texas A&M, can have deeply ingrained traditions that, while framed as “discipline” or “team building,” cross the line into hazing.
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs: Groups like cheerleading teams, dance teams, and university spirit organizations (e.g., Texas Cowboys-type groups) often have “initiation” rituals that involve hazing.
• Athletic teams: From NCAA Division I football and basketball teams at major universities to club sports and intramural teams, hazing can occur across virtually all sports. This includes baseball, soccer, swimming, cheerleading, and even e-sports teams.
• Marching bands and performance groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can foster environments where new members are subjected to abuse under the guise of “earning their stripes” or building rapport.
• Service, cultural, and academic organizations: Any group with a hierarchical structure or a competitive entry process can theoretically engage in hazing, even if their stated mission is positive.

It is critical for families in Coleman County and everywhere to understand that social status, tradition, and secrecy are powerful forces that perpetuate hazing. Despite university policies and legal prohibitions, these practices persist because older members were hazed, and new members feel immense pressure to conform to earn their place. This cycle of abuse demands a clear understanding and a firm stance against it.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Coleman County, understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial. While hazing incidents are often complex and emotionally charged, the law provides clear definitions, penalties, and avenues for accountability that can empower victims and their families.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions within its Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This statute defines hazing broadly and applies to any public or private postsecondary educational institution in the state. Under this law—which governs cases in Coleman County and throughout Texas—hazing is defined 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.

This definition highlights several key points that are vital for Coleman County families to grasp:

• Location is irrelevant: Hazing can happen right on campus, in an off-campus house, at a remote retreat, or even entirely online. The law applies regardless of where the acts occur.
• Mental or physical harm: Hazing isn’t just about physical injury; severe emotional distress, humiliation, and psychological manipulation are explicitly covered.
• Intent doesn’t require malice: An act is hazing if it’s intentional, knowing, or even just reckless. This means if the individuals involved knew the act could endanger health or safety but did it anyway, it counts.
• “Consent” is not a defense: As explicitly stated in Texas Education Code § 37.155, it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. This is a critical protection for students caught in coercive situations where they feel pressured to “agree.”

Criminal Penalties

Texas law outlines significant consequences for hazing, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies:

• Class B Misdemeanor (default): Applies to hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000).
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical attention.
• State Jail Felony: Applies if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This carries a potential sentence of 180 days to two years in a state jail facility, plus significant fines.
• Failing to report: Any student or faculty member who knows about hazing and fails to report it can also face misdemeanor charges.
• Retaliation: Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

These criminal provisions underscore the seriousness with which Texas law regards hazing, providing a framework for punishing harmful conduct and deterring future incidents.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s common for families to confuse criminal and civil legal actions, but they serve distinct purposes in hazing cases.

• Criminal cases: These are initiated and pursued by the state (through a district attorney or prosecutor) against individuals or organizations accused of violating Texas’s criminal hazing statutes. The goal of a criminal case is punishment (e.g., jail time, fines, probation) for the alleged offenders. Criminal charges can arise from hazing that causes injury, death, or even just reckless endangerment.
• Civil cases: These are pursued by the victims of hazing or their surviving family members. The goal is monetary compensation (damages) for the harm suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil cases typically allege various forms of negligence, gross negligence, or wrongful death against individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and even universities.

Crucially, a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The burden of proof is lower in civil cases (“preponderance of the evidence” vs. “beyond a reasonable doubt” in criminal cases). This means a civil lawsuit for damages can proceed even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction. Often, criminal and civil proceedings run concurrently, with criminal investigations sometimes providing valuable evidence for civil claims.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations also play a role in addressing hazing, particularly at institutions that receive federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates greater transparency and prevention efforts on college campuses. By around 2026, most colleges receiving federal aid will be required to:
  • Publicly report all hazing incidents.
  • Implement comprehensive hazing prevention education programs.
  • Maintain and make public aggregate data on hazing violations and disciplinary actions.
    This act aims to create a more informed and safer campus environment by shedding light on the true scope of hazing nationwide.
• Title IX: When hazing involves sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault, it can trigger obligations under Title IX. This federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. If hazing includes gender-based violence, forced sexual acts, or creates a sexually hostile environment, universities have a legal duty under Title IX to investigate and respond.
• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. While hazing isn’t a standalone Clery crime, incidents involving assault, sexual assault, or alcohol/drug violations during hazing may fall under Clery reporting requirements, further contributing to transparency.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

The legal framework for civil hazing cases allows for a wide range of parties to be held responsible for the harm caused. For families in Coleman County considering legal action, understanding who can be sued is essential:

• Individual Students: The students who directly participated in, organized, or facilitated the hazing acts can be held personally liable for their actions, including assault, battery, and negligence. This also extends to those who knew hazing was happening and failed to intervene or report it, especially if they were in leadership positions.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific campus chapter (e.g., the fraternity, sorority, club, or team) can be sued as a distinct legal entity. Liability often stems from its direct involvement in organizing the hazing or its failure to properly supervise members. Officers or “pledge educators” acting in an official capacity are particularly vulnerable.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national umbrella organization can be held liable, especially in cases where there is a pattern of similar hazing incidents across multiple chapters nationwide. Arguments for national liability include:
  • Negligent supervision: Failure to adequately train, monitor, or discipline local chapters.
  • Foreseeability: Knowing (or having reason to know) that similar hazing practices within their organization had caused harm before.
  • Vicarious liability: Being held responsible for the actions of their agents (the local chapter) due to a close relationship and control.
• University or Governing Board: While public universities in Texas (like UT, Texas A&M, UH) benefit from some sovereign immunity protections, they can still be sued under certain circumstances. Liability against universities often arises from:
  • Gross negligence: A deliberate indifference to known risks or a conscious disregard for student safety.
  • Failure to enforce policies: When a university has clear anti-hazing policies but consistently fails to enforce them, especially after repeated warnings or incidents.
  • Title IX violations: If the hazing involves gender-based harassment or discrimination.
  • Other claims: Such as negligent hiring/supervision of staff or campus police. Private universities (like SMU and Baylor) typically have fewer immunity protections than public institutions, often making them more direct targets for negligence claims.
• Third Parties: Depending on the specific facts of the incident, other entities might also bear responsibility:
  • Landlords/property owners: If hazing occurred at an off-campus house where the owner knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Bars or event venues: Under Texas dram shop laws, establishments that overserve visibly intoxicated individuals who then cause harm can be held liable.
  • Alcohol suppliers: Individuals or businesses that illegally provide alcohol to minors involved in hazing.

Every hazing case is fact-specific, and the precise parties who can be held liable will depend on the unique circumstances and evidence. Our firm works diligently to identify all responsible parties to ensure comprehensive accountability and maximum recovery for our clients from Coleman County and across Texas.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When a hazing tragedy strikes, local communities are often left stunned. However, these incidents rarely occur in isolation. Across the country, patterns of abuse within specific organizations and institutions reveal a disturbing truth: hazing is a systemic problem, often repeating the same dangerous scripts. The national cases we highlight here are not just isolated tragedies; they are powerful precedents that shape hazing law, inform civil litigation, and illustrate the grave consequences that can befall students and their families. These anchor stories demonstrate foreseeability – the concept that organizations knew or should have known these dangers existed, yet failed to prevent them. These lessons are directly relevant to any family in Coleman County whose child may encounter hazing at a Texas university.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced or coerced alcohol consumption remains the deadliest form of hazing, leading to numerous preventable deaths.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017): Timothy, a pledge, died from traumatic brain injuries after a “bid acceptance” event. Fraternity security cameras captured him falling repeatedly after consuming extreme amounts of alcohol, and brothers shamefully delayed calling for help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath led to the largest hazing prosecution in U.S. history, with dozens of criminal charges, followed by civil litigation and the enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. Piazza’s case starkly illustrates how extreme intoxication, a cover-up culture, and delayed medical attention can be legally devastating for both individuals and institutions.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017): During a “Big Brother Night,” Andrew, a pledge, was given a full handle of liquor and died from acute alcohol poisoning. Multiple members were prosecuted, and Florida State temporarily suspended all Greek life. The incident spurred a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida. Coffey’s death exemplifies how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster within Greek life.
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (September 2017): Max died from alcohol toxicity with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% during a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to drink when they answered questions incorrectly. His death led to the passing of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, which significantly strengthened the state’s felony hazing statute. This case shows how public outrage and clear evidence of systematic hazing can directly lead to powerful legislative change.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (March 2021): Stone, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night and died from alcohol poisoning. The incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members. The Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, including $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University, a public institution. This case powerfully demonstrates that universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities, even when they claim to be immune from suit.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physically brutal and ritualized hazing continues to cause severe injury and death.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (December 2013): Michael, a pledge, died from traumatic brain injuries during an off-campus “glass ceiling” ritual in the Pocono Mountains. He was blindfolded, weighted down, and repeatedly tackled by fraternity members. Crucially, his brothers delayed calling 911. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This landmark case underscores that off-campus “retreats” can be just as dangerous as parties, and national organizations can face severe civil and criminal sanctions for their chapters’ actions, regardless of location.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek organizations; athletic programs, often seen as bastions of discipline and teamwork, can also become breeding grounds for abuse.

• Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023–2025): In a series of shocking revelations, former football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program that spanned multiple years. The scandal led to the firing of a beloved head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, and multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and its coaching staff alleging systemic abuse and institutional failures. This case highlights that hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs, raising critical questions about institutional oversight and accountability at the highest levels of university administration.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies, while heart-wrenching, reveal critical patterns for families in Coleman County and throughout Texas:

• Common threads: The repeated themes of forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, delayed or denied medical care, and systematic cover-ups are not coincidental. They reveal deeply ingrained cultures within specific organizations.
• Accountability comes at a price: Multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts, along with significant institutional reforms and legislative changes, often follow only after tragedy and relentless litigation by victims’ families.
• Foreseeability: A recurring argument in successful hazing lawsuits is that national organizations and universities had prior knowledge of these dangerous practices (through similar incidents at other chapters or on file) and failed to take adequate preventative measures.
• Texas is not immune: Families in Coleman County whose children attend or plan to attend UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are operating in a legal and social landscape profoundly shaped by these national lessons. While the specific details may differ, the underlying dynamics and potential for harm are the same. Our firm leverages the precedents set by these national cases to build stronger arguments for accountability in Texas courts.

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

For families in Coleman County, the decision of where to send their children to college often involves weighing many factors. When considering institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University, it’s essential to understand not only their academic standing but also their specific histories and policies regarding an issue as critical as hazing. While Coleman County is a considerable distance from these major campuses, the reach of Texas law and the need for experienced legal counsel extends across the state. Families in and around Coleman, Santa Anna, and other communities in the county send their students to universities across Texas. Understanding the landscape at these significant universities is vital for all Texas families.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus in the heart of Houston, serves a diverse student body, including many from Coleman County and the wider Texas region who seek top-tier education coupled with metropolitan opportunities.

5.1.1 Campus & culture snapshot

UH is a large, public research university known for its robust academic programs, thriving urban setting, and a significant Greek life presence with a wide array of fraternities and sororities, including IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural organizations. The campus buzzes with activity, and student organizations play a central role in many students’ experiences.

5.1.2 Official hazing policy & reporting

UH has a clear anti-hazing policy, emphasizing that any form of hazing, whether on or off campus, is strictly prohibited. The policy defines hazing broadly to include not only physical abuse and forced consumption of alcohol or drugs but also mental abuse, sleep deprivation, and any activity that creates a risk of mental or physical harm for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Students and parents can report hazing through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, or the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also provides an online reporting portal and often issues internal advisories regarding hazing prevention.

5.1.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

While UH provides less public detail on individual hazing incidents compared to some other Texas universities, known incidents underscore ongoing challenges:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha case: Reports emerged of pledges allegedly being deprived of adequate food, water, and sleep during “new member education” activities. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface during the incident. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges, and the university implemented suspensions.
• Ongoing disciplinary references: Publicly available disciplinary actions often indicate various fraternities and sororities placed on probation or suspended for violating hazing and alcohol policies. These incidents typically involve activities designed to “produce mental or physical discomfort,” forced alcohol consumption, and a failure to abide by university and national organization risk management rules.

These examples highlight UH’s stated commitment to suspending chapters when violations are found, but also the persistent nature of hazing within student organizations.

5.1.4 How a UH hazing case might proceed

For Coleman County families, understanding the jurisdiction in a UH hazing case is crucial. Investigations might involve both the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) for on-campus incidents and the Houston Police Department for activities occurring off-campus within city limits. Civil lawsuits related to hazing at UH would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County, such as the District Courts of Harris County. Potential defendants would include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the University of Houston itself, as well as property owners if the incident occurred at an off-campus location.

5.1.5 What UH students & parents should do

• Familiarize yourselves with UH’s policies: Review the official hazing policy and reporting mechanisms detailed on the UH website (www.uh.edu).
• Report all suspicions: Utilize the Dean of Students office, UHPD, or online forms for reporting. Even anonymous tips can trigger investigations.
• Document prior incidents: If you or your child becomes aware of past hazing at UH, documenting this through official channels can help establish a pattern, which is crucial for proving liability in civil cases.
• Consult an experienced Houston-based hazing lawyer: Such an attorney can help navigate the complex university investigation process, uncover internal files, and advise on preserving evidence critical for a potential civil claim.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a storied institution in College Station, holds unique traditions and a strong culture, especially within its Corps of Cadets. Many students from Coleman County and other rural Texas areas are drawn to A&M for its rich history and sense of community.

5.2.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its traditions, particularly its deeply ingrained Corps of Cadets program, which fosters a regimented and hierarchical environment. Greek life is also significant, with a wide array of fraternities and sororities (IFC, CPC, MGC, NPHC). The university’s strong emphasis on tradition can sometimes create fertile ground for activities that blur the line between rigorous initiation and outright hazing.

5.2.2 Official hazing policy & reporting

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, defining it as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation that endangers physical or mental health or safety. The university conducts thorough investigations through its Student Conduct processes and encourages reporting through the Office of the Dean of Student Life, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), or its anonymous hotline. The university also publishes a list of organizations found responsible for hazing violations based on the state’s reporting requirements.

5.2.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

Texas A&M has faced significant hazing issues within both its Greek life and the Corps of Cadets:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chemical burns lawsuit (2021): Two pledges alleged they were subjected to a brutal hazing ritual where substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, were poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The pledges filed a lawsuit seeking over $1 million, and the chapter was suspended for two years by the university.
• Corps of Cadets “roasted pig” lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging he endured degrading hazing that included simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages, accusing the university of failing to protect him. This case highlights how activities within the Corps, steeped in tradition, can cross lines into criminal hazing.
• Kappa Sigma rhabdomyolysis allegations (2023): Ongoing litigation involving allegations of hazing resulting in severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis (a dangerous breakdown of muscle tissue from extreme physical exertion) at Kappa Sigma.

These incidents illustrate that hazing at Texas A&M spans both Greek and non-Greek organizations, with severe physical and psychological consequences.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M hazing case might proceed

Hazing cases originating from Texas A&M in College Station would involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) for on-campus incidents and the College Station Police Department or Brazos County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in the courts of Brazos County. Given Texas A&M’s status as a public institution, sovereign immunity defenses may be raised, but exceptions, particularly for gross negligence or the liability of individual employees, are often central to our legal strategy. Cases may involve individual students, local chapters, national organizations, and potentially the university itself.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M students & parents should do

• Be vigilant about “tradition”: Understand that some “traditions” within the Corps or Greek life can conceal hazing.
• Report promptly: Use the Dean of Student Life’s office, the anonymous “Student Conflict Resolution Center,” or TAMU PD.
• Document everything related to Corps activities or “new member” processes: Record exact dates, times, tasks, and any physical or mental discomfort.
• Seek experienced counsel: For families from Coleman County, our firm understands the unique cultural nuances of Texas A&M and how to build a case against powerful institutions, regardless of their location.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution located in the state’s capital, attracting many top students from Coleman County and across Texas. Its large and active campus life, including a prominent Greek system, is a microcosm of the national hazing landscape.

5.3.1 Campus & culture snapshot

UT Austin is one of the largest universities in Texas, with a bustling Greek life including a multitude of fraternities and sororities under the IFC, University Panhellenic Council (UPC), Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council (TAPC), Multicultural Greek Council (MGC), and NPHC. Its vibrant student body and numerous student organizations contribute to a dynamic, yet sometimes challenging, environment.

5.3.2 Official hazing policy & reporting

UT Austin maintains a rigorous anti-hazing policy that is publicly accessible. This policy explicitly prohibits any form of hazing that endangers students’ physical or mental health, whether on or off campus, for the purpose of affiliation or participation in a student organization. UT is notably transparent, maintaining a comprehensive Hazing Violations page on its website (hazing.utexas.edu) that lists organizations, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed. Students and parents can report incidents to the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), or use anonymous online reporting forms.

5.3.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

UT’s public Hazing Violations page provides a candid look into the recurring nature of hazing:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This fraternity was sanctioned after new members were reportedly directed to consume milk to induce vomiting and perform strenuous calisthenics. UT found this constituted hazing, placing the chapter on probation and requiring hazing-prevention education. This specific incident mirrors alcohol-related hazing, but substitutes other substances, showcasing evolving tactics.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (January 2024): This fraternity faced a lawsuit from an Australian exchange student who alleged assault by members at a party, resulting in severe injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, a fractured tibia, and a broken nose. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations, demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance.
• Other examples: The UT website frequently lists various fraternities, sororities, and tradition organizations (such as the Texas Wranglers) disciplined for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, blindfolding, degrading tasks, and other activities that violate university policy and state law.

The remarkable transparency of UT’s public log is a powerful tool, as it can be used to demonstrate pattern evidence and the university’s prior knowledge of violations, strengthening civil claims.

5.3.4 How a UT hazing case might proceed

Hazing cases at UT Austin would typically involve the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) for incidents occurring on university property and the Austin Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would likely proceed in the District Courts of Travis County, which includes Austin. As a public university, UT Austin is often subject to sovereign immunity claims, but experienced attorneys can navigate these complexities, focusing on exceptions for gross negligence or individual liability. Cases would involve individual student perpetrators, local chapters, national organizations, and potentially the university itself.

5.4.5 What UT students & parents should do

• Utilize UT’s transparency: Review the official Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) to understand the history of organizations your child might join. This is a vital resource for Coleman County parents.
• Report all incidents: Use UT’s comprehensive reporting channels via the Dean of Students, UTPD, or anonymous online forms.
• Document immediately: If your child is injured or suspects hazing, photograph any evidence, save communications, and make detailed notes.
• Understand legal options: The prior violations documented by UT can be powerful evidence in a civil lawsuit, showing a pattern of negligence by organizations and sometimes the university itself. An experienced hazing attorney can help leverage this public information.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private institution in Dallas, is well-known for its vibrant campus life and strong Greek system, drawing students from affluent backgrounds, including many from Coleman County and other parts of Texas.

5.4.1 Campus & culture snapshot

SMU boasts a prestigious academic reputation and a thriving social scene heavily influenced by its extensive Greek life. Chapters under the Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council (IFC), and NPHC are highly active, and joining a fraternity or sorority is a significant part of the social experience for many students.

5.4.2 Official hazing policy & reporting

SMU has a firm anti-hazing policy that is clearly defined in its Student Code of Conduct, strictly prohibiting hazing as a condition of membership or affiliation. This policy covers acts that endanger physical, mental, or emotional health, including forced consumption, physical discomfort, and psychological abuse. SMU provides multiple reporting channels, including the Office of Student Conduct, the Dean of Students, SMU Police, and anonymous online reporting systems like “Real Response,” emphasizing a commitment to student safety.

5.4.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

SMU has a history of addressing hazing incidents within its Greek organizations:

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity faced severe disciplinary action after reports emerged of pledges being paddled, forced to consume alcohol, and deprived of sleep during initiation activities. The chapter was suspended and prohibited from recruiting new members for several years, demonstrating the university’s willingness to impose significant sanctions.
• Ongoing concerns: While SMU does not maintain a public hazing violations log as transparent as UT’s, the university periodically announces suspensions or disciplinary actions for various fraternities and sororities found in violation of hazing policies, often related to alcohol misuse and inappropriate new member activities.

These incidents highlight that despite its private institution status, SMU is not immune to hazing, and its strong Greek culture can sometimes foster environments where such practices occur.

5.4.4 How a SMU hazing case might proceed

As a private university, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more susceptible to direct negligence claims in civil lawsuits. Hazing cases at SMU would typically involve the SMU Police Department for incidents on campus and the Dallas Police Department for off-campus events in Dallas. Civil lawsuits would be filed in the District Courts of Dallas County. Potential defendants would include individual student perpetrators, the local chapter, the national organization, and Southern Methodist University itself. Without the public transparency of a state university, a lawyer experienced in hazing cases would rely heavily on discovery to uncover internal university and fraternity records.

5.4.5 What SMU students & parents should do

• Investigate thoroughly: Gather as much information as possible about an organization’s history, as SMU’s internal disciplinary records may not be publicly accessible.
• Utilize SMU’s reporting channels: Report any suspicions of hazing to the Dean of Students, SMU Police, or through the anonymous Real Response system.
• Document all evidence: As with any hazing incident, immediate documentation of texts, photos, videos, and witness accounts is essential.
• Consult legal counsel early: For families in Coleman County and other areas of Texas, retaining an attorney experienced in hazing lawsuits against private institutions like SMU is vital to navigate the unique challenges of private university litigation and uncover crucial evidence.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a distinct identity marked by its religious affiliation and a history of intense scrutiny over student welfare stemming from past controversies. Baylor draws students from across Texas, including from Coleman County, seeking a faith-based educational environment.

5.5.1 Campus & culture snapshot

Baylor is characterized by its Christian mission and values, which inform its campus culture and student life. It supports a diverse range of student organizations, including a robust Greek system with IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, and NPHC and multicultural chapters. The university places a strong emphasis on tradition and community, but its past has highlighted challenges in oversight and student safety.

5.5.2 Official hazing policy & reporting

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, defining it as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus, by an individual or organization, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Baylor encourages reporting all hazing incidents to the Office of Student Conduct, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), or through its anonymous reporting hotline. The university emphasizes its “zero tolerance” stance on hazing.

5.5.3 Selected documented incidents & responses

Baylor has faced scrutiny over student welfare issues in recent years, including an infamous sexual assault scandal that led to significant leadership changes. This history provides a backdrop for understanding its response to all forms of student misconduct, including hazing:

• Baylor baseball hazing (2020): An investigation led to the suspension of 14 baseball players for hazing violations. The suspensions were staggered to minimize the impact on the team, but the incident confirmed that hazing extends to major athletic programs even within a values-driven institution.
• Sigma Delta Phi fraternity (2018): This fraternity was placed on “controlled dismissal” due to violations of its national organization’s standards, including a new member incident that led to police involvement, though details were not publicly disseminated as explicit hazing.

These incidents highlight Baylor’s ongoing efforts to enforce policies, but they also underscore the persistent challenges in curbing misconduct within student organizations, even under intense public and internal scrutiny.

5.5.4 How a Baylor hazing case might proceed

As a private university, Baylor does not enjoy the same sovereign immunity protections as public institutions in Texas. This means it can be a direct target for negligence claims in civil lawsuits related to hazing. Hazing cases at Baylor would likely involve the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) for on-campus incidents and the Waco Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in the District Courts of McLennan County. Potential defendants would include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and Baylor University itself. The context of Baylor’s previous institutional oversight challenges could be relevant in demonstrating a pattern of negligence.

5.5.5 What Baylor students & parents should do

• Prioritize safety over secrecy: Despite Baylor’s faith-based environment, students from Coleman County and other areas should never feel pressured to endure hazing.
• Utilize Baylor’s reporting mechanisms: Report all hazing suspicions to the Office of Student Conduct, BUPD, or the anonymous hotline.
• Document everything: As a private institution, Baylor’s internal investigation details may remain confidential. This makes personal documentation (texts, photos, witness accounts, medical records) even more critical for a potential civil case.
• Seek specialized legal advice: An attorney experienced in hazing litigation against private universities understands how to navigate institutional resistance, pursue discovery, and build a strong case for accountability against entities like Baylor University.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For families in Coleman County and across Texas, understanding the history of hazing within specific fraternities and sororities, coupled with their presence at our major state universities, is vital. While each campus has its unique culture, the national patterns of hazing within certain organizations reveal a deeply troubling truth: many groups, despite having strict anti-hazing policies, have repeated dangerous behaviors at chapters across the country for decades.

Why National Histories Matter

The unfortunate reality is that many fraternities and sororities present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are part of vast national organizations. These national headquarters often promulgate extensive anti-hazing manuals and implement risk management policies. They do so not out of proactive prudence alone, but often because they have already faced tragic deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits stemming from hazing at other chapters nationwide.

This history is incredibly significant for a legal strategy in Texas. When a local chapter in Austin, College Station, Houston, Dallas, or Waco repeats hazing tactics – such as forced drinking nights, dehumanizing rituals, or physical beatings – that have previously led to injury or death at another chapter of the same national organization, it establishes foreseeability. This pattern of prior incidents can be crucial evidence in a civil lawsuit, demonstrating that the national organization knew or should have known about the inherent dangers of these practices, yet failed to effectively intervene, supervise, or prevent their recurrence. This can strongly support allegations of negligence, gross negligence, and even punitive damages against national entities.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Below, we highlight some of the major fraternities and sororities active at Texas universities that have unfortunately been linked to significant national hazing incidents. This is not an exhaustive list, and hazing can occur in any organization, but these examples illustrate the pattern.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)
  • Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, among other Texas schools.
  • National Hazing History: Pi Kappa Alpha has a widely documented history of severe hazing, particularly involving forced alcohol consumption. The Stone Foltz tragedy at Bowling Green State University (2021) involved a pledge dying from alcohol poisoning after forced consumption during a “Big/Little” event, leading to criminal convictions and a $10 million settlement. Another prominent case involved David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (2012), where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning, resulting in a $14 million settlement. These incidents demonstrate a pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing that repeatedly manifests in chapters nationwide.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)
  • Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU, among other Texas schools.
  • National Hazing History: SAE has faced extraordinary scrutiny over hazing, including multiple alcohol-related deaths across the country, leading the national organization to (unsuccessfully) attempt to ban pledging for a period. Recent lawsuits highlight continued problems, such as a traumatic brain injury alleged at the University of Alabama (2023), and specific Texas incidents: a $1 million lawsuit at Texas A&M University (2021) alleging chemical burns from industrial cleaner poured on pledges, and an over $1 million lawsuit at UT Austin (2024) involving an exchange student alleging assault at a chapter event after prior hazing violations. These cases underscore a disturbing pattern of physical and alcohol-related abuse.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)
  • Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, among other Texas schools.
  • National Hazing History: The tragic death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University (2017) after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a “Bible study” drinking game is a stark example. This incident led to convictions and the influential Max Gruver Act in Louisiana. This history emphasizes the dangers of forced drinking rituals disguised as “games” or “traditions.”
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)
  • Presence: Active at UH and Texas A&M, among other Texas schools.
  • National Hazing History: The death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017) from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event, where pledges consumed handles of hard liquor, brought national attention to the organization. This case highlights the lethal risks associated with coerced, rapid alcohol consumption during new member events.
• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ)
  • Presence: Active at Texas A&M and SMU, among other Texas schools.
  • National Hazing History: While often emphasizing southern gentlemanly tradition, Kappa Alpha Order chapters have faced numerous suspensions for hazing, including at SMU. Incidents typically involve alcohol misuse, sleep deprivation, and physically demanding activities. The case of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami (2001), where a pledge drowned after being coerced to swim while intoxicated, led to a $12.6 million jury verdict and Florida’s criminal hazing law.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)
  • Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, and SMU, among other Texas schools.
  • National Hazing History: The infamous death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University (2017) remains a watershed moment in hazing litigation, revealing extreme alcohol hazing, falls, and a shocking delay in seeking medical help. This incident led to significant criminal prosecutions and the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, establishing clear precedents for organizational and individual liability.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI)
  • Presence: Active at Texas A&M, among other Texas schools.
  • National Hazing History: The catastrophic brain damage suffered by Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri (2021) after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” night led to multi-million-dollar settlements with 22 defendants. This case represents a powerful example of the severe, life-altering consequences of non-fatal hazing.
• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ)
  • Presence: Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, among various Texas schools.
  • National Hazing History: While NPHC groups prohibit hazing, chapters have faced allegations. The historic case of Joseph Snell at Bowie State University (1997) involved severe beatings and burns during hazing, resulting in a $375,000 verdict against the fraternity and setting an early precedent for national organizational liability. More recently, a federal lawsuit against Omega Psi Phi at the University of Southern Mississippi (2023) alleged “Hell Night” beatings so severe they required emergency surgery and months of rehabilitation.
• Pi Delta Psi (ΠΔΨ)
  • Presence: At some colleges across the nation; though not listed at the five major Texas universities, its history is a crucial precedent for national organizational liability.
  • National Hazing History: The tragic death of Chun “Michael” Deng at Baruch College (2013) during a remote hazing retreat involved a violent “glass ceiling” ritual that led to fatal brain injuries. Uniquely, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, a landmark decision that demonstrated organizations can be held directly responsible.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For Coleman County families and anyone across Texas, these national and campus-specific histories are not just cautionary tales; they are foundational elements of a strong legal strategy.

• Foreseeability and Prior Warnings: The recurring patterns across states and campuses demonstrate that many national organizations had repeated warnings that their risk management policies were failing. This creates a powerful argument that they were negligent in supervising their local chapters.
• Affecting Settlement Leverage: Documented national and local hazing histories significantly increase settlement leverage. Defense attorneys and insurance companies are well aware of prior large verdicts and settlements.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: Such histories can be crucial in navigating aggressive insurance coverage disputes, as insurers often try to deny coverage by claiming individual “intentional acts.” Evidence of systemic failure by the national organization can shift the argument to negligent supervision, which is typically covered.
• Potential for Punitive Damages: In specific cases, particularly where there is evidence of a conscious disregard for safety despite repeated warnings, these histories can provide the basis for seeking punitive damages—which are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future harm.

At The Manginello Law Firm, we meticulously investigate these national patterns and local chapter histories to build the strongest possible case for accountability, ensuring that the powerful institutions involved cannot simply claim ignorance or individual rogue behavior.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Bringing a hazing lawsuit requires far more than just compelling testimony; it demands meticulous evidence collection, a deep understanding of legal damages, and a strategic approach to litigation. For families in Coleman County facing such a devastating situation, our firm ensures every piece of the puzzle is meticulously assembled to achieve justice.

7.1 Evidence

In the digital age, evidence in hazing cases is both abundant and fleeting. Our firm specializes in uncovering and preserving the critical information that forms the backbone of a successful case. As we advise in our video, “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), the initial steps taken by victims or their families can make all the difference.

• Digital Communications: These are often the most crucial pieces of evidence in modern hazing cases.
  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and fraternity-specific apps: These platforms are frequently used by organizations to coordinate hazing events, issue commands to pledges, and discuss tactics. Messages can reveal planning, intent, specific instructions given, and explicit acknowledgments of hazing.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments: These can contain direct communications, photos, or videos of hazing activities, as well as evidence of humiliation or coercion.
  • Preservation is key: While deleted messages can sometimes be recovered through digital forensics, immediate screenshots and preservation of entire chat threads are vital before they are deleted or automatically disappear.
• Photos & Videos:
  • Content filmed by members during events: Often, members themselves will record hazing activities, whether for entertainment, documentation, or to share in private groups. This footage is invaluable.
  • Footage shared on social media or in group chats: Even if deleted, this content can often be recovered or found in backups.
  • Security camera footage: Cameras at houses, university buildings, or private venues where hazing occurred can often capture critical moments.
• Internal Organization Documents: Subpoenas and discovery processes can compel organizations to produce critical internal records.
  • Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, ritual “traditions” lists: These documents can reveal official or unofficial hazing practices.
  • Emails/texts from officers: Communications about “new member education” or direct instructions to pledges or other members often contain incriminating information.
  • National policies and training materials: These documents demonstrate what the national organization knew (or should have known) about hazing risks and their attempts (or failures) to prevent it.
• University Records: University documents often provide a paper trail of prior warnings, disciplinary actions, and oversight failures.
  • Prior conduct files: Records of previous hazing violations, probation, or suspensions against the same organization.
  • Incident reports: Documentation filed with campus police or student conduct offices related to the group or individuals involved.
  • Clery reports and similar disclosures: Annual reports that may highlight patterns of campus crime, including those related to hazing.
• Medical and Psychological Records: Crucial for documenting the extent of harm suffered.
  • Emergency room and hospitalization records: These reports detail immediate injuries, treatments, and, critically, any statements made by the victim about how the injuries occurred (e.g., “I was forced to drink…”).
  • Surgery and rehabilitation notes: Documentation of ongoing medical interventions and therapies.
  • Toxicology reports: Essential for alcohol or drug-related hazing, showing blood alcohol content or the presence of illicit substances.
  • Psychological evaluations: Reports from mental health professionals documenting diagnoses like PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other trauma-related conditions resulting from hazing.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts and statements from those involved are critical.
  • Pledges, members, and former members: Often have direct knowledge of the events and the organizational culture. Many pledges, once removed from the coercive environment, are willing to testify.
  • Roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, bystanders: Individuals who noticed changes in behavior, witnessed parts of the hazing, or saw the aftermath.

7.2 Damages

When hazing results in injury or death, victims and their families from Coleman County can seek compensation for a range of damages. We analyze each case thoroughly to ensure every aspect of harm is accounted for. While every case is unique and specific outcomes cannot be guaranteed, the types of damages typically sought include:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs associated with the physical and mental injuries suffered.
  • Immediate care: Ambulance fees, emergency room visits, and initial hospital stays.
  • Ongoing treatment: Surgeries, medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and specialized rehabilitation.
  • Long-term care: For catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries or organ damage, this can include economists calculating the cost of lifetime care, specialized facilities, and home health aides.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can disrupt a student’s life and future potential.
  • Lost wages: If the student or a parent had to take time off work due to the injury.
  • Missed semesters: Costs associated with delayed graduation, tuition, and fees.
  • Reduced earning capacity: If the injuries result in permanent disability or psychological trauma that impacts their ability to work in their chosen field, economists calculate future lost income.
• Non-Economic Damages: These address the more subjective, yet profoundly impactful, losses.
  • Physical pain and suffering: Compensation for the actual physical pain endured from injuries.
  • Emotional distress, trauma, and humiliation: This covers the psychological toll of hazing, including diagnoses like PTSD, depression, anxiety, and the deep emotional pain of public humiliation and violation of trust.
  • Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, studies, or social life that the victim once enjoyed.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the most tragic cases, when hazing leads to a student’s death, surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. Texas law allows specific family members (spouse, children, and parents) to seek damages for:
  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of companionship, society, and support: Compensation for the profound emotional loss of their loved one, including love, comfort, and the guidance of the deceased.
  • Mental anguish and emotional suffering: The deep grief and trauma experienced by the family.
  • Loss of potential financial contributions: If the deceased would have provided financial support to the family over their lifetime.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases are frequently complex due to the multiple layers of potential defendants and the intricate world of insurance coverage.

• Institutional Defendants: National fraternities, sororities, and universities are often well-resourced institutions with sophisticated legal teams and substantial insurance policies designed to protect against liability. Our firm’s experience taking on massive corporations, like our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, positions us exceptionally well to challenge such powerful defendants.
• Insurance Disputes: A common tactic by insurance companies for fraternities and universities is to argue that hazing constitutes “intentional acts” or “criminal acts,” which are often excluded from coverage. This can lead to aggressive disputes about whether the policy applies. This is where Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney becomes invaluable. She knows how these companies operate, how they value (and undervalue) claims, and the specific arguments they use to deny coverage. Our firm strategically counters these arguments by focusing on the organization’s negligent supervision or failure to prevent known dangers, which typically falls within policy coverage.
• Comprehensive Strategy: We meticulously identify all potential sources of recovery, including a mosaic of local chapter policies, national organization policies, and university umbrella policies. Our goal is to ensure that every responsible party contributes to full and fair compensation for our clients from Coleman County and across Texas. This requires not only a skilled litigator but also an in-depth understanding of how to navigate these intricate insurance and institutional defense tactics.

8. Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family in Coleman County, the immediate aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming. Knowing what to do, who to trust, and what mistakes to avoid is crucial. This section provides clear, actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses, empowering them to protect their rights and seek justice.

8.1 For Parents

Parents from Coleman County facing concerns about hazing need a roadmap. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the warning signs and initial responses:

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be alert to changes that deviate from your child’s normal behavior, as these can be early indicators of hazing.
  • Unexplained injuries or repeated “accidents”: Look for bruises, burns, cuts, or other physical marks, especially if explanations don’t add up or seem evasive.
  • Sudden exhaustion, extreme sleep deprivation: Constant weariness, falling asleep in unusual places, or being unavailable for calls at normal hours.
  • Drastic changes in mood, anxiety, withdrawal: Increased irritability, depression, sudden secrecy, or withdrawing from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed.
  • Constant secret phone use for group chats; fear of missing “mandatory” events: Obsessive checking of their phone for communication from the group, and visible anxiety if they miss a call or message. New apps for location tracking are also a red flag.
  • Academic decline: Sudden drops in grades, missing classes, or an inability to focus on studies due to mandatory group activities.
  • Significant financial demands: Unexpected requests for money, unusual purchases, or large “dues” or “fines” that are not explained.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy and without judgment.
  • Ask open-ended questions: “How are things really going with [organization]?” or “Is anything happening that makes you uncomfortable?”
  • Emphasize their safety and well-being over “loyalty” or “tradition.” Reassure them that you will support them no matter what.
  • Be a listener first. If they open up, let them talk without interrupting or immediately jumping to conclusions.
• If Your Child is Hurt or Admits to Hazing:
  • Get them immediate medical care: Prioritize their health. Do not delay seeking medical attention for fear of “getting in trouble.” Texas has Good Samaritan laws that protect those who call for help in an emergency.
  • Document everything: While details are fresh, write down dates, times, names, locations, and exactly what your child tells you.
  • Preserve evidence: Encourage your child to screenshot all relevant group chats, texts, and social media posts. Photograph any injuries from multiple angles and over several days to show progression. Save any physical items like damaged clothing or peculiar receipts.
• Dealing with the University:
  • Document every communication: Keep a detailed log of all phone calls, emails, and meetings with university administrators (Dean of Students, Greek Life office, campus police).
  • Specifically ask about: Any prior incidents involving the same organization and what disciplinary actions were taken. This information can be crucial for establishing a pattern of negligence.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: Contact an experienced hazing lawyer immediately if:
  • Your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm.
  • You suspect the university or organization is minimizing the incident, stonewalling, or covering up what happened.
  • You want to understand your legal options for accountability and compensation. Our firm, Attorney911, can provide immediate guidance.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

Students from Coleman County and all over Texas caught in a hazing situation often feel trapped, fearing consequences for themselves if they speak up. Here’s direct advice for you:

• Is this Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself these questions:
  • Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
  • Would I do this if I had a real choice, without fear of exclusion or being “cut”?
  • Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
  • Would the university or my parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
  • Are older members making new members do things they themselves don’t have to do?
  • Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?
    If you answered YES to any of these, it is likely hazing.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: You might have “agreed” to certain activities, or felt you had to. However, Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that true voluntary consent cannot be given under pressure, with power imbalances, or under fear of exclusion. You are a victim, not a willing participant in illegal acts.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely:
  • If in immediate danger: Call 911 immediately. Do not put yourself in further harm. Get to a safe place.
  • If you want to leave the organization: You have the legal right to quit at any time. It’s best to communicate your decision to the organization in writing (email or text) in a clear, concise manner (e.g., “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately”). Avoid confrontational face-to-face meetings where you might be pressured or intimidated.
  • How to report: You can report confidentially or anonymously:
    • On campus: Dean of Students, Office of Student Conduct, Title IX Coordinator (if sexual harassment involved), Campus Police, or university anonymous tip lines.
    • Off campus: Local police (city or county) if a crime occurred, or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) for anonymous reporting.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Texas law and many university policies provide limited immunity or good-faith reporter protections. This means if you, or someone else, calls for medical help during a hazing incident, you often won’t be disciplined for alcohol or drug violations. Your priority should always be safety.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were a part of a hazing incident, perhaps as an active member, a former pledge, or a witness, you might feel a complex mix of guilt, fear, and a desire to make things right.

• Your Role in Accountability: Your testimony and any evidence you possess could be pivotal in preventing future harm and saving lives. You may hold crucial information that can lead to justice for victims.
• Navigating Legal Exposure: It’s understandable to fear legal consequences for your past involvement. However, cooperating with investigators and victims’ legal teams can often be a crucial step towards mitigating your own risks, demonstrating remorse, and contributing to a safer environment. You may want to seek your own legal advice before engaging in interviews. Our firm understands this sensitive dynamic and can offer guidance on these matters.
• Making a Difference: While coming forward can be daunting, the impact of your honesty on preventing future tragedies and holding wrongdoers accountable can be immense.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For families from Coleman County and anywhere else struggling with hazing, certain missteps can severely jeopardize a legal claim. Our firm’s video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY), details how seemingly innocent actions can undermine your pursuit of justice.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence
   • What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.”
   • Why it’s wrong: This looks like a cover-up and makes proving the case nearly impossible. Digital forensics can recover deleted messages and show intent to conceal.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content. Screenshot group chats, texts, and social media posts as soon as possible.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly
   • What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Direct confrontation will immediately cause the organization to lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses on what to say, and prepare their defenses.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in private, then call a lawyer before any confrontation. Your attorney can guide the process effectively.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms
   • What universities do: They may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements that often include confidentiality clauses or waive future legal rights.
   • Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your right to sue the university, and any settlement offered will likely be far below the true value of your case.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or an insurance company without an experienced hazing attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer
   • What families think: “I want people to know what happened.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys will screenshot everything you post, looking for inconsistencies that can hurt your credibility. Premature public discussion can also inadvertently waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document privately and discuss public messaging strategy with your attorney. Let your lawyer control the timing of any public statements.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” with the organization
   • What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic; we want to hear your side.”
   • Why it’s wrong: These meetings are often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against your child in a legal dispute.
   • What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication with the organization should typically go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”
   • What universities promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, key witnesses graduate or move away, the statute of limitations continues to run, and the university controls the narrative. University disciplinary processes often do not provide fair compensation or full accountability.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Consult with an experienced hazing lawyer immediately. The university’s internal process is separate from a civil legal claim for damages.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer
   • What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim.”
   • Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are primarily used to find ways to reduce or deny your claim. Early settlements are almost always lowball offers.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline any conversations and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) benefit from sovereign immunity, which limits their liability, but exceptions exist, particularly in cases of gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when suing individual administrators in their personal capacity for egregious conduct. Private universities (like SMU, 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?”
  Yes, it can be. While hazing is a Class B misdemeanor by default, it becomes a state jail felony under Texas law if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals, including officers of an organization who fail to report hazing, can also face misdemeanor charges.
• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” given under duress, peer pressure, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. A minor, in particular, cannot legally consent to an illegal act.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  In Texas, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including most hazing lawsuits, is two years from the date of injury or death. However, the “discovery rule” can sometimes extend this period if the injury or its cause was not immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups or fraudulent concealment, the statute may be “tolled” (paused). Regardless, time is always critical, as evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories fade. For more information on this, watch our video, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c). We strongly advise calling 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately upon suspecting hazing.
• “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 liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability of off-campus activities. Many major hazing cases, including the Pi Delta Psi retreat case (Michael Deng) and the Sigma Pi case (Collin Wiant), involved incidents in off-campus or “unofficial” houses, yet still resulted in significant judgments and settlements.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While some high-profile cases do garner media attention, the vast majority of hazing cases, particularly civil lawsuits, resolve through confidential settlements before going to trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and works to achieve confidential resolutions when desired, balancing the need for accountability with protecting the victim’s identity.

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 fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we bring unparalleled experience and dedication to victims of hazing across Texas. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Coleman County and surrounding areas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families in Coleman County and communities across the region, and we are here to fight for your rights.

We tackle complex hazing litigation with an aggressive, professional, and empathetic approach, setting us apart. Our firm’s unique qualifications are particularly suited to these challenging cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage with Lupe Peña: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, leverages her background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/). She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. This insider knowledge is a critical asset in negotiating for fair compensation and battling attempts to deny coverage.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions with Ralph Manginello: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record of taking on formidable opponents. He was one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a complex federal court case against a massive corporation. This experience against billion-dollar entities means that national fraternities, powerful universities, or their well-funded defense teams do not intimidate us (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/). We know how to fight powerful defendants and secure justice.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have extensive experience with wrongful death claims (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/) and catastrophic personal injury cases. We don’t settle cheap. We meticulously build cases that force accountability, often working with economists and medical experts to accurately value lifetime care needs, lost earnings, and non-economic damages for severe brain injuries or other permanent disabilities.
• Dual Civil and Criminal Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a deep understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual expertise allows us to provide comprehensive guidance, whether advising witnesses, former members with dual exposure, or coordinating civil claims alongside criminal proceedings.
• Investigative Depth: We dig deep. Our team utilizes a vast network of experts—digital forensics, medical specialists, psychologists, and economists—to uncover hidden evidence. From recovering deleted group chats and social media content to subpoenaing national fraternity records and university files, we investigate every angle as if your child’s life depends on it—because for many families, it truly does.

We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually operate behind closed doors. We know what makes hazing cases different: the powerful institutional defendants, the intricate insurance coverage fights, and the delicate balance between victim privacy and public accountability. Our firm is not about bravado or quick settlements; it’s about thorough investigation, real accountability, and helping to prevent future tragedies. We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face, and our job is to get you answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help pave the way toward healing. Our firm’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@Manginellolawfirm) offers 37 educational videos on various aspects of personal injury law and client rights, including navigating the legal process. Learn about how we handle contingency fees in our video, “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, we want to hear from you. Families in Coleman County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability. Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story without judgment.
• We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options: a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect during 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.
• There is absolutely no pressure to hire us on the spot; take the time you need to decide.
• Everything you tell us is confidential.

For immediate assistance, contact us today:

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

Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña by emailing lupe@atty911.com for a consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Whether you’re in Coleman 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