Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Collin County Families

The silence in the dorm room at 3 AM is broken only by the frantic buzz of a phone. Your child, a bright, hopeful student just starting their journey at a Texas university, grabs it, fear in their eyes. They whisper a hurried “gottago” and disappear into the night. Later, they return, exhausted, perhaps with unexplained bruises, or a story about “team building” that doesn’t quite sound right. This unsettling scenario isn’t just a scene from a movie; it’s a plausible, heartbreaking reality unfolding right now. This could happen at any Texas university—including schools where Collin County families send their children eager for higher education, camaraderie, and belonging.

For families in Collin County and across North Texas, the allure of university life – the prestigious academic programs, vibrant social scenes, and long-standing traditions – is strong. For many students from McKinney, Plano, Frisco, Allen, and other beautiful communities within Collin County, attending a Texas university is a lifelong dream. They leave home for institutions like the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, Southern Methodist University, Baylor University, or the University of Houston, often to partake in the very traditions that can turn dangerous. We understand the hope and pride you invest in their education and future. But beneath the surface of campus life, a darker, persistent issue often lurks: hazing.

Here at The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911 and the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we witness firsthand the devastating impact hazing has on students and their families across Texas. We understand the fear, confusion, and anger that arise when a trusted institution or organization betrays that trust and causes harm.

This comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas is written specifically for families in Collin County and across Texas who need to understand:

• What hazing looks like in 2025, moving beyond old stereotypes and into new, insidious forms.
• How Texas and federal law treat hazing, and what legal recourse is available.
• What we can learn from major national cases and how their precedents apply to students at Texas campuses.
• What has been happening at major Texas institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University.
• What legal options victims and families in Collin County and throughout Texas may have for seeking justice, accountability, and compensation.

This article provides general information and is not specific legal advice. Every case has unique facts. The Manginello Law Firm can evaluate individual cases based on their specific details, and we are committed to serving families throughout Texas, including Collin County, from our Houston offices.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in immediate physical danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies, especially if they are intoxicated, injured, or facing imminent threats. Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
• 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 after a hazing incident:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Injuries, particularly internal ones or psychological trauma, may not be immediately apparent. Document all medical care.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted: Hazing organizations often rush to cover their tracks.
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and DMs immediately. This includes platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, Discord, and others. Capture full conversations with timestamps and participants visible.
  • Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles, ideally with a ruler or common object for scale. Document their progression over several days.
  • Save any physical items that might be evidence, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing.
• Write down everything while your memory is fresh: who was involved, what exactly happened, when and where it took place, and any specific details your child told you.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This can escalate the situation, lead to evidence destruction, and allow them to prepare defenses.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice. These documents often waive your legal rights.
  • Post details on public social media. This can compromise a potential legal case and expose your child to further scrutiny or retaliation.
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence. This can be seen as obstruction and severely damage any future claims.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence disappears fast due to deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, and coached witnesses. Universities also tend to move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Collin County families, understanding hazing today requires looking beyond the decades-old stereotypes of “good-natured pranks” or “boys will be boys” antics. Modern hazing is often more sophisticated, hidden, and can inflict severe physical and psychological trauma. It’s not just about a silly scavenger hunt; it’s about control, power, and often, deliberate harm designed to instill loyalty through shared suffering.

At its core, hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group. This behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, exploits, or demeans individuals. The common phrase “I agreed to it” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal when there’s a clear power imbalance, intense peer pressure, or an implicit threat of exclusion.

Clear, Modern Categories of Hazing

Modern hazing takes many forms, often blending the traditional with the new:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is the most common and often deadliest form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often to the point of acute alcohol poisoning. This includes chugging challenges, “lineups” where pledges consume drinks rapidly, or games that require dangerous levels of intoxication. Students may also be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, putting their health and lives at extreme risk. Tragic cases, like those involving Stone Foltz or Max Gruver, underscore the fatal consequences of alcohol-related hazing.
• Physical Hazing: While paddles might seem antiquated, physical abuse persists. This includes beatings, forcing extreme calisthenics (“workouts” or “smokings”) far beyond normal physical conditioning, and sleep, food, or water deprivation. Students can be exposed to extreme cold or heat, or placed in dangerous environments. Blunt force trauma, sustained injuries, and rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown from extreme exertion) are real and devastating outcomes.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This category involves deeply traumatic and demeaning acts. Forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (often grotesquely nicknamed), and degrading costumes are common. Hazing may also feature acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, using slurs or forcing students into stereotypical role-play. These incidents leave lasting psychological scars.
• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked, psychological hazing can be as damaging as physical abuse. It includes relentless verbal abuse, threats, forced social isolation, and relentless manipulation. Pledges might be forced into false confessions, publicly shamed in meetings or on social media, or subjected to constant demeaning tasks. This form of hazing erodes self-worth and creates an environment of fear and anxiety.
• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones, hazing has moved into the digital realm. This includes demands in group chats (GroupMe, Discord, Instagram DMs) that require immediate responses at all hours, public humiliation and shaming via social media posts (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok), and dares or “challenges” that exploit or degrade a new member. Students might be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or have their location tracked digitally. This 24/7 digital control often manifests as sleep deprivation and constant anxiety, blurring the lines between online and real-world harassment.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is exclusively a “fraternity thing.” In reality, hazing permeates various campus organizations, driven by a misguided sense of tradition, loyalty, and group cohesion.

• Fraternities and Sororities: While they receive the most attention, hazing is present across all councils—Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: At institutions like Texas A&M, the intense environment of organizations like the Corps of Cadets can, unfortunately, be fertile ground for hazing tactics disguised as “tradition” or “discipline.”
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Groups like spirit societies, campus traditions organizations, and even some academic clubs can engage in hazing. The desire to belong to an elite group can lead to dangerous pressure.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to swimming, soccer, cheerleading, and dance, hazing is unfortunately prevalent in college sports. Athletes, pressured to “earn their stripes” or “bond with the team,” can endure serious physical and psychological abuse. The Northwestern University football scandal brought this issue into sharp national focus.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can be sites of hazing. Band camps, artistic retreats, and performance troupes have all been implicated in hazing rituals designed to humble or control new members.
• Other Student Organizations: Any group with a hierarchical structure and an “initiation” process can be susceptible. This includes some service groups, cultural associations, and social clubs.

In these environments, social status, tradition, and a code of secrecy often keep these practices alive, despite universal knowledge that hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited by universities. The pervasive “code of silence” makes it incredibly difficult for victims to come forward, fearing retaliation, social exclusion, or even further harm.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For Collin County families whose children attend Texas universities, understanding the legal landscape of hazing is crucial for seeking justice and accountability. Texas, like many states, has specific laws addressing hazing, but civil litigation also plays a powerful role.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear, specific anti-hazing provisions primarily outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. These laws are designed to protect students and hold perpetrators and institutions accountable.

Definition of Hazing:
Texas law defines hazing broadly as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person alone or with others, on or off campus, 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 means that if someone makes you do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they intended to do it, knew the risks, or were reckless about them, that constitutes hazing under Texas law. Key aspects to note:

• It can happen on or off campus—the location does not negate the unlawful nature of the act.
• The harm can be mental or physical. Both are equally serious in the eyes of the law.
• Intent: The perpetrator doesn’t need to have a malicious intent to cause harm; merely being “reckless” about the risk of danger is enough.
• “Consent” is not a defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that even if the student who was hazed “consented” to the activity, it is not a legal defense. Courts and lawmakers recognize that true consent is absent in situations involving power imbalances, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion.

Criminal Penalties (Texas Education Code § 37.152):
Hazing can lead to significant criminal charges:

• Class B Misdemeanor (default): This applies to hazing that does not result in serious injury. Penalties can include up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes an injury that requires medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This carries far more severe consequences, including potential prison time.

Texas law also makes it a misdemeanor to fail to report hazing if you are a member or officer aware of the activity, or to retaliate against someone who reports hazing.

Organizational Liability (Texas Education Code § 37.153):
Beyond individuals, organizations themselves can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it.
  Penalties for organizations include fines up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke recognition, effectively banning the organization from campus. This is crucial because it means both individuals and institutions can be held accountable criminally and civilly.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (Texas Education Code § 37.154):
To encourage reporting, Texas law provides that a person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might result from that report. Additionally, in life-threatening medical emergencies, Texas law and many university policies offer some forms of amnesty for students who call 911, even if underage drinking or other minor offenses were involved.

Reporting by Educational Institutions (Texas Education Code § 37.156):
Texas colleges and universities are obligated to:

• Provide hazing prevention education to students.
• Publish clear hazing policies.
• Maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions taken. This public record is critical, as it allows families and attorneys to track historical hazing by specific organizations.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important to understand the distinct paths of criminal and civil legal action in hazing cases in Collin County and throughout Texas:

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (the District Attorney’s office) against individuals or organizations accused of violating hazing laws or other related criminal statutes (e.g., assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, manslaughter). The primary aim is punishment, such as jail time, fines, or probation. In a criminal case, the burden of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
• Civil Cases: These are brought by the victims (or their surviving families in wrongful death cases) against the individuals, organizations, and institutions responsible for the harm. The primary aim of a civil lawsuit is to obtain monetary compensation for damages suffered and to hold parties accountable. The burden of proof in a civil case is “a preponderance of the evidence,” which is lower than in criminal cases. Civil suits often focus on legal theories like:
  • Negligence and Gross Negligence: Did the defendants fail to exercise reasonable care, or act with an extreme degree of carelessness, that led to the harm?
  • Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a fatality, certain family members can sue for their losses.
  • Negligent Hiring/Supervision: Did a university or national organization fail in its duty to properly oversee its employees, advisors, or official chapters?
  • Premises Liability: Was a property owner or event host negligent in maintaining safe conditions or failing to address dangerous activity?
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Was the conduct extreme and outrageous, causing severe emotional suffering?

Crucially, a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil hazing lawsuit. The standards of proof are different, and many civil cases succeed even when criminal charges are not filed or do not result in convictions.

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

Beyond state laws, federal regulations also impact how hazing is handled, particularly at universities receiving federal funding:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal financial assistance must:
  • Publicly report hazing incidents and related disciplinary actions more transparently.
  • Strengthen hazing prevention education for students, staff, and volunteers.
  • Maintain and make publicly accessible data on hazing incidents. This will be phased in over the next few years (by approximately 2026), providing invaluable data for families and advocates.
• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or creates a sexually hostile environment, Title IX obligations are triggered. This requires universities to investigate and address such conduct, regardless of where it occurred.
• 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. Hazing incidents often involve assaults, alcohol/drug crimes, or other reportable offenses that fall under Clery Act reporting requirements.

These federal mandates add layers of accountability and transparency, which can be leveraged in civil litigation against institutions that fail to comply.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

In Collin County, and throughout Texas, a comprehensive hazing lawsuit can pursue accountability from multiple parties:

• Individual Students: The students who planned, instigated, supplied alcohol, carried out the acts, or actively participated in the hazing can be held personally liable. This includes those who stood by and enabled the hazing or engaged in a cover-up.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team (if it operates as a legal entity) can be sued directly. This often includes the chapter’s officers, “new member educators,” or leaders who were responsible for the activities.
• National Fraternity / Sorority: The national headquarters, as the chartering body that sets policies, collects dues, and often has oversight of its local chapters, can be held liable. This is particularly true if the national organization had knowledge of prior hazing incidents (either at that chapter or others), failed to enforce its own anti-hazing policies, or was negligent in its supervision.
• University or Governing Board: Colleges and universities, both public and private, can be held liable under certain legal theories. This often hinges on whether the university knew or should have known about hazing, failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it, or was deliberately indifferent to known risks. Private universities like SMU and Baylor generally have fewer immunity protections than public institutions like UT, Texas A&M, and UH.
• Third Parties: Depending on the specific circumstances, other entities might also bear responsibility. This could include landlords of off-campus houses where hazing occurred, owners of venues where events were held, bars or alcohol suppliers (under dram shop laws), or even security companies that failed to intervene.

Every hazing case is highly fact-specific. Not every party will be liable in every situation, but experienced hazing attorneys know how to identify all potential defendants and build a comprehensive case for accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

While our focus remains on Texas, significant national hazing cases have shaped the legal landscape and provide crucial precedents. These anchor stories illustrate common devastating patterns and demonstrate how various parties can be held accountable, offering important lessons for Collin County families whose children attend universities across our state.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most tragic and common pattern in hazing involves forced alcohol consumption, often leading to acute alcohol poisoning and death. These cases highlight a dangerous, recurring script within many organizations.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most widely publicized hazing tragedies, 19-year-old Piazza died after falling repeatedly during a “bid acceptance” initiation night involving extreme alcohol consumption. Fraternity members delayed seeking medical help for hours, captured on security cameras. The case resulted in dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and the enactment of Pennsylvania’s Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This case underscored how extreme intoxication, a deliberate delay in calling 911, and a culture of silence within a fraternity can have devastating legal consequences for individuals and the organization. The Beta Theta Pi chapter was permanently banned from Penn State, becoming a landmark prosecution.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): 20-year-old pledge Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume them to dangerous levels. Multiple members were prosecuted for misdemeanor hazing, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life activities, overhauling its anti-hazing policies. This case exemplifies how formulaic, tradition-bound drinking nights, designed to create “brotherhood,” are a recurring script for disaster that leads to predictable and preventable deaths.
• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): 18-year-old Max Gruver died with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink heavily if they answered questions incorrectly. His death led to the enactment of Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute with serious penalties. The civil case resulted in confidential settlements and a significant verdict against the fraternity. Gruver’s case demonstrates how clear proof of hazing, coupled with public outrage, can drive legislative change and secure accountability.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): 20-year-old Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” initiation night. This tragedy led to multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members involved in his death. In a significant step toward accountability, Foltz’s family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million coming from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This case powerfully illustrates that universities, even public ones, face significant financial and reputational consequences for failures in oversight, alongside the fraternities themselves.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing, often intended to be demeaning tests of loyalty, can lead to severe injury or death.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): 19-year-old Michael Deng died after suffering a traumatic brain injury during a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. As part of a ritual called “glass ceiling,” pledges were blindfolded, made to wear a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled into the frozen ground. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for agonizing hours, even moving Deng’s body and trying to cover up the incident. Multiple members were convicted of various charges, including involuntary manslaughter, and the national fraternity itself was convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and subsequently banned from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case demonstrates that off-campus “retreats,” held specifically to avoid university oversight, are often as dangerous as, if not more dangerous than, on-campus events, and that national organizations can face criminal as well as civil liability.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life. High-profile athletic programs, often with their own internal “codes” and power structures, can also be breeding grounds for severe hazing and abuse.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a scandal that rocked collegiate athletics, former football players extensively detailed widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. Allegations included forced nude “dry-humping” during “shenanigans” and other demeaning acts. Multiple players filed lawsuits against Northwestern and its coaching staff, leading to the high-profile firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled his wrongful-termination suit confidentially with the university. This ongoing situation powerfully illustrates that hazing extends far beyond Greek life into major, money-generating athletic programs, and highlights potential failures in institutional oversight at the highest levels.

What These Cases Mean for Collin County Families in Texas

These anchor stories reveal common threads woven into the fabric of hazing incidents nationwide: forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, deliberate delay or denial of medical care, and a pervasive culture of cover-up and silence. These are not isolated incidents but recurring patterns that demonstrate a clear, foreseeable risk associated with certain organizations and institutional cultures.

For families in Collin County whose children attend or are considering attending universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, these national lessons are vital. They show that:

• Tragedy often forces change, but that change – whether through legislative reform or multi-million-dollar settlements – frequently only occurs after a life has been lost or severely impacted due to organized, dangerous “traditions.”
• The argument that “we didn’t know this could happen” is increasingly indefensible when similar incidents have played out repeatedly across the country within the same or similar organizations.
• Texas families facing hazing are not alone. They are operating within a legal landscape that has been profoundly shaped by these national precedents, providing avenues for justice and accountability in Texas courts.

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

Collin County is a thriving region north of Dallas, filled with vibrant communities like Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and Allen. Many families from these areas send their children to top universities across Texas, including the major institutions discussed below. While SMU is geographically closest to Collin County, families from this region also have strong ties to UT Austin, Texas A&M, Baylor, and the University of Houston. Understanding the unique culture and hazing history of each of these universities is paramount, as the specific context can heavily influence a hazing investigation and legal strategy.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a large, dynamic urban campus, is home to a diverse student body and a significant Greek life presence. Students from Collin County often choose UH for its strong academic programs, career opportunities in the Greater Houston area, and vibrant campus experience.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH serves as a major engine for education and research in Houston. Its sprawling campus blends commuter-friendly accessibility with growing residential communities. The university boasts an active Greek life, comprising fraternities and sororities across Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural organizations. Beyond Greek life, numerous student organizations, cultural groups, and sports clubs offer a rich array of experiences. For some Collin County students, the allure of a big city campus like UH, offering a different experience from other Texas universities, is a draw.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy. Their student code of conduct explicitly prohibits hazing, whether it occurs on-campus or off-campus. Prohibited acts include: forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs; sleep deprivation; physical mistreatment; and any act causing mental distress related to initiation or membership. UH provides clear reporting channels through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). The university also posts general statements and sometimes redacted disciplinary actions related to hazing on its official website.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Like many large universities, UH has dealt with its share of hazing allegations. A notable incident around 2016 involved the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity chapter where pledges allegedly suffered severe deprivation of food, water, and sleep during prolonged events. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. This incident led to significant campus-wide scrutiny, misdemeanor hazing charges, and the chapter’s university suspension. While public details on all UH hazing incidents can be limited compared to some other Texas universities, the university’s disciplinary records have, at times, referenced various fraternities for behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse and policy violations, resulting in suspensions or probation. These past actions indicate a pattern of recurring hazing concerns within parts of the UH Greek system.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident originating at UH, jurisdiction would primarily fall within Harris County, where Houston is located. This means that:

• Law enforcement: Investigations might involve both the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) for incidents on campus or directly related to university organizations, and the Houston Police Department (HPD) for incidents occurring off-campus within city limits.
• Court System: Any civil lawsuits would typically be filed in the state district courts of Harris County. Criminal charges would be handled by the various county courts or district courts in Harris County.
• Potential Defendants: A civil suit could name individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the University of Houston if there’s evidence of institutional negligence or deliberate indifference specific to the incident. Property owners of off-campus venues could also be included.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For Collin County families with students at UH, specific steps are crucial:

• Understand Reporting Channels: Familiarize yourself with UH’s specific reporting mechanisms: the Dean of Students office, Student Conduct, and UHPD. Utilize their online reporting forms or anonymous tip lines if feasible.
• Document Everything: If you suspect hazing, immediately start documenting with timestamps and screenshots. Collect any names, dates, times, and activities.
• Leverage Prior Information: If a specific organization is involved, research any publicly available information on prior disciplinary actions at UH.
• Seek Legal Counsel Immediately: Contacting a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can be critical. We understand local law enforcement, court systems, and how to uncover prior internal university records or national fraternity disciplinary files that may not be publicly available. This early intervention can be vital in preserving perishable evidence.
• Prioritize Safety: If your student is in danger, call 911 immediately. Don’t let fear of “getting in trouble” stand in the way of their well-being. Good-faith reporting immunities exist both in Texas law and UH policy.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station is renowned for its deep-seated traditions, strong alumni network, and, uniquely, its Corps of Cadets. Many students from Collin County are drawn to A&M’s engineering, agriculture, and business programs, as well as its strong sense of community and tradition.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is a world unto itself. The university’s culture is heavily influenced by its military roots, exemplified by the Corps of Cadets, which fosters a demanding, tradition-heavy environment that can sometimes blur the lines between legitimate discipline and hazing. Alongside the Corps, A&M has a thriving Greek life across various councils, and countless other student organizations. The Aggie spirit is legendary, but sometimes this strong sense of tradition can create conditions where dangerous practices are perpetuated under the guise of “earning your Aggie Ring.” Families in Collin County often see A&M as a cornerstone of Texan identity, making hazing allegations particularly disturbing.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, articulating its definition and consequences in its Student Code of Conduct. The university emphasizes that hazing is illegal under Texas law and that it applies to all student organizations, officially recognized or not. Reporting can be made through the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct Office, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), or via anonymous reporting mechanisms. A&M has detailed internal processes for investigating hazing allegations within student organizations and the Corps of Cadets.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

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

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): This case drew national attention when two pledges of the SAE fraternity alleged severe hazing. They claimed they were forced to endure strenuous activity and then had substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns on their bodies, requiring multiple skin graft surgeries. The pledges subsequently sued the fraternity for $1 million, leading to the fraternity’s two-year suspension by the university. This incident highlights the extreme physical danger some hazing rituals present.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing tactics within the Corps. The allegations included being forced into simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a humiliating “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, asserting severe physical and emotional distress. This case underscores that hazing is not confined to Greek life and can permeate even highly structured, tradition-rich organizations like the Corps, raising questions about accountability within these unique environments. While A&M stated it handled the matter under its rules, civil litigation often probes deeper than internal university investigations are designed to.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For hazing claims at Texas A&M, the legal processing would primarily occur in Bryan (the twin city to College Station) within Brazos County.

• Law enforcement: The Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) would likely handle on-campus matters, potentially coordinating with the Bryan or College Station Police Departments for off-campus incidents.
• Court System: Civil lawsuits would be filed in the district courts of Brazos County. Criminal prosecutions would take place in Brazos County criminal courts.
• Potential Defendants: Cases often target the individual members and leaders, the local chapter (whether Greek or Corps-affiliated), the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially Texas A&M University (though as a public institution, it has sovereign immunity protections, which require specific legal strategies to overcome).

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For Collin County families with students at A&M, the combination of strong traditions and potential for hazing necessitates specific awareness:

• Question “Tradition”: Encourage your student to critically evaluate any “tradition” that involves discomfort, secrecy, or danger. Not all traditions are harmless.
• Understand Corps Culture: If your student is in the Corps, be aware of the distinct internal dynamics and reporting paths. Distinguish between challenging training and abusive hazing.
• Document and Report: Keep meticulous notes, photos, and screenshots of anything suspicious. Report concerns to the Dean of Students or UPD, but understand that internal university processes may differ from legal action.
• Consult a Hazing Attorney: Given the complexity of cases involving multi-million dollar institutions and unique organizational structures like the Corps, legal counsel is paramount. We can help navigate these waters and ensure evidence is preserved.
• Immediate Medical Care: As with any situation, if an injury occurs or a student is severely intoxicated, immediate medical attention is the first priority.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin (UT) draws thousands of students annually, including hundreds from Collin County who seek the university’s top-tier academic programs, vibrant Austin culture, and large university experience. UT’s campus is large, with a highly active Greek community and a publicly accessible record of hazing incidents that offers crucial insight.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Texas, boasting a legendary campus located in the heart of the state capital. Its Greek system is extensive, encompassing over 60 fraternities and sororities from various councils (University Panhellenic Council, Interfraternity Council, Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council, NPHC, and others). Beyond Greek life, UT is home to hundreds of student organizations, including significant spirit groups and athletic programs. For Collin County aspiring Longhorns, UT represents not just an education but an entry into a proud Texas legacy, which sometimes includes dangerous “traditions.”

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin has a comprehensive and publicly stated commitment to preventing hazing. Their official website clearly defines hazing, outlines disciplinary actions, and emphasizes that consent is not a defense. UT also notably maintains a public “Hazing Violations” page (hazing.utexas.edu), which lists organizations, dates of incidents, a summary of the conduct, and the disciplinary sanctions imposed. This public transparency is rare and exceptionally valuable. Students and parents can report hazing through the Office of the Dean of Students, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, or the UT Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page reveals a recurring pattern of misconduct across various student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and spirit groups. Examples include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike – 2023): The UT chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha faced disciplinary action when new members were directed to consume milk and subsequently perform strenuous calisthenics. This was deemed hazing, leading to the chapter being placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education programs. This incident mirrors the kind of alcohol-and-exertion hazing seen nationally with this fraternity.
• Texas Wranglers, Texas Cowboys, and other spirit organizations: These groups have historically faced sanctions for hazing violations, including forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, and punishment-based or demeaning practices disguised as “spirit” or “tradition.”
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE – January 2024): This chapter was sued by an Australian exchange student who alleged assault by fraternity members at a party, resulting in severe injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, and a fractured tibia. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing/safety violations, demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance.

The existence of UT’s public violation log is incredibly important. While it shows recurring problems, it also provides a transparent record that can be used to show prior notice and pattern evidence in civil lawsuits.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at UT Austin, its location in the state capital, Travis County, informs the legal process:

• Law Enforcement: The UT Police Department (UTPD) has primary jurisdiction on university property, but the Austin Police Department (APD) would be involved in incidents occurring off-campus within Austin city limits.
• Court System: Civil lawsuits would be filed in the state district courts of Travis County. Criminal prosecutions would also occur in Travis County.
• Potential Defendants: Lawsuits could target individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and potentially the University of Texas (as a public institution, it shares sovereign immunity protections with A&M and UH, requiring attorneys to pursue specific exceptions). Property owners of relevant venues might also be included.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For Collin County families with students at UT Austin, specific guidance is critical:

• Utilize UT’s Public Hazing Log: Directly consult hazing.utexas.edu to check if any organization your student is considering has a history of violations. This is a powerful tool for informed decision-making.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: Given the transparency of UT’s reporting, strong, well-documented evidence (digital, photos, medical) is even more critical to build a compelling case.
• Report to Relevant Authorities: UTPD for campus matters, APD for off-campus crimes, and the Dean of Students for policy violations.
• Engage Experienced Legal Counsel Early: An attorney experienced in hazing lawsuits can analyze UT’s public records, connect patterns of behavior, and navigate the specific legal avenues available within Travis County, against both private fraternities and a public university. We are well-prepared to handle cases originating from UT Austin.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, nestled in Dallas, is geographically the closest of the five major universities to Collin County. Many students from Plano, Frisco, McKinney, and other affluent Collin County communities attend SMU, drawn to its prestigious academics, beautiful campus, and prominent Greek system.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private, highly selective university known for its beautiful campus, strong academic programs, and vibrant social scene. Its Greek life is a prominent aspect of campus culture, with Panhellenic, Interfraternity Council (IFC), NPHC, and multicultural fraternities and sororities well-represented. SMU’s culture often emphasizes tradition and social engagement, which, unfortunately, sometimes provides a fertile ground for hazing. For Collin County families, SMU is often a top choice, implying a high expectation for a safe and enriching educational experience.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU strictly prohibits hazing, defining it broadly to include any act that endangers physical or mental health related to initiation or membership. The university makes it clear that violations can result in severe sanctions for individuals and organizations. SMU encourages reporting through its Dean of Students office, Student Conduct, and the SMU Police Department. The university also utilizes various prevention and reporting tools, including anonymous systems like “Real Response,” to gather information about potential misconduct. As a private institution, SMU’s internal discipline records are generally not as publicly accessible as those of state universities.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has also grappled with hazing within its Greek life:

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): In 2017, the SMU chapter of Kappa Alpha Order faced allegations of severe hazing, including reports of new members being paddled, forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol, and deprived of sleep. This incident led to the chapter’s suspension and significant restrictions on its ability to recruit new members until around 2021.
• SMU’s history, like many universities, reveals a cyclical struggle with hazing culture, with various organizations facing disciplinary actions over the years related to alcohol misuse, forced activities, and breaches of the student code of conduct.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases originating at SMU would primarily be handled in Dallas County, given the university’s location:

• Law Enforcement: The SMU Police Department would investigate on-campus incidents, potentially collaborating with the Dallas Police Department for off-campus occurrences within city limits.
• Court System: Civil lawsuits would be filed in the state district courts of Dallas County. Criminal prosecutions would also occur in Dallas County.
• Potential Defendants: A civil suit targeting an SMU hazing incident could name individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and crucially, SMU itself. As a private university, SMU typically has fewer sovereign immunity protections than public institutions, which can simplify some aspects of civil litigation, though complex legal arguments would still apply.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For Collin County families with students at SMU, specific attention to detail is vital:

• Be Aware of Private University Context: Understand that SMU’s internal disciplinary records may not be publicly posted like UT’s. This means a hazing attorney must pursue aggressive discovery to uncover institutional knowledge of prior infractions.
• Document EVERYTHING Privately: Because less information is public, meticulously documenting all communications, incidents, and injuries privately is even more crucial.
• Utilize SMU’s Anonymous Reporting: Encourage students to use tools like “Real Response” if they fear direct reporting, but combine this with private documentation and legal consultation.
• Connect with Experienced Dallas County Counsel: Given SMU’s location in Dallas, and its private university status, engaging an attorney experienced in Dallas County litigation and with a strong understanding of how to obtain internal university and fraternity records is key. Attorney911 operates out of Houston, with an office in Austin, and serves all of Texas, including Dallas and Collin Counties.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University in Waco is a prominent private Christian university known for its strong academic and athletic programs. It attracts many students from Collin County seeking an institution with a faith-based mission, often under the purview of a strict code of conduct.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University offers a distinctive experience rooted in its Baptist heritage, providing a close-knit community and a strong emphasis on character development. It boasts impressive academic credentials across a wide range of disciplines, from business to science, and a highly successful athletics program. Students from Collin County are drawn to Baylor’s unique blend of faith, tradition, and academic excellence. Baylor’s Greek life is also significant, alongside numerous other student organizations. The university’s cultural emphasis on values and community can create a challenging dynamic when hazing allegations surface, often leading to internal and external scrutiny.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University maintains a “zero tolerance” policy for hazing, clearly articulated in its student policies manual. It defines hazing under Texas law, prohibits physical, emotional, or psychological abuse, and underscores that consent cannot legitimize hazing. Baylor encourages reporting through its Office of Student Conduct Administration, Title IX Office (if applicable), and the Baylor Police Department (BUPD). As a private institution, Baylor’s disciplinary records are generally not available to the public, similar to SMU.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor has faced its own challenges with hazing, often against the backdrop of its broader institutional scrutiny stemming from past highly publicized issues:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): In 2020, Baylor’s high-profile baseball program came under fire when 14 players were suspended following a hazing investigation. The suspensions were staggered to allow the team to compete, raising questions about the severity of the hazing and the university’s response. This incident highlighted that hazing permeates athletic programs even at institutions with strong ethical codes.
• Baylor’s history shows a recurring need to address misconduct within student organizations and athletic programs, often in the context of its strict adherence to its Statement of Faith and Student Conduct policies. This can lead to internal investigations and disciplinary actions, but without public transparency, the full scope of internal findings can remain private.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Legal proceedings for hazing at Baylor University would typically occur in McLennan County, where Waco is located:

• Law Enforcement: The Baylor Police Department (BUPD) would investigate incidents on campus, while the Waco Police Department would handle off-campus occurrences.
• Court System: Civil lawsuits would be filed in the state district courts of McLennan County. Criminal prosecutions would also occur there.
• Potential Defendants: A civil lawsuit could name individual students, the local chapter (whether Greek or athletic), the national organization, and Baylor University itself. As a private institution, Baylor, like SMU, has fewer immunity defenses than public universities, but still requires a robust legal strategy.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Collin County families with students at Baylor, the unique institutional context requires specific considerations:

• Understand Baylor’s Context: Be aware of Baylor’s faith-based mission and how that interacts with its conduct policies. While “zero tolerance” is stated, internal investigations may be opaque.
• Document and Report Internally, But Also Externally: Report hazing to Baylor’s internal channels (Student Conduct, BUPD), but also consider parallel reporting to Waco PD for criminal acts and immediately engage legal counsel for an independent assessment.
• Focus on Evidence: Since public records are limited, meticulously collecting screenshots, photos, and detailed notes is paramount.
• Seek Legal Expertise for Private Universities: Pursuing claims against a private university like Baylor requires understanding their specific corporate structures, insurance policies, and legal defenses. An attorney experienced with such institutions can strategize effectively. Attorney911, located in Houston with an office in Austin, is equipped to represent families across Texas, including Collin County, who are dealing with incidents at Baylor.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

When hazing occurs at a Texas university, Collin County families often find themselves up against not just a local student organization, but a powerful national entity. Many fraternities and sororities operating at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are part of larger national structures. Understanding this connection is critical because the national organization’s history of hazing, even at chapters in other states or even at other Texas universities, can be a cornerstone of a successful lawsuit.

Why National Histories Matter

National fraternities and sororities derive significant financial and social benefit from their local chapters. In return, they are expected to provide oversight, guidance, and enforce their own anti-hazing policies. Many of these national organizations have extensive policy manuals and risk management guides not just because it’s good practice, but because they have been sued for hazing deaths and catastrophic injuries in the past. They are well aware of the patterns that lead to tragedy: forced drinking nights, “Big/Little” alcohol events, brutal paddling traditions, and degrading rituals.

When a local chapter at a Texas campus – whether it’s in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, or Waco – repeats the same dangerous script that led to a lawsuit or another chapter being shut down in another state, that can establish foreseeability. This is a crucial legal concept. It means the national organization knew or should have known that such hazing was likely to occur, given their history and the widespread knowledge of these practices. This foresight can be a powerful argument supporting negligence claims and sometimes requests for punitive damages against these national entities.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While an exhaustive list of every chapter with a hazing history is impossible, several national fraternities frequently appear in hazing incidents across the country and on Texas campuses. When considering organizations at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, it’s vital to be aware of their national track records:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity has been involved in several high-profile hazing deaths, underscoring a pattern of dangerous alcohol-related initiation.
  • Nationally: The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume a bottle of liquor, resulted in a $10 million settlement with the national fraternity and university. The David Bogenberger case at Northern Illinois University (2012) similarly involved an alcohol poisoning death and a $14 million settlement.
  • Texas Campuses: The Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at the University of Houston was disciplined in 2016 for hazing where a pledge allegedly suffered a lacerated spleen. The UT Austin chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha was disciplined in 2023 for forced milk consumption and strenuous calisthenics. These local incidents highlight that the national pattern of dangerous behavior, particularly involving forced consumption and physical demands, can manifest at Texas schools.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): SAE has a long and tragic national history of hazing-related deaths and severe injuries, particularly linked to alcohol and reckless behavior.
  • Nationally: SAE infamously announced a nationwide elimination of its traditional pledge process in 2014 due to a pattern of deaths. However, problems persist. A 2023 case at the University of Alabama involved allegations of a pledge suffering a traumatic brain injury from hazing.
  • Texas Campuses: At Texas A&M University (2021), two pledges sued SAE for $1 million after allegedly being drenched in industrial-strength cleaner, eggs, and spit, causing severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts. At UT Austin (January 2024), an exchange student sued the SAE chapter for over $1 million following an alleged assault, with the chapter already under suspension. These cases show local Texas chapters are repeating serious injury patterns seen nationally.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): This fraternity is linked to the highly publicized death of Max Gruver.
  • Nationally: The Max Gruver case at Louisiana State University (2017) involved a pledge dying from alcohol toxicity during a forced drinking game. This led to Louisiana’s felony hazing law.
  • Texas Campuses: Phi Delta Theta has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, all universities with significant Greek life. Should a similar hazing incident occur at one of these Texas chapters, the Gruver case would establish clear foreseeability for the national organization.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): This fraternity has also been connected to fatal alcohol hazing incidents.
  • Nationally: The Andrew Coffey case at Florida State University (2017) involved a pledge dying from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.”
  • Texas Campuses: With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin, the national Pi Kappa Phi organization would have a difficult time arguing they were unaware of the risks of such events if a similar incident were to occur in Texas.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): This fraternity is infamous for the Timothy Piazza case.
  • Nationally: The Timothy Piazza death at Penn State (2017) involved extreme alcohol overconsumption, falls, and a multi-hour delay in seeking medical help, leading to extensive criminal and civil actions.
  • Texas Campuses: Beta Theta Pi has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. The severity and publicity of the Piazza case mean any similar incident anywhere within the fraternity’s purview would undoubtedly lead to severe scrutiny based on pattern and notice.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): This fraternity has a history of severe hazing, including a high-profile drowning death.
  • Nationally: The Chad Meredith case at the University of Miami (2001) involved a pledge drowning after being encouraged to swim across a lake while intoxicated, leading to a $12.6 million jury verdict.
  • Texas Campuses: Kappa Sigma has a strong presence at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor. There have been ongoing allegations of hazing, including severe injuries (such as rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing) at the Texas A&M chapter (2023), with ongoing litigation illustrating local recurrences of nationally recognized dangers.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): This fraternity was responsible for a non-fatal but catastrophic hazing injury case.
  • Nationally: The Danny Santulli case at the University of Missouri (2021) involved a pledge suffering severe, permanent brain damage after forced alcohol consumption, leading to multi-million dollar settlements with 22 defendants.
  • Texas Campuses: Phi Gamma Delta has a chapter at Texas A&M. The Santulli case would serve as clear notice to the national organization of the potentially life-altering risks of their “initiation” practices.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

These recurring patterns across states and campuses are not mere coincidences. They represent a critical element of our legal strategy:

• Foreseeability: This legal concept argues that national organizations and universities knew, or should have known, about the dangers inherent in certain hazing practices because they have happened repeatedly within their purview.
• Pattern Evidence: By demonstrating a consistent pattern of similar hazing incidents across numerous chapters or campuses, we can show that the organization’s or institution’s anti-hazing policies were either inadequate, unenforced, or simply window-dressing.
• Insurance Coverage: Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics, understands how national organizations and universities attempt to shift blame or deny coverage. Revealing a pattern of prior incidents helps us combat their claims that the hazing was an “unforeseeable accident” or a “rogue act” not covered by their policies.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where defendants demonstrate a callous indifference to known risks (i.e., they kept doing the same dangerous thing despite repeated deaths and injuries), courts may consider awarding punitive damages. These are designed not just to compensate the victim, but to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct.

For Collin County families, understanding these national histories means recognizing that a local incident at a Texas university is rarely isolated. It often fits into a larger, tragic pattern that experienced hazing attorneys can leverage to build a powerful case for accountability and to secure justice for the families we represent.

BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY

For Collin County families grappling with hazing, the path to justice requires a meticulous and strategic approach. Building a compelling hazing case isn’t just about proving that harm occurred; it’s about connecting that harm to the actions and inactions of multiple responsible parties, using every piece of available evidence. At Attorney911, we approach hazing cases with the same investigative rigor as our complex refinery accident or wrongful death claims, leaving no stone unturned.

Evidence: The Foundation of Your Case

In today’s digital world, evidence for hazing cases often comes from surprising sources. Our team excels at identifying, preserving, and analyzing disparate pieces of information that, when put together, reveal the full story.

• Digital Communications: These are often the most critical pieces of evidence.
  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, Fraternity/Sorority Apps: These platforms are frequently used to organize, direct, and document hazing. Detailed group chats can reveal planning, peer pressure, explicit orders, and instructions for secrecy or cover-up.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok: Messages, stories, posts, and comments on social media platforms can show forced embarrassing acts, evidence of excessive drinking, and threats or humiliation.
  • Recovery of Deleted Messages: Even deleted messages can sometimes be recovered through digital forensics experts or by subpoenaing platform providers. Our firm works with such experts to unearth crucial data that others might miss.
• Photos & Videos: In the age of smartphones, virtually every event is documented.
  • Member-Generated Content: Photos and videos captured by members during initiation events, parties, or “workouts” – even if intended for private group chats – can provide irrefutable proof of hazing.
  • Security Footage: Cameras at private houses, apartment complexes, or even university common areas can capture events leading up to or during hazing.
  • Bodycam Footage: If police responded, body camera footage can be invaluable.
• Internal Organization Documents: These provide insight into the organization’s intent and knowledge.
  • Pledge Manuals/Initiation Scripts: While often sanitized, these can still contain vague references to “traditions” that are code for hazing, or they can be compared to actual practices to show discrepancies.
  • Emails/Texts from Officers: Direct communications from chapter leaders or national advisors can show knowledge or approval of hazing, or a failure to supervise effectively.
  • National Policies & Training Materials: These documents, often obtained through subpoena, show what the national organization knew about hazing risks and what actions (or inactions) it mandated for local chapters.
• University Records: Universities maintain records that can be crucial in establishing their knowledge and response.
  • Prior Conduct Files: Documenting previous hazing violations, probations, or suspensions for the same organization at the university.
  • Incident Reports: Filed with campus police or student conduct offices, these shed light on the initial reporting and investigation.
  • Clery Act Reports: Publicly available crime statistics can reveal patterns of alcohol offenses, assaults, or other misconduct that may point to larger hazing issues.
  • Internal Emails: Correspondence among administrators regarding an organization’s behavior, obtained through discovery, can reveal institutional knowledge and inaction.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the extent of the harm suffered.
  • Emergency Room & Hospitalization Records: Detailed accounts of injuries, toxicology reports (for alcohol/drugs), and diagnoses are critical.
  • Ongoing Treatment Records: Notes from surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and psychiatric care (for PTSD, depression, anxiety stemming from trauma) establish the long-term impact.
  • Expert Opinions: Our firm works with medical experts to review these records, provide clear causation analysis, and project future medical needs, sometimes involving life care plans for catastrophic injuries like the permanent brain damage seen in the Danny Santulli case.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are invaluable.
  • Pledges/Members: Other students involved, even those initially reluctant to speak due to fear, can provide crucial details once represented by legal counsel who can protect their rights.
  • Roommates, RAs, Coaches, Bystanders: Individuals who observed behavioral changes, heard conversations, or saw the events unfold can offer corroborating evidence.
  • Former Members: Students who quit or were expelled from the organization often become key witnesses, as they are less susceptible to internal pressures.

Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

When a student from Collin County is harmed by hazing, families can face staggering costs and profound emotional suffering. Texas law provides avenues to recover damages that encompass both quantifiable financial losses and the often-immeasurable pain and distress.

• Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):
  • Medical Expenses: This category covers past and future costs, including ambulance, emergency room visits, hospitalization (ICU, surgery), medications, ongoing therapy (physical, occupational, speech), and psychiatric care. For severe injuries, this can include complex life care plans for lifelong treatment.
  • Lost Income & Educational Opportunities: This includes wages lost if the student or a parent missed work, tuition/fees for missed semesters, lost scholarships, and most significantly, the diminished future earning capacity if a student suffers permanent disabilities that impact their career trajectory.
  • Other Economic Losses: This might cover property damage, or relocation costs if a student must transfer to a different school after the trauma.
• Non-Economic Damages (Subjective, Legally Compensable Harm):
  • Physical Pain & Suffering: Compensation for the actual physical pain from injuries, ongoing chronic pain, and the loss of physical abilities (e.g., inability to play sports or engage in hobbies).
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: This category includes recognized conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and suicidal ideation directly resulting from the hazing. It also encompasses emotional harms like humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, fear, and loss of trust.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When injuries strip a student of the ability to engage in activities they once loved or to experience the normal joys of college life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (For Families): When hazing tragically leads to death, certain surviving family members can seek significant damages beyond the victim’s own suffering. This includes:
  • Funeral and Burial Costs.
  • Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased would have contributed to the family’s income or supported parents in their later years. Economists often calculate this over the deceased’s expected lifetime.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: This compensates parents, spouses, or children for the profound emotional void left by a loved one’s death.
  • Grief and Emotional Suffering: For the family members themselves.
  • Mental Health Treatment for surviving family members related to the traumatic loss.
• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, where defendants acted with extreme recklessness, malice, or a callous disregard for human life, punitive damages may be awarded. These are not intended to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant and deter similar future misconduct. While Texas has certain caps on punitive damages, they can be substantial and are a powerful tool for accountability. The $6.5 million personal payment ordered from a Pi Kappa Alpha president in the Stone Foltz case illustrates this potential for individual financial punishment.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Parties responsible for hazing—whether individuals, local chapters, national organizations, or universities—often have insurance policies that may cover their liability. However, insurers are notorious for trying to avoid paying out.

• Common Defense Tactics from Insurers: Insurers frequently argue that hazing incidents are excluded from coverage because they involve “intentional acts” or “criminal conduct.” They may also claim the policy doesn’t cover certain defendants or that proper notification wasn’t given.
• How Attorney911 Navigates This: Our team, particularly with Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, possesses crucial insider knowledge. We understand their playbooks for delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and strategies for undervaluing claims. We know how to:
  • Identify all potential insurance policies, from national organizational policies to university umbrellas and even individual homeowner policies.
  • Argue that while hazing may be intentional, the negligent supervision or failure to enforce policies by the national organization or university can still be covered.
  • Force insurers to defend and, if they wrongfully deny coverage, pursue bad faith claims against them.

Successfully navigating these complex insurance issues is a critical step in ensuring that victims and families receive the compensation and accountability they deserve.

PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS

For Collin County parents, students, and witnesses, having actionable steps and clear answers is essential when confronting the ambiguity and fear that hazing creates. Our firm is committed to providing guidance, even before formal engagement.

8.1 For Parents: Protecting Your Child in Texas

As a parent in Collin County, your instincts to protect your child are paramount. Here’s a guide to help you navigate a suspected hazing situation:

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be attuned to any sudden, unexplained changes.
  • Physical: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, extreme fatigue, unusual weight loss or gain, recurrent illness, or signs of alcohol/drug abuse inconsistent with normal behavior.
  • Behavioral/Emotional: Sudden secrecy, withdrawal from family/friends, personality changes (anxiety, depression, irritability), defensiveness when asked about the organization, fear of “getting in trouble,” constantly checking their phone, or expressing feelings of being trapped or humiliated.
  • Academic: Sudden drop in grades, missing classes, falling asleep in class, or prioritizing organization activities over academics.
  • Financial: Sudden, inexplicable requests for money, or large expenses related to the organization.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach with empathy, not accusation.
  • Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with [Organization Name]? Are you enjoying it?”
  • Emphasize their safety and well-being over any organizational loyalty. Reassure them that you will support them no matter what.
• If Your Child is Hurt:
  • Prioritize Medical Care: Immediately get them medical attention. This is not just for their health, but also for crucial medical documentation.
  • Document Everything Diligently: Take photos of injuries immediately (with date/time stamps), screenshot any relevant messages, and write down everything your child tells you while it’s fresh.
  • Save Names and Details: Ask for names of other students involved, dates and locations of incidents.
• Dealing with the University:
  • Document All Communications: Keep a detailed log of every call, email, and meeting with university administrators.
  • Inquire About Prior Incidents: Ask specifically if the university has any record of prior hazing incidents involving the organization in question.
  • Do Not Sign Waivers: Never sign any release forms or “internal resolution” agreements from the university without first consulting an attorney.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has sustained significant physical or psychological harm or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, it is crucial to contact an experienced hazing attorney.

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

If you’re a student at a Texas university, especially new to an organization, it can be hard to tell the difference between “tradition” and illegal hazing. Here’s how to assess your situation and stay safe.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself:
  • Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
  • Would I do this if I had a real choice, without fear of social consequences or being “cut”?
  • Is this dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
  • Would my university or parents approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
  • Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
  • Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?
  • If you answered YES to any of these, it’s likely hazing.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The law, and common sense, recognize that in situations with power imbalances, intense peer pressure, and a strong desire to belong, “consent” is often coerced. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Don’t let anyone tell you that “you agreed to it” means it’s okay or legal.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely:
  • Immediate Danger: If you are in immediate danger or witness someone else in danger, call 911 or campus police immediately. Most universities and Texas law offer amnesty for good-faith reporters in a medical emergency, even if underage drinking was involved.
  • Leaving the Organization: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. If you fear retaliation, notify a trusted adult (parent, advisor, RA, Dean of Students) and send a simple email or text to the organization’s leader stating your resignation. Avoid “one last meeting” if you feel unsafe.
  • Anonymous Reporting: Many campuses, and the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE), offer anonymous reporting options if you are afraid to identify yourself.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Texas law encourages calling for help. If you report a hazing incident in good faith, you are typically immune from civil or criminal liability for making that report. Seek help when it’s needed.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were part of a hazing incident – either as a participant, a witness, or someone who now feels remorse – you may be grappling with guilt, fear, or a desire to do the right thing.

• Your Role in Prevention: Your testimony and evidence are invaluable. Coming forward, even anonymously or with legal protection, can prevent future harm and potentially save lives. Many who come forward feel a profound sense of relief and purpose.
• Seek Legal Advice: If you have concerns about your own legal exposure, contact an attorney. An experienced hazing attorney can advise you on your rights, potential liabilities, and how to cooperate with investigations or litigation in a way that minimizes your risk.
• Cooperation and its Impact: While every situation is unique, cooperating with authorities or victims’ legal teams can be a crucial step toward personal accountability and institutional change.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

For Collin County families facing suspected hazing, the actions taken—or not taken—in the initial hours and days can make a profound difference to a potential legal case. Avoid these critical mistakes:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: What parents often think is protecting their child by avoiding further “trouble” can actually destroy the evidence needed to prove hazing occurred. This can look like a cover-up and makes any future legal action nearly impossible. What to do instead: Every single piece of digital communication, photo, or medical record is vital. Preserve everything immediately, even if it’s embarrassing. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: While your anger is understandable, directly confronting the organization or its members will likely cause them to lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses. What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer BEFORE any confrontation.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities, keen to protect their reputation, may pressure families to sign waivers or agree to internal settlements. These forms can waive your right to pursue a civil lawsuit, often for a sum far below the true value of your case. What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or any other party without an attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: While you may want to alert others, defense attorneys will screenshot every post. Inconsistencies can damage credibility, and public posts can inadvertently waive legal privileges. What to do instead: Document privately. Your lawyer can strategize public messaging, if appropriate, to maximize impact without compromising your case.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: If you’re considering legal action, advise your child against attending any “last chance” meetings with the organization. These are often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can hurt your case. What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities often promise internal investigations, but these are rarely designed for full accountability or victim compensation. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations can run out. What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Consult a lawyer immediately. The university process and a civil lawsuit are distinct avenues.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters are trained professionals whose job is to minimize payouts. Recorded statements can be used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball. What to do instead: Politely decline any conversations and inform them, “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 the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin have some sovereign immunity protections, but specific exceptions exist, such as for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when suing individual university employees in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor generally 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. While hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor, it becomes a state jail felony under Texas law if it directly causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals, including organization officers, can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report known hazing.
• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” given under duress, peer pressure, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death for most personal injury claims in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be “tolled” (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Learn about Texas statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c
• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability of hazing, even if it occurs at off-campus residences or retreats. Many major hazing cases that resulted in significant judgments (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat case of Michael Deng) occurred entirely off-campus.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Client privacy is paramount. Most hazing cases resolve through confidential settlements before going to trial. Our firm can work to request sealed court records and negotiate confidential settlement terms to protect your family’s privacy while still seeking accountability and compensation.
• “How do contingency fees work?”
  We handle hazing cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront legal fees or hourly charges. Our firm only gets paid if we win your case, either through a settlement or a jury verdict. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery. This ensures that expert legal representation is accessible to all Collin County families, regardless of their financial situation. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc

ABOUT ATTORNEY911 & THE MANGINELLO LAW FIRM: YOUR ADVOCATES IN HAZING CASES

When your family faces a hazing case in Texas, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful university systems and national organizations fight back—and how to win anyway. From our Houston offices, we serve families throughout Texas, including Collin County and surrounding regions like Denton County, Dallas County, and Rockwall County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Allen, and across North Texas, and we are prepared to represent you.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, offers a unique blend of experience and insight that makes us particularly effective in hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage (Lupe Peña): Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. This invaluable experience means she knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. This insider knowledge gives our clients a distinct edge in negotiation and litigation. You can learn more about Lupe Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions (Ralph Manginello): Our Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello, possesses extensive experience in high-stakes, complex litigation, having been one of the few Texas firms involved in the massive BP Texas City explosion litigation. This background means we are not intimidated by going up against national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won, making us uniquely equipped to fight powerful institutional defendants who believe they are untouchable. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working with economists and other experts to ensure comprehensive damages analysis. We have secured multi-million dollar settlements for families who have lost loved ones or whose children have sustained life-altering injuries. Our focus is on building cases that force accountability, not accepting cheap settlements. Learn more about our wrongful death claim experience at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Comprehensive Hazing Expertise: We understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually operate behind closed doors. We know how to investigate modern hazing by obtaining deleted group chats and social media evidence, subpoenaing national fraternity records for pattern evidence, and uncovering university files through discovery and public records requests. Our network includes digital forensics experts, medical experts, and psychologists to build the strongest possible case.
• Dual Civil & Criminal Expertise: Hazing can lead to both civil lawsuits and criminal charges. Ralph Manginello’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) underscores our firm’s deep understanding of the criminal justice system. This dual expertise means we can advise on how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, and expertly guide witnesses or former members who might face criminal exposure. Our criminal defense experience is critical in these nuanced cases, visit https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/ for more.

We emphasize empathy and victim advocacy above all else. We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face, particularly in tight-knit communities like those in Collin County. Our job is to get you answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We aren’t about bravado or quick settlements; we are about thorough investigation and real accountability.

Call to Action: Your Next Step Towards Justice

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at UT Austin, Texas A&M, SMU, Baylor, the University of Houston, or any other institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Collin County and throughout North Texas have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911 for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened without judgment, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

In your free consultation, you can expect us to:

• Listen empathetically to your story.
• Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records).
• Explain your legal options, including a criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect from the legal process.
• Answer your questions about our costs, as we work on a contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
• Allow you time to process and decide, with absolutely no pressure to hire us on the spot. Everything you tell us is confidential.

Don’t face this immense challenge alone. Evidence disappears rapidly, and institutions work quickly to control the narrative. The time to act is now.

Call Attorney911 today for your confidential consultation:

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

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

Whether you’re in Collin 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