Texas Hazing: A Guide for Families in Culberson County

The crisp Texas air carries the cheers of college football, the camaraderie of new friendships, and the shared excitement of building a future. For many families across Culberson County and wider West Texas, sending a child off to a university — be it the sprawling campus of the University of Texas at Austin, the spirited grounds of Texas A&M, the urban energy of the University of Houston, the academic traditions of SMU, or the faith-based community of Baylor — is a moment of immense pride and hope. Yet, for some, this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare when the unspoken dangers of hazing cast a long shadow.

Imagine your child, a bright student from Van Horn, or Pecos, or perhaps a small ranching community in Culberson County, eagerly awaiting initiation into a campus organization. The whispers of “tradition” and “bonding” begin to morph into something darker: late-night calls demanding impossible tasks, forced consumption of alcohol that goes beyond casual partying, demeaning acts designed to break spirits rather than build bonds, or even physical abuse disguised as “workouts.” Suddenly, the safety and well-being you envisioned for them are shattered.

This guide is designed for you—parents, students, and community members in Culberson County and throughout Texas-who need to understand the complex, often hidden, world of campus hazing. We will explain what hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond old stereotypes to expose its modern forms, including digital coercion and psychological abuse. We will demystify the Texas and federal laws that govern hazing, highlight lessons from major national cases, and delve into specific incidents and policies at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. Most importantly, we will outline the legal options available to victims and families across the state, including those right here in Culberson County, seeking justice and accountability.

Please note, this article provides general information and is not specific legal advice. Every case has unique facts. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, is a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm serving families throughout Texas, including Culberson County. We invite you to contact us for a confidential evaluation of your specific situation.

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.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately. These digital records are often the most crucial evidence.
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles, dating and time-stamping them.
  • Save physical items involved, such as damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing.
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when and where it took place, and any witnesses.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority or other organization. This can lead to evidence destruction or witness intimidation.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel. You could inadvertently waive critical rights.
  • Post details on public social media. This can compromise your case and be used against you.
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” any evidence. Once gone, it’s often lost forever.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast, from deleted group chats to destroyed physical items and coached witnesses.
• Universities and organizations move quickly to control the narrative and minimize their liability.
• We can help preserve critical evidence, protect your child’s rights, and begin building a strong case.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

When many people hear the word “hazing,” they might think of stereotypical movie scenes from decades past – maybe some mild humiliation or harmless pranks. However, the reality of hazing in 2025, especially on college campuses across Texas and the nation, is far more insidious, dangerous, and technologically advanced. It’s not just “boys being boys” or “character building”; it is a systemic problem that endangers lives, causes profound psychological trauma, and often involves criminal acts. For families in Culberson County who send their children to universities, understanding these modern forms of hazing is crucial for recognizing the warning signs and protecting their loved ones.

Hazing, in plain English, is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students. Crucially, these acts must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student. This definition, derived from the Texas Education Code, highlights that the core elements are coercion, risk to health, and a connection to group affiliation. Emphasizing the coercive aspect, Texas law explicitly states that “I agreed to it” does not automatically make an act safe or legal when there is peer pressure and a power imbalance involved.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing tactics have evolved, spanning physical, psychological, digital, and substance-related abuses. These are not mutually exclusive; incidents often involve a combination of these categories, escalating in severity:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is, tragically, the most common factor in hazing fatalities. It involves forced or coerced consumption of dangerous amounts of alcohol or illicit substances. Examples include “lineup” drinking games where new members drink continuously, chugging challenges, “big/little” events where pledges are given handles of hard liquor, or being pressured to consume unknown fluids or mixed substances. The goal is often to incapacitate pledges, breaking down their inhibitions and increasing their vulnerability.
• Physical Hazing: This category encompasses direct physical abuse or extreme physical exertion. It includes actions like paddling and beatings; “smokings” or extreme calisthenics (hundreds of push-ups, wall sits until collapse) far beyond normal athletic conditioning; sleep deprivation, often for days; food or water deprivation; exposure to extreme environmental conditions (e.g., locked in freezing rooms or left outside in the heat); and dangerous physical acts like forced fights or blindfolded assaults.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are designed to degrade, embarrass, and break down a new member’s dignity, often with sexually suggestive or explicitly sexual components. This can include forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (such as the “roasted pig” pose reported in a Texas A&M Corps incident), wearing degrading costumes, or engaging in acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones. The psychological scars from such abuse can be long-lasting and severe.
• Psychological Hazing: Even without physical contact, psychological hazing creates a hostile and abusive environment. It often involves verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, and deliberate social isolation. Examples include constant yelling, insults, forced confessions of personal secrets, public shaming (even on social media), constant criticism, and undermining a new member’s self-worth. This form of hazing manipulates emotions and exploits vulnerabilities to exert control.
• Digital/Online Hazing: This is a rapidly growing and particularly insidious form of modern hazing. With ubiquitous smartphone use and social media, hazing now extends into virtual spaces. This includes:
  • Constant Monitoring: Pledges are often added to encrypted group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, Discord) where they are required to be available 24/7, respond instantly, or face penalties.
  • Digital Humiliation: Forcing pledges to post embarrassing content on social mediaplatforms like Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, or creating memes that mock them.
  • Cyberstalking: Using location-sharing apps (like Find My Friends or Life360) to track new members continuously, ensuring compliance with demands.
  • Coerced Content Creation: Pressuring pledges to create or share compromising images or videos of themselves or others.

The common thread across all these forms is the exploitation of a power imbalance and the new member’s desire for acceptance. The culture of secrecy surrounding hazing allows these dangerous practices to flourish, often under the guise of “tradition” or “bonding.”

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It is a common misconception that hazing is limited to “frat boys and their parties.” In reality, hazing permeates a much broader range of student organizations across all major universities in Texas, including those where families from Culberson County send their children. While Greek life often receives the most media attention, the problem is far more widespread:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural): These organizations represent a significant portion of campus social life and often have established “pledge” or “new member” periods where hazing is common.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: At institutions like Texas A&M, the Corps has a strong tradition, and while officially prohibited, allegations of hazing within these structures persist, sometimes under the guise of “discipline” or “training.”
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Organizations: Groups like the Texas Cowboys at UT, spirit organizations at other schools, or various cultural, academic, and service clubs have all faced hazing allegations. Any group involving an initiation process can be vulnerable.
• Athletic Teams (Football, Basketball, Baseball, Cheer, etc.): From high school to NCAA Division I, team initiations or rites of passage can escalate into physical, sexualized, or psychologically abusive hazing. The desire for team unity can be twisted into justifying harmful behavior.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Sometimes overlooked, these groups, too, have seen severe hazing incidents, as tragically highlighted by the Robert Champion case involving the Florida A&M marching band.

In essence, any collegiate group where social status, tradition, and a desire to belong create a power dynamic between existing members and new recruits can be a breeding ground for hazing. The pervasive culture of secrecy, often enforced through threats and intimidation, is what allows these practices to persist even when everyone officially “knows” hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited by university policy. For families in Culberson County, understanding this broad landscape is vital, as their children might be vulnerable in many different types of campus organizations.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Navigating the legal landscape surrounding hazing can be overwhelming for families in Culberson County. Understanding the difference between criminal charges and civil lawsuits, and who can be held accountable, is crucial for seeking justice. Texas law, combined with emerging federal mandates, provides a framework for addressing these dangerous practices.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear, specific anti-hazing provisions embedded in Chapter 37, Subchapter F of the Texas Education Code. This legal framework defines what constitutes hazing and outlines the serious consequences for those involved.

Hazing is broadly defined in Section 37.151 as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, by one person or with others, directed against a student. This act must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of that student and occur for the purpose of seeking to pledge, initiate, affiliate with, hold office in, or maintain membership in any organization whose members include students. In essence, if someone makes a student do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a recognized group, and they either intended to do it or were reckless about the risk, that is hazing under Texas law.

Key aspects of the Texas law include:

• Location is irrelevant: Hazing can occur on campus, off campus, at a private residence, or even at a remote retreat. The location does not provide a shield from liability.
• Mental or Physical Harm: The law recognizes that hazing can endanger physical health (e.g., beatings, forced exercise, forced binge drinking) or mental health (e.g., extreme humiliation, psychological manipulation, threats).
• Intent and Recklessness: The law doesn’t require malicious intent. If an individual or group acted “recklessly”—meaning they knew or should have known their actions carried a substantial risk of harm but proceeded anyway—they can be liable.
• Consent is Not a Defense: Crucially, Texas Education Code Section 37.155 explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the activity. This recognizes the inherent power imbalance and coercive nature of hazing.

Texas law also outlines criminal penalties for hazing (referencing Section 37.152):

• Class B Misdemeanor (default): This applies to hazing that does not cause serious bodily injury, carrying potential fines and jail time.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical attention.
• State Jail Felony: The severity escalates significantly. If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, those involved can face felony charges, leading to much harsher penalties, including state prison time.

Additionally, Texas law addresses organizational liability (Section 37.153), meaning organizations themselves (like fraternities or clubs) can face criminal prosecution and substantial fines if they authorized or encouraged hazing, or if an officer knew about it and failed to report it. There are also reporter protections (Section 37.154), offering immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals in good faith who report a hazing incident. This is designed to encourage witnesses and victims to come forward without fear.

It is important to remember that this is a summary. The actual Texas Education Code is more technical, but these points outline the core protections and penalties families in Culberson County should be aware of.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When a hazing incident occurs, families often encounter two distinct legal paths: criminal and civil cases. While both aim for justice, their objectives, processes, and outcomes differ significantly.

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated and pursued by the state (through a prosecutor) against an individual or organization. The primary aim of a criminal case is punishment for breaking the law, which can include incarceration, fines, probation, or mandatory community service. In hazing contexts, typical criminal charges can range from misdemeanor hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, and battery, all the way to felony charges like aggravated assault or even manslaughter in cases of serious injury or death. The standard of proof in criminal cases is “beyond a reasonable doubt,” a high bar.
• Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving families (the plaintiffs) against the individuals, organizations, or institutions they believe are legally responsible for the harm caused (the defendants). The primary aim of a civil case is monetary compensation (damages) for the injuries, losses, and suffering incurred, as well as to achieve a measure of accountability. In civil hazing lawsuits, common legal theories include negligence (failure to exercise reasonable care), gross negligence (extreme or reckless disregard for safety), wrongful death (for fatalities), negligent hiring/supervision, and premises liability. The standard of proof in civil cases is typically “a preponderance of the evidence,” which is a lower bar than in criminal cases.

It is crucial to understand that these two types of cases can run concurrently, and a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a successful civil lawsuit. In fact, many civil cases proceed even if no criminal charges are filed or if criminal charges do not result in a conviction. The focus of the civil case remains on establishing legal responsibility for the harm caused to the victim and securing compensation for those losses.

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

Beyond state laws, federal regulations also play an increasing role in holding universities accountable for hazing incidents across the nation, including at colleges attended by students from Culberson County.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation, building upon the national outcry following tragedies like the Timothy Piazza and Max Gruver cases, requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to implement new measures to combat hazing. By around 2026, these institutions will be mandated to:

  • Publicly report hazing incidents in a more transparent and detailed manner.
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs for students and staff.
  • Maintain public, accessible data on hazing violations and their outcomes, offering more insight into problem organizations.
    This act aims to increase institutional accountability and empower students and families with crucial information.

• Title IX: While often associated with sexual harassment and assault, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. When hazing involves elements of sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based hostility, or disproportionately impacts individuals based on sex, Title IX obligations can be triggered. Universities have a duty to investigate and respond promptly and effectively to such allegations, regardless of whether they occur on or off campus. A failure to do so can expose the university to legal liability.

• Clery Act (Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act): This federal law requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. While hazing is not always explicitly listed as a reportable crime under Clery, hazing incidents often overlap with categories that are. For instance, if hazing involves assault, aggravated assault, or alcohol/drug-related offenses, these must be reported in the institution’s annual security report. Clery also mandates that universities issue timely warnings for reported crimes that pose an ongoing threat to students and employees. Failures to comply with Clery can result in significant fines for institutions.

These federal statutes provide additional layers of protection for students and accountability for institutions, offering avenues for reporting and legal action that extend beyond state-specific hazing laws.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

In a civil hazing lawsuit, the pursuit of justice often involves identifying and holding multiple parties accountable for their roles and responsibilities in the incident. For families in Culberson County, understanding the potential defendants is key to navigating the complexities of litigation.

• Individual Students: At the most direct level, the students who planned, instigated, supplied alcohol, carried out the hazing acts, or actively participated in a cover-up can be held personally liable. This includes officers of the organization who had oversight responsibilities.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself, if it operates as a recognized legal entity, can be sued. Liability can arise from the actions of its members, particularly if the organization had a known history of hazing, failed to properly supervise events, or allowed a culture of hazing to persist.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: Most Greek life organizations are part of larger national bodies that dictate policies, collect dues, provide training, and oversee local chapters. If the national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing within a chapter or across its system, or if it failed to adequately enforce its own anti-hazing policies, it can be held liable. Their liability often hinges on proving negligence in supervision or a pattern of deliberate indifference to known risks.
• University or Governing Board: Colleges and universities have a duty to provide a safe educational environment. They can be held liable under certain legal theories such as premises liability, negligent supervision, or for failing to adequately respond to known hazing. For public universities (like UT, A&M, UH), sovereign immunity provides some protection, but exceptions exist, particularly in cases of gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when suing specific employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Depending on the specifics of the incident, other entities might also be named as defendants. This could include:
  • Landlords/Owners: If the hazing occurred at a private residence, such as an off-campus house where the owner knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Bars or Alcohol Providers: Under dram shop laws, establishments that negligently serve alcohol to minors or obviously intoxicated individuals who then cause harm can be held liable.
  • Security Companies or Event Organizers: If their negligence contributed to the unsafe environment.

Every case is highly fact-specific. Not every party will be liable in every situation, but an experienced hazing attorney understands how to meticulously investigate an incident to identify all potentially responsible parties and their respective insuranceカバー.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

While each hazing incident creates its own unique tragedy, a review of national cases reveals disturbing patterns. These “anchor stories” illustrate the severity of hazing nationally, the predictable ways in which it unfolds, and the determined legal fight for justice. For families in Culberson County, these cases serve as powerful reminders of the potential dangers and the precedents that can inform legal strategies in Texas courts.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common, and perhaps most preventable, type of hazing fatality involves extreme alcohol consumption. The pressure to drink to dangerous levels, often combined with a culture of secrecy and delayed medical attention, creates a lethal cocktail.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): This case remains one of the most high-profile hazing tragedies. During a “bid acceptance” event, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. After falling repeatedly, suffering severe brain injuries, and exhibiting clear signs of distress, fraternity members delayed calling for medical help for nearly 12 hours. The agonizing footage, captured on the fraternity’s own security cameras, showed members attempting to cover up the incident rather than save a life. The aftermath involved unprecedented criminal charges against dozens of fraternity members, civil litigation with confidential settlements, and the enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. The takeaway here is stark: extreme intoxication, coupled with a deliberate delay in calling 911 and an ingrained culture of silence, is not only morally reprehensible but also legally devastating for individuals and institutions.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Less than a year after Timothy Piazza’s death, Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, died during a “Big Brother Reveal” event. Pledges were allegedly given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them quickly. Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning. The incident led to criminal hazing charges against multiple members and prompted Florida State to temporarily suspend all Greek life operations, initiating sweeping policy reforms. This case underscores that formulaic “tradition” drinking nights, where excessive alcohol is central to the ritual, are a repeating script for disaster within Greek organizations.
• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, died after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly. Gruver’s blood alcohol content was 0.495% at the time of his death. Several members faced criminal charges, with one convicted of negligent homicide. The tragedy directly led to the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, a felony hazing statute with substantial prison sentences. This case clearly illustrates that legislative change often follows public outrage and incontrovertible proof of violent hazing.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Another fatal alcohol hazing incident, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey in a “Big/Little” pledging ritual. He died from alcohol poisoning. In the aftermath, multiple fraternity members faced criminal convictions, and Stone Foltz’s family achieved a $10 million settlement ($7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and ~$3 million from BGSU). This outcome specifically highlights that universities, even public ones, can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside the fraternities themselves. It reinforces that institutions have a role to play in preventing these tragedies.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing, often intended to “break down” new members, can lead to severe injuries and even death. These methods are frequently carried out in secret, often off-campus, to avoid detection.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a freshman pledge at Baruch College, was attending a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. During a blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual, he was tackled repeatedly while carrying a heavy backpack. He suffered a fatal brain injury. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for over two hours, instead attempting to cover up the incident. The criminal investigation resulted in multiple members being convicted and, significantly, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity itself being criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter – a landmark case demonstrating corporate liability for hazing. The key takeaway: off-campus “retreats” are often deliberately chosen to operate beyond institutional oversight and can be as dangerous or even more so than on-campus events. National organizations cannot simply abdicate responsibility for these covert operations.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life. High-stakes athletic programs, particularly at major universities, can also harbor cultures of abuse under the guise of team building or tradition.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): This scandal rocked the collegiate sports world. Former football players alleged a widespread pattern of sexualized, racist, and physically abusive hazing within the Northwestern football program over several years. The allegations included forced nude practices, sexualized rituals, and other degrading acts. The fallout was swift: head coach Pat Fitzgerald was fired and later entered confidential settlement negotiations over a wrongful-termination lawsuit. Multiple former players filed civil lawsuits against the university and coaching staff. This situation powerfully demonstrates that hazing is not limited to Greek life; major, high-profile athletic programs, often with immense financial and cultural influence, can also be rife with systemic abuse that goes unchecked through fear and intimidation. The institutional failure of oversight can be a major factor in these cases.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

For families in Culberson County, these national cases, though occurring outside of Texas, are critically important. They reveal:

• Common Threads of Danger: Regardless of location or specific organization, the patterns remain disturbingly consistent: forced substance consumption, physical violence, humiliation, deliberate delay in seeking medical attention, and attempts to cover up the misconduct.
• Only Accountability Drives Change: Significant institutional reforms, multi-million-dollar settlements, and the passage of new anti-hazing laws often only materialize after a tragedy has occurred and families have pursued aggressive legal action. This proactive pursuit of justice is not just about compensation but about preventing future harm.
• Universal Vulnerability: Hazing’s dynamics of power, peer pressure, and secrecy are universal. Whether a student is at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, they are operating within a landscape shaped by these national lessons and failures. The strategies used to hold institutions accountable in these national cases can be directly applied to protect Texas students.

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

For parents and students in Culberson County, understanding the specific hazing landscape at prominent Texas universities is essential. While hazing is a nationwide problem, how universities respond, the types of incidents that occur, and the relevant jurisdictional factors can vary. We will delve into the cultures, policies, and documented incidents at five major Texas institutions, providing context for families considering these schools or whose children currently attend them.

Our firm, The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, is based in Houston but serves families throughout Texas, making us particularly attuned to the nuances of hazing cases at these major universities.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant and diverse urban campus, draws students from across Texas, including many from places like Culberson County seeking a dynamic city environment. While UH boasts a strong academic reputation, like many large institutions, it has grappled with hazing, particularly within its active Greek life system.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a Tier One research institution located in the heart of Houston. It serves a large commuter and residential student population, fostering a diverse mix of academic, cultural, and social clubs. Its Greek life is a significant part of the student experience, encompassing fraternities and sororities across various councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural Greek Council), alongside numerous other student organizations. This environment, while rich in opportunity, also presents the potential for hazing when traditions are twisted.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

UH maintains a clear, explicit hazing policy, which adheres to the Texas Education Code. This policy strictly prohibits hazing, defining it broadly to include any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for affiliation purposes that endangers mental or physical health or safety. Key provisions include:

• A zero-tolerance stance on forced consumption of alcohol, food, liquids, or drugs.
• Prohibition of sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, branding, or any acts causing mental distress.
• The policy applies both on and off campus, ensuring that organization-sponsored events away from university grounds are still covered.

Students and parents can report hazing incidents through various official channels: the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD), or via an anonymous online reporting form. While UH does provide a hazing statement and some general disciplinary information on its website, comprehensive public lists detailing specific organization violations and sanctions are not always as readily accessible as at some other Texas universities.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

One notable incident at UH occurred in 2016 involving the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity. Allegations surfaced that pledges were subjected to severe deprivation of food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. The hazing reportedly included a specific incident where a student suffered a lacerated spleen, allegedly after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. Following an investigation, the chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges, and the university responded with suspension.

Beyond this well-publicized event, UH’s disciplinary records generally show ongoing, though often less detailed, references to hazing. These usually involve fraternities or other groups found guilty of behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse, physical “workouts,” or similar policy violations, leading to suspensions, probations, or other sanctions. The continuous presence of these violations, despite policy, highlights the persistent challenge universities face in eradicating hazing.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident originating at the University of Houston, the legal process can involve multiple agencies and jurisdictions. Depending on the incident’s specifics and location, the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) would likely investigate any criminal aspects occurring on campus or in university housing. If the hazing took place off-campus within the city limits, the Houston Police Department (HPD) would have jurisdiction.

Civil lawsuits stemming from UH hazing would be filed in courts within Harris County, where Houston is located. Potential defendants in such actions could include the individual students directly involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority (if applicable), and potentially the University of Houston itself or its governing board, particularly if institutional negligence or a failure to respond to prior warnings can be proven. Property owners or alcohol vendors involved in off-campus events may also be implicated. Our proximity in Houston allows us to expertly navigate these Harris County courts and collaborate with local law enforcement.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For students attending, or parents sending their children to, the University of Houston, taking proactive steps is crucial:

• Understand Reporting Channels: Familiarize yourselves with UH’s reporting options, including the Dean of Students, UHPD, and anonymous online forms. Know how to access these quickly if needed.
• Document Prior Complaints: If you are aware of any prior hazing complaints or incidents involving a specific organization your child is interested in, document them where possible. This information can be vital evidence.
• Preserve Evidence Meticulously: Emphasize to your child the critical importance of immediately screenshotting any group chats, texts, photos, or other digital communications related to potentially coercive or dangerous activities. This includes conversations on platforms like GroupMe, Snapchat, or Instagram. Encourage taking photos of any injuries, however minor, with dates and timestamps.
• Prioritize Medical Care: If your child is injured or seems unwell after a group event, seek medical attention immediately, whether through campus health services or a local emergency room. Encourage them to be honest with medical staff about the circumstances.
• Engage Legal Counsel Early: Given the complexities of Hazing law and university disciplinary processes, talking to a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can be invaluable. We can help you understand your rights, strategically navigate university investigations, and work to hold responsible parties accountable. This is especially true for families in Culberson County who may not be familiar with Houston’s legal landscape; our firm provides that local expertise.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, deeply rooted in tradition and service, cultivates a unique campus culture that draws in students from across the state and beyond, including many from rural counties like Culberson County, attracted by its values and strong alumni network. Among its many distinguished student bodies, the revered Corps of Cadets and a robust Greek life system have both faced scrutiny regarding hazing.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M in College Station is one of the largest universities in the nation, known for its strong traditions, the Aggie Spirit, and its distinguished Corps of Cadets—a vital leadership development program with a pervasive military-style environment. Beyond the Corps, Texas A&M boasts a substantial Greek life presence, including IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and Multicultural Greek Councils, alongside numerous other highly active student organizations. While these groups are celebrated for fostering leadership and community, the intense loyalty and emphasis on tradition in some niches can, unfortunately, create conditions where hazing can be perceived as an unwelcome rite of passage.

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M maintains comprehensive anti-hazing policies, explicitly forbidding any activity that includes mental or physical harm in the context of initiation or membership. Their policies are aligned with Texas Education Code and are rigorously communicated to students and organizations. Key elements of the A&M policy include:

• A clear definition of hazing that explicitly covers physical harm, psychological distress, and coercion.
• Prohibition of forced consumption of alcohol, drugs, or other substances, and any form of branding or physical abuse.
• Emphasis on both on-campus and off-campus applicability for all student organizations.

A&M strongly encourages reporting through several official channels, including the Dean of Student Life, the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), the Office of Risk Management, or via an anonymous online reporting system. The university regularly updates its hazing policy and attempts to educate students on prevention.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced several significant hazing allegations over the years, impacting both Greek life and the Corps of Cadets:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): This incident led to a lawsuit against SAE. Two pledges alleged they were subjected to strenuous physical activity, followed by having various substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring emergency skin graft surgeries. The local SAE chapter was suspended by the university for two years, and the pledges subsequently sued the fraternity for $1 million, though the outcome of the case was not publicly disclosed. This case highlights the extreme physical dangers and the potential for long-term injury from hazing.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): Another significant lawsuit involved a cadet who alleged degrading and sexually suggestive hazing practices. The hazing reportedly included simulated sexual acts and the cadet being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The cadet sought over $1 million in damages. Texas A&M stated it handled the matter internally under its own regulations. This incident underscores that hazing is not confined to Greek life and can manifest in intensely ritualistic and humiliating ways within other tradition-heavy organizations.
• Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): More recently in 2023, there were allegations of hazing within Kappa Sigma resulting in severe injuries, specifically rhabdomyolysis—a serious condition involving muscle breakdown from extreme physical activity—among pledges. This incident has led to ongoing litigation, with legal representation focusing on the severe and long-lasting health implications of such injuries.

These incidents, ranging from physical assaults to chemical burns and rhabdomyolysis, illustrate the serious, life-altering consequences of hazing at Texas A&M.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Criminal investigations into hazing at Texas A&M would generally involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), particularly for incidents on campus. If serious criminal activity, such as aggravated assault or alcohol-related felonies, occurs off-campus in College Station or Bryan, the College Station Police Department or Bryan Police Department, and the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office would likely take jurisdiction.

Civil lawsuits would be filed in the courts of Brazos County, where College Station is located. Potential defendants mirror those at other universities: individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and potentially Texas A&M University itself. The university, as a public institution, would invoke sovereign immunity, but exceptions could apply if gross negligence or other specific legal theories are proven. For families from Culberson County, navigating these local College Station legalities requires experienced counsel familiar with both the university’s internal structures and the Brazos County court system.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For families in Culberson County whose children attend or plan to attend Texas A&M, specific awareness and action are vital:

• Research Organizations Thoroughly: Beyond official university statements, look for news reports or alumni discussions related to hazing in specific fraternities, sororities, or indeed, outfits within the Corps of Cadets.
• Be Vigilant for Physical Changes: Given the nature of some A&M incidents (chemical burns, rhabdomyolysis), be especially alert to unexplained physical injuries, severe fatigue, or symptoms that suggest muscle pain beyond normal exertion.
• Document Corps-Specific Issues: If hazing within the Corps is suspected, document the specific outfit, the nature of the demands, and how these tasks deviate from official Corps regulations. Testimony from former cadets can be invaluable.
• Preserve Digital and Medical Evidence: As with any hazing case, immediate preservation of any digital messages, photos, or videos, coupled with seeking and documenting medical attention, is paramount.
• Consult Legal Expertise: Given A&M’s size, its public university status (and associated sovereign immunity challenges), and the unique aspects of its Corps culture, consulting a lawyer experienced in Texas hazing cases early is critical. Our firm’s approach enables families from places like Culberson County to effectively address claims arising from the specific institutional dynamics of Texas A&M.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, is a magnet for top students and vibrant social life, including a prominent Greek system and numerous other student organizations. Families in Culberson County often send their most promising students to UT Austin, aspiring to its academic excellence and rich traditions. However, even at this prestigious university, hazing incidents are a recurring concern, as publicly detailed through the university’s commitment to transparency.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is a massive public university known for its academic rigor, spirited sports teams, and an incredibly diverse student body. It hosts a large and active Greek life community, comprising numerous fraternities and sororities under the IFC, Panhellenic, TAPC (Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council), MGC, and NPHC umbrella organizations. Additionally, UT is home to a myriad of spirit groups, tradition clubs, and athletic teams, all of which contribute to its dynamic culture. While many of these organizations foster positive experiences, the intense competition for membership and perpetuation of “tradition” can create fertile ground for hazing.

5.3.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Texas at Austin maintains stringent anti-hazing policies, explicitly prohibiting any hazing activity as defined by the Texas Education Code. UT’s policies emphasize:

• A clear, broad definition of hazing covering physical injury, mental distress, and coercion.
• The prohibition of alcohol and other substance abuse, as well as demeaning or dangerous rituals.
• Applicability of the policy to all student organizations, whether active on or off campus.

Crucially, UT stands out for its relatively high degree of transparency regarding hazing violations. The university maintains a publicly accessible Hazing Violations page (often found via hazing.utexas.edu), which lists organizations found responsible for hazing, the specific conduct, dates of violations, and the sanctions imposed. This public log serves as a vital resource for parents and students in Culberson County, offering insight into an organization’s history before commitment. Students can report hazing via the Dean of Students, UTPD, or anonymous online reporting tools.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s Hazing Violations tracker provides a window into the ongoing challenges of hazing on campus. Examples of entries include:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): This fraternity, known nationally for its hazing incidents, was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume excessive amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. The university found this constituted hazing, resulting in chapter probation and mandates for new hazing-prevention education. This parallels the national pattern of Pi Kappa Alpha’s alcohol and physical hazing.
• Texas Wranglers (2022): A prominent spirit organization at UT, the Texas Wranglers, faced disciplinary action for hazing violations that included forced physical exertion, alcohol misuse, and other punishment-based practices designed to degrade new members. This highlights that hazing is not exclusive to Greek life but infiltrates diverse campus groups.
• Various Greek and Non-Greek Organizations: The UT list shows consistent violations across a range of student organizations, including fraternities, sororities, and other clubs, for activities like forced sleep deprivation, blindfolding, forced eating of undesirable substances, and mandatory late-night events that interfere with academics.

The repeated presence of these organizations on UT’s public log, despite prior sanctions, underscores the difficulty in eradicating deeply entrenched “traditions” and the need for persistent vigilance.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at the University of Texas at Austin, criminal investigations are typically led by the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) for on-campus incidents. Off-campus incidents within the city would fall under the jurisdiction of the Austin Police Department (APD), with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office managing county-wide incidents.

Civil lawsuits against individuals, local chapters, national organizations, or the University of Texas itself would be filed in the courts of Travis County. The university, akin to other public institutions, benefits from sovereign immunity, but our firm can pursue claims based on exceptions related to gross negligence, Title IX violations, or the actions of individual employees. For families in Culberson County, the existence of UT’s public hazing log is a powerful tool in civil litigation, providing clear documentation of prior violations that can demonstrate foreseeability and institutional knowledge of hazing patterns. Our firm has experience with cases in Travis County and can effectively leverage this public data.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For families in Culberson County connected to UT Austin, specific guidance can help mitigate risks and take action:

• Utilize the UT Hazing Violations Page: Before joining any organization, thoroughly review UT’s public hazing log available on their official website. This allows you to identify organizations with a documented history of misconduct, offering an invaluable layer of due diligence.
• Focus on Systemic Failures: If an organization with a history of violations is involved, be prepared to demonstrate that the university or national chapter failed to adequately address the prior incidents, contributing to recurrent hazing.
• Preserve Digital and Oral Evidence: Actively screenshot group chats and any digital communications. Encourage students to create detailed, contemporaneous notes of incidents, including who said what, when, and where.
• Report Strategically: Understand that reporting to UT’s Dean of Students or UTPD can initiate a university investigation, but it does not automatically trigger a criminal prosecution or a civil lawsuit. Consider consulting a lawyer from Attorney911 to determine the most effective reporting strategy for your goals in seeking accountability.
• Seek Experienced Legal Counsel: Given UT’s size, its public status, and the volume of specific hazing incidents, legal counsel experienced in Texas hazing litigation is essential. Our firm can guide families from Culberson County through the Travis County legal system and leverage UT’s own transparency to build a powerful case.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a distinguished private institution nestled in Dallas, exudes an atmosphere of academic rigor and a vibrant social scene, heavily influenced by its active Greek life. For families in Culberson County, SMU represents a premier educational opportunity, but its dynamic social environment also carries the same hazing risks found at other prominent universities.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private, well-resourced university located in an affluent area of Dallas. It is known for its strong academic programs, beautiful campus, and a particularly active and high-profile Greek system. Its fraternities and sororities play a central role in the social fabric, often drawing significant attention. While this environment fosters strong alumni connections and social networks, the intense competition for membership and the emphasis on tradition can, unfortunately, create a breeding ground for hazing.

5.4.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies, which are consistent with Texas law and specifically prohibit behaviors that cause mental or physical harm in the context of initiation or maintaining membership. SMU’s policies emphasize:

• A broad definition of hazing that includes not just physical acts but also psychological manipulation, forced consumption of substances, and any activity that degrades human dignity.
• Explicit prohibition of acts that interfere with a student’s academic performance or ability to maintain physical and mental health.
• Applicability to all registered student organizations, regardless of whether the activities occur on or off campus.

SMU provides multiple avenues for reporting hazing, including the Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards, the SMU Police Department, and an anonymous online reporting system (often through platforms like Real Response or similar third-party tools). While SMU is diligent in its internal investigations, as a private institution, its public disclosure of specific hazing violations and sanctions tends to be less comprehensive than some public universities.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has had its share of hazing incidents, often highlighting the challenges of managing large, socially prominent Greek organizations:

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): This well-publicized incident involved allegations that new members of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity were subjected to paddling, forced to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, and deprived of sleep. Following a university investigation, the chapter was suspended for several years, with significant restrictions placed on its ability to recruit and operate until around 2021. This case underscores the recurring dangers of physical and alcohol-related hazing, even within historically established fraternities.
• Periodic Unofficial Reports: While less publicly detailed, SMU, like other private universities, consistently deals with informal reports and internal investigations into various forms of hazing, including those involving social pressure, forced chores, and alcohol misuse. These often result in internal disciplinary actions against individual students or chapter leadership.

The private nature of SMU means that while incidents occur and are acted upon, the level of public transparency about specific details, such as the exact nature of the hazing or the full list of sanctions, may be more limited than at a public institution like UT Austin.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at Southern Methodist University, criminal investigations will be handled by the SMU Police Department for on-campus events. Off-campus incidents in the Dallas area would fall under the jurisdiction of the Dallas Police Department (DPD) or the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.

Civil lawsuits against individuals, the local chapter, the national organization, or Southern Methodist University itself would be filed in the courts of Dallas County. As a private institution, SMU generally does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more straightforward to pursue claims against the university directly compared to public institutions. Our firm’s deep experience in Texas courts, including Dallas County, enables us to navigate the complexities of litigation against private universities and their associated organizations effectively. This regional expertise is particularly valuable for families from distant Culberson County who may need guidance on legal procedures in a major metropolitan area like Dallas.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For families in Culberson County with connections to SMU, specific preventative and responsive measures are important:

• Deep Dive into Organizational Culture: Given less public transparency, engage in more informal research. Talk to alumni, older students, and campus staff about the true “culture” of desired organizations, looking beyond official statements.
• Be Wary of Secrecy: Any organization that demands excessive secrecy, especially about activities related to new member education, should be a red flag. Educate your child that demanding secrecy is a hallmark of hazing.
• Focus on Documentation: Given that internal reports may not be public, meticulous personal documentation of any suspected hazing is paramount. This includes all digital communications, physical evidence, and detailed personal notes.
• Consider Early Legal Consultation: For private universities like SMU, the process of investigating hazing and pursuing accountability can be different. Consulting with Attorney911 early can help strategize how to best collect evidence, negotiate with university officials, and protect your child’s rights without the constraints of public university immunity.
• Leverage Private Status: While private universities can sometimes limit public information, their lack of sovereign immunity can also simplify the legal process for victims seeking justice. Our firm’s knowledge of Dallas County courts and private institution liability can empower families from Culberson County to pursue meaningful accountability.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a unique place among Texas institutions, known for its strong faith-based mission, academic programs, and passionate athletic teams. Drawing students who value its distinct community from throughout Texas, including Culberson County, Baylor presents a complex landscape where allegations of hazing must be understood within its broader cultural and historical context of institutional oversight challenges.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is the world’s largest Baptist university and a central institution in Waco, Texas. It fosters a vibrant student life with strong traditions, a successful athletic program, and a significant Greek community that operates under its Panhellenic, IFC, NPHC, and Multicultural Greek councils. Baylor prides itself on its Christian identity and commitment to student welfare. However, the university has faced considerable scrutiny in recent years over its handling of various student conduct issues, particularly sexual assault allegations within its athletic program, which has led to widespread institutional reform efforts. This history underscores the importance of scrutinizing how any institution, regardless of its mission, addresses misconduct like hazing.

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor University maintains a comprehensive anti-hazing policy that strictly prohibits any actions that endanger the mental or physical health or safety of students for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. Baylor’s policies align with Texas law and specifically outline behaviors considered hazing, including:

• Illegal consumption of alcohol or controlled substances.
• Physical abuse, forced calisthenics, or sleep deprivation.
• Humiliation, verbal abuse, or any activity that compromises a student’s dignity.
• All policies apply to registered student organizations both on and off campus.

Baylor’s reporting mechanisms include the Dean of Students Office, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and an anonymous reporting hotline. The university emphasizes its “zero tolerance” for hazing, a stance that has been under intense internal and external review given its past institutional challenges regarding student safety and oversight.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history of challenges with institutional oversight provides a crucial backdrop for any hazing allegations. While specific hazing incidents are not always publicly detailed by Baylor to the same extent as some public universities, significant events have been reported:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): In a high-profile incident, 14 Baylor baseball players were suspended following a university investigation into hazing within the team. The suspensions were staggered over the early part of the baseball season to minimize impact on the team, leading to questions about the severity of the hazing and the effectiveness of the sanctions. This event, occurring just a few years after the university’s major sexual assault scandal concerning its football program, further highlighted Baylor’s ongoing struggle with student misconduct and the effectiveness of its “zero tolerance” policies across all athletic and student organizations.
• Recurring, but less publicized, incidents: Like other universities, Baylor continuously addresses internal allegations of hazing within Greek organizations and other clubs, often resulting in disciplinary actions against students and, less frequently, full chapter suspensions. However, the details of these incidents are often kept internal, typical of private institutions.

These incidents are not isolated but provide context concerning Baylor’s broader cultural and oversight challenges. They underscore that official “zero tolerance” statements must be matched by rigorous enforcement and transparent accountability to prevent similar misconduct from recurring.

5.2.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at Baylor University, criminal investigations would typically be handled by the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) for incidents on campus. Off-campus incidents within Waco would fall under the jurisdiction of the Waco Police Department (WPD) or the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office.

Civil lawsuits against individuals, the local chapter, the national organization, or Baylor University itself would be filed in the courts of McLennan County. As a private institution, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more amenable to direct claims against the university compared to public institutions. However, Baylor’s strong institutional legal team means that pursuing such claims requires highly experienced counsel. Our firm’s expertise in navigating the complexities of lawsuits against private universities, combined with our knowledge of McLennan County courts, provides families from Culberson County with robust legal representation to seek justice and accountability within Baylor’s unique institutional framework.

5.2.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For families in Culberson County sending children to Baylor, specific precautions and awareness are paramount:

• Understand Baylor’s History: Be aware of Baylor’s recent history regarding institutional oversight and student safety. This context helps in evaluating how effectively the university might respond to new hazing allegations.
• Question “Tradition”: Encourage students to critically evaluate any “tradition” that involves secrecy, forced activities, or any behavior that makes them uncomfortable or unsafe. Remind them that true Christian values, central to Baylor, do not involve degrading others.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: As with other private institutions, detailed personal documentation of all communications (digital and oral), physical evidence, and medical records related to suspected hazing is crucial, as public information can be limited.
• Prioritize Confidential Reporting: Consider anonymous reporting channels if direct confrontation feels unsafe, but understand that anonymous reports may not include the necessary detail for a robust legal case. Prioritize confidential legal consultation to ensure all options are explored whilst protecting your child’s safety.
• Engage Experienced Legal Counsel Early: Cases against private universities like Baylor, especially those with complex histories of institutional misconduct, require a legal team experienced in handling powerful defendants. Attorney911 can help families from Culberson County navigate the specific legal and cultural landscape of Baylor University to pursue comprehensive accountability and compensation.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Understanding that many fraternities and sororities with chapters at University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor are part of larger national organizations is crucial for families in Culberson County seeking accountability. The history of hazing is often not isolated to a single chapter but reflects entrenched patterns within national structures.

Why National Histories Matter

When a student from Culberson County joins a chapter of, say, Pi Kappa Alpha at UT Austin, they are not just joining a local club. They are becoming part of a national organization with bylaws, governance, and a history. Many of these national organizations:

• Have extensive anti-hazing policies, risk management manuals, and “zero tolerance” statements explicitly because they have witnessed hazing deaths, severe injuries, and devastating lawsuits across their chapters over many decades.
• Are aware of specific “traditions” or “rituals” (such as “Big/Little” drinking events, forced physical activity, or demeaning rituals) that have led to harm in multiple chapters.

This means that when a Texas chapter repeats a hazing script that has caused injury or death in another state, the national organization can rarely claim ignorance. Instead, such a pattern can provide powerful evidence of foreseeability. It suggests that the national body knew, or should have known, the dangers associated with particular hazing practices prevalent in their system. This knowledge, coupled with a failure to adequately prevent or respond to it, can significantly bolster arguments for negligence or even punitive damages against national entities in a civil lawsuit.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While we cannot list every single chapter at every Texas university, here’s an overview of some significant fraternities and sororities present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor (or multiple of these schools), alongside nationally known hazing issues tied to their organizations. This mapping demonstrates recurring patterns and highlights why the national context is so important in local cases.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor.
  • Brand/Identity: Often known for large social presence.
  • National Incidents: Infamous for fatal alcohol hazing. The death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) in 2021, where he was forced to consume a bottle of whiskey, led to a $10 million settlement and criminal convictions. The death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University in 2012 also involved alcohol poisoning leading to a $14 million settlement.
  • Pattern: A frequent pattern of forced binge drinking, often in “Big/Little” revealing ceremonies or initiation rites.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU.
  • Brand/Identity: One of the largest fraternities nationally; historically known for a strong presence.
  • National Incidents: SAE has a deeply concerning history of hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide, prompting them to eliminate traditional pledging processes at one point. This includes a recent traumatic brain injury lawsuit filed in 2023 at the University of Alabama chapter and a lawsuit involving severe chemical burns at Texas A&M in 2021. In January 2024, a lawsuit was filed against the UT Austin chapter after an exchange student alleged assault and suffered serious injuries.
  • Pattern: Alcohol-related deaths, physical abuse, and chemical hazing incidents, demonstrating a range of dangerous misconduct.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor.
  • Brand/Identity: A large, longstanding national fraternity.
  • National Incidents: The tragic death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University (LSU) in 2017 occurred during a forced drinking game (“Bible study”), leading to Georgia’s felony hazing law (Max Gruver Act).
  • Pattern: Forced alcohol consumption, often linked to ritualistic drinking games.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin.
  • Brand/Identity: Another significant national fraternity.
  • National Incidents: Responsible for the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017, where pledges were forced to consume excessive amounts of alcohol during a “Big Brother Night.”
  • Pattern: Extreme alcohol hazing, mirroring the “Big/Little” drinking culture seen in other organizations.
• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Present at Texas A&M and SMU.
  • Brand/Identity: Often rooted in Southern tradition.
  • National Incidents: Has faced multiple hazing allegations and suspensions across the country, including allegations of paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation that led to suspensions at SMU in 2017.
  • Pattern: Physical hazing and alcohol abuse.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU.
  • Brand/Identity: Part of the “Miami Triad” group of fraternities, known for historical presence.
  • National Incidents: Infamous for the death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University in 2017, detailed earlier, involving extreme alcohol consumption and delayed medical aid.
  • Pattern: Severe alcohol hazing and egregious failures to seek timely medical attention.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor.
  • Brand/Identity: Another large, prominent national fraternity.
  • National Incidents: In 2024, a family in South Carolina received more than $10 million in damages from Sigma Chi, one of the largest known hazing settlements, for severe physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment at the College of Charleston chapter.
  • Pattern: A history of physical abuse, forced substance use, and psychological hazing.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it illustrates a critical point: the issues are systemic. Many organizations with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor have national histories littered with similar, violent hazing incidents.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For families in Culberson County pursuing a hazing claim, these national and campus-specific patterns are not just historical footnotes; they are powerful legal tools:

• Foreseeability and Prior Warnings: When a specific hazing practice (e.g., “Big/Little” alcohol night) has previously led to injury or death in another chapter of the same national fraternity, it becomes difficult for that national organization to claim they “couldn’t have foreseen” the danger in Texas. This establishes foreseeability, a critical element in proving negligence.
• Pattern Evidence: Showing a repeating pattern of similar hazing across multiple chapters of a national organization can demonstrate that the organization had a systemic problem and failed to adequately address it, despite its anti-hazing policies.
• Impact on Insurance Coverage: Faced with a history of similar incidents, insurance companies for national fraternities and universities may find it harder to argue that the hazing was an “unforeseeable act” or an “intentional act” exclusion. Experienced hazing lawyers can leverage this national history to compel insurers to defend and indemnify their clients.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, repeated failures to act on known hazing risks, despite prior warnings and tragedies, can open the door to claims for punitive damages. These damages are designed not just to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant for egregious conduct and deter similar actions in the future.

By meticulously researching and presenting the national and campus-specific histories of hazing, The Manginello Law Firm demonstrates that such incidents are rarely isolated. Instead, they are often linked to a predictable—and therefore preventable—pattern of behavior that powerful institutions have, at times, allowed to persist.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully pursuing justice in a hazing case requires a meticulous approach to gathering evidence, a deep understanding of the types of damages that can be recovered, and a sophisticated legal strategy. For families in Culberson County, navigating these complexities can seem daunting, but an experienced legal team like Attorney911 knows how to build a powerful case that holds institutions accountable.

Evidence

In the age of digital communication, hazing often leaves a detailed, albeit hidden, trail. Our firm specializes in uncovering and preserving this critical evidence:

• Digital Communications: These are often the most central pieces of evidence in modern hazing cases. This includes group chats and direct messages (DMs) from platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, and Instagram. These messages often reveal the planning, explicit instructions, coercion, and real-time reactions to hazing incidents. Importantly, even “disappearing” messages or deleted chats can sometimes be recovered through digital forensics. We advise families to immediately screenshot any such communications before they are lost.
• Photos & Videos: Victims or other participants often take photos or videos during hazing events. This content, whether shared in private group chats, posted on social media, or found on personal devices, can be invaluable. Additionally, security camera footage from houses, common areas, or venues, as well as doorbell cameras (such as Ring), can place individuals at the scene or capture events.
• Internal Organization Documents: Subpoenas can uncover pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, calendars of events, and internal emails or text messages between officers detailing plans for interactions with new members. These documents can reveal whether hazing practices were explicitly planned or tacitly endorsed.
• University Records: Through legal discovery and public records requests, we can access a university’s internal files. This may include prior conduct violations for the offending organization, probation or suspension records, warnings issued to the chapter, incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices, and even internal emails between administrators discussing the organization. These records are vital for demonstrating a pattern of neglect or a failure to act.
• Medical and Psychological Records: Comprehensive medical documentation is critical for any personal injury case. This includes emergency room reports, hospitalization records, surgery and rehabilitation notes, and toxicology reports (especially in alcohol-related incidents). For psychological harm, evaluations from psychiatrists or psychologists diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions are essential. These records prove the extent of physical and mental suffering.
• Witness Testimony: The accounts of other pledges, active members who saw what happened (or spoke out against it), roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, or even independent bystanders can be crucial. Sometimes, former members who quit or were expelled due to hazing are willing to provide candid testimony.

Damages

When hazing causes injury or death, victims and their families can pursue various types of damages. While we cannot guarantee outcomes or specific amounts, a successful civil case aims to compensate for all losses.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This includes compensation for all past medical expenses (e.g., ambulance, ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy) and projected future medical costs. For catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury or organ damage, this can involve multi-million-dollar life care plans covering decades of specialized medical and personal care.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: If hazing caused a student to miss semesters, withdraw from school, or left them with injuries that impact their ability to work, they can recover lost wages and compensation for diminished future earning capacity. This also covers the financial impact of lost scholarships or delayed entry into their chosen profession.
• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for subjective but profound forms of suffering, including physical pain and suffering, emotional distress (such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression), the humiliation and degradation experienced during hazing, and the loss of enjoyment of life (e.g., inability to participate in sports or social activities they once loved).
• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In cases where hazing results in a fatality, surviving family members (parents, spouses, children) can seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and, critically, the profound loss of companionship, love, comfort, and society. This also includes the grief and emotional suffering endured by the closest family members.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, reckless, or malicious, and they demonstrated a knowing disregard for the safety of others, punitive damages may be sought. These are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. Texas law has some caps on punitive damages, but they remain a powerful tool for accountability.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation often involves several layers of defendants, each with their own legal counsel and, crucially, insurance policies.

• Insurance Policies: National fraternities, universities, and even individual officers often carry substantial insurance policies that can cover claims arising from hazing. However, these insurers frequently try to deny coverage, arguing that hazing constitutes “intentional acts” or “criminal acts” that are excluded from coverage.
• Navigating Disputes: Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, specializes in anticipating and challenging these common insurance tactics. We understand how to identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, scrutinize policy language for ambiguities, and argue to compel insurers to cover the defense costs and potential judgments. Our goal is to ensure that legitimate claims are not dismissed simply because an insurance company seeks to avoid its responsibilities.
• Defendant Strategies: Universities and national organizations employ sophisticated legal teams specifically designed to defend against such claims. They may attempt to blame the victim, minimize the incident, or claim it was an isolated act by “rogue individuals.” Our strategy involves systematically dismantling these defenses through compelling evidence and legal precedent. We hold every responsible party accountable, from the individual students to the highest levels of the university and national organizations.

For families in Culberson County, understanding that there are multiple avenues for accountability and that experienced legal counsel can cut through complex defenses is key to seeking justice for severe hazing-related injuries or wrongful death.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family, immediate action and access to reliable information are crucial. These practical guides and frequently asked questions are designed to empower parents, students, and witnesses in Culberson County and across Texas with the knowledge and tools they need to respond effectively.

8.1 For Parents

For parents in Culberson County, the signs of hazing can be subtle at first, but recognizing them early can make all the difference.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:
  • Unexplained Injuries: Look for bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” with inconsistent explanations.
  • Extreme Exhaustion: Sudden, severe sleep deprivation, often accompanied by falling asleep during the day or constant fatigue.
  • Drastic Mood Swings: Noticeable changes in personality, anxiety, depression, irritability, or unusual withdrawal from family or friends.
  • Secrecy and Fear: Your child might become intensely secretive about organization activities, avoid discussing their group, or express fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting down” older members.
  • Phone Obsession: Constant checking of phone for group messages at all hours, or anxiety when their phone pings.
  • Academic Decline: A sudden, unexplained drop in grades, missing classes, or neglecting assignments due to “mandatory” group events.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation calmly and non-judgmentally. Start with open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with your group?” or “Is there anything about getting initiated that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priority, not the group’s approval, and that you will support them no matter what.
• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize medical care immediately. Take photos of any injuries, including dates and timestamps. Ask your child to send you screenshots of any relevant texts, photos, or group chats. Write down everything they tell you, while the details are fresh.
• Dealing with the University: Document every conversation or email with university administrators. Ask specific questions about: prior hazing incidents involving the organization, the school’s response, and what steps they are taking to ensure safety. Be wary of university officials who try to minimize the situation or pressure you to keep matters internal without providing tangible solutions.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing what happened, it is time to contact an attorney experienced in hazing litigation. We can help you understand your legal options and protect your child’s rights.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

For students in Culberson County entering college, the desire to belong is powerful. It’s important to distinguish between genuine bonding and dangerous hazing.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Am I being coerced? Does this activity make me feel uncomfortable, unsafe, or humiliated? Would I do this if my parents or the university were watching? Are older members doing things to me that they aren’t doing themselves? If the activity creates a power imbalance, forces you to act against your will, endangers your health, or involves secrecy, it is likely hazing, regardless of what it’s called.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Texas law recognizes that “consent” given under peer pressure, within a power imbalance, or out of fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. You cannot “consent” to illegal or dangerous activities. Your feelings and your safety matter.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the absolute right to leave any organization at any time. If you feel unsafe, get to a safe place (your dorm, a trusted friend, a public area). You can report hazing anonymously to campus authorities or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE). Before formally de-pledging, consider documenting evidence. Your safety is paramount.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer “good faith reporter” immunity. This means if you seek medical help for an emergency (even if alcohol or drugs were involved), you generally will not be punished by the university or criminally charged for the alcohol/drug offense. Prioritize saving a life or getting help for yourself or a friend.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were once involved in hazing, or witnessed it, and now regret your actions or want to speak out, your testimony can be critical in preventing future harm and holding wrongdoers accountable.

• Acknowledge Your Role: It takes courage to come forward. Understand that your perspective is invaluable, regardless of your past involvement. Your unique insight can expose systemic issues.
• Prevent Future Harm: Your testimony and evidence could directly lead to the prevention of future injuries or even deaths. You have the power to break a dangerous cycle.
• Seek Legal Advice: If you are concerned about your own legal exposure (criminal or civil), it is wise to seek independent legal advice. Our criminal defense experience allows us to advise witnesses and former members on how to navigate these complexities, and cooperation can sometimes lead to more favorable outcomes. We can help you understand your rights and the implications of cooperation.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For families in Culberson County facing a hazing incident, immediate actions can make or break a potential legal claim. Avoiding these common errors is paramount:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence: What parents might think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble or be embarrassed.” Why it’s wrong: This is a critical error. Evidence deletion can appear as a cover-up, weaken your case significantly, and may even constitute obstruction of justice. What to do instead: Immediately preserve absolutely every digital communication—screenshots, photos, videos—even if it seems embarrassing now. Our video, “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case,” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs, offers crucial guidance.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: What parents might think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind!” Why it’s wrong: Organizations and their members will immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, delete communications, coach their witnesses, and prepare defenses. You will prematurely tip your hand. What to do instead: Document everything you can, then immediately consult with our legal team at Attorney911 before any direct confrontation.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms: What universities often do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your right to sue or settle for far less than your case is worth. Universities are focused on limiting their liability, not maximizing yours. What to do instead: Never sign any document from the university or organization without having an experienced attorney review it first.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer: What families might think: “I want the world to know what happened!” Why it’s wrong: Anything posted can be used by opposing counsel to discredit your child, find inconsistencies, or argue that you are attempting to tamper with public opinion. This can severely harm your credibility and legal strategy. What to do instead: Document all evidence privately. Let your legal team control public messaging strategically.
5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”: What fraternities might say: “Let’s just talk this out, one-on-one, before you do anything drastic.” Why it’s wrong: This is a common tactic to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against you. What to do instead: If you are considering legal action, all future communication with the organization should go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”: What universities often promise: “We’re investigating this internally; please let us handle it.” Why it’s wrong: While university investigations are important, they focus on internal policy violations, not necessarily maximizing your compensation or ensuring true accountability. Crucial evidence disappears quickly, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations can run out. What to do instead: Preserve all evidence now, and consult with Attorney911 immediately. University processes and legal accountability are often separate.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: What adjusters might say: “We just need your statement to process the claim.” Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters represent the interests of their policyholder, not yours. Any recorded statement can be used against you, and initial settlement offers are almost always lowball attempts. What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and inform them that your attorney will be in contact.

These mistakes, detailed in Attorney911’s video “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY, highlight the critical need for immediate legal guidance when facing a hazing incident.

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 benefit from sovereign immunity, but exceptions apply in cases of gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when suing individual employees for their tortious actions. 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?”
  Indeed, it can be. While hazing is typically a Class B misdemeanor, Texas law elevates it to a state jail felony if the hazing 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?”
  Absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 is explicit: consent is not a defense to hazing. Our legal system recognizes that “agreement” under immense peer pressure, within a significant power imbalance, or out of fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  In Texas, the general statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death cases is two years from the date of injury or death. However, exceptions like the “discovery rule” (where the clock starts when you reasonably discover the injury or its cause) or tolling for minors can extend this. Cases involving fraud or cover-ups may also have extended periods. Time is truly critical in these cases as evidence quickly disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights. Our video, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?”, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c, provides more detail.
• “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 of the organization, their knowledge of off-campus activities, and their failure to prevent foreseeable harm. Many landmark hazing cases, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat death in Pennsylvania and incidents at “unofficial” fraternity houses, have occurred off-campus and resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While some high-profile hazing cases attract media attention, most civil hazing lawsuits are resolved through confidential settlements before a trial. If desired, it is often possible to request sealed court records and include confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements to protect your child’s privacy while still pursuing accountability. We prioritize balancing your family’s privacy with your goals for justice.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family in Culberson County faces the devastating impact of hazing, you need legal representation that goes beyond general personal injury. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions — whether a national fraternity, a major university, or a celebrated athletic program — fight back, and know exactly how to secure justice even against formidable opposition.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Culberson County and all of West Texas, bringing our specialized expertise to your doorstep. We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families across the entire state. Our firm is uniquely positioned to handle complex hazing litigation due to a combination of experience and strategic advantage:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight to every case. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, she knows the playbook of large insurance companies — including those representing fraternities, soror and universities. She understands how they value (and undervalue) hazing claims, their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusions, and their settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Her profile at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/ details her extensive background.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record of taking on some of the largest defendants. He was one of the few Texas firms involved in the complex BP Texas City explosion litigation and has extensive federal court experience in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This means we are not intimidated by the vast resources or aggressive defense tactics of national fraternities, universities, or their legal teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants and secure meaningful accountability. You can learn more about Ralph’s credentials at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We don’t settle cheap. We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to value loss of life and securing multi-million dollar settlements for families. We meticulously build cases that force accountability, ensuring that lifetime care needs for brain injuries or other permanent disabilities are fully covered. Our expertise in wrongful death claims is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives our firm a unique advantage. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, allowing us to advise witnesses and former members who may face dual exposure. Our comprehensive criminal defense capabilities are outlined at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
• Investigative Depth: We conduct thorough investigations, leveraging a network of experts—medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. We are tenacious in obtaining hidden evidence, from deleted group chats and social media content to subpoenaing national fraternity records and uncovering university files through aggressive discovery and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We intimately understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments operate behind closed doors. We know how to investigate modern hazing, balance victim privacy with public accountability, and effectively prove coercion within these often insular cultures. We approach every case with empathy and a profound commitment to victim advocacy, but with the necessary tenacity to hold wrongdoers accountable. We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face, and our job is to get you answers, deliver justice, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We are about thorough investigation and real accountability, not just quick settlements. We invite you to watch our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@Manginellolawfirm for more insights.

When hazing impacts families in Culberson County, we are here to fight for what is right.

Contact Attorney911 Today for a Confidential Consultation

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

Contact The Manginello Law Firm 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 for your family.

Here’s what you can expect from your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story with compassion and discretion.
• We will review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options, including criminal reporting, a civil lawsuit, or both, in plain language.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect from the legal process.
• We will answer your questions about costs, as we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Our video “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc explains this in detail.
• There is absolutely no pressure to hire us on the spot.

Reach out to us immediately:

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. If you prefer to consult in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Whether you’re in Culberson County (West Texas), Houston, Austin, Beaumont, 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