Hazing in Texas: A Comprehensive Guide for Ellis County Families

The phone rings late, a panicked voice on the other end. Your child, home for the weekend from Texas A&M, seems withdrawn, irritable, and has unexplainable bruises. Or perhaps your student at the University of Texas at Austin calls in tears, whispering about an “initiation night” that went horribly wrong. Perhaps you live in Ellis County and your student, just down the road at a community college in Waxahachie or Midlothian, is describing extreme “team building” exercises for a new club. They’re afraid to talk, ashamed, or worried about future consequences for themselves or their friends if they reveal details.

This scenario, tragically, plays out far too often for families across Texas, including right here in Ellis County and its communities like Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, and Red Oak. It’s the moment a parent realizes their child might be caught in the dangerous web of hazing—an experience that leaves deep physical and emotional scars, and sometimes, leads to unthinkable tragedy.

Hazing is not a harmless rite of passage. It is a dangerous, illegal, and often criminal act that exploits the desire for belonging. When it happens, whether at major universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, or at smaller community colleges that serve our Ellis County students, families need answers, support, and a clear path to accountability.

This comprehensive guide is designed for families in Ellis County and across Texas who are grappling with the realities of hazing. We will explore:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The Texas and federal legal frameworks designed to combat hazing.
• The critical lessons learned from major national hazing cases and how they inform situations here in Texas.
• Specific insights into what has been happening at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University, and how these institutions address (or fail to address) the issue.
• The complex landscape of legal options available to victims and their families when seeking justice and compensation.

This article is intended as general information, not specific legal advice. We recognize the profound impact hazing has on students and their loved ones. Our firm, The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, is committed to providing clarity and advocating for victims throughout Texas, including those in Ellis County and its cities like Waxahachie and Ennis.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 for medical emergencies. Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate help—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

In the first 48 hours, every action counts:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Injuries, especially internal ones or those from alcohol poisoning, can hide initially.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it disappears or is deleted. Digital evidence, in particular, vanishes quickly.
  • Screenshot group chats, text messages, and direct messages instantly.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles and at different stages (bruises can worsen over days).
  • Save any physical items that could be evidence, such as clothing worn during the incident, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in hazing.
• Write down everything while your memory is fresh: who was involved, what exactly happened, when and where it took place, and any specific details you recall.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. Doing so can lead them to destroy evidence or coach witnesses.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel reviewing it first. These documents often include waivers that can forfeit your legal rights.
  • Post details on public social media. This can compromise your case and be used against you.
  • Allow your child to delete messages or “clean up” any evidence. This is crucial for building a strong case.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast. Deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, and coached witnesses are common tactics to cover up hazing.
• Universities often move quickly to control the narrative and minimize their liability.
• We can help preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s legal rights.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate and confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For Ellis County families, the image of hazing might still be rooted in movies or outdated headlines. However, modern hazing is far more insidious, complex, and dangerous than the “pranks” or “jokes” of previous generations. It has evolved to hide better, inflict more psychological damage, and often involves life-threatening physical and substance abuse.

Hazing, in plain English, is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person or a group, directed against a student, for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office, or maintaining membership in any organization. Crucially, this act endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or involves coercing them to consume any drug or alcoholic beverage. If someone makes you do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, especially if they are reckless about the risks, that’s hazing under Texas law. The assertion “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal, particularly when overwhelming peer pressure and power imbalances are involved.

Main Categories of Hazing Today

Hazing manifests in various escalating forms, designed to break down a new member’s individuality and unquestioning loyalty to the group.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing

This remains the most common and deadly form of hazing. Students are coerced or pressured into severe levels of intoxication, often with devastating consequences.

• Forced or coerced drinking: This can involve being told to “finish the bottle” or consume multiple drinks in rapid succession.
• “Lineups” and drinking games: Pledges are often lined up and forced to chug quantities of alcohol, or participate in games where “losing” means consuming more. “Big/Little” nights, where new members are expected to bond with an older member over excessive alcohol, are a repeating script for disaster.
• Consumption of unknown or mixed substances: In extreme cases, new members are pressured to ingest unknown pills, drugs, or bizarre concoctions with alcohol.

Physical Hazing

While often attempts are made to disguise it as “physical conditioning,” this form of hazing intentionally inflicts discomfort, pain, or injury.

• Paddling and beatings: These involve striking pledges with hands, paddles, or other objects, often leaving bruises, welts, or worse.
• Extreme calisthenics or “workouts”: Pledges are forced to perform hundreds of push-ups, sit-ups, or other exercises to the point of exhaustion, muscle failure, or injury (including rhabdomyolysis – severe muscle breakdown).
• Sleep and food/water deprivation: New members may be kept awake for days on end, or denied adequate food and water, leading to extreme fatigue, disorientation, and health risks.
• Exposure to dangerous environments: This includes being left in cold or hot conditions for extended periods, or forced to perform tasks in hazardous locations.

Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing

These acts are designed to degrade, shame, and psychologically break down new members, often with a sexual component.

• Forced nudity or partial nudity: Pledges may be forced to strip, or wear degrading costumes that expose them to public humiliation.
• Simulated sexual acts: This can involve being forced to perform or participate in acts that mimic sexual activity, often in public or in front of others. Examples include the “elephant walk” or “roasted pig” positions.
• Racist, sexist, or homophobic acts: Hazing often involves the use of slurs, demeaning jokes, or role-playing stereotypes that target a new member’s race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Psychological Hazing

Often underestimated, psychological hazing inflicts severe emotional and mental distress without direct physical contact.

• Verbal abuse and threats: Constant yelling, insults, intimidation, and threats of social exclusion or physical harm.
• Isolation and manipulation: Pledges may be cut off from friends and family, forced to lie, or subjected to mind games that distort their perception of reality.
• Public shaming: Humiliation through public acts, social media posts, or “roasts” where new members are verbally attacked.

Digital/Online Hazing

The rise of technology has provided new, insidious avenues for hazing that are harder to detect and document.

• Group chat dares and humiliation: Pledges are forced to perform embarrassing acts, create degrading content, or respond to constant demands via GroupMe, WhatsApp, Snapchat, or Discord. Failure to respond can result in punishment.
• Pressure to share compromising content: Coercion to create or distribute embarrassing photos or videos of oneself or others.
• Social media policing: Restricting what new members can post, and using social media to monitor their activities outside the organization.
• Geo-location tracking: Requiring pledges to share their live location via apps like Find My Friends, creating a constant sense of surveillance and control.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to the stereotypical “frat house.” It is a problem that permeates various campus organizations across socioeconomic backgrounds and university types. While Ellis County families might associate it primarily with large university Greek life, the truth is broad.

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes IFC (Interfraternity Council), Panhellenic, NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council), and multicultural Greek organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Highly structured environments with traditions that, if unchecked, can lead to severe hazing.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Groups like cheerleading, dance teams, and university spirit organizations can harbor hazing under the guise of “team bonding” or upholding tradition. The “Absolute Texxas” Spirit Group at UT Austin, for example, was disciplined for hazing in 2022.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to swim teams and intramural clubs, athletes often face intense pressure and “initiation” rituals. The Northwestern University football scandal highlighted this truth on a national stage.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous organizations can fall prey to hazing, as tragically shown in the Robert Champion case involving the Florida A&M University marching band.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with new members and a hierarchy can potentially engage in hazing, though it might be more subtle.

The common threads that allow these dangerous practices to persist are social status, tradition, and secrecy. The desire to belong, fear of exclusion, and implicit pressure to conform can blind new members to the dangers until it’s too late. The “code of silence” is fiercely enforced, making it difficult for victims to come forward and for authorities to intervene. For Ellis County families, understanding this broad scope is crucial, as their children might be involved in any of these types of organizations at schools both near and far, from Waxahachie to College Station.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Ellis County grappling with the trauma of hazing, understanding the legal landscape is paramount. Texas has specific laws designed to combat hazing, and these state laws are increasingly complemented by federal initiatives aimed at transparency and prevention. It’s important to remember that legal frameworks aim to both punish perpetrators and provide recourse for victims.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas law is clear: hazing is illegal and carries significant penalties. The primary legal framework can be found in the Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F (Hazing).

According to this statute, hazing is defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, OR
• Involves coercing a student to consume any drug or alcoholic beverage.
• The act must occur for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

This definition is crucial for Ellis County families to understand. It means:

• Location doesn’t matter: Hazing can occur on university property, at an off-campus house, or during a retreat in a remote location.
• Mental or physical harm: It doesn’t have to be a physical beating. Extreme psychological abuse, humiliation, or sleep deprivation also qualify.
• Intent isn’t always key: The act doesn’t have to be maliciously intended to be hazing; “reckless” behavior (i.e., knowing the risk and proceeding anyway) is sufficient.
• “Consent” is not a defense: Even if a student technically “agreed” to participate, Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense because of the inherent power imbalance and coercive nature of hazing.

Criminal Penalties for Hazing in Texas

Hazing has serious criminal consequences in Texas, affecting not only the individuals involved but sometimes the organizations themselves.

• Class B Misdemeanor: This is the default classification for hazing that doesn’t result in serious injury. Penalties can include up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes an injury requiring medical treatment, it escalates to a Class A Misdemeanor, with potential penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
• State Jail Felony: Critically, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a state jail felony. This classification can lead to a prison sentence ranging from 180 days to two years, in addition to fines.

Furthermore, individuals who are members or officers of an organization and fail to report known hazing can face misdemeanor charges. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor offense.

Organizational Liability

Organizations themselves (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) are not immune. They can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or someone acting in an official capacity for the organization knew about the hazing and failed to report it or intervene.
  Penalties for organizations can include fines of up to $10,000 per violation, and universities can revoke recognition, effectively banning the group from campus. This highlights that accountability extends beyond individual students to the very institutions that govern them.

Reporter Protections

Texas law offers immunity for good-faith reporting. A person who reports a hazing incident in good faith to a university or law enforcement agency is generally immune from civil or criminal liability stemming from that report. Additionally, for medical emergencies, Texas law and university policies often offer amnesty to students who call 911 for help, even if they were consuming alcohol underage or involved in the hazing themselves. This is designed to encourage reporting and prioritize saving lives, although fear of reprisal can still make reporting difficult.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s common for families in Ellis County and beyond to be confused about the differences between criminal and civil legal actions, especially when tragedy strikes. Both are important avenues for justice but serve different purposes.

• Criminal Cases:

  • Brought by the state (district attorney or prosecutor) against individuals or organizations suspected of breaking the law.
  • The aim is punishment, which can include jail time, fines, probation, or community service.
  • In hazing cases, typical criminal charges can range from misdemeanor hazing to state jail felony hazing (for serious injury or death), furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, or even manslaughter.

• Civil Cases:

  • Brought by victims—or their surviving family members in wrongful death cases—against individuals, organizations, and institutions.
  • The aim is monetary compensation (damages) for the harm suffered, and to hold accountable all responsible parties (known as “accountability”).
  • Civil cases often focus on legal theories like: negligence (failure to act responsibly), gross negligence (extreme disregard for safety), wrongful death (when a death is caused by someone else’s negligence), negligent supervision (failure to adequately supervise student activities), premises liability ( unsafe conditions on property), or intentional torts (assault, battery).

Crucially, a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case. The legal standards of proof are different. A person or organization can be found liable in a civil case even if no criminal charges were filed or if they were acquitted in criminal court. In fact, many major hazing settlements and verdicts have occurred without corresponding criminal convictions.

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

While state law governs many aspects of hazing, federal regulations also play an increasing role in encouraging transparency and demanding action from universities.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation requires colleges and universities that receive federal funding to:

  • Publicly report hazing incidents and related disciplinary actions in more detail than before.
  • Strengthen hazing prevention programs and education for students and faculty.
  • Maintain and publish comprehensive data on hazing violations.
    This act aims to increase transparency and empower students and families with crucial information about campus safety, with many of its provisions phasing in by around 2026.

• Title IX / Clery Act:

  • Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based humiliation, or hostile environments, it can trigger a university’s Title IX obligations. This can require the university to investigate, provide remedies, and take steps to prevent recurrence, irrespective of campus hazing policies alone.
  • The Clery Act requires colleges and universities to report campus crime data and issue timely warnings about threats to campus safety. Hazing incidents involving assaults, sexual offenses, or alcohol/drug violations often overlap with Clery-reportable crimes, compelling institutions to disclose these events.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

One of the complexities for Ellis County families seeking justice is identifying all potentially liable parties. Hazing often involves multiple layers of responsibility.

• Individual Students: Those who planned, orchestrated, participated in, or permitted the hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes members who supplied alcohol, carried out physical abuse, or actively covered up incidents.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be sued if it is recognized as a legal entity. Officers, pledge educators, or other leaders acting in an official capacity are often key defendants.
• National Fraternity / Sorority: Most local groups are part of national organizations. These national HQs often set policies, collect dues, provide training, and supervise local chapters. If a national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (especially from past incidents at other chapters) and failed to take effective action, they can be held liable. Their liability can also stem from negligent supervision or endorsement of practices that foreseeably lead to harm.
• University or Governing Board: Colleges and universities can be held liable for negligence, gross negligence, or (in some cases) civil rights violations. This can happen if they:
  • Knew about prior hazing incidents (especially at the same organization) and failed to intervene effectively.
  • Had inadequate anti-hazing policies or failed to enforce them consistently.
  • Provided negligent supervision of student activities or advisors.
  • Had staff (like advisors or campus police) who were aware of hazing and failed to report or stop it.
    Public institutions like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin benefit from sovereign immunity protection under Texas law, making it more challenging but not impossible to sue them directly. Exceptions exist for gross negligence, certain operational failures, or when a federal claim (like Title IX) waives immunity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor typically do not have sovereign immunity.
• Third Parties: Depending on the specifics of the incident, other entities might also bear responsibility:
  • Property Owners: Landlords of off-campus houses or event venues where hazing occurred may be liable if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities.
  • Alcohol Providers: Bars, liquor stores, or individuals who illegally furnished alcohol to minors could face liability under Texas Dram Shop laws.
  • Other Involved Parties: This might include security companies, event organizers, or even individuals who facilitated the hazing.

Every hazing case is fact-specific, and the liable parties can vary widely. An experienced hazing attorney can help Ellis County families identify all potential defendants and build a comprehensive case, whether at a major university or a local campus.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When hazing makes headlines, it’s often a tragedy that sparks outrage and calls for change. For Ellis County families, understanding these landmark national cases is crucial because they reveal patterns, establish precedents, and highlight the severe consequences of hazing that apply directly to situations in Texas. These stories are not isolated incidents; they represent systemic failures and often involve national organizations that have chapters on Texas campuses like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The vast majority of hazing-related deaths are due to forced or coerced alcohol consumption. These cases often share a heartbreakingly similar script: intense pressure to drink, delay in seeking medical help, and a pervasive culture of secrecy.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most high-profile hazing cases, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” night involving extreme drinking. Security camera footage from the fraternity house showed him falling repeatedly and being left unattended for hours before anyone called 911. Following his death, over 1,000 criminal charges were filed against 18 fraternity members. The tragedy led to civil litigation with confidential settlements and the passing of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, significantly strengthening anti-hazing penalties. For Ellis County families, this case is a stark reminder that extreme intoxication and a delay in calling for help are devastatingly common, and that justice can involve both criminal and civil avenues.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume them rapidly. Multiple fraternity members were prosecuted, and FSU temporarily suspended all Greek life activities in response. The incident spurred a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida. This case underscores how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster, even when national organizations have explicit anti-hazing policies.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly. After his death, numerous members were charged, with one convicted of negligent homicide. The civil case resulted in confidential settlements. Crucially, Louisiana enacted the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute, demonstrating that legislative change often follows massive public outcry and clear evidence of hazing.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, also 20, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume a fifth of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night. Multiple fraternity members were convicted of hazing-related offenses. His family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This case vividly illustrates that universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities, and that national organizations bear a heavy burden when their chapters repeat dangerous patterns. The settlement, which showed individual officers can face massive personal liability (as seen with a separate court order for a former president to pay $6.5 million to the family), strengthened Ohio’s anti-hazing laws.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, hazing often involves extreme physical abuse and degrading rituals that can turn deadly.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College / Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, 19, died after a brutal “glass ceiling” ritual during a fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and weighted down with a backpack, he was repeatedly tackled. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours after he became unresponsive. The national fraternity, Pi Delta Psi, was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, and was banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This landmark case demonstrates that hazing often happens at off-campus “retreats” to avoid detection, and that national organizations can face severe criminal and civil sanctions for the conduct of their chapters.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue across various student organizations, including high-profile athletic programs, as the following case illustrates.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Multiple former football players came forward alleging widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over many years. This included forced sexual acts, racial discrimination, and verbal abuse. The scandal led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and coaching staff, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later settled a wrongful-termination suit confidentially), and a wider investigation into athletic programs. This case is crucial for Ellis County families to understand that hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs, and that universities can face significant legal exposure for systemic abuse by their coaches and staff.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies reveal disturbing common threads:

• Foreseeable Risks: Forced drinking, humiliation, violence, and a “code of silence” are not isolated incidents but predictable patterns within certain organizational cultures.
• Delayed Medical Care & Cover-ups: In nearly every fatal hazing case, there was a significant delay in seeking critical medical attention, often coupled with deliberate attempts to destroy evidence or coach witnesses.
• Accountability After Tragedy: While legislative reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements are often achieved, they typically arrive only after a death or catastrophic injury, through the persistence of grieving families and dedicated legal teams.
• Institutional Liability: These cases demonstrate that liability often extends beyond the individual students directly involved to the local chapters, national organizations, and even the universities themselves for their roles in negligent supervision or failure to address known hazards.

For Ellis County families whose children attend or may attend universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, these national lessons are incredibly relevant. The same types of incidents, often involving the very same national fraternities and hazing methods, have occurred and continue to occur within Texas. You are not alone; an experienced Texas hazing attorney can leverage these precedents to seek justice in your case.

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

For Ellis County families, understanding the specific landscape of hazing at major Texas universities is paramount. Each institution has its own culture, policies, and history with hazing. While our firm is based in Houston, serving clients throughout Texas means we are intimately familiar with the unique contexts of these schools. Whether your child attends one of these campuses or a local college in Waxahachie or Midlothian, the underlying legal principles and need for strong advocacy remain the same.

5.1 The University of Houston (UH)

Families from Ellis County often send their children to the University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus roughly an hour and a half drive away from Waxahachie, making it a common destination for our local students seeking a diverse educational experience in a major city.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a large, dynamic public university located in the heart of Houston. It boasts a diverse student body, a significant commuter population alongside vibrant on-campus living, and a thriving Greek life system that includes Houston Panhellenic Council (HPC) sororities, Interfraternity Council (IFC) fraternities, Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) organizations, and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) chapters, often referred to as the “Divine Nine.” Beyond Greek life, UH features numerous cultural, academic, and athletic organizations, all susceptible to hazing.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

UH maintains a clear stance against hazing, defining it broadly and prohibiting it both on and off campus. Their policies strictly forbid activities that endanger mental or physical health, including forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, psychological abuse, and any act of humiliation for initiation or membership. Reporting channels are available through the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). While UH provides a statement on its website, detailed public disciplinary records are not as transparent as some other Texas universities.

5.1.3 Example Incidents & Responses

The University of Houston has faced its share of hazing allegations and disciplinary actions. A notable case involved Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) in 2016. Pledges allegedly endured sleep deprivation and were denied adequate food and water during a multi-day event. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being violently slammed onto a surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and was ultimately suspended by the university. Other groups have been disciplined for “behavior likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse and policy violations. These incidents highlight the university’s efforts to address violations, but also underscore the persistent challenges of enforcing anti-hazing policies, even in a major urban environment like Houston.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Ellis County families, a hazing incident at UH could involve several agencies. Criminal investigations might be conducted by UHPD if the incident occurred on campus, or by the Houston Police Department if it was off-campus within city limits. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in courts within Harris County (where Houston is located), given that UH is a public institution and some cases against public universities must navigate sovereign immunity, requiring claims of gross negligence or specific waiver exceptions. Potential defendants could include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university itself, its employees, or property owners of off-campus venues.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Report immediately: Utilize UH’s official reporting channels (Dean of Students, UHPD) but also consider reporting to the Houston Police Department for off-campus incidents.
• Document Everything: Actively screenshot all group chats, texts, and social media posts. Photograph injuries or degrading conditions.
• Understand Prior Discipline: While less transparent than some schools, research any publicly available information on prior hazing violations involving the specific organization at UH.
• Consult Houston-based Legal Expertise: An attorney experienced in hazing cases in the Houston area can help uncover prior disciplinary records, advise on dealing with university investigations, and skillfully navigate the complexities of Harris County courts.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University holds a unique cultural position in Texas, and many rural and suburban Ellis County families have deep ties to its traditions. Located in College Station, roughly a two-hour drive from Waxahachie, Texas A&M is a significant destination for students from our region.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its deeply ingrained traditions, passionate alumni network, and, of course, the Corps of Cadets. This military-aligned organization, alongside a robust Greek life (IFC, Collegiate Panhellenic Council, Multicultural Greek Council, NPHC), numerous spirit organizations, and athletic teams, forms a unique and often intense student environment. The strong emphasis on tradition and unity, while fostering camaraderie, can sometimes create fertile ground for hazing under the guise of “earning your Aggie Ring” or “building brotherhood.”

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M’s hazing policy prohibits all forms of hazing, whether on or off campus, and applies to student organizations, individuals, and the Corps of Cadets. Their policy clearly states that “consent” is not a defense. Reporting can be made through the Student Conduct Office, Campus Police, or directly to leadership within the Corps of Cadets for members of that program. Texas A&M endeavors to publish disciplinary actions, though often with less detail than UT Austin.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced several high-profile hazing incidents, often highlighting the tension between tradition and safety.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (2021): In a particularly disturbing case, two pledges alleged they were subjected to a severe hazing ritual where substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit were poured on them, causing severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended for two years, and the pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity, underscoring the extreme physical dangers of hazing.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a federal lawsuit alleging degrading hazing within the Corps. This included being beaten, verbally abused, and forced into simulated sexual acts, including being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit, seeking over $1 million, brought national attention to hazing within military-style programs and raised questions about oversight within the Corps. While Texas A&M stated it addressed the matter internally, it highlighted the challenges of hazing within such a tradition-bound institution.
• Kappa Sigma (2023): Ongoing litigation surfaced allegations of hazing resulting in severe injuries, specifically rhabdomyolysis, a dangerous muscle breakdown caused by overexertion or extreme physical abuse, further illustrating the severe physical risks.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Ellis County families, a hazing incident at Texas A&M typically involves criminal investigations by the College Station Police Department (for off-campus incidents) or the Texas A&M University Police Department. Civil lawsuits would be filed in courts within Brazos County, where College Station is located. As a large public university, Texas A&M often invokes sovereign immunity, necessitating a focus on gross negligence or specific government liability claims when suing the institution itself. However, individual members, the local chapter, and the national organization can still be sued directly. Cases involving the Corps of Cadets may also implicate specific military-adjacent legal frameworks.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Be aware of Corps culture: For students in the Corps, understand the line between challenging tradition and illegal hazing. Document any activities that cross this line.
• Report and Document Everything: Capture all communications and visual evidence. Contact the Student Conduct Office or Texas A&M Police.
• Seek Regional Legal Advice: An attorney familiar with College Station and Brazos County courts, and the nuances of Texas A&M’s institutional policies and sovereign immunity, is critical. Our firm reaches out to families across the Brazos Valley, including from Ellis County.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The flagship institution of Texas, the University of Texas at Austin, draws a significant number of students from Ellis County and the broader Central Texas region. For our Ellis County families, understanding the hazing landscape at UT is crucial, as their children are highly likely to attend this prestigious but often large and complex campus, about 2.5 to 3 hours drive from Waxahachie.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a sprawling university with a massive Greek life presence (over 60 fraternity and sorority chapters across IFC, University Panhellenic Council, NPHC, Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council, and other multicultural groups), along with dozens of spirit groups, clubs, and athletic teams. The campus culture is vibrant and diverse, but its sheer size and decentralized nature can sometimes make oversight challenging, despite the university’s proactive stance on hazing prevention awareness.

5.3.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

UT Austin has a robust and publicly accessible anti-hazing policy. Their “Institutional Rules” strongly prohibit hazing, provide clear definitions, and outline severe penalties for individuals and organizations found in violation. Crucially, UT is notable for its public Hazing Violations and Disciplinary History page, which lists organizations, dates of incidents, a summary of the conduct, and the disciplinary actions taken. This transparency is a valuable resource for Ellis County families researching potential organizations. Reporting can be made through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, or the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Example Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public hazing log reveals a consistent pattern of violations across various types of organizations.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): The chapter was found to have directed new members to consume milk rapidly and perform strenuous calisthenics, which was deemed hazing. It led to their probation and a requirement to implement new hazing prevention education. This incident, while less severe than some, demonstrates the university’s attention to even subtle forms of physical and substance hazing.
• Texas Wranglers (Spirit Organization): This well-known spirit group has faced multiple disciplinary actions for forced physical activity, alcohol-related hazing, and other prohibited practices over the years. This underscores that non-Greek organizations are equally susceptible to hazing culture.
• Other organizations, including social fraternities and sororities, have accumulated disciplinary records for forced workouts, sleep deprivation, and activities designed to degrade members.

This level of transparency, while painful for the organizations involved, provides powerful evidence for Ellis County families. Recurring violations at an organization demonstrate a pattern of behavior and the university’s prior knowledge of the issue.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Ellis County families, a hazing incident at UT Austin could be criminally investigated by UTPD or the Austin Police Department. Civil lawsuits against individuals, local chapters, and national organizations would typically proceed in Travis County courts. Given UT’s status as a public institution, specific claims (such as gross negligence) are often necessary to overcome sovereign immunity when suing the university itself. The public record of hazing violations maintained by UT Austin can be a critical piece of evidence in civil cases, establishing a pattern of conduct and the university’s awareness.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

• Check the Hazing Violations Page: Before joining any organization, Ellis County families should review UT’s official hazing violation history (search “UT Austin hazing violations”).
• Utilize Reporting Channels: Report any hazing incidents to the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, or UTPD.
• Document Consistently: Screenshot absolutely everything and photograph any visible injuries.
• Seek Austin-area Legal Counsel: An attorney with experience in Travis County courts and specific knowledge of UT’s policies and public records can significantly strengthen a case.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Located in Dallas, SMU is a private university that attracts families from Ellis County who prioritize strong academics and a traditional campus experience, often with a robust Greek life. Dallas is approximately an hour’s drive north of our communities like Waxahachie and Ennis.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University is a prestigious private institution known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and a generally affluent student body. Greek life plays a particularly prominent role in the social scene, with a strong presence from both Panhellenic and IFC organizations. Like any university, SMU also hosts a wide array of athletic teams, cultural groups, and academic associations, all of which could potentially be involved in hazing.

5.4.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies, defining hazing broadly to include any form of physical, mental, or emotional harm associated with group affiliation. As a private university, SMU controls its own disciplinary processes and is not subject to the same public reporting requirements as state schools in Texas (though the Stop Campus Hazing Act will impose some federal requirements by 2026). SMU provides various reporting mechanisms, including the Office of the Dean of Students, the SMU Police Department, and anonymous online reporting tools like “Real Response.” They publish a list of student organization conduct statuses, including those on disciplinary probation or suspension for hazing.

5.4.3 Example Incidents & Responses

SMU has also dealt with hazing incidents, demonstrating that it is an issue across all university types.

• Kappa Alpha Order (2017): This fraternity chapter was suspended after reports emerged of new members being actively paddled, forced to consume excessive alcohol, and deprived of sleep during initiation. The chapter faced a multi-year suspension and recruiting restrictions, highlighting SMU’s capacity to take firm disciplinary action.
• SMU’s public registry of organizations on probation or suspension often includes various fraternities and sororities for hazing-related offenses (e.g., alcohol violations, undisclosed organized activities with new members).

While SMU is not subject to the same level of public transparency as state universities, their internal disciplinary actions show they are actively confronting hazing within their private institution.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Ellis County families, criminal investigations related to hazing at SMU would typically be handled by the SMU Police Department (on-campus) or the Dallas Police Department (off-campus). Civil lawsuits would be filed in Dallas County courts. As a private institution, SMU generally does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially easier to sue the university directly for negligence compared to public counterparts. Potential defendants could include individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, the university, and potentially its employees like advisors or coaches.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Check SMU’s Disciplinary Status Page: Before joining, review SMU’s public listing of organizations on probation or suspension (search “SMU student organization conduct status”).
• Understand Private University Dynamics: Private institutions have different internal processes and less public oversight. This means thorough documentation and legal counsel are even more vital.
• Seek Dallas-area Legal Counsel: An attorney with experience in Dallas County courts and who understands the unique legal and cultural aspects of private university accountability is highly advantageous for Ellis County families.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, located in Waco, is a private Christian university about an hour and a half to two hours drive from Ellis County. Many families from communities like Ennis and Palmer choose Baylor for its strong academic programs and faith-based environment.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is the world’s largest Baptist university, known for its strong academic rigor, vibrant campus life, and deep Christian traditions. It has a significant Greek life presence (Panhellenic, IFC, NPHC, multicultural groups), alongside numerous highly active spirit organizations and athletic teams. Baylor has faced intense scrutiny and public criticism in the past regarding its handling of Title IX (sexual assault) issues, which has led to significant reforms in its institutional oversight and reporting mechanisms, providing a unique context for how it approaches student safety violations like hazing.

5.5.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor maintains a “zero tolerance” policy for hazing, emphasizing its Christian mission and commitment to student well-being. Their policies define hazing broadly and prohibit it both on and off campus. Baylor encourages reporting through its Equity, Civil Rights, and Title IX Office, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), and an anonymous third-party reporting service (“Ethics Point”). Following its past challenges, Baylor has focused on improving its internal investigation and disciplinary processes.

5.5.3 Example Incidents & Responses

While Baylor’s most significant recent scandals involved sexual assault, the university has also addressed hazing within its various organizations.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An internal investigation into the baseball team uncovered hazing violations, leading to the suspension of 14 players. These suspensions were staggered across the early season to minimize disruption, highlighting the university’s challenge in balancing consequences with collegiate sports. This incident placed hazing within athletic programs under the spotlight, mirroring national trends seen at Northwestern and other schools.
• Other organizations at Baylor have also faced internal disciplinary actions related to hazing, though specific details may not always be publicly disclosed due to the university’s private status, outside of its publicly reported Clery Act statistics.

Baylor’s past struggles with institutional accountability shape its current approach to student misconduct, theoretically making it more receptive to investigating allegations seriously.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Ellis County families, criminal investigations related to hazing at Baylor would typically involve the Baylor University Police Department (on-campus) or the Waco Police Department (off-campus). Civil lawsuits would be filed in McLennan County courts. As a private institution, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity, which can simplify the legal avenues for suing the university directly for negligence. However, their religious affiliation and substantial resources mean they often have robust legal defense teams.

5.2.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Be Aware of Baylor’s Reforms: Understand that Baylor has implemented significant changes in response to past institutional failings, which should, in theory, improve their response to hazing allegations.
• Utilize Reporting Systems: Use Baylor’s official reporting channels and their anonymous hotline to report any incidents.
• Thorough Documentation: Keep meticulous records of all communications, events, and any resulting harm.
• Seek Central Texas Legal Counsel: An attorney with experience in McLennan County courts and knowledge of Baylor’s specific policies and internal structure is crucial for Ellis County families pursuing claims.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

The hazing that impacts students from Ellis County, whether they are at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, is rarely an isolated act by a few “bad apples.” Instead, it is often a reflection of deeply ingrained practices within local chapters, which themselves are part of larger national organizations with extensive, and often troubling, hazing histories. Understanding this connection is vital for assessing liability and building a strong legal case.

Why National Histories Matter

Most fraternities and sororities with chapters on Texas campuses operate under a national or international umbrella. These national headquarters (“Nationals”) typically:

• Promulgate anti-hazing policies: They have thick manuals, training programs, and risk management guidelines. The very existence of these policies often stems from past tragedies and lawsuits.
• Oversight and Supervision: Nationals collect dues, send out field consultants, review new member education plans, and are theoretically responsible for holding local chapters accountable.
• Pattern Recognition: They know the common hazing “scripts” – forced drinking, sleep deprivation, physical endurance tests, degrading rituals – because these patterns have led to deaths and catastrophic injuries at various chapters across the country for decades.

When a local chapter at a Texas university, say, a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at UH, engages in a “Big/Little” night involving forced alcohol consumption, this isn’t a new or surprising event for Pi Kappa Alpha National. They’ve seen it before, many times, with tragic consequences (e.g., Stone Foltz at Bowling Green, David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois). This pattern of repeat behavior across chapters, especially when the Nationals seemingly fail to effectively prevent it, can be crucial for establishing foreseeability and arguing for negligent supervision against the national entity in a civil lawsuit. It helps prove that they knew or should have known the risks, yet failed to intervene effectively.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

Many of the fraternities and sororities with active chapters at Texas A&M, UT Austin, UH, SMU, and Baylor have national histories riddled with hazing allegations, suspensions, and severe legal consequences. For Ellis County families, recognizing these patterns can empower them in their pursuit of justice.

Here are a few prominent examples:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike):

  • Identity: A large, traditional IFC fraternity with a significant presence across Texas campuses.
  • National History: Pi Kappa Alpha has a disturbing national history of hazing deaths, predominantly linked to forced alcohol consumption during “Big/Little” reveal nights. The Stone Foltz case at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died after consuming a bottle of whiskey, resulted in a $10 million settlement for the family, with a significant portion from the national organization. Earlier, the David Bogenberger case at Northern Illinois University (2012) also resulted in a $14 million settlement for an alcohol-related death. This pattern of behavior is well-documented, making it difficult for the national organization to claim ignorance when Texas chapters repeat the same dangerous acts.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE):

  • Identity: Another large, well-known IFC fraternity, SAE has been involved in multiple high-profile hazing incidents nationwide.
  • National History: SAE historically gained notoriety for having numerous hazing-related deaths, prompting them in 2014 to eliminate the traditional pledging process. Despite this, incidents persist. Recent lawsuits include a traumatic brain injury case filed in 2023 against an SAE chapter at the University of Alabama, and a $1 million lawsuit filed against the Texas A&M chapter in 2021 where pledges suffered severe chemical burns from industrial cleaner and other substances poured on them. In January 2024, a student alleged a brutal assault by SAE members at a UT Austin party, leading to a lawsuit for over $1 million. These cases show a clear pattern of physical and chemical abuse, not just alcohol hazing.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ):

  • Identity: A large, prominent IFC fraternity.
  • National History: The tragic death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University in 2017 after a forced drinking game (“Bible study”) directly led to the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute in Louisiana. While the civil settlement was confidential, the criminal and legislative outcomes highlighted the severe risks inherent in their hazing practices. The national organization has been repeatedly put on notice regarding such ritualized forced consumption.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ):

  • Identity: Another significant IFC fraternity.
  • National History: Pi Kappa Phi was implicated in the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017, another case of fatal alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night.” Multiple members were prosecuted criminally, and the incident led to a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU and a broader anti-hazing movement. This adds to the documented pattern of deadly alcohol hazing by IFC fraternities.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ):

  • Identity: A well-established IFC fraternity.
  • National History: The death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University in 2017 remains one of the most widely cited hazing tragedies. The sheer brutality and the multiple-hour delay in calling for help led to over 1,000 criminal charges against members and civil litigation, ultimately resulting in the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case, involving documented evidence of fraternity members ignoring and exacerbating Piazza’s injury, provides an undeniable demonstration of systemic failure and a culture of cover-up.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For Ellis County families, understanding these comprehensive national histories isn’t just about identifying bad actors; it’s about building a powerful legal strategy.

• Evidence of Foreseeability: When a national organization’s chapters repeatedly engage in the same dangerous behaviors that cause injury or death, it becomes far more difficult for the national entity to claim the incident was unforeseeable or a “rogue act.” This establishes a pattern of negligent supervision.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: National organizations and universities carry substantial insurance policies. However, insurers often try to deny coverage by arguing hazing was an “intentional act” or “criminal.” An experienced hazing attorney knows how to craft legal arguments (e.g., focusing on negligent supervision rather than direct intentional acts) to compel insurers to cover damages. Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney means we know their playbook because we used to run it.
• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases where a national organization or university showed reckless indifference to known dangers (i.e., by ignoring repeated warnings or prior incidents), a court may award punitive damages. These are designed not just to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. Settlements like the $10 million in the Stone Foltz case demonstrate this leverage.

By meticulously researching the national and local histories of organizations, The Manginello Law Firm can demonstrate the systemic nature of hazing and hold powerful institutions accountable for their failures.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For Ellis County families who have experienced the devastating impact of hazing, the thought of navigating a legal case can be overwhelming. However, building a strong case is essential for securing justice, obtaining compensation for profound losses, and holding responsible parties accountable. It requires meticulous evidence collection, a deep understanding of damages, and a sophisticated legal strategy capable of countering the powerful defense tactics of national fraternities, universities, and their insurers.

7.1 Evidence

In hazing cases, evidence is everything. It can disappear quickly, which is why immediate action is critical. Our firm emphasizes a proactive approach to evidence preservation and collection, leveraging modern tools and investigative techniques.

Digital Communications

Today, group chats and direct messages (DMs) are often the most critical source of evidence in hazing cases. They offer real-time insights into planning, intent, coercion, the roles of individuals, and the organizational culture.

• Platforms: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, SnapChat, Instagram, TikTok and even fraternity-specific apps are commonly used.
• What they reveal: Messages can show directives, threats, plans for hidden events, discussions about hazing rules, instructions to delete evidence, and even confessions of involvement.
• Preservation: It is vital to screenshot full threads with visible timestamps and participant names immediately. If messages are disappearing (e.g., Snapchat’s vanish mode), screen recording can be essential. Digital forensics experts can often recover deleted messages, but original screenshots are invaluable.

Photos & Videos

Visual evidence can be incredibly powerful in conveying the reality of hazing.

• Content: This includes photos or videos taken by members themselves during hazing events (often shared in private group chats), footage posted on social media (even if quickly deleted), or security camera footage from houses or venues.
• Injuries: Detailed photos of injuries (bruises, burns, swelling) taken at multiple angles, with a ruler or coin for scale, and updated over several days to show progression, are crucial.
• Locations & Objects: Photographs of the scene, specific rooms, objects used in hazing (paddles, excessive alcohol bottles, degrading costumes), or damaged property can all be important.

Internal Organization Documents

These are often obtained through legal discovery once a lawsuit is filed.

• Pledge manuals & rituals: These documents can reveal official (and sometimes unofficial) practices.
• Communications: Emails, texts, or memos from officers, advisors, or national representatives discussing new member activities, policies, or prior complaints.
• National policies: Anti-hazing policies, risk management guidelines, and internal investigative reports from the national organization can expose discrepancies between stated policies and actual enforcement.

University Records

Universities maintain extensive records that can be critical.

• Prior conduct files: Disciplinary records, probation notices, suspensions, and letters of warning related to the same organization or individuals can establish a pattern of misconduct and the university’s knowledge.
• Incident reports: Records from campus police, student conduct offices, or Title IX investigations.
• Public disclosures: Under the Clery Act and the upcoming Stop Campus Hazing Act, universities must disclose certain crime statistics and hazing violations. UT Austin, for example, maintains a public online log of hazing violations.

Medical and Psychological Records

These records document the physical and emotional harm suffered by the victim.

• Medical treatment: Emergency room reports, ambulance records, hospitalization notes, surgical reports, physical therapy records, and toxicology results (e.g., blood alcohol content, drug screenings).
• Long-term care: Documentation for ongoing treatments for injuries, rehabilitation, and life care plans for catastrophic brain or organ damage.
• Mental health: Psychological evaluations or therapy notes documenting conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation directly link to emotional distress damages.

Witness Testimony

Eyewitness accounts can corroborate other evidence and provide crucial context.

• Direct witnesses: Other pledges, current members (even if reluctant), roommates, resident assistants (RAs), coaches, and trainers.
• Former members: Individuals who quit or were expelled often have invaluable information about organizational practices and hazing traditions.
• Bystanders: Anyone who observed relevant events at an off-campus party or public location.

7.2 Damages

When hazing results in injury or death, the law aims to provide compensation for the full scope of that harm. For Ellis County families, understanding the types of damages available helps to establish what constitutes a “just” outcome.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This includes all past medical expenses (ambulance, ER, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation) and projected future costs for ongoing therapy, follow-up procedures, and, in severe cases, specialized long-term care plans for victims with permanent disabilities or brain injuries.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This covers lost wages (for the victim or a parent who had to take time off work) and the significant impact on a student’s education, including lost tuition/fees for missed semesters, lost scholarships, and diminished future earning capacity if the hazing caused permanent disabilities affecting their chosen career path.
• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the profound, non-financial suffering endured, such as physical pain and suffering, intense emotional distress, trauma, humiliation, and the loss of enjoyment of life (e.g., inability to participate in hobbies, sports, or typical college experiences). Psychological injuries like PTSD or severe anxiety are central to these claims.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the tragic event of a hazing death, eligible family members (spouse, children, parents) can seek compensation for funeral and burial costs, the deceased’s conscious pain and suffering before death, the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and their own profound grief, loss of companionship, love, and society.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme recklessness, malice, or willful misconduct (e.g., ignoring repeated warnings, deliberate cover-ups), courts may award punitive damages. These are not compensation for loss but are designed to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. While Texas often has caps on punitive damages, they can be a powerful tool for accountability.

7.3 Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Pursuing a hazing case often means confronting multiple powerful defendants, each with their own legal teams and insurance policies.

• Insurance Companies: National fraternities, universities, and property owners carry insurance policies that might cover hazing-related claims. However, insurance companies are businesses whose goal is to minimize payouts. They frequently try to argue that hazing, as an “intentional act” or “criminal conduct,” is excluded from coverage.
• Navigating Exclusions: Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, has an intimate understanding of how these companies operate. We know how to anticipate their tactics, challenge coverage denials, and craft legal arguments (e.g., framing the claim as negligent supervision rather than just an intentional act by a student) to compel insurers to fulfill their obligations.
• Multiple Policies: Identifying all potential insurance policies – from national organizations, local chapters, the university, and even homeowner’s policies of individuals – is a complex but crucial step in maximizing a family’s recovery. We relentlessly pursue every available avenue for compensation.

The Manginello Law Firm is adept at managing these intricacies, knowing that the battle for justice extends beyond proving the hazing occurred – it also involves ensuring that all responsible parties, and their insurers, are held financially accountable. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it – because it does.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For Ellis County parents, students, and witnesses, having clear, actionable information can make all the difference in a hazing crisis. Here are practical guides and answers to common questions.

8.1 For Parents

We know the fear and confusion that sets in when you suspect your child is being hazed. Here’s what you need to know and do:

Warning Signs of Hazing

• Physical Signs: Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or physical injuries (especially if explanations don’t add up or are vague). Extreme fatigue, exhaustion that goes beyond normal college stress, or unusual weight loss/gain. Signs of alcohol poisoning or drug use, even if your child isn’t typically a user.
• Behavioral & Emotional Changes: Sudden secrecy about their organization’s activities (“I can’t talk about it,” “It’s a secret”). Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities. Drastic shifts in mood, increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or anger. A defensive attitude when asked about the group. Expressing fear of “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down.”
• Academic Red Flags: A sudden drop in grades, missed classes, falling asleep in class, or prioritizing “mandatory” group events over academic responsibilities.
• Financial Red Flags: Unexpected large expenses, calls for money without clear explanations, or buying excessive amounts of supplies or alcohol for others.

How to Talk to Your Child

Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment.

• Start with open-ended questions: “How are things going with [Organization Name]? Are you enjoying it?”
• Emphasize their safety and well-being over loyalty to a group. “If anything is making you uncomfortable, or feels wrong, I want you to know you can tell me, and I will support you no matter what.”
• Ask about their comfort levels: “Is there anything you’re being asked to do that makes you feel unsafe or humiliated?”

If Your Child is Hurt

• Prioritize Medical Care: Get them immediate medical attention, even if they claim they’re “fine.” Insist on a thorough medical examination.
• Document Relentlessly: Photograph all injuries from multiple angles and over several days. Make detailed notes right away: dates, times, locations, who was involved, what your child told you (screenshots of texts are invaluable).
• Save Everything: Preserve all evidence, physical and digital.
• Contact a Hazing Lawyer: If your child has sustained significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing the incident, contact an experienced hazing attorney immediately. Evidence disappears fast.

Dealing with the University

• Document All Communications: Keep a meticulous record of every email, phone call, and meeting with university administrators. Note the date, time, who you spoke with, and what was discussed.
• Ask Specific Questions: Inquire about prior incidents involving the same organization and what the university did in response.
• Seek Legal Guidance First: Do not sign any university “resolution” documents or waivers without first consulting with an attorney. These forms can waive your child’s legal rights.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

We understand the pressure you’re under. You want to belong, to be part of something, but you might feel that something has gone too far.

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Decision Guide

Ask yourself these critical questions:

• Am I feeling coerced or pressured to do something I genuinely don’t want to do?
• Would I do this activity if there were no social consequences for refusing (like being cut from the group or ostracized)?
• Does this make me feel unsafe, humiliated, or physically uncomfortable?
• Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
• Are older members forcing new members to do things they don’t have to do themselves?
• Am I being told to keep secrets or lie about these activities to outsiders?

If you answered YES to any of these, it’s likely hazing. Remember Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing because the law recognizes the coercive environment.

Exiting and Reporting Safely

• Prioritize Your Safety: If you are in immediate danger (intoxicated, injured, or threatened), call 911 immediately. Texas law and many university policies provide amnesty for those who call for help in a medical emergency.
• You Have the Right to Leave: You can “de-pledge” or separate yourself from any organization at any time. You do not need their permission.
• Tell an Outside Adult: Confide in a trusted adult outside the organization—a parent, a different professor, a non-Greek friend, or a residence hall advisor (RA). This creates a record and provides support.
• Seek Institutional Help: Contact your university’s Dean of Students office, Office of Student Conduct, or an anonymous hazing hotline. The National Anti-Hazing Hotline is 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293).
• Document EVERYTHING: While it’s happening, or immediately after, take screenshots of group chats, record conversations (Texas is a one-party consent state, meaning you can record if you are part of the conversation), photograph injuries, and save any physical evidence.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

You may carry the burden of what you witnessed or participated in. Your courage to come forward can prevent future tragedies.

• Your Testimony Matters: Your insider knowledge and evidence can expose systemic hazing, prevent further harm, and bring justice to victims.
• Seek Legal Advice: You may have your own legal exposure from past hazing acts. It’s crucial to seek confidential legal advice from an attorney who can explain your rights and potential liabilities, and help you navigate the process of coming forward.
• Path to Accountability: Cooperating with investigators and victims’ attorneys can be an important step towards both personal and institutional accountability.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

Ellis County families, we cannot stress this enough: how you act in the immediate aftermath of a hazing incident deeply impacts the strength of any potential legal claim. Avoid these common, yet devastating, mistakes. Watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: Parents often want to protect their child from further trouble, leading to the deletion of incriminating texts or photos. This is a critical error. It can be seen as obstruction of justice and makes proving a case nearly impossible. Preserve everything immediately, even if it’s embarrassing.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: Your natural instinct may be to storm in and demand answers. However, this often prompts the organization to immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defense, eliminating your element of surprise. Never confront them directly; document first, then call a lawyer.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: Universities often pressure families into internal “resolutions” or waivers. These documents frequently require you to waive your right to pursue further legal action in exchange for a minimal outcome. Do NOT sign anything from the university without an attorney’s review.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: Sharing your story on Facebook or TikTok seems empowering, but defense attorneys scour social media. Inconsistencies between your posts and formal statements can severely damage credibility. Public posts can also waive legal privileges. Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”: Once you’re considering legal action, fraternity leaders may try to coax pledges into “one last meeting” or “clarification.” This is often a tactic to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can be used against your case. All communication should go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: Universities’ internal processes are fundamentally different from legal action; they aim to protect the institution first. While waiting, vital evidence disappears, witness memories fade, and statutes of limitations can expire. Preserve evidence NOW and consult a lawyer immediately.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: An adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you. Their goal is to minimize their payout. Any statement you give can be used against you. Politely decline and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

8.5 Short FAQ

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”

Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) benefit from sovereign immunity under Texas law, making it more challenging but not impossible. Exceptions exist for gross negligence, specific operational failures, or when federal laws like Title IX are violated. Private universities (SMU, 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?”

Yes, it can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default. However, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This means a hazing incident can lead to a prison sentence, not just a fine. Individuals who fail to report hazing can also face misdemeanor charges.

“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”

Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that a student’s “agreement” is often given under immense peer pressure, fear of exclusion, and a power imbalance, which eliminates true voluntary consent. Your child was a victim, not a willing participant.

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”

Generally, the statute of limitations in Texas is two years from the date of injury or death. However, this period can sometimes be extended by the “discovery rule” if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately apparent, or if there was an active cover-up. Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and records are destroyed. Call 1–888-ATTY-911 immediately to discuss your specific timeline. Learn more about Texas statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”

The location of hazing does not eliminate liability for universities or national organizations. Many major hazing cases that resulted in multi-million dollar judgments (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat death or the Sigma Pi death at an “unofficial” house) occurred off-campus. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on their sponsorship, knowledge, control, and the foreseeability of such events.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”

Most hazing cases, especially those involving severe injuries or death, ultimately settle confidentially before going to trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. We can discuss strategies for requesting sealed court records and ensuring confidential settlement terms. However, some families choose public advocacy to honor their loved one and prevent future tragedies.

About The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC + Call to Action for Ellis County Families

When your family faces a hazing case in Texas, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, universities, and their insurers—fight back, and how to win anyway. You need advocates who are not intimidated by the resources of multi-million dollar organizations and who understand the unique cultural nuances of Greek life and campus leadership.

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911 (the Legal Emergency Lawyers™), is a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with deep expertise in serious injury, wrongful death, and institutional accountability cases across the state. From our Houston headquarters, we effectively serve families throughout Texas, including Ellis County and its vibrant communities like Waxahachie, Midlothian, Ennis, and Red Oak, addressing cases that arise at major universities and local colleges across the region. We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families in Ellis County and across the surrounding areas.

We bring a unique blend of experience and insight to every hazing case:

• Insurance Insider Advantage with Lupe Peña: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies, allowing us to anticipate their moves and counter them effectively. We know their playbook because we used to run it. You can learn more about Lupe Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions with Ralph Manginello: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record of taking on formidable defendants. He was one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, demonstrating his capability to handle complex federal court cases against billion-dollar corporations. This experience means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-resourced defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants. Visit https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/ for more details on Ralph’s credentials.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have successfully recovered millions for families in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, including those involving lifetime care needs for severe brain injuries or permanent disabilities. We don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability and truly compensate for devastating losses. Explore our wrongful death practice at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

• Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a unique advantage. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, allowing us to advise witnesses and former members facing dual exposure. Our criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can navigate the intricate balance between criminal investigations and civil claims.

• Investigative Depth: We leverage a robust network of experts—medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists—to build comprehensive cases. We are skilled at obtaining hidden evidence, including deleted group chats, social media activity, national fraternity records, and university files, often through meticulous discovery and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

At The Manginello Law Firm, we know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We focus on thorough investigation and real accountability, not just quick settlements.

Your Next Step: Contact Us for a Confidential Consultation

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s UT Austin, Texas A&M, UH, SMU, Baylor, or a local community college serving Ellis County—we want to hear from you. Families in Ellis County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

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

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story with empathy and without judgment.
• We’ll review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We’ll explain your legal options, including a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• We’ll discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• We’ll answer your questions about costs; we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. (Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc).
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot—take the time you need to decide.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

Whether you’re in Ellis County or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to face this alone. Call us today.

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

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Cell: (713) 443-4781 (24/7 Legal Emergency Lawyers™)
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com

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