Texas Hazing Laws: A Comprehensive Guide for Glenn Heights Families

The late-night call feels wrong. Your child, a bright student from Glenn Heights attending a Texas university, sounds distant, exhausted, and secretive. They dismiss your concerns with vague answers about “tradition” or “bonding,” but cuts, bruises, or a sudden change in personality tell a different story. Perhaps they’re saying things like, “Everyone did it,” or, “I just have to get through this part.” Then the call drops, or they simply stop answering. It’s initiation night at a fraternity event off campus, an athletic team “welcome,” or a club retreat. Your child is being pressured to consume excessive alcohol, endure physical abuse, or perform degrading acts. Others are filming on phones, chanting, and laughing, seemingly oblivious to the danger. Someone gets hurt—falls, vomits, or collapses—but a chilling code of silence prevents calling for help. Your child suddenly finds themselves trapped between loyalty to the group and their own safety.

This nightmare scenario is a reality for too many families across Texas, including those right here in Glenn Heights and throughout Ellis County, who send their children to universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, or Baylor University. The pressure to belong, to succeed, and to navigate complex social hierarchies can sometimes lead students down dangerous paths, with devastating consequences.

This guide is for you and your family in Glenn Heights. We’ve written it to be a comprehensive resource about hazing and the law in Texas, offering clear, actionable information about:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• How Texas and federal laws address hazing.
• Key lessons from major national hazing cases and their relevance to Texas families.
• Specific incidents and trends at prominent Texas universities, including UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.
• The legal options available to victims and families in Glenn Heights and across Texas.

We at The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, understand the profound impact hazing can have on a student and their family. While this article provides general information, not specific legal advice, we are here to offer confidential evaluations of individual cases based on their unique facts. We serve families throughout Texas, from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, reaching communities like Glenn Heights and beyond.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

• Call 911 immediately for any medical emergency. Your child’s safety is the priority.
• Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide immediate help in legal emergencies—that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

In the first 48 hours, evidence disappears fast. It is crucial to:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine” or “don’t want to get anyone in trouble.”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages immediately.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles and over several days to show progression.
  • Save physical items like damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing if safely possible.
• Write down everything while your memory is fresh: who, what, when, where, and how it happened.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice.
  • Post details on public social media.
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours. Evidence can be irretrievably lost, witnesses can be coached, and universities often move quickly to control the narrative. We can help preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For families in Glenn Heights, it’s essential to understand that hazing today is often far more insidious and dangerous than the “pranks” of past generations. It’s not just about silly rituals; it’s about power, control, and often, severe physical and psychological harm. The desire to belong and the fear of exclusion can lead students to endure extreme abuse, often silently.

A Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

At its core, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act—on or off campus, by an individual or a group—directed against a student that endangers their mental or physical health or safety. This 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.

Crucially, “I agreed to it” does not automatically make the act safe or legal. The law and courts recognize that true consent is impossible when there’s an inherent power imbalance, immense peer pressure, and implicit or explicit threats of social exclusion or physical punishment.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Hazing has evolved, adapting to new technologies and striving to evade detection. Here are the main forms it takes today:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is the most common and often the deadliest form. It involves forced or coerced drinking of alcohol, often to dangerous levels, through activities like “lineups,” chugging challenges, or “games” that require rapid consumption. It can also include pressure to consume unknown substances or dangerous drug use. Many hazing-related deaths each year are due to alcohol poisoning.
• Physical Hazing: This category covers any physical abuse, such as paddling, beatings, forced “workouts” or extreme calisthenics (often called “smokings”), and sleep, food, or water deprivation. It can also include exposure to extreme cold or heat, or forcing students into dangerous environments. Injuries like rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown) from forced exercise are becoming more common.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts cause severe psychological trauma and can include forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, dressing in humiliating costumes, or performing degrading acts. Hazing can also involve racial or sexist overtones through slurs or role-play, targeting specific students based on their identity.
• Psychological Hazing: This type of hazing inflicts severe emotional and mental harm through verbal abuse, threats, forced isolation, or extreme intimidation. It often involves manipulation, “grilling” sessions where members verbally tear down pledges, and public shaming on social media or in meetings, leading to lasting anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones and social media, hazing has moved online. This includes forced participation in group chat dares or “challenges,” public humiliation via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord, or pressure to create or share compromising images or videos. Pledge group chats can become tools for 24/7 psychological abuse and control.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is limited to fraternities. The unfortunate reality is that hazing is a pervasive issue across many types of collegiate groups. This includes:

• Fraternities and Sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural Greek-letter organizations).
• Corps of Cadets programs, ROTC groups, and other military-style organizations.
• Spirit squads, cheerleading teams, dance teams.
• Tradition clubs and specialized campus organizations.
• Athletic teams of all levels, from varsity football to club-level sports.
• Marching bands and other performance groups.
• Some service organizations, cultural clubs, and academic societies.

The underlying factors that allow hazing to persist—the desire for social status, adherence to “tradition,” and a powerful code of secrecy—are present in many hierarchical student groups, making them vulnerable to these dangerous practices.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape is crucial for families in Glenn Heights who suspect their child has been a victim of hazing. Texas law provides a framework for both criminal prosecution and civil recourse, and federal legislation is adding new layers of accountability.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in Chapter 37, Subchapter F of the Texas Education Code. This law defines hazing broadly as:

Any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

This means that if someone makes your child do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they intended to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. Key aspects to remember are:

• Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing can happen on or off campus, and the law still applies.
• Mental or Physical Harm: The harm doesn’t have to be physical; severe psychological trauma is also covered.
• Recklessness is Enough: The perpetrators don’t need malicious intent; if they knew the risks and ignored them, that’s sufficient.
• Consent is Not a Defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that it is not a defense to hazing that the person being hazed “consented” to the activity. This is a critical protection for victims who are often pressured into participating.

Criminal Penalties: Hazing can lead to serious criminal charges in Texas:

• Class B Misdemeanor for basic hazing offenses (up to 180 days in jail, fine up to $2,000).
• Class A Misdemeanor if hazing causes an injury requiring medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death.

Additionally, failing to report hazing (if you are a member or officer and knew about it) or retaliating against someone who reports hazing are also misdemeanors.

Organizational Liability: Beyond individuals, organizations themselves can be criminally prosecuted and fined up to $10,000 if they:

• Authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it.

Universities also have the power to revoke recognition and ban organizations for hazing violations, leading to their permanent removal from campus.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting: Texas law also provides crucial protection: a person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability. This is designed to encourage witnesses and victims to come forward without fear of getting into trouble themselves. Many university policies, in line with state law, also offer amnesty for students who call for emergency medical help, even if underage drinking or drug use was involved.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important to understand the distinct paths legal action can take:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (prosecutors) and aim to punish individuals for breaking the law. Punishments can include jail time, fines, or probation. Hazing-related criminal charges often involve the hazing offense itself, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and even manslaughter in fatal cases.
• Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving families seeking monetary compensation and accountability for the harm suffered. These cases focus on theories like negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Crucially, these two types of cases can run concurrently, and a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil lawsuit. Justice can be sought in both arenas.

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

Federal regulations are increasingly playing a role in campus accountability:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal law requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to enhance their hazing prevention and response efforts significantly. By around 2026, institutions must publicly report all hazing violations and disciplinary actions, increasing transparency and providing families with more accessible data.
• Title IX and Clery Act: When hazing involves elements of sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based hostility, Title IX obligations—protecting against sex-based discrimination—can be triggered. The Clery Act requires universities to disclose campus crime statistics, and hazing incidents often overlap with these categories when they involve assaults, alcohol-related misconduct, or other reportable offenses.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

In a civil hazing lawsuit, a broad range of individuals and entities can be held accountable, providing multiple avenues for victims and families to seek justice.

• Individual Students: Those who planned, orchestrated, supplied alcohol, carried out the hazing acts, or actively participated in covering them up can be named as defendants.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or athletic team itself, particularly if it operates as a legal entity, can be sued. Key officers or “pledge educators” often hold significant individual and organizational liability.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which sets policies, collects dues, and is responsible for overseeing its local chapters, can be held liable. Their liability often hinges on what they knew, or should have known, about the local chapter’s behavior from prior incidents.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, whether public or private, can be sued under theories of negligence, gross negligence, or (in some cases) civil rights violations. Liability often depends on factors like whether the university had prior warnings, how it enforced its anti-hazing policies, and if it demonstrated deliberate indifference to known risks.
• Third Parties: This can include landlords or owners of properties where hazing occurred, bars or other alcohol providers (under “dram shop” laws if they served obviously intoxicated individuals who then caused harm), security companies, or event organizers who failed to ensure safety.

Each case is unique, and not every party will be liable in every situation. Experienced hazing attorneys meticulously investigate all potential defendants to ensure full accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When hazing turns tragic, the stories often make national headlines, driving legislative change and prompting university reforms. These landmark cases, while occurring outside Texas, establish critical legal precedents and demonstrate patterns of institutional failure and individual negligence that are highly relevant to families in Glenn Heights and across Texas. They illustrate the foreseeability of danger when certain hazing practices are allowed to persist.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common narrative in fatal hazing cases involves forced or pressured alcohol consumption, leading to catastrophic outcomes:

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy, a 19-year-old pledge, died from traumatic brain injuries after a “bid acceptance” night where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Fraternity house security cameras captured his agonizing falls, and members delayed calling for help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and the creation of Pennsylvania’s stringent Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This case tragically underscores the lethal combination of extreme intoxication, neglect, and a culture of silence.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew, a 20-year-old FSU student, died of acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to consume them rapidly. In the wake of his death, multiple fraternity members faced criminal prosecution for hazing and other offenses. Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life and overhauled its hazing policies. Coffey’s case highlighted how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights often escalate into deadly events.
• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max, an 18-year-old freshman, died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. He was forced to drink heavily whenever he answered a question incorrectly. His death spurred Louisiana to enact the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute, demonstrating how public outrage and clear proof of hazing can drive legislative progress.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone, a 20-year-old pledge, died after being forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. This tragic loss led to criminal convictions for multiple fraternity members. The Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with approximately $3 million from Bowling Green State University and $7 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity. Foltz’s death influenced Ohio’s anti-hazing laws and painfully illustrated that universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

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

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael, a pledge at an off-campus fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania, was subjected to a violent blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual where he was repeatedly tackled. He suffered a fatal head injury, and members dangerously delayed calling 911. Multiple members were convicted, and the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity was banned from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years, emphasizing that hazing at off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or even more perilous than on-campus events, and national organizations bear significant responsibility.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it also plagues athletic programs, where team “bonding” can devolve into dangerous abuse:

• Northwestern University football (2023–2025): Former football players came forward with allegations of widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. This scandal led to numerous lawsuits against Northwestern University and the coaching staff, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later filed a confidential wrongful-termination lawsuit), and a national reckoning regarding hazing in major sports. It highlighted that hazing extends beyond Greek life, with powerful athletic programs capable of harboring systemic abuse.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These harrowing national cases reveal critical common threads: forced intoxication, extreme humiliation, physical violence, dangerous delays in seeking medical care, and concerted efforts to cover up incidents. They consistently show that meaningful reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often only occur after a tragedy and subsequent legal action.

For families in Glenn Heights, Ellis County, and across Texas, these national lessons are vital. Whether your child attends UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, the legal landscape and the fight for accountability are shaped by these precedents. You are not alone in navigating this complex path.

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

The Manginello Law Firm is proud to serve families in Glenn Heights and communities across Texas, providing unparalleled legal guidance for hazing incidents at our state’s universities. While Glenn Heights lies within Ellis County, its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex means local families send their children to a wide array of schools across the state, from the highly selective private institutions to the large public universities that define Texas a, often carrying on legacies through generations. We delve into the unique aspects of hazing and accountability at these five major institutions, keeping in mind that the lessons apply to students from Glenn Heights wherever they choose to pursue higher education.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

Families from Glenn Heights often find their children drawn to the vibrant, urban campus environment of the University of Houston, which lies only about an hour and a half drive away. UH offers a diverse range of academic and social experiences, including a robust Greek life and numerous student organizations. For Glenn Heights families, understanding the specific dynamics at UH is crucial.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a large, urban campus that attracts a diverse student body, blending both commuter and residential students. Its active Greek life, comprising Interfraternity Council (IFC), National Panhellenic Conference (NPC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) organizations, offers a varied social landscape. Beyond Greek life, numerous cultural groups, academic clubs, and sports organizations contribute to the vibrant campus community.

5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

The University of Houston maintains clear anti-hazing policies, explicitly prohibiting any intentional, knowing, or reckless act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. This prohibition applies whether the activity occurs on-campus or off-campus. UH policies specifically forbid forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and any acts causing mental distress. Students and families can report hazing through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD).

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

In 2016, a well-documented incident involving Pi Kappa Alpha brought attention to hazing at UH. Pledges were allegedly deprived of adequate food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. Tragically, one student suffered a lacerated spleen after being violently slammed onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and immediate university suspension. While UH doesn’t publicly list every disciplinary action, records indicate subsequent suspensions and probations of various fraternities for behavior characterized as “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and policy violations. These instances highlight UH’s proactive stance in suspending chapters, yet also reveal the persistent challenges in eradicating hazing.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing case originating at UH, several agencies could be involved. Depending on the location of the incident (on-campus or off-campus within Houston), the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) and/or the Houston Police Department (HPD) would likely have jurisdiction. Civil lawsuits stemming from such incidents would typically be filed in state district courts in Harris County, where Houston and UH are located. Potential defendants could include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university itself, along with any property owners where the hazing occurred. For families in Glenn Heights, this means coordinating with legal counsel who have deep familiarity with Harris County courts and local law enforcement.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For students from Glenn Heights attending the University of Houston and their parents:

• Understand UH Reporting Channels: Familiarize yourselves with the Dean of Students’ reporting options, UHPD contacts, and online hazing reporting forms.
• Document Everything: If you suspect hazing, immediately document dates, times, behaviors, and any physical or emotional changes. Screenshot messages and photograph injuries.
• Investigate Past Incidents: While complete public lists are limited, research news reports or direct inquiries about prior hazing complaints or disciplinary actions against the organization in question.
• Seek Legal Counsel Promptly: Contact experienced hazing lawyers like Attorney911 who specialize in Houston-based hazing cases. We can help uncover prior discipline, access internal university files, and navigate the complex legal landscape of Harris County.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station holds a revered place in the hearts of many Texans, often passed down through generations. For Glenn Heights families, while geographically further than UH, the Aggie tradition remains strong, with many students making the approximately two-and-a-half-hour journey to College Station. The university’s deeply ingrained traditions, particularly within the Corps of Cadets, add a unique layer to the hazing conversation.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M’s strong sense of tradition, loyalty, and service creates a distinct campus culture, particularly within the renowned Corps of Cadets. Greek life is also prominent, alongside numerous other student organizations. This environment, while fostering strong bonds, sometimes harbors practices that blur the lines between tradition and hazing.

5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M strictly prohibits hazing, defining it in alignment with state law. The university’s policies cover any act that endangers physical or mental health, on or off campus, for initiation or affiliation purposes. Reporting channels include the Department of Student Activities, the Corps of Cadets leadership (for Corps-related incidents), and the University Police Department (UPD). A&M actively encourages reporting and has an online reporting system.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Responses

Hazing has unfortunately been documented across various student groups at Texas A&M.

• In 2021, two pledges of Sigma Alpha Epsilon alleged severe hazing that resulted in horrific injuries. They claimed they were forced to endure strenuous activity and had substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, poured on them. This caused severe chemical burns that required extensive skin graft surgeries. They subsequently sued the fraternity for $1 million, and the chapter was suspended by the university for two years.
• In 2023, a lawsuit brought by a former cadet against the Corps of Cadets alleged degrading and sexualized hazing rituals. These included simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The cadet sought over $1 million in damages, and A&M publicly stated it addressed the matter within its disciplinary guidelines.
• Recent allegations from 2023 against Kappa Sigma also point to severe physical hazing, reportedly causing rhabdomyolysis—a serious condition involving muscle breakdown from extreme physical exertion.

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges A&M faces in balancing tradition with student safety, extending not only to Greek life but also to its deeply respected Corps traditions.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For families from Glenn Heights, hazing cases at Texas A&M would involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD), and civil actions would primarily be heard in state district courts in Brazos County, where College Station is located. The nature of these cases can be particularly complex given the interplay between established university traditions (like the Corps) and national fraternity policies. Potential defendants can include individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and the university.

5.2.3 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For Glenn Heights students at Texas A&M and their parents:

• Familiarize with A&M’s Specific Policies: Understand the nuances of A&M’s hazing policies and the specific reporting avenues available, including those for the Corps of Cadets.
• Document EVERYTHING: Due to the strong sense of tradition, documenting incidents with clear evidence (photos, messages, witness accounts) is critical, as some may dismiss hazing as “just tradition.”
• Legal Expertise: Seek legal advice from attorneys like Attorney911 who have experience with both traditional Greek life hazing and the unique environment of the Corps of Cadets. We understand the specific cultural context and the legal strategies needed to navigate cases in Brazos County.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

Many students from Glenn Heights pursue higher education at the prestigious University of Texas at Austin, roughly a three-and-a-half-hour drive from home. UT Austin, a flagship institution, is known for its academic rigor, vibrant student life, and a highly competitive Greek system.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is a vast, dynamic campus with a bustling Greek community, encompassing Interfraternity Council (IFC), University Panhellenic Council (UPC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council (TAPC), and other diverse organizations. Beyond Greek life, numerous spirit groups, athletic teams, and academic organizations contribute to a rich but sometimes challenging student experience.

5.3.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

UT Austin maintains a public and proactive stance against hazing, defining it broadly and prohibiting it both on and off campus. The Dean of Students office provides comprehensive resources, including an online reporting form, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) investigates criminal offenses. Importantly, UT’s dedicated website, hazing.utexas.edu, offers extensive information and publicly lists hazing violations and disciplinary actions taken against student organizations.

5.3.3 Example Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s commitment to transparency reveals a continuous struggle with hazing culture:

• The public Hazing Violations page on UT’s website lists numerous incidents. For example, in 2023, Pi Kappa Alpha was sanctioned for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, which was found to be hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.
• Other groups, including prominent spirit organizations like the Texas Wranglers and Texas Cowboys, have faced sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based practices.
• In January 2024, a highly publicized lawsuit was filed against Sigma Alpha Epsilon after an Australian exchange student alleged assault during a party, resulting in severe injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, and fractures. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations.

UT’s public logging of these violations, while a model of transparency for many universities, also highlights the ongoing nature of hazing issues despite university efforts.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For families in Glenn Heights, hazing cases at UT Austin would involve the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) for on-campus incidents, and the Austin Police Department (APD) for off-campus events. Civil claims would typically be adjudicated in state district courts in Travis County, where Austin is located. UT’s transparent public records regarding prior violations can become powerful evidence in civil suits, demonstrating a pattern of neglect or knowledge on the part of the university or the national organizations involved.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For Glenn Heights students at UT Austin and their parents:

• Utilize UT’s Resources: Regularly check hazing.utexas.edu for updated policies, reporting mechanisms, and lists of sanctioned organizations.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: Given the high level of scrutiny on UT organizations, meticulous documentation of any hazing incidents is paramount.
• Leverage Public Information: If your child is involved with an organization with a history of violations on UT’s public list, understand that this history can be a powerful asset in any legal action.
• Seek Legal Advice Early: Contact experienced hazing attorneys like Attorney911 who are familiar with UT Austin’s specific environment, how their conduct office operates, and navigating Travis County courts.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Located in Dallas, approximately 45 minutes to an hour’s drive from Glenn Heights, Southern Methodist University is a private institution known for its strong academic programs and a vibrant, traditional Greek life. The close-knit campus community and historically influential Greek system present a unique context for hazing issues.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private, affluent university with a deeply embedded Greek culture that plays a significant role in campus social life. Its Panhellenic Council and Interfraternity Council chapters, along with NPHC and multicultural organizations, are highly prominent. The university emphasizes community and tradition, which sometimes provides fertile ground for hazing practices to persist.

5.4.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU maintains strict anti-hazing policies, explicitly forbidding any activities that endanger a student’s mental or physical health for initiation or affiliation. As a private institution, SMU’s policies and disciplinary processes are often internal, though severe incidents often come to light publicly. Reporting channels include the Dean of Students office, Student Affairs, and the SMU Police Department.

5.4.3 Example Incident & Response

SMU has also faced documented hazing incidents within its Greek system.

• In 2017, the Kappa Alpha Order chapter was suspended after reports of severe hazing, including alleged paddling and forced alcohol consumption, along with sleep deprivation. The chapter faced restrictions on recruitment and operations for several years.
• While private universities like SMU aren’t always required to disclose disciplinary actions as publicly as state schools, such incidents indicate that the institution is aware of and takes action against hazing, even if that action is not always fully transparent to the public.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For families in Glenn Heights, hazing cases arising from SMU would involve the SMU Police Department for on-campus incidents, and the Dallas Police Department for activities occurring off-campus within the city. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in state district courts within Dallas County. As a private institution, SMU’s internal records are generally less accessible via public information requests, but civil discovery processes used by experienced attorneys like Attorney911 can compel the release of crucial information regarding prior incidents, policies, and internal communications.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For Glenn Heights students at SMU and their parents:

• Consult University Resources: Be aware of SMU’s official anti-hazing statements and reporting options available through Student Affairs.
• Prioritize Confidentiality: When dealing with private universities, maintaining strict confidentiality while documenting evidence is vital until legal counsel can advise on the best course of action.
• Seek Experienced Legal Counsel: Contact hazing attorneys at Attorney911 who are familiar with the legal intricacies of private universities and litigating cases in Dallas County. The firm has deep roots in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and we understand the local legal environment.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, located in Waco, is a faith-based private institution roughly an hour and a half drive from Glenn Heights. Its distinct religious identity and athletic prominence, combined with a history of scrutiny regarding student welfare, create a unique backdrop for hazing issues.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor is a Baptist university with a strong focus on community, faith, and academics. Its Greek life, while less pervasive than at some other Texas institutions, is still active, alongside numerous student organizations and highly competitive athletic programs. Baylor’s well-publicized past issues with institutional oversight, particularly concerning sexual assault, have led to increased scrutiny over all aspects of student safety and well-being.

5.5.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor strictly prohibits hazing, defining it in accordance with Texas law. The university states a “zero-tolerance” policy and outlines specific behaviors that constitute hazing, including physical, mental, and alcohol-related abuse. Reporting mechanisms are available through Campus Living & Learning, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), and an online reporting portal.

5.5.3 Example Incident & Response

Baylor’s athletic programs have faced hazing allegations.

• In 2020, 14 members of the Baylor baseball team were suspended following a hazing investigation. The suspensions were staggered to allow the team to compete, raising questions about the university’s commitment to immediate and comprehensive accountability.
• While Greek life incidents at Baylor may not always reach the same public visibility as at other institutions, the university’s history suggests that violations are handled internally, though not always with public transparency.

These incidents are viewed through the lens of Baylor’s broader challenges in institutional oversight, underscoring the importance of vigilance.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For families in Glenn Heights, hazing cases at Baylor would involve the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) and/or the Waco Police Department for off-campus incidents. Civil suits would generally fall under the jurisdiction of state district courts in McLennan County, where Waco is located. As with SMU, Baylor’s private university status often means less public disclosure of disciplinary actions. However, experienced legal counsel can utilize civil discovery processes to obtain internal documents, witness testimony, and other critical evidence necessary for building a strong case.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Glenn Heights students at Baylor and their parents:

• Be Aware of Baylor’s History: Understand that Baylor operates under specific public scrutiny due to past institutional failings, which means all forms of student misconduct, including hazing, are viewed seriously.
• Prioritize Safety and Documentation: Adhere strictly to documentation guidelines, taking advantage of any available reporting channels and immediately seeking medical attention if needed.
• Consult Legal Experts: Contact hazing attorneys at Attorney911 familiar with Baylor’s policies and the legal landscape of McLennan County. We can help navigate cases within the context of Baylor’s unique institutional environment.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Understanding the history of a national fraternity or sorority is crucial when addressing hazing at a local chapter, whether at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor. These organizations, often with chapters across the country, have well-documented patterns of behavior, and a history of repeated incidents can significantly impact legal strategy.

Why National Histories Matter

The reality is that many fraternities and sororities, including some of the largest such as Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Phi Delta Theta (Phi Delt), Pi Kappa Phi (Pi Kapp), and Kappa Alpha Order (KA), operate as national organizations. These national headquarters typically have extensive anti-hazing manuals and sophisticated risk management policies. Why? Because they have a long history of members suffering severe injuries, or even dying, due to hazing at chapters nationwide. They are fully aware of the common hazing scripts: forced drinking nights, ritualistic paddling, and humiliating acts.

When a local chapter in Texas – whether in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, or Waco – replicates a hazing scenario that led to another chapter being shut down or sued in a different state, this directly demonstrates foreseeability. It proves that the national organization knew, or should have known, the dangers associated with these practices. This pattern evidence is a powerful tool in civil litigation, strengthening arguments for negligence, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Organization Mapping: Key Fraternities and Their National Hazing Histories

While numerous fraternities and sororities operate at Texas universities, certain organizations have particularly well-documented national histories of severe hazing incidents:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)
  • Description: A large national fraternity with chapters at many Texas universities, including UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor.
  • National History: Pi Kappa Alpha has a tragic national history of alcohol-related hazing deaths. A prominent example is the 2021 death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University, where a pledge was forced to drink a bottle of whisky, leading to a $10 million settlement and criminal convictions. Another case involved the 2012 death of David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University, which also involved alcohol poisoning and resulted in a $14 million settlement. These cases demonstrate a recurring pattern of dangerous “paddle pass” or “Big/Little” drinking events within the fraternity.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)
  • Description: Historically one of the largest fraternities nationwide, with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU.
  • National History: SAE has faced multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries across the country. Notably, the fraternity made headlines in 2014 by eliminating its traditional pledge program due to its history of incidents. Despite this, hazing persists. Recent incidents include allegations of a traumatic brain injury suffered by a pledge at the University of Alabama (2023 lawsuit), severe chemical burns to pledges from industrial-strength cleaner and other substances at Texas A&M (2021 lawsuit), and an assault on an exchange student at the UT Austin chapter (2024 lawsuit). The continuous pattern highlights a persistent issue within the national organization.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)
  • Description: A national fraternity with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.
  • National History: Phi Delta Theta is associated with the tragic 2017 death of Max Gruver at Louisiana State University. Gruver died of extreme alcohol toxicity during a “Bible study” drinking game. This incident led to criminal convictions of members and the enactment of the Max Gruver Act (felony hazing law) in Louisiana.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)
  • Description: A national fraternity with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin.
  • National History: Pi Kappa Phi was involved in the 2017 death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University, where he died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event that involved heavy drinking. This led to criminal charges for members and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)
  • Description: A national fraternity with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and SMU.
  • National History: Beta Theta Pi was at the center of the highly publicized 2017 death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University. Piazza died from injuries sustained after consuming excessive alcohol during a brutal bid-acceptance event, with fraternity members delaying medical help for hours. This deeply impactful case resulted in numerous criminal charges, significant civil litigation, and new anti-hazing legislation in Pennsylvania (Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law).
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ)
  • Description: A national fraternity with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin.
  • National History: Kappa Sigma has been associated with multiple hazing incidents, including the 2001 drowning death of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami, which resulted in a $12.6 million jury verdict based on hazing. More recently, allegations of severe rhabdomyolysis from physical hazing at the Texas A&M chapter (2023 ongoing litigation) continue to highlight concerns.
• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI)
  • Description: A national fraternity with chapters at Texas A&M.
  • National History: Phi Gamma Delta was involved in the 2021 incident involving Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri, where he suffered severe, permanent brain damage from excessive alcohol consumption during a “pledge dad reveal” night. His family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants for multi-million dollar amounts, making this a chilling example of catastrophic non-fatal hazing.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The patterns uncovered in these national histories are vital to our legal strategy at Attorney911. They help us demonstrate that:

• Certain problematic hazing methods are not isolated incidents but rather recurring issues within specific national organizations.
• National organizations often had repeated warnings from previous tragedies and failed to enact meaningful change.
• This establishes foreseeability—the national body knew, or should have known, that these practices would lead to harm.
• These patterns are critical for arguments related to negligence, gross negligence, and punitive damages against national entities, affecting settlement leverage and insurance coverage disputes.

By connecting specific incidents at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor to these broader national patterns, we can build stronger cases for accountability and justice for families in Glenn Heights and across Texas.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

When a hazing incident occurs, particularly one resulting in serious injury or death, building a comprehensive legal case requires a meticulous and aggressive approach. At Attorney911, we leverage our experience in complex litigation to uncover every piece of evidence, understand the full scope of damages, and strategize effectively against powerful institutional defendants.

Evidence is Everything

Modern hazing cases are often won or lost based on the quality and comprehensiveness of the evidence collected. This is why immediate action, as outlined in our 48-hour checklist for Glenn Heights families, is so crucial.

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical evidence. Group chat platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, Signal, iMessage, Discord, and even social media direct messages (Instagram DMs, Snapchat, TikTok comments) provide a raw, uncensored look into the planning, execution, and aftermath of hazing. They reveal who was involved, what was said, and who gave the orders. Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages, but original screenshots are invaluable.
• Photos & Videos: Cellphone footage—whether filmed by members during the event, shared in private group chats, or posted temporarily on social media stories—can be damning. This includes images showing injuries, humiliating acts, forced drinking, and the environment where hazing occurred. Surveillance footage from houses, venues, or even doorbell cameras can also confirm times, participants, and activities.
• Internal Organization Documents: These can include pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “traditions” lists, and internal emails or texts from officers discussing plans for new members. These documents often reveal a long-standing culture of hazing, even if couched in euphemistic language. National anti-hazing policies and training materials, when compared to the actual conduct, can highlight a failure to enforce rules.
• University Records: Through subpoena and public information requests (for public universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT), we can unearth crucial university records. These include prior conduct files (probations, suspensions, letters of warning against the same organization), incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices, Clery Act reports, and even internal emails between administrators discussing the organization’s behavior.
• Medical and Psychological Records: Comprehensive medical documentation is essential to prove the extent of physical harm. This includes emergency room reports, ambulance records, hospitalization notes, surgical reports, physical therapy records, and toxicology results. Equally vital are psychological evaluations, including diagnoses of PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation, which demonstrate the profound mental and emotional toll of hazing.
• Witness Testimony: The accounts of other pledges, active members, former members who quit, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, and even bystanders can be pivotal. Many witnesses, initially fearful, may be willing to cooperate once a formal legal process is underway.

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Our focus, aligned with the emotional and financial devastation hazing causes, is to pursue maximum compensation for our clients. We describe damages as full recovery for all harm suffered, both economic and non-economic.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers immediate emergency room visits, ambulance transport, hospitalization, surgeries, ongoing medical treatment, prescription medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. In catastrophic cases, such as those involving brain injuries or organ damage, it also includes the costs of a lifetime of specialized care and adaptive equipment.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes compensation for missed semesters, tuition fees, the loss of scholarships, and the delayed entry into the workforce. For victims with permanent injuries or psychological trauma, it covers the diminished future earning capacity, calculated with the help of economic experts.
• Non-Economic Damages: These address the profound, non-financial suffering. This includes physical pain and suffering, emotional distress (such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression), humiliation, loss of dignity, and the profound loss of enjoyment of life. This last category encompasses the inability to participate in activities previously enjoyed, social withdrawal, and the erosion of what should have been a vibrant college experience.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the most tragic cases, where hazing results in death, surviving family members – parents, spouses, and children – can recover substantial damages. This includes funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and compensation for the deep emotional harm, loss of companionship, guidance, and society suffered by the family.
• Punitive Damages: In specific circumstances, where the defendants’ conduct is particularly egregious, reckless, or malicious, we may seek punitive damages. These are not to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. In Texas, while there are statutory caps on punitive damages in many cases, they can be substantial, especially when gross negligence or intentional acts are proven.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation is complex because it often involves multiple sophisticated defendants — national fraternities, universities, and their insurers.

• Insurance Companies: National fraternities and universities typically carry substantial insurance policies designed to protect them from liability. However, these insurers often attempt to deny coverage by arguing that hazing or intentional acts are excluded from their policies. They may also employ delay tactics and offer lowball settlements.
• Our Strategy: Our firm’s unique advantage, bolstered by Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, means we intimately understand the insurance industry’s playbook. We know how to identify all potential sources of coverage, challenge unjust exclusions, and aggressively negotiate for fair compensation. We aim to compel insurers to honor their obligations and ensure our clients receive the full recovery they deserve.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family in Glenn Heights or anywhere in Texas, confusion and fear are natural responses. Our goal is to empower you with clear, practical guidance.

8.1 For Parents: Your Role in Identifying & Responding to Hazing

As a parent, you are often the first line of defense. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can be critical.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be attuned to changes in your child’s physical and emotional state. This includes unexplained injuries that don’t add up, extreme exhaustion, sudden sleep deprivation, drastic changes in mood (increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or withdrawal), constant secret phone use for group chats at all hours, an obsession with pleasing older members, or expressions of fear about “getting in trouble” or “letting the chapter down.” Academic decline or an unexplained need for money can also be red flags.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the [organization]?” or “Is there anything making you uncomfortable?” Reassure them that their safety and well-being are your top priority, and you will support them no matter what.
• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize medical care immediately. Do not delay. Document everything they tell you, take photos of any injuries, and save any relevant dates, times, and locations. Your attorney can help guide you on official reporting once your child’s immediate needs are met.
• Dealing with the University: If you choose to engage with the university, document every communication. Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization and what actions the school took. Remember, universities, even with good intentions, often prioritize institutional reputation.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child suffers significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, it is time to contact an experienced hazing attorney. We can then represent your interests, ensuring your child’s rights are protected.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety

If you’re a student from Glenn Heights involved in a fraternity, sorority, club, or team, and you’re questioning what’s happening, this section is for you.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: are you being forced to do things you don’t want to do? Do you feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Are you being forced to drink or endure physical pain? Is the activity hidden from administrators or the public? If you answer yes to any of these, it’s likely hazing.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The pressure to belong, the fear of missing out, and the desire to “fit in” can be overwhelming. But true consent cannot be given under duress. Texas law explicitly states that your “agreement” to be hazed is not a legal defense for those who harmed you. You are a victim, not responsible for their illegal actions.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave any situation that makes you uncomfortable or unsafe. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. You can also report hazing privately or anonymously through campus channels or national tip lines like 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293). If you choose to de-pledge, involve a trusted adult or legal counsel from Attorney911 to help you navigate the process safely and minimize potential retaliation.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer “good faith” reporter protections. This means you generally won’t be punished if you report a hazing incident or call for help in an emergency, even if underage drinking or other rule violations were present. Your safety is paramount.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: Coming Forward

If you were a member of an organization where hazing occurred, or you witnessed it, you may be experiencing a mix of guilt, fear, and a desire to do what’s right.

• Your Role in Preventing Harm: Your testimony and any evidence you possess can be vital in preventing future harm and saving lives. Coming forward can be a courageous step toward accountability.
• Seeking Legal Advice: If you are concerned about your own legal exposure, know that Attorney911 can provide confidential advice. We can help you understand your rights, navigate potential criminal implications, and guide you on how to cooperate in a way that protects both you and ensures justice for victims. Sometimes, cooperating with authorities as soon as possible can mitigate potential charges.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For any family in Glenn Heights or across Texas considering legal action for hazing, avoiding certain critical mistakes is paramount. These errors can cripple a case, compromise evidence, and undermine credibility:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence:

   • The Mistake: Believing that deleting incriminating texts, photos, or group chats protects your child from “getting in more trouble.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: It can look like a cover-up, makes proving the hazing exponentially harder, and could even constitute obstruction of justice.
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve everything immediately, even content that feels embarrassing. Attorney911’s video on documenting a legal case (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains simple methods for securing this critical digital evidence.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • The Mistake: Parents, driven by anger and protectiveness, directly confronting the organization’s members or leadership.
   • Why It’s Wrong: This immediately tips off the defendants, allowing them to lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses long before you’ve gathered your own.
   • What to Do Instead: Document everything you can. Then, call Attorney911 before any direct confrontation.

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

   • The Mistake: Universities often pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements in exchange for an internal investigation or minor disciplinary action.
   • Why It’s Wrong: Such forms can inadvertently waive your legal right to file a civil lawsuit, and any “settlement” offered by the university is often far below the true value of the case.
   • What to Do Instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university without having an attorney review it first.

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

   • The Mistake: Wanting to alert others or vent frustration by posting details of the incident on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.
   • Why It’s Wrong: Defense attorneys scour social media. Inconsistencies between public posts and official statements can damage credibility, and public posts might inadvertently waive certain legal privileges.
   • What to Do Instead: Document privately and confidentially. Let your lawyer control public messaging strategically.

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

   • The Mistake: Fraternity or sorority leadership often pressures victims to attend a “private meeting” to “talk things over” or “explain” before formal action.
   • Why It’s Wrong: These meetings are often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can be twisted and used against your child later in a legal proceeding.
   • What to Do Instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication from the organization should be directed to your attorney.

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

   • The Mistake: Trusting that the university’s internal process will deliver full justice and accountability.
   • Why It’s Wrong: Evidence quickly disappears, witnesses graduate and scatter, statutory deadlines can pass, and the university’s priority is often protecting its own reputation, not ensuring maximum compensation for your child.
   • What to Do Instead: Preserve evidence now and consult with Attorney911 immediately. The university’s process is distinct from achieving true legal accountability and compensation.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:

   • The Mistake: Directly speaking with insurance adjusters who promise to “just get your statement to process the claim.”
   • Why It’s Wrong: Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any recorded statement can be used against you, and initial offers are almost always lowball.
   • What to Do Instead: Politely decline to speak with them 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) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions apply for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

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

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation activities?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “agreement” given under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known, or if there was a cover-up. Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our video, “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c), provides further insight.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat death of Michael Deng or the Sigma Pi death of Collin Wiant at an unofficial house) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments against the organizations.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before ever reaching a public trial. We prioritize your family’s privacy and work to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. Our focus is achieving accountability and justice while protecting your family.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action for Glenn Heights Families

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ dedicated to holding accountable the individuals and organizations responsible for hazing. We go beyond traditional personal injury law to tackle the complex legal and cultural dynamics of campus abuse.

Based in Houston, our firm serves families throughout Texas, including Glenn Heights and the surrounding communities of Ellis County. We understand that hazing at Texas universities impacts families far and wide, and we are strategically positioned with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont to serve victims across the state.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases?

Our firm brings a unique blend of experience and insight that is critical to prevailing in hazing litigation:

• 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 exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies because she used to run that playbook. Her expertise ensures we anticipate their moves and counter them effectively. You can learn more about her background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: 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 and possesses extensive federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas). We are not intimidated by national fraternities, multi-billion-dollar universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We’ve taken on powerful corporations and won. His full credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: Our firm has 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 understand how to value and pursue lifetime care needs for victims with brain injuries or permanent disabilities. Simply put, we don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force genuine accountability. Our wrongful death practice area page (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/) illustrates our dedication.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a deep understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. When hazing involves criminal accusations, we can advise witnesses, former members, and victims on navigating both the criminal and civil tracks effectively. For more details on our criminal defense services, visit https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
• Unparalleled Investigative Depth: We investigate hazing incidents like your child’s life depends on it—because it often does. Our network includes medical professionals, digital forensics experts, economists, and psychologists. We are adept at obtaining deleted group chats and social media evidence, subpoenaing national fraternity records showing prior incidents, and uncovering university files through aggressive discovery tactics and public records requests.

Whether it’s understanding the hidden dynamics of Greek culture, the precise legal definition of coercion, or the most effective way to secure a confidential settlement that funds a lifetime of care, we are the firm prepared to fight for justice for your family. We know this is one of the hardest things a family from Glenn Heights can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We balance empathy with a relentless pursuit of accountability.

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether that’s UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor—we want to hear from you. Families in Glenn Heights and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward. During your free consultation, you can expect us to:

• Listen to your story without judgment.
• Review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records).
• Explain your legal options: a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect from the legal process.
• Answer your questions about costs and our contingency fee basis—we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc to learn more about how contingency fees work.
• Provide clear guidance without pressure to hire us on the spot. Everything you tell us is confidential.

You don’t have to face this alone.

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

Whether you’re in Glenn Heights or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you deserve powerful legal representation. 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