In Harrison County, our fraternity and sorority hazing lawyers at Attorney911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ offer unparalleled legal support. With over 25 years of experience, including federal court expertise taking on national fraternities and universities, our former insurance defense attorney understands fraternity insurance tactics. We handle university hazing injury and wrongful death cases at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, drawing on our HCCLA criminal defense and civil wrongful death expertise. Our multi-million dollar proven results, like those from the BP Explosion Litigation, show we fight massive institutions. We are evidence preservation specialists. Hablamos Español. Free consultation, contingency fee: no win, no fee. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

It’s a crisp autumn night, the air buzzing with anticipation around a college campus. Far from their homes in places like Marshall, Waskom, Hallsville, and across Harrison County, students are navigating a new world of friendships, academics, and burgeoning independence. For some, this includes the allure of Greek life or other campus organizations. On this particular night, the pledges gather—new members eager to belong, ready to prove their dedication. They are told they must endure “initiation,” a long-standing “tradition” that promises camaraderie but often delivers degradation and danger.

The evening progresses, fueled by social pressure and excessive alcohol. Chants grow louder, demands become more intense, culminating in a mandatory drinking game. One student, desperate to fit in, consumes far more than they can handle. Laughter turns to concern as they start to stumble, then collapse. Others, fearing the repercussions of getting their chapter “shut down” or facing criminal charges, hesitate to call for help, caught in a dangerous code of silence. The student, once a vibrant part of the Harrison County community, lies motionless, their life now hanging in the balance, a victim of a ritual gone tragically wrong.

This isn’t a hypothetical scenario limited to distant campuses. This could happen to a student from Harrison County, attending a Texas university like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor. For families in Harrison County and across the Lone Star State, understanding the realities of modern hazing is critical.

This comprehensive guide is designed for Harrison County and Texas families who need to navigate the complex world of hazing incidents, laws, and prevention. We will explore:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, debunking common myths and revealing its modern forms.
• How Texas and federal laws address hazing, outlining the legal framework relevant to cases in Harrison County and beyond.
• Lessons from major national hazing cases and their profound implications for Texas families.
• Specific insights into hazing dynamics at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University.
• Strategies for building a strong legal case, from evidence collection to understanding potential damages.
• Practical, actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses dealing with a hazing crisis.

While this article provides general information, it is not specific legal advice. Each case is unique, and we at The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, are ready to evaluate individual situations with the sensitive, expert attention they require. As a Houston-based firm, we are proud to serve families across Texas, including our neighbors in Harrison County, Marshall, Waskom, and Hallsville, bringing our extensive experience to bear on these critical issues.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

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

In the first 48 hours:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.”
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, DMs immediately.
  • Photograph injuries from multiple angles.
  • Save physical items (clothing, receipts, objects).
• Write down everything while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where).
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity/sorority.
  • Sign anything from the university or insurance company.
  • Post details on public social media.
  • Let your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast (deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses).
• Universities move quickly to control the narrative.
• We can help preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The perception of hazing often conjures images from old movies – perhaps a harmless paddle swat or an embarrassing stunt. However, the reality of hazing in 2025, from the University of Houston to Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, is far more insidious, dangerous, and technologically advanced. Hazing is a complex and often escalating pattern of behavior where individuals use power over others to create a sense of belonging through fear, humiliation, or physical duress.

In plain English, hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. This includes situations where the phrase “I agreed to it” does not automatically render the activity safe or legal, especially when there is peer pressure and a clear power imbalance within the group.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

The forms hazing takes are varied, reflecting a disturbing creativity in degradation and harm. For Harrison County families, understanding these categories is crucial to identifying potential dangers.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the most common and often deadliest form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often as “chugging challenges,” “lineups,” or “games” that require rapid, dangerous consumption. Pledges can also be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, including illicit drugs. The goal is often to incapacitate new members, making them more vulnerable and compliant.

• Physical Hazing: Beyond the historical image of paddling, physical hazing today can involve severe forms of abuse meant to test endurance or elicit submission. This includes beatings, extreme calisthenics or “workouts” (misleadingly labeled as “conditioning”) that push individuals far beyond safe physical limits, leading to injuries like rhabdomyolysis or severe dehydration. Sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation, and exposure to extreme environmental conditions (cold or heat) are also common tactics designed to weaken resistance.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply damaging form of hazing involves forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (such as “roasted pig” positions or “elephant walks”), and the requirement to wear degrading costumes. These acts are designed to dehumanize and break down individuals, often with long-lasting psychological trauma. This category can also include acts with racial or sexist overtones, the use of slurs, or forcing individuals to role-play degrading stereotypes.

• Psychological Hazing: While not always leaving visible scars, psychological hazing can be profoundly destructive. It encompasses verbal abuse, threats, forced isolation from friends and family, and constant intimidation. Pledges might be subjected to manipulation, forced confessions, or public shaming on social media or in meetings. This type of hazing aims to exert control over a new member’s thoughts and emotions, creating dependence and fear.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the pervasive use of technology, hazing has moved into the digital realm, enabling 24/7 control and new forms of humiliation. This includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public shaming via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, and others. Pledges can be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or to post embarrassing content online, making their humiliation public and permanent.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is exclusively a “fraternity boy” problem. For Harrison County parents and students, it’s vital to recognize that hazing is a systemic issue permeating various campus organizations across all types of universities:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes traditional Greek councils (IFC, Panhellenic), historically Black Greek letter organizations (NPHC), and a growing number of multicultural Greek organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: At universities like Texas A&M, the tradition-heavy, military-style environment can sometimes blur lines between discipline and hazing, leading to significant risks.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Organizations: Groups like the Texas Cowboys or other spirit and tradition-oriented associations can unfortunately develop hazing rituals.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, cheerleading, and smaller club sports – hazing has been documented as a systemic issue across intercollegiate athletics.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can be sites of hazing, as team building is twisted into abuse.
• Other Student Organizations: Some service groups, cultural associations, and academic clubs can also harbor hazing practices, demonstrating that the problem is not limited to any single type of student body.

The persistent presence of hazing, even with widespread condemnation and legal prohibitions, stems from deeply ingrained issues of social status, tradition, and secrecy. These elements create an environment where dangerous practices are perpetuated, often with the implicit understanding that “everyone else went through it” or “it’s just a way to make us stronger,” masking the true harm involved.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Harrison County and throughout Texas, understanding the legal landscape around hazing—both criminal and civil—is paramount. Texas law provides specific protections and avenues for accountability, even as federal regulations increasingly aim to curb these dangerous practices.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has dedicated statutory provisions concerning hazing within its Education Code (Chapter 37, Subchapter F), making it one of the more explicit states in addressing this issue.

• Definition: Texas law broadly defines hazing 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 you 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. Importantly, this applies whether the act occurs on or off campus, and it encompasses both mental and physical harm. The intent does not have to be malicious; “reckless” is enough, meaning the perpetrator knew of the substantial risk and disregarded it. Crucially, as we will discuss further, “consent” is explicitly not a defense under Texas hazing law.

• Criminal Penalties (Texas Education Code § 37.152): Individuals found guilty of hazing can face criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies:

  • Class B Misdemeanor: The default classification for hazing that does not cause serious injury, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
  • Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury that requires medical treatment.
  • State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This highlights the state’s severe stance on hazing that results in significant harm.
  • Failure to Report: Any student who is a member or officer of an organization and has knowledge of a hazing incident, but fails to report it, can also face misdemeanor charges.
  • Retaliation: Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

• Organizational Liability (Texas Education Code § 37.153): Beyond individual culpability, organizations themselves can be found criminally liable if they authorized or encouraged the hazing, or if an officer acting in an official capacity knew about it and failed to report it. Penalties for organizations include fines up to $10,000 per violation and the revocation of university recognition, banning them from campus. This dual criminal accountability—for both individuals and organizations—is a critical component of Texas’s legal framework.

• Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting (Texas Education Code § 37.154): To encourage reporting and seeking medical help, Texas law provides immunity. A person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. Moreover, in medical emergencies, a “good samaritan” provision often grants amnesty to students who call 911, even if they were underage drinking or involved in the hazing. While fears of getting into trouble or being ostracized often prevent reporting, the law intends to protect those who speak up.

• Consent Not a Defense (Texas Education Code § 37.155): This is a cornerstone of effective anti-hazing legislation. Texas law explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. This directly combats the common defense that victims “chose” to participate, recognizing the coercive nature of hazing environments.

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

  • Provide hazing prevention education to students.
  • Publish clear anti-hazing policies.
  • Maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions taken. This transparency, while sometimes imperfect, provides a public record that Harrison County families can access to see if organizations at their children’s universities have a history of violations.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, there are often two distinct legal paths that can be pursued:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (through a district attorney or prosecutor) against individuals or organizations accused of violating criminal hazing statutes or related laws. The primary aim of a criminal case is to punish the offender through penalties such as jail time, fines, or probation. In hazing contexts, criminal charges can include the specific hazing offenses outlined above, as well as more general crimes like furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even negligent homicide or manslaughter in fatal cases.

• Civil Cases: These are lawsuits brought by the victims (or their surviving family members in cases of wrongful death) against individuals, organizations, or institutions deemed responsible for the harm caused by hazing. The objective of a civil case is not punishment, but monetary compensation for the victim’s damages and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil claims in hazing cases often involve:

  • Negligence and Gross Negligence: Arguing that a party (individual, organization, or university) failed to act with reasonable care to prevent harm.
  • Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a fatality, allowing the family to seek compensation for their losses.
  • Negligent Hiring/Supervision: Alleging that an institution failed to properly vet or oversee its employees, student leaders, or recognized organizations.
  • Premises Liability: If hazing occurred on property where the owner failed to maintain a safe environment.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For severe psychological harm.

It is crucial for Harrison County families to understand that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for filing a civil lawsuit. The burden of proof is different in civil cases (preponderance of the evidence vs. beyond a reasonable doubt), meaning a civil case can succeed even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction. Often, both criminal and civil processes run concurrently.

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

Beyond state laws, federal regulations also play a role in addressing campus hazing:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funds must:

  • Increase transparency by publicly reporting hazing incidents.
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs.
  • Maintain public, aggregated data on hazing incidents (with full implementation expected around 2026). This act promises to shed more light on the true scope of hazing and impose greater accountability on institutions.

• Title IX / Clery Act: When hazing involves sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault, Title IX obligations are triggered, requiring universities to investigate and address such conduct. The Clery Act mandates that institutions disclose campus crime statistics, and hazing incidents often overlap with categories that must be reported, such as assaults, alcohol-related offenses, and drug offenses. These federal laws provide additional avenues for victims seeking justice and for holding universities accountable for campus safety failures.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

For Harrison County families considering legal action, understanding who can be held responsible is vital. Liability in a civil hazing lawsuit can extend far beyond the immediate perpetrators:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, carried out, supplied resources (like alcohol), or facilitated the hazing acts can be held personally liable. This includes “pledge parents,” “new member educators,” or any student leader involved.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself, if it operates as a legal entity, can be sued. This often includes the student officers who govern the local chapter.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, umbrella organizations that oversee local chapters, are frequently targeted in hazing lawsuits. Their liability often hinges on whether they set adequate policies, provided sufficient training, had knowledge of a local chapter’s problematic history, or failed to intervene despite warnings.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, or its governing board (Board of Regents), can be sued. This usually involves arguments of institutional negligence, such as:
  • Failure to enforce their own anti-hazing policies.
  • Ignoring prior complaints or “red flags.”
  • Negligent supervision of recognized student organizations.
  • Failure to provide a safe campus environment.
• Third Parties: This can include landlords or property owners of off-campus houses or venues where hazing occurred, especially if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities. In alcohol-related incidents, bars or stores that illegally furnished alcohol to minors may be liable under “dram shop” laws.

It is crucial to remember that every hazing case is fact-specific. Not every party listed above will be liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney can help identify exactly who should be held accountable based on the specifics of what happened.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic stories of hazing victims echo across the nation, creating a chilling pattern that should serve as a stark warning to Harrison County families. These anchor cases, though occurring outside Texas, set critical legal precedents, influence public perception, and demonstrate the profound stakes involved, shaping how hazing cases at Texas universities are pursued.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced or extreme alcohol consumption is the single most common and deadly element in hazing fatalities. These cases illustrate how institutions repeatedly fail to address a known, foreseeable danger.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died from multiple traumatic brain injuries and a ruptured spleen after a brutal “bid acceptance” night at a Beta Theta Pi fraternity house. He was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, fell repeatedly, and was left unattended for hours despite showing clear signs of distress. Security cameras within the fraternity house captured the horrific events, including brothers delaying calling for medical help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath involved dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and directly led to the enactment of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, a benchmark for anti-hazing legislation. Timothy’s tragic death underscores how extreme intoxication, a dangerous delay in calling 911, and a pervasive culture of silence can lead to devastating legal and human consequences.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old Pi Kappa Phi pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and forced to finish them. His death led to criminal hazing charges against several fraternity members and prompted Florida State University to temporarily suspend all Greek life, initiating a comprehensive review and overhaul of its policies. This case tragically highlights how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster, transcending individual chapters.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (September 2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU freshman, died from acute alcohol intoxication after a Phi Delta Theta hazing ritual known as “Bible study.” Pledges were forced to drink excessively if they answered questions incorrectly. Max’s blood alcohol content was a staggering 0.495% at the time of his death. His death led to multiple criminal charges, including a conviction for negligent homicide against one fraternity member, and spurred Louisiana to pass the Max Gruver Act, making felony hazing a reality in the state. This case powerfully demonstrates how public outrage and clear proof of hazing often directly lead to crucial legislative change.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (March 2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old Pi Kappa Alpha pledge, died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” pledge night. This incident, tragically similar to others, led to multiple criminal convictions for hazing-related charges against fraternity members. Civically, Bowling Green State University agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the Foltz family, with additional significant settlements reached with Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and other individuals, totaling $10 million. Stone’s death is a chilling reminder that universities, whether public or private, can face significant financial and reputational consequences, alongside the fraternities themselves, when they fail to prevent hazing.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing can also lead to catastrophic injury and death, often in more clandestine settings.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (December 2013): Michael Deng, a 19-year-old pledge, died during a Pi Delta Psi fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. He was blindfolded, weighted down with a backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a brutal ritual called “the glass ceiling.” When he became unresponsive, fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours while attempting a cover-up. Multiple members were convicted, and significantly, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity was also convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, leading to its ban from Pennsylvania for 10 years and heavy fines. This landmark case demonstrates that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or even more dangerous than on-campus events, and that national organizations are not immune from severe legal consequences, even in criminal courts.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life. Major athletic programs, often with immense institutional support and public visibility, can also be breeding grounds for dangerous hazing rituals.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a scandal that rocked collegiate athletics, former Northwestern football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. Claims included forced naked “dry-humping” drills and other degrading acts. This led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and its coaching staff, the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later confidentially settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit), and a comprehensive review of the university’s athletic culture. This case is a powerful testament that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, implicating even high-profile, big-money athletic programs, and raising serious questions about institutional oversight.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies reveal common threads that are chillingly relevant to Harrison County families and students attending Texas universities: forced drinking, extreme humiliation, physical violence, dangerous delays in seeking medical care, and systematic cover-ups. While every case involves unique facts, the legal victories and significant settlements obtained by victims in these anchor cases establish crucial precedents. They demonstrate that multi-million-dollar settlements and institutional accountability often only come after tragedy strikes and courageous families pursue litigation. This landscape, shaped by national lessons, is precisely what families in Harrison County need to understand if they face hazing at schools like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor.

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

For Harrison County families, understanding the specific environments at Texas’s major universities is critical. While our firm is based in Houston, we serve clients from across the state, including Harrison County, and have deep expertise in the nuances of hazing cases at these prominent institutions. Harrison County is located in East Texas, with its seat in Marshall. Many Harrison County residents attend or send their children to universities across the state, sometimes opting for those closer to home like the University of Houston or Texas A&M, while others venture to UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor. Regardless of the distance from Marshall or Hallsville, the firm represents students whose lives have been impacted by hazing.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus in the heart of the Bayou City, attracts many students from Harrison County and the broader East Texas region. With a diverse student body and an active Greek life, understanding UH’s specific policies and history is key for any Harrison County family navigating a hazing incident there. Hazing incidents at UH can involve investigations by the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) or the Houston Police Department (HPD), and civil actions would likely proceed in Harris County courts.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a rapidly growing Tier One research university with a dynamic campus environment, blending commuter and residential populations. Its Greek life is robust, featuring a wide array of fraternities and sororities across various councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural Greek Council), and a multitude of other student organizations, athletic teams, and spirit groups. The urban setting sometimes means hazing can occur in both on-campus housing and numerous off-campus apartment complexes or private residences in the surrounding Houston area.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, clearly stating its prohibition against any activity that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. This policy applies to all student organizations, whether on or off campus. UH encourages reporting through various channels:

• The Dean of Students Office.
• The Office of Student Conduct.
• The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD).
• An online reporting form for anonymous submissions.

Like other Texas public universities, UH is required to publish a hazing statement and some limited disciplinary information on its website, though the level of detail can vary.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

A notable incident involved Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) at UH in 2016. Pledges were allegedly deprived of sufficient food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event at an off-campus house. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. This led to misdemeanor hazing charges against individuals and the chapter faced university suspension. Other disciplinary actions at UH have involved fraternities and sororities accused of activities “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and policy violations, resulting in various levels of suspension or probation. These incidents highlight UH’s active stance in suspending chapters, yet often public details are limited, which can challenge families seeking comprehensive information.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Harrison County family whose child experiences hazing at UH, the legal process can be intricate. Investigations may involve both UHPD and the Houston Police Department, depending on where the hazing occurred. Civil lawsuits seeking accountability and damages would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston/Harris County. Potential defendants could include individual students, the local Pi Kappa Alpha chapter, the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, the University of Houston itself, and potentially property owners if the incident took place off-campus.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Report Directly: If hazing occurs, report it to the UH Dean of Students Office or UHPD immediately.
• Document Everything: Collect evidence of prior complaints, past incidents, and especially active hazing activities.
• Seek Legal Counsel: For Harrison County families, talking to a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can be invaluable in uncovering prior disciplinary actions, internal university files, and navigating the nuances of the legal system in Harris County. An attorney can help determine liability for all parties, from students to nationals to the university.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a storied institution known for its deep traditions, attracts many students from Harrison County and across Texas, drawn by its unique collegiate experience and strong sense of community rooted in places like College Station and Bryan. The university’s strong military presence through its Corps of Cadets adds another layer of complexity to hazing dynamics. Hazing incidents at Texas A&M are often investigated by the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) or College Station Police, with civil cases typically proceeding in Brazos County courts.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M holds a unique place among Texas universities, characterized by its fierce loyalty, deep traditions, and the prominent presence of the Corps of Cadets, a military training program. Its Greek system, while smaller than some other large universities, is active, alongside a multitude of highly influential spirit groups and student organizations. The culture, while emphasizing respect and camaraderie, can sometimes foster environments where “tradition” is used to justify hazing.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, in alignment with Texas state law and its own Student Rules. The university’s policy covers all aspects of hazing, including mental, physical, or emotional harm related to joining or maintaining membership in any organization. Reporting channels include:

• The Office of the Dean of Students.
• Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD).
• The Hazing Prevention website, which offers an anonymous reporting form.
• Specific reporting channels within the Commandant’s Office for Corps of Cadets issues.

Texas A&M is required to publish an annual report of hazing violations and disciplinary actions, offering some transparency into past incidents.

5.2.3 Example Incidents & Response

Texas A&M has faced several significant hazing allegations:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (around 2021): Two pledges alleged they were subjected to strenuous physical activity and then doused with an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, resulting in severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The pledges filed a lawsuit against the fraternity chapter and individuals, seeking over $1 million. The university suspended the SAE chapter for two years.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading hazing within the Corps. The allegations included being forced into simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The university stated it addressed the matter under its disciplinary rules, but the lawsuit pursued external accountability.
• Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): This fraternity faced allegations of hazing resulting in severe injuries, specifically rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown from extreme physical exertion), necessitating specialized legal representation focused on the long recovery often associated with this condition.

These incidents highlight the dual challenge at A&M: hazing within Greek life and potential risks within the highly traditional, disciplined Corps environment, where the lines between training and abuse can occasionally be crossed.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Harrison County families dealing with a hazing incident at Texas A&M, the legal route can involve investigations by Texas A&M UPD or College Station PD and civil actions in Brazos County courts. The specificity of A&M’s traditions, particularly the Corps of Cadets, requires attorneys who understand the university’s unique culture and structure. Potential defendants could range from individual students and local chapters to national fraternities/sororities and Texas A&M University, which, as a public institution, benefits from some sovereign immunity protections, though exceptions for gross negligence or Title IX violations exist.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand the Culture: Be aware of the strong emphasis on tradition and loyalty, and how this can be manipulated into hazing.
• Report Directly: Utilize Texas A&M’s official reporting channels, including the Dean of Students or UPD, and document the receipt of any report.
• Seek Specialized Legal Counsel: For Harrison County families, engaging a lawyer experienced in Texas hazing cases who understands the nuances of both Greek life and Corps culture at Texas A&M is crucial. Our firm’s expertise in navigating these complex institutional environments can be instrumental in uncovering previous incidents and effectively building a case.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, one of the nation’s largest and most visible public universities, attracts a diverse student body from all corners of Texas, including many from Harrison County seeking a top-tier education. Its sprawling campus and vibrant Greek system, alongside numerous student organizations, offer a rich but sometimes risky environment. Hazing incidents at UT are typically investigated by the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) or Austin Police Department, with civil cases proceeding in Travis County courts.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is an academic powerhouse deeply intertwined with Texas culture. Its highly competitive student body engages in a broad spectrum of activities, including a massive Greek system, numerous spirit organizations (some with long, storied histories), and various athletic clubs. The sheer size and diversity of organizations mean a comprehensive approach to hazing prevention and response is continuously challenged.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin has among the most publicly accessible and proactive approaches to hazing prevention and reporting among Texas universities. Its official policy strictly prohibits hazing, whether on or off university premises, and applies to all student organizations and teams. UT maintains:

• The Dean of Students Office, which oversees student conduct.
• The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).
• A dedicated anti-hazing website (hazing.utexas.edu) that includes reporting forms and valuable information.
• Crucially, UT Austin publishes a comprehensive, publicly accessible Hazing Violations page on its website, listing organizations, dates, conduct findings, and sanctions imposed.

This transparency provides an invaluable resource for Harrison County families attempting to assess an organization’s history.

5.3.3 Example Incidents & Response

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page openly documents a continuous stream of incidents:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): The chapter was found in violation for new members being directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. This was deemed hazing, leading to the chapter being placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (January 2024): This chapter faced a lawsuit after an Australian exchange student alleged severe assault by fraternity members at a party, resulting in injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, a fractured tibia, and a broken nose. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations at the university.
• “Absolute Texxas” Spirit Group (2022): This spirit organization was disciplined for hazing violations that included alcohol/drug misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, and generally degrading new members. This highlights that hazing at UT extends beyond the traditional Greek system.
• Other entries detail various groups, including social fraternities, honorary societies, and even professional organizations, sanctioned for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or other punishment-based practices.

UT’s willingness to publicly document these violations, while commendable for transparency, simultaneously underscores the persistent challenge of hazing even at institutions with clear policies.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Harrison County families, a hazing case at UT Austin might involve joint investigations by UTPD and Austin Police. Civil lawsuits would likely be filed in Travis County courts. The public record of UT’s hazing violations can be a powerful tool for plaintiffs, demonstrating a history of issues and proving that the university (and national organizations) had prior knowledge and notice of problematic behavior at its recognized chapters. Potential defendants include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and UT Austin itself (with its protections as a public university).

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

• Utilize Public Resources: Families from Marshall, Waskom, and Hallsville should consult UT’s Hazing Violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) before joining any organization.
• Document & Report: Any incident should be immediately documented and reported to the Dean of Students or UTPD.
• Consult a Texas Hazing Attorney: For Harrison County families, a lawyer experienced in Austin-based hazing cases can strategically utilize UT’s transparent disciplinary history to demonstrate patterns, prior warnings, and institutional failures.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private university in Dallas, has a distinct culture known for its strong Greek life and often affluent student body. Given its prestige, students from Harrison County are also drawn to SMU. Hazing incidents at SMU are typically investigated by the SMU Police Department (SMU PD) or Dallas Police Department, with civil cases proceeding in Dallas County courts.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is characterized by its rigorous academics, beautiful campus, and vibrant social scene, heavily influenced by its active Greek system. A significant portion of the undergraduate student body participates in fraternities and sororities, making Greek life a central component of campus social dynamics. This strong emphasis on Greek engagement can sometimes create environments where hazing, disguised as “tradition,” may proliferate.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains a firm anti-hazing policy that applies to all student organizations and athletic teams, both on and off campus. As a private institution, SMU’s reporting mechanisms are generally internal, though they align with state and federal expectations:

• The Dean of Students Office.
• SMU Police Department (SMU PD).
• An online reporting system, specifically including a platform like “Real Response” that allows for anonymous reporting.

While SMU does not generally publish a public list of hazing violations similar to UT Austin, it is required to report certain aggregated data under federal laws.

5.4.3 Example Incident & Response

SMU has also grappled with hazing allegations:

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): This fraternity chapter faced accusations of significant hazing, including new members being paddled, forced to drink excessive alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The national chapter and the university placed the SMU chapter on suspension, with severe restrictions on recruiting for several years. Other Greek organizations at SMU have also experienced investigations and sanctions for violations of hazing policies.

These incidents underscore that even at private universities, where public transparency might be less robust, hazing remains a persistent concern.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Harrison County family, a hazing case at SMU involves distinct legal considerations due to the university’s private status. Investigations would typically be led by SMU PD or Dallas PD. Civil lawsuits would proceed in Dallas County courts. While private institutions may face fewer public disclosure requirements, their internal records (conduct files, emails, incident reports) are discoverable in civil litigation. The firm’s experience with private universities can be crucial in compelling the production of these internal documents to prove liability. Potential defendants include individual students, the local Kappa Alpha Order chapter, the national Kappa Alpha Order, and SMU itself.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Investigate Thoroughly: Despite less public data, families should actively research an organization’s history through unofficial channels (e.g., news archives) before joining.
• Utilize Internal Systems: While exercising caution, use SMU’s anonymous reporting systems (like Real Response) if an incident occurs.
• Consult a Texas Hazing Attorney: For Harrison County families, a lawyer experienced in hazing cases at private institutions like SMU is essential. Our firm can leverage discovery processes to access internal records and previous complaints that might not be publicly available, which is critical for building a strong case.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a unique position in the Texas higher education landscape, including for students from Harrison County. Its strong religious identity and history of dealing with high-profile misconduct allegations—particularly concerning Title IX violations—add distinctive elements to any hazing incident. Investigations at Baylor often involve the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) or Waco Police, with civil cases typically proceeding in McLennan County courts.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor is known for its strong Christian values and commitment to academic excellence. Its spiritual mission permeates campus life, influencing student organizations and Greek life. While Greek fraternities and sororities are present, other faith-based student groups and athletic teams also play significant roles in the social fabric. Baylor’s well-documented history of navigating significant institutional crises over Title IX issues has led to enhanced scrutiny of campus culture and official responses to misconduct, including hazing.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing as a violation of both its Student Conduct Code and Texas state law. The policy explicitly condemns actions that endanger physical and mental health for purposes of initiation or membership in any student organization or athletic team. Baylor provides various reporting mechanisms:

• The Office of Student Conduct.
• Baylor Police Department (BUPD).
• An online reporting system for anonymous submissions.
• Specific channels for Title IX concerns.

Baylor is required to publish an annual report of hazing violations and disciplinary actions, but as a private institution, its public documentation may differ in detail from a public university like UT Austin.

5.5.3 Example Incident & Response

Baylor has encountered hazing allegations within its athletic programs:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An investigation into the Baylor baseball program led to the suspension of 14 players. The suspensions were staggered across the early season, indicating a recognition of the severity of the hazing.

This incident, coming after years of intense scrutiny over Title IX and institutional oversight, demonstrates Baylor’s ongoing efforts to address campus misconduct despite its stated “zero tolerance” policies. It highlights how hazing can be deeply embedded even in high-profile athletic programs at religiously affiliated institutions.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a Harrison County family, a hazing case at Baylor involves navigating both the complexities of hazing law and the unique institutional context of a private, religious university. Investigations may involve BUPD or Waco PD. Civil lawsuits would proceed in McLennan County courts. Baylor’s history with prior high-profile institutional failures could be leverage in demonstrating a pattern of inadequate oversight or response, even if the cases were unrelated to hazing. Potential defendants include individual students, the local chapter or athletic program, national organizations, and Baylor University itself.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Review All Policies: Thoroughly understand Baylor’s Student Conduct Code and anti-hazing policies.
• Consider Broader Context: Be aware of Baylor’s institutional history concerning campus misconduct and how that might influence the handling of hazing allegations.
• Engage a Texas Hazing Attorney: For Harrison County families, a lawyer experienced in hazing cases at private, religiously affiliated institutions like Baylor is crucial. Our firm can effectively argue how the university’s duty of care and institutional accountability might apply, particularly in light of previous high-profile incidents and internal reform efforts.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Understanding the national history of a fraternity or sorority is not just about isolated incidents; it’s about recognizing patterns of behavior, demonstrating foreseeability, and establishing a broader context for liability. For Harrison County families, knowing that a chapter at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor belongs to a national organization with a history of hazing incidents can be crucial in a legal claim. When a local Texas chapter repeats a dangerous practice already seen in other states, it strengthens the argument that the national organization knew or should have known about the risks and failed to prevent them.

Why National Histories Matter

The reality is, many fraternities and sororities active on Texas campuses, including those with chapters at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, are part of extensive national organizations. These national headquarters often develop thick anti-hazing manuals and implement risk management policies precisely because they have faced catastrophic injuries and deaths in the past. They are acutely aware of common hazing patterns, such as forced drinking nights, “tradition”-based paddling, and humiliating rituals.

When a local chapter in Texas engages in a hazing practice that has previously led to injury, death, or severe disciplinary action at another chapter of the same national organization in a different state, this establishes a powerful argument for foreseeability. It suggests that the national organization had prior notice of the specific dangers associated with its chapters’ behaviors. This pattern evidence can be pivotal in civil claims, strengthening arguments for negligence, gross negligence, and even punitive damages against national entities who repeatedly fail to enforce their own rules and protect their members.

Organization Mapping: National Hazing Incidents Relevant to Texas Campuses

While we cannot list every chapter’s history, we can highlight major national fraternities and sororities with chapters at prominent Texas universities that have a publicly documented history of hazing incidents nationwide. This demonstrates a pattern of behavior and forewarning for nationals, which is critical in legal arguments.

Here are some examples of national organizations with chapters at Texas universities that have faced significant hazing incidents elsewhere:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike)

  • Present at: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
  • National History: Pi Kappa Alpha has a disturbing national history of severe hazing, primarily involving alcohol. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021 (due to forced whiskey consumption) resulted in a $10 million settlement and multiple criminal convictions. Another fatality, David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University in 2012, also from alcohol poisoning, led to a $14 million settlement. These cases, among others, demonstrate a recurring pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing that national headquarters should be acutely aware of.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE)

  • Present at: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU
  • National History: Sigma Alpha Epsilon has been associated with multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. The fraternity famously announced the elimination of its traditional pledge process in 2014 in response to a pattern of fatalities. Despite this, incidents persist: allegations of a traumatic brain injury during hazing at the University of Alabama (2023 lawsuit filed) show ongoing risks. Closer to home, a Texas A&M chapter faced a lawsuit alleging two pledges suffered severe chemical burns from being doused with industrial cleaner and other substances in 2021. A UT Austin chapter faced a lawsuit in January 2024 for an alleged assault resulting in significant injuries to an exchange student, with the chapter already under suspension for prior hazing violations.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ)

  • Present at: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
  • National History: This fraternity is unfortunately linked to the death of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University in 2017, where he died from alcohol toxicity during a forced drinking game. This incident directly led to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute in Louisiana. While the specific settlement amount is confidential, the legal and legislative impact was profound.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ)

  • Present at: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin
  • National History: Pi Kappa Phi faced severe scrutiny after the death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017. Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were forced to consume large amounts of alcohol. This led to criminal prosecutions and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ)

  • Present at: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
  • National History: The tragic death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University in 2017 from a traumatic brain injury sustained during a hazing event of extreme alcohol consumption and falls is one of the most well-known hazing cases in U.S. history. Despite multiple criminal charges against members, civil litigation, and new Pennsylvania anti-hazing laws, the national organization continues to face scrutiny regarding enforcement.

• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ)

  • Present at: University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor
  • National History: Kappa Sigma was found liable in the $12.6 million jury verdict for the wrongful death of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami in 2001, who drowned after being persuaded by fraternity members to swim while intoxicated. This case led to legislation named in his honor. More recently, a Kappa Sigma chapter at Texas A&M faced allegations of hazing that caused severe injuries like rhabdomyolysis in 2023, requiring specialized medical and legal attention for the victims.

• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI)

  • Present at: Texas A&M
  • National History: Phi Gamma Delta made national headlines with the catastrophic injury to Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri in 2021. During a “pledge dad reveal” night, Santulli was forced to consume excessive alcohol, leading to severe, permanent brain damage, rendering him unable to walk, talk, or see. The Santulli family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants, including the national fraternity, for multi-million-dollar amounts, highlighting the devastating consequences of non-fatal hazing injuries.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

This pattern of recurrent hazing incidents across different chapters of the same national organization is critical to our legal strategy. It effectively combats the defense that “this was just a rogue chapter” or “the national organization had no idea.” Instead, it allows our firm to argue that:

• Prior Warnings: National organizations have received repeated warnings through past incidents, lawsuits, and media coverage about specific dangerous hazing practices (e.g., forced alcohol consumption).
• Failure to Enforce: Despite these warnings, they failed to implement or adequately enforce policies that would prevent such behaviors.
• Foreseeability: The harm that occurred was entirely foreseeable given the organization’s history, and therefore, the national entity should be held accountable.

This approach significantly impacts settlement leverage, influences insurance coverage disputes (by showing negligence rather than isolated “intentional acts”), and can be crucial in arguing for punitive damages—meant to punish egregious conduct and deter future similar acts. For Harrison County families, this detailed understanding of national organizational history is a powerful tool in seeking justice for their children.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully pursuing a hazing lawsuit requires meticulous investigation, a comprehensive understanding of legal principles, and the strategic presentation of evidence. At The Manginello Law Firm, we approach each case with the investigative depth of a criminal prosecutor and the civil litigation expertise honed through decades of experience against powerful institutions. We understand that for Harrison County families, building a case is about getting answers, holding those responsible accountable, and preventing future tragedies.

Evidence: The Foundation of Your Case

In today’s digital world, evidence in hazing cases is more abundant than ever, but it can also disappear quickly. Our firm employs cutting-edge techniques to preserve and uncover critical information.

• Digital Communications: These are often the most direct source of evidence. Group chat data from platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and Slack can reveal the planning, coercion, and execution of hazing. We look for messages from officers giving instructions, references to “pledges” or “new members,” discussions of “traditions,” and attempts to cover up incidents. Screenshots, message logs, and even forensic recovery of deleted messages are vital.
• Photos & Videos: Ubiquitous smartphones mean hazing is frequently recorded. This includes content filmed by members during events, footage shared in private group chats or on social media (Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok), and security camera footage (e.g., Ring doorbell cameras) from houses or venues where hazing occurred. We work to secure these recordings before they are deleted or overwritten. Our firm’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving such critical information.
• Internal Organization Documents: Subpoenaing these records can reveal official (and unofficial) practices. This includes pledge manuals, initiation scripts, lists of “traditions,” emails or texts from officers giving instructions, and national anti-hazing policies and training materials. These documents help establish what leadership knew, what they should have done, and how formal policies often diverge from actual conduct.
• University Records: Through discovery and, for public universities, via public records requests, we seek:
  • Prior conduct files, probation statuses, and suspension records for the involved organization.
  • Incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Clery Act reports and similar disclosures that provide context on campus safety.
  • Internal emails among administrators regarding the organization, which can show prior knowledge or deliberate indifference.
• Medical and Psychological Records: Crucial for documenting damages, these include:
  • Emergency room and hospitalization records, ambulance reports.
  • Lab results (blood alcohol content, toxicology, specific tests like kidney panels for rhabdomyolysis).
  • Imaging results (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs for head injuries).
  • Follow-up treatment notes, physical therapy records.
  • Psychiatric and psychological evaluations documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation resulting from the hazing trauma.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are powerful. This includes statements from other pledges, current or former members, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, and other bystanders. Former members who quit or were expelled for refusing to participate in hazing can be particularly compelling witnesses.

Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

In a civil hazing lawsuit, the goal is to compensate victims and their families for the full scope of their losses. The types of damages sought can be categorized as follows:

• Economic Damages (Quantifiable Financial Losses):
  • Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs, from immediate emergency room visits, ambulance transport, and hospitalization to long-term needs like surgeries, ongoing treatment, physical and occupational therapy, medications, and mental health counseling. For catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injury or severe organ damage, this can include a “life care plan” to cover lifelong care needs.
  • Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes lost wages if the student (or a parent caring for them) missed work. It also accounts for the profound impact on a student’s education, such as missed semesters, tuition fees, lost scholarships, and setbacks in entering the workforce. If injuries are permanent, it includes a calculation of reduced lifetime earning capacity.
• Non-Economic Damages (Subjective, but Legally Compensable):
  • Physical Pain & Suffering: This covers the physical pain from injuries, both immediate and ongoing, and the loss of physical abilities (e.g., inability to participate in sports or hobbies).
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: This includes the profound mental and emotional toll, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe depression, anxiety, panic attacks, humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, and the fear or nightmares that can result from hazing. Counseling and therapy records are crucial to document this.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This accounts for the degradation of the victim’s life quality, their inability to participate in activities they once loved, social withdrawal, and the overall negative impact on their college experience and personal relationships.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): When hazing leads to a fatality, surviving family members can seek compensation for:
  • Funeral and Burial Costs.
  • Loss of Financial Support: If the deceased would have contributed to family income or support.
  • Loss of Companionship, Love, and Society: This addresses the profound emotional vacuum left by the deceased.
  • Grief and Emotional Suffering: For the parents, siblings, or spouse who endured the tragic loss.
  • Our firm has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly egregious, reckless, or malicious conduct, courts may award punitive damages. These are not compensation for the victim’s loss, but rather a punishment for the defendant to deter similar conduct in the future. They are often awarded when a defendant ignored prior warnings or acted with callous indifference to known risks. In Texas, while punitive damages are available, they are subject to statutory caps in many cases.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Complicating hazing cases is the fact that multiple parties can be held liable, and each may have various insurance policies that come into play.

• Insurance Coverage: National fraternities, universities, and sometimes even individual students may hold insurance policies designed to cover liability for personal injury. However, insurers frequently try to deny coverage by arguing that hazing or “intentional acts” are explicitly excluded from their policies.
• Navigating Disputes: This is where specialized legal expertise is critical. Our firm, particularly with Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), understands exactly how large insurance companies operate. We know their tactics for valuing claims, denying coverage, and defending against lawsuits. We can identify all potential sources of coverage, challenge wrongful denials, and negotiate directly with insurers, often forcing them to honor their obligations. This expertise allows us to anticipate and counter defense strategies, ensuring all available resources are brought to bear for our clients.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For Harrison County parents, students in Marshall, Waskom, and Hallsville, and even former members, having clear, actionable advice during a hazing crisis is essential. The moments immediately following a suspected hazing incident are critical for safety, evidence preservation, and seeking justice.

8.1 For Parents: Protecting Your Child

Parents are often the first line of defense. Here’s what Harrison County parents should know:

• Warning Signs of Hazing:

  • Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or “accidents” that don’t add up, especially if your child is vague or evasive about them. Watch for injuries on the back, hands, or upper thighs that suggest paddling.
  • Extreme Fatigue: Sudden or pervasive exhaustion, sleep deprivation, or frequent late-night demands that disrupt normal sleep patterns.
  • Mood Changes: Drastic shifts in personality—increased anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal from friends or family, sudden secrecy about group activities.
  • Constant Phone Use: Obsessive checking of group chats, anxiety when the phone pings, or attempts to delete messages.
  • Academic Decline: Falling grades, missed classes, or prioritizing group “events” over studies.
  • Defensive Behavior: Becoming defensive, saying “I can’t talk about it,” or insisting “it’s just tradition” when asked about group activities.
  • Financial Strain: Unexplained needs for money, or large expenses for the group.

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation calmly and non-judgmentally. Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priorities, far above any organizational status. Ask open-ended questions like: “How are things really going in your group?”; “Is there anything they ask you to do that makes you uncomfortable?”; “Do you feel safe?”; “Would the university or we (as your parents) be proud if we saw what’s happening?” Reassure them that you will support them no matter what.

• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize their immediate medical care. Get them to an emergency room or a healthcare provider. While there, ensure that the medical staff record that the injury may be hazing-related. Document everything: take clear photos of injuries from multiple angles, screenshot any texts or social media messages your child shows you, and write down every detail (who, what, when, where) while it’s fresh.

• Dealing with the University: Document all communications with university administrators (emails, notes from phone calls). Ask direct questions about prior incidents involving the specific organization and what the school did in response. Be aware that universities may prioritize protecting their image, so ensure you have independent legal advice before accepting any university-proposed “solutions.”

• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has sustained significant physical or psychological harm, if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, or if you simply need expert guidance on how to proceed, contact our firm immediately.

8.2 For Students / Pledges: Understanding Your Rights

For students from Harrison County navigating the pressures of Greek life or other organizations, distinguishing between “tradition” and illegal hazing can be challenging.

• “Is This Hazing or Just Tradition?”: Ask yourself: Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do? Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal? Would my parents or the university approve if they knew? Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do? Am I being told to keep secrets? If the answer is yes to any of these, it’s likely hazing. Your safety and dignity are paramount.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: As Attorney911 explains in our video on comparative negligence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4), the law recognizes that “consent” given under duress, immense peer pressure, or the fear of exclusion is not true consent. You cannot legally consent to criminal activity.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the right to leave any organization at any time. Inform someone outside the organization (a trusted RA, professor, family member) of your decision. If you fear retaliation, report that fear to the Dean of Students or campus police. You can report hazing anonymously through campus hotlines or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).

• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law provide immunity for students who report hazing in good faith or call for medical help in an emergency, even if they were underage drinking or participated in the hazing themselves. Your life, or a friend’s life, is more important than fear of punishment.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were once involved in hazing, or witnessed it, and now carry guilt or regret, know that your decision to come forward can prevent future tragedies.

• Your Role in Prevention: Your testimony and evidence can be invaluable in bringing justice to victims and preventing harm to others. While you may have fears about personal liability, an experienced attorney can help navigate your options, potentially including protections for cooperation.
• Seeking Legal Advice: You may need your own legal counsel to understand your rights and potential exposures, especially if criminal charges are involved. Cooperating with authorities or a civil lawsuit can be a complex but profoundly important step toward accountability and healing.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For Harrison County families, navigating a hazing incident is fraught with emotional and legal complexities. Unfortunately, well-intentioned actions can inadvertently jeopardize a legal claim. Attorney911 often educates clients on “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY). Here are critical mistakes to avoid:

• Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: This is one of the most damaging actions. While parents might want to protect their child from further trouble, deleting evidence makes proving hazing incredibly difficult and can even lead to accusations of obstruction of justice. Preserve everything immediately, even if it’s embarrassing.
• Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: Emotional confrontations typically backfire. The organization will immediately “lawyer up,” destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and solidify their defense, leaving you at a disadvantage. Document everything privately, then seek legal counsel before any direct engagement.
• Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms without legal review: Universities often pressure families to sign agreements or engage in internal resolutions. These documents may waive your right to pursue further legal action, and university-offered “settlements” are often far below the true value of your case. Never sign anything from the university or insurance company without an attorney reviewing it first.
• Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: What seems like a desire for justice or awareness can be gravely detrimental. Defense attorneys meticulously screenshot public posts, using any inconsistencies to attack credibility. This can also inadvertently waive legal privileges. Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging.
• Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” with the organization: If legal action is being considered, any invitation to “talk things over” or “clear the air” is likely a tactic to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that hurt your case. Once you’re considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.
• Waiting “to see how the university handles it”: While universities initiate internal investigations, these processes are often slow, lack transparency, and are designed to protect the institution, not necessarily the victim. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run. Preserve evidence NOW; consult a lawyer immediately; the university process is not a substitute for real accountability.
• Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: Insurance adjusters sound friendly, but their primary goal is to minimize payouts. Recorded statements can be used against you, and early settlement offers are invariably low-ball. Politely decline to speak with them and state that your attorney will be in contact.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT, as state entities, have some sovereign immunity protection under Texas law. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on specific facts—contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  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 individuals involved could face imprisonment. Furthermore, an officer of an organization who knows about hazing and fails to report it 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 charges or a bar to civil claims. Courts and legal experts recognize that “consent” given under significant peer pressure, power imbalance, or fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, in Texas, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this period if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to discuss your specific timeline. 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/sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control over the organization, prior knowledge of dangerous activities, and the foreseeability of the harm. Many major hazing cases resulting in multi-million-dollar judgments have occurred off-campus, demonstrating that location does not provide a shield from responsibility.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While some high-profile hazing cases indeed make headlines, most hazing lawsuits are resolved through confidential settlements negotiated before trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and can often arrange for sealed court records and confidential settlement terms, allowing you to pursue accountability without unnecessary public exposure.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the aftermath of a hazing incident, 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 stand as Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with a deep commitment to justice for families across Texas, including our neighbors in Harrison County, Marshall, Waskom, and Hallsville.

From our main office in Houston, we extend our services across the state, bringing unparalleled expertise to hazing cases. Our unique qualifications are specifically tailored to the complexities of campus abuse:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable experience as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their arguments regarding coverage exclusions, and their settlement strategies. We know their playbook because she used to run it. Lupe Peña’s complete professional background can be found at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our Managing Partner, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record against formidable opponents. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation and possesses extensive federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas). This means our firm is not intimidated by national fraternities, powerful universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants. Ralph Manginello’s credentials and experience are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We don’t settle cheap. We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, working with economists to accurately value the profound losses families face. We understand how to value lifetime care needs for catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injury or permanent disability. Our firm builds cases that force accountability, not just quick settlements. Our firm’s wrongful death page is https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives us a critical advantage. We understand how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, allowing us to advise not only victims but also witnesses and former members who may face dual exposure. Our criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we can navigate both sides of this challenging legal landscape.
• Investigative Depth: We investigate hazing cases like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. We utilize a network of experts, including digital forensics specialists, medical professionals, economists, and psychologists. Our experience in obtaining hidden evidence, such as deleted group chats, internal chapter records, and university documents through discovery and public records requests, is second to none.

We understand that hazing at Texas universities deeply impacts families in Harrison County and across the wider region. Our firm brings not just legal expertise, but genuine empathy for those navigating such profound trauma. We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face, and 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, prioritizing victim advocacy over quick settlements.

Call to Action

If you or your child has experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s UT Austin, Texas A&M, the University of Houston, SMU, Baylor, or another institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Harrison County, from Marshall to Waskom and Hallsville, 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 without judgment, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We’ll listen to your story, giving you the time and space you need.
• We’ll review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records) in a confidential setting.
• We’ll explain your legal options: pursuing a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• We’ll discuss realistic timelines for action and what to expect during legal proceedings.
• We’ll answer your questions about costs. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Our video, “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc), explains this process fully.
• There’s no pressure to hire us on the spot—take the time you need to make an informed decision.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

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

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
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
For consultation in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

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