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A chill cuts through the warm Texas evening, but it’s not just the autumn air; it’s the quiet dread settling over a freshman once thrilled to join a revered campus organization. Perhaps they are at a gathering for a fraternity or sorority in Austin, a spirit group in College Station, or an athletic team in Houston. Friends and new “brothers” or “sisters” are urging them to drink “just one more” or participate in a “tradition” that feels deeply wrong, exposing them to physical risk or profound humiliation. They glance nervously at a designated older member, who ensures no one leaves, no calls are made, and no pictures are taken. Someone stumbles, turns pale, or collapses—and the room goes quiet, grappling with fear: the fear of consequences, the fear of disappointing the group, and the overwhelming fear of calling for help.

This scenario, tragically common, plays out at Texas universities year after year, affecting students from communities like Hartley County and far beyond. While the details may vary, the underlying currents of peer pressure, secrecy, and institutional indifference remain disturbingly consistent.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we understand the profound distress and confusion families in Hartley County and across Texas experience when a loved one is subjected to hazing. These aren’t isolated incidents of youthful exuberance; they are often deeply ingrained practices rooted in tradition and sustained by a culture of silence. This comprehensive guide is designed for families in Hartley County and across the Lone Star State who are seeking answers, accountability, and justice.

Here, we will delve into what modern hazing truly looks like, how Texas and federal law address these dangerous practices, and what lessons we can draw from major national cases. We’ll specifically examine patterns at our state’s prominent institutions—the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University—to provide a clearer picture of how these issues manifest on campuses where many Hartley County families send their children. Most importantly, we will outline the legal options available to victims and their families in Hartley County and throughout Texas.

This article provides general information, not specific legal advice. Every case has unique facts. The Manginello Law Firm can evaluate individual cases based on their specific details. We serve families throughout Texas, including Hartley County and its surrounding areas, helping them navigate these complex legal and emotional challenges.

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 image of hazing most people hold in their minds—a few harmless pranks or a bit of roughhousing—is dangerously outdated. Modern hazing, particularly at colleges and universities that attract students from Hartley County and across Texas, has evolved into a complex, often brutal, and clandestine practice. It’s far more insidious than simple initiation rites; it’s coercion, control, and, too often, catastrophic harm.

At its core, hazing refers to any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether on or off campus, by one person or a group, directed against a student for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in an organization. Critically, this act must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of the student. The notion of “consent”—where a student “agrees” to participate—does not automatically make the activity safe or legal, especially when there’s an inherent power imbalance, intense peer pressure, and implicit threats of exclusion.

Main Categories of Hazing

Understanding the different forms hazing takes is crucial for families in Hartley County to recognize it. Often, victims and their parents don’t realize what’s happening falls under the legal definition of hazing because it’s framed as tradition or bonding.

Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most prevalent and deadly forms. It involves forced or coerced drinking, often to dangerous levels. Examples include chugging challenges, “lineups” where pledges are forced to rapidly consume alcohol, or drinking games where refusing to participate is met with severe social retribution. This category also includes pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances, which can lead to severe health crises.
Physical Hazing: This form directly targets a student’s body. It can range from brutal paddling and beatings to extreme “workouts” or “smokings”—physical calisthenics far beyond reasonable limits, often performed to the point of exhaustion or injury. Sadly, this also includes sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, and exposure to extreme conditions like freezing temperatures or unsafe environments.
Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are designed to degrade and shame. They often involve forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” poses), or other perverse behaviors. The dehumanizing nature of these acts often leads to profound psychological trauma, sometimes exacerbated by elements with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones.
Psychological Hazing: While less visible, psychological hazing can be just as damaging. This includes verbal abuse, threats, forced social isolation, and constant intimidation. It involves manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming, often extending to social media or group meetings where individuals are relentlessly ridiculed or tormented.
Digital/Online Hazing: A newer but increasingly common form, digital hazing leverages technology to exert control and inflict humiliation. This can involve constant demands and dares in group chats, public shaming on platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or Discord, and pressure to create or share compromising images or videos. Sometimes, pledges are even required to download location-sharing apps, allowing older members to track their every move.

These tactics aren’t just “boys being boys” or “harmless fun.” They are calculated acts designed to break down individuals, foster absolute loyalty to the group, and enforce secrecy.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is exclusively a problem within Greek letter organizations. While fraternities and sororities (including Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and various multicultural groups) are frequently associated with hazing incidents, the reality is far broader. Hazing plagues a diverse array of student organizations at public and private institutions alike, including those attended by students from Hartley County.

Beyond Greek life, hazing has been documented in:

Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: These organizations, particularly at institutions like Texas A&M, often have long-standing traditions that, if unchecked, can devolve into dangerous power dynamics and physical abuse under the guise of “training” or “discipline.”
Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs: Groups like spirit organizations, dance teams, or long-standing campus tradition clubs (similar to some at UT Austin) can also be fertile ground for hazing.
Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, cheerleading, and even club sports, hazing can be a systemic issue within athletic programs, sometimes disguised as “team building” or “toughening up.”
Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups like marching bands or theater ensembles have reported incidents of hazing, often involving physical discomfort, forced tasks, or psychological torment.
Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Hazing can infiltrate many types of student groups, reflecting social status, tradition, and intense peer pressure within a microcosm of campus life.

Across all these groups, the core drivers of hazing often remain the same: the desire for social status, the deceptive allure of “tradition,” and a tightly enforced code of secrecy that makes it incredibly difficult for victims to speak out. For families in Hartley County, understanding that hazing can appear anywhere their child seeks affiliation is crucial for vigilance.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

When hazing strikes, families in Hartley County are often left grappling with not only emotional trauma and physical injuries but also profound confusion about their legal rights and avenues for justice. Texas has a robust legal framework specifically designed to address hazing, but understanding how it intersects with various other laws and who can be held accountable requires experienced legal guidance.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

In Texas, hazing is not merely a university disciplinary matter; it is a crime. The state’s specific anti-hazing provisions are found within the Texas Education Code – Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This code broadly defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, whether executed by an individual or a group, performed on or off campus, and directed against a student. The act must be for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization comprised primarily of students. Crucially, the act must either:

Endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student (e.g., beatings, forced exercise, coerced alcohol or drug consumption).
Or substantially affect the mental health or safety of a student (e.g., extreme humiliation, isolation, intimidation).

For Hartley County families, this means that an intentional or even reckless act—one where the perpetrator knew the risk but proceeded anyway—that endangers a student’s well-being for group affiliation is hazing under Texas law. Perhaps most importantly, consent is not a defense: even if a student verbally agrees to the activity, the law recognizes that true consent often cannot be given due to the inherent power imbalance and peer pressure in hazing situations.

The law includes criminal penalties:

Hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury is generally a Class B Misdemeanor.
If hazing causes an injury requiring medical treatment, it escalates to a Class A Misdemeanor.
If the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a State Jail Felony, carrying significant prison time and fines.
Additionally, failing to report hazing (if you’re a member or officer with knowledge) and retaliating against someone who reports hazing are also misdemeanors. These provisions aim to break the culture of silence.

Texas law also provides immunity for good-faith reporting. A person who reports hazing to university officials or law enforcement in good faith is typically shielded from civil or criminal liability stemming from that report. This is designed to encourage bystanders and victims to come forward without fear of self-implication, though the social pressures often make this difficult.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

The legal journey after a hazing incident often involves two distinct tracks: criminal and civil. While they can run concurrently and often inform each other, their purposes and outcomes differ significantly.

Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (through a local prosecutor, such as the District Attorney in Hartley County’s jurisdiction or where the incident occurred) against individuals or even organizations. The primary goal of a criminal case is to punish wrongdoers and deter future offenses. Hazing-related criminal charges in Texas can include direct hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or, in the most tragic cases, negligent homicide or manslaughter. A criminal conviction can lead to jail time, hefty fines, and a permanent criminal record.
Civil Cases: These are initiated by the victims or their surviving family members (plaintiffs) against those they believe are responsible for their injuries and damages (defendants). The primary goal of a civil case is to obtain monetary compensation for the harm suffered and to hold individuals, organizations, and institutions accountable. Civil hazing lawsuits often focus on legal theories such as:
- Negligence and Gross Negligence: Did a party fail to act with reasonable care, or did they act with extreme indifference to the safety of others?
- Wrongful Death: If hazing leads to a fatality, certain family members can sue for the loss of their loved one.
- Negligent Hiring/Supervision: Did the university or national organization fail to properly vet or oversee its employees, student leaders, or chapters?
- Premises Liability: Was the property owner negligent in making the location safe for guests, or in failing to intervene?
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress or Assault/Battery: For direct physical harm or severe psychological trauma.

It is crucial for families in Hartley County to understand that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for a civil lawsuit. The standards of proof differ, and even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction, a civil case can still succeed, providing justice and critical financial recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also impact how hazing is addressed on college campuses, providing additional layers of reporting, redress, and accountability.

Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant piece of federal legislation, phased in through 2026, requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to be more transparent and proactive in their hazing prevention efforts. Among its mandates, institutions must publicly report hazing incidents, enhance hazing education, and maintain accessible public data on hazing violations. For families from Hartley County, this means improved access to information about which organizations have a history of hazing at various schools, allowing for more informed decisions.
Title IX: While not exclusively a hazing law, Title IX can come into play when hazing involves gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault. If hazing includes forced nudity, sexualized rituals, or targets individuals based on their sex, universities have a federal obligation under Title IX to investigate and respond. Failure to do so can lead to severe consequences for the institution.
Clery Act: The Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. Hazing incidents, particularly those involving assaults, alcohol-related offenses, or other criminal acts, often overlap with Clery Act reporting requirements. This transparency helps prospective students and their families from Hartley County assess campus safety records.

These federal mandates underscore a growing national recognition of the severity of hazing and provide additional tools for accountability, complementing Texas state law.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

One of the complexities of hazing litigation is identifying all potentially liable parties. It’s rarely just one individual. An experienced hazing attorney understands how to trace lines of responsibility to ensure all negligent parties are held accountable, particularly important for families from Hartley County seeking comprehensive justice.

Individual Students: The most direct perpetrators—those who planned the hazing, supplied dangerous substances like alcohol, carried out violent acts, or actively participated in the coercion and abuse. This can include “pledge educators,” “Bigs,” or simply older members who facilitated the hazing.
Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or athletic team itself can be sued if it operates as a legal entity. This includes its officers and members who were acting “in charge” or had knowledge of the hazing and failed to stop it.
National Fraternity/Sorority: Most Greek letter organizations on Texas campuses are part of larger national bodies. These national headquarters set policies, receive dues, and are often responsible for supervising and training local chapters. Their liability often hinges on what they knew (or should have known) about a chapter’s hazing history, their failure to enforce anti-hazing policies, or their implicit approval of dangerous “traditions.”
University or Governing Board: While public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) in Texas have some protections under sovereign immunity, exceptions exist. Universities can be held liable for:
- Gross Negligence: If they acted with extreme indifference to student safety despite knowing of a pervasive hazing problem.
- Failure to Implement Known Policies: If they had anti-hazing policies but consistently failed to enforce them.
- Title IX Violations: If hazing involves gender-based discrimination or sexual harassment.
- Private Universities (like SMU and Baylor) often have fewer immunity protections and can be held liable for negligent supervision, failure to warn, or premises liability.
Third Parties: Liability can extend to external entities, including:
- Landlords/Property Owners: If the hazing occurred on their property and they had knowledge of dangerous activities or failed to provide a safe premises.
- Bars or Alcohol Providers: Under “dram shop” laws, establishments that negligently serve alcohol to minors or intoxicated individuals who then cause harm can be held liable.
- Security Companies or Event Organizers: If their negligence contributed to the incident.

Each hazing case is fact-specific, and the identification of responsible parties requires thorough investigation and a deep understanding of legal principles. The Manginello Law Firm possesses the expertise to analyze these complex scenarios and identify all potential avenues for accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic headlines that emerge from hazing incidents are not isolated occurrences; they often fit into disturbing patterns that reflect systemic failures. These national cases, while not always originating in Texas, set crucial precedents and highlight the recurring dangers that families in Hartley County should understand. They show what can happen when warnings are ignored, and they form the legal backdrop against which Texas hazing cases are often litigated.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced or extreme alcohol consumption is, by an overwhelming margin, the leading cause of hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide. The stories are heartbreakingly similar: young pledges, desperate to belong, pushed far beyond their limits.

Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” night involving extreme alcohol consumption. Fraternity security cameras captured his agonizing falls down stairs and hours of members declining to call for help. The incident led to a massive criminal prosecution against 18 fraternity members, numerous civil lawsuits, and the creation of Pennsylvania’s landmark Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. The takeaway here is devastatingly clear: a culture of extreme intoxication, combined with a delayed or denied call for medical help, often results in irreversible tragedy and severe legal repercussions.
Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017): Andrew Coffey, also just 19, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were reportedly given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them quickly. Criminal hazing charges were brought against multiple members, and Florida State temporarily suspended all Greek life programs, overhauling its anti-hazing policies. For Texas families, this case underscores how specific, formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a recurring script for disaster, yet groups continually repeat them despite national and university prohibitions.
Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (September 2017): Max Gruver died from alcohol toxicity with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly. This tragedy directly led to the passing of Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act, which significantly strengthened the state’s anti-hazing laws, making certain hazing acts a felony. This case exemplifies how legislative change often follows massive public outrage fueled by clear and undeniable proof of hazing.
Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (March 2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was compelled to drink an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night event and died of alcohol poisoning. This case resulted in multiple criminal convictions against fraternity members, including hazing charges. The Foltz family secured a significant $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million coming from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and approximately $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This critical outcome proves that not only national fraternities but also universities can face substantial financial and reputational consequences when hazing is allowed to thrive. These cases collectively demonstrate that the dangers of coerced alcohol consumption are well-known within the Greek system and by university administrations, yet the pattern tragically persists.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, hazing frequently involves brutal physical acts or ritualized abuse that can lead to severe injury or death. These incidents highlight the extreme lengths perpetrators will go to enforce “tradition.”

Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (December 2013): Michael Deng died after participating in a “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Blindfolded and weighted down with a heavy backpack, he was repeatedly tackled. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, and fraternity members dangerously delayed calling 911. This case resulted in criminal convictions for multiple members and, significantly, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, leading to its ban from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case forcefully cemented the idea that off-campus “retreats” don’t shield organizations from liability, and national entities can be held criminally accountable.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life. High-profile athletic programs, often seen as bastions of discipline and achievement, can also harbor deeply disturbing patterns of abuse.

Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In a scandal that rocked collegiate athletics, former football players at Northwestern University alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. Multiple players filed lawsuits against the university and coaching staff, ultimately leading to the firing of highly respected head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who later settled a wrongful-termination suit confidentially. The Northwestern case is a stark reminder to families in Hartley County and across Texas that hazing exists in major athletic programs, often going unchecked due to the power dynamics between coaches, players, and the deeply ingrained culture of “team loyalty,” underscoring the need for accountability even outside of traditional Greek life.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national anchor stories share common, tragic threads: forced drinking leading to alcohol poisoning, humiliation and violence, delayed or denied medical care, and concerted efforts to cover up illegal activities. While some institutions and states have strengthened anti-hazing laws and policies, it is a sobering truth that meaningful reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after a tragedy and subsequent determined litigation.

For Hartley County families dealing with hazing at a Texas university, these cases are not just distant news stories. They demonstrate:

A pattern of knowledge that forced drinking and degrading rituals are inherently dangerous.
The foreseeability of severe injury or death when such behaviors recur.
The willingness of civil courts and juries to award substantial damages to victims and their families.

These national lessons shape the legal landscape in Texas, giving victims and their advocates powerful arguments for accountability against individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and negligent universities. Hartley County families facing hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are not isolated; they are part of a broader struggle for justice, armed with precedents set by these courageous families and their legal teams.

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

For families in Hartley County, the hazing crisis hits closest to home when it involves the universities their children attend or aspire to attend. While we are based in Houston, serving clients throughout Texas, we recognize that many Hartley County residents send their students to institutions across the state. This section will delve into the specific cultures, policies, and documented incidents at five of Texas’s largest and most prominent universities.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

Hartley County families often consider a diverse range of higher education options, and the University of Houston, with its vibrant urban campus, is a significant draw. For students making the journey from Hartley County to Houston, understanding the institutional environment is paramount.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston is a sprawling urban campus, a dynamic blend of commuter and residential students, reflecting the diverse fabric of the greater Houston area. With a thriving Greek life that encompasses a wide array of fraternities and sororities from IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils, as well as countless other student organizations including cultural groups, academic societies, and sports clubs, UH provides a rich but complex student experience. The intensity of campus life, coupled with the pressure to belong, can unfortunately create an environment where hazing thrives.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UH maintains a clear anti-hazing policy, emphasizing that such conduct is strictly prohibited whether it occurs on-campus or off-campus. Their policy typically forbids any act that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation, specifically listing examples such as forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and activities causing mental distress. The university has established reporting channels through its Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). UH also generally provides a public hazing statement and some disciplinary information on its website, though the level of detail can vary compared to some other Texas institutions.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While many incidents may go unreported or are handled internally without public disclosure, there have been notable cases at UH:

In 2016, a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter faced severe scrutiny. Pledges allegedly suffered from deprivation of food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event, leading to at least one student experiencing a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or a similar surface. This chapter subsequently faced misdemeanor hazing charges and university suspension.
Other disciplinary references throughout the years have involved fraternities facing sanctions for behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including serious alcohol misuse and various policy violations, often resulting in suspensions or probation.

These examples highlight UH’s documented history of confronting hazing and its willingness to suspend chapters, even if detailed public violation lists are not always as extensive as those at other institutions.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a student from Hartley County involved in hazing at UH, legal proceedings can be intricate. The local agencies involved may include the UHPD for on-campus incidents, or the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events within Houston or Harris County. If civil suits are pursued, they would typically be filed in Harris County courts. Potential defendants in such a case could include the individual students directly involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the university itself, along with any property owners where the hazing occurred.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For students from Hartley County attending UH and their families, swift and informed action is critical:

Familiarize yourselves with UH’s specific reporting channels, including the Dean of Students, UHPD, and any online reporting forms.
Document any suspected hazing incidents immediately, noting dates, times, locations, and involved individuals.
Screenshot any digital communications that suggest hazing and photograph any injuries.
Seek medical attention if there are any physical injuries or signs of severe distress.
Contact a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases. Lawyers can assist in uncovering prior complaints, internal files, and navigating the complexities of university investigations.
Be aware that while UH has policies against hazing, there may be gaps in their enforcement or transparency regarding prior incidents.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University holds a unique place in the hearts of many Texans, including those in Hartley County, with its deeply ingrained traditions and robust Corps of Cadets program. This culture, while fostering immense loyalty, occasionally creates conditions ripe for hazing.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Nestled in College Station, Texas A&M is renowned for its traditions, strong alumni network, and the prominent Corps of Cadets. Both the extensive Greek life and the military-style Corps environment are tradition-heavy, which, while forming unbreakable bonds for many, can also inadvertently normalize or conceal hazing activities under the guise of “discipline,” “bonding,” or “earning your place.” Students making the journey from Hartley County to College Station are immersed in a culture that emphasizes loyalty above almost all else.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, articulating its stance in stringent university policy documents. The university’s hazing policy applies to all student organizations, including Greek chapters and the Corps of Cadets, regardless of where the acts occur. Reporting channels are managed through the Division of Student Affairs, Student Conduct Office, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMU PD). The university publishes a list of organizations under sanction for hazing offenses, providing some level of transparency to Hartley County families.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced several notable hazing incidents across various organizations:

In 2021, a Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chapter faced a lawsuit after pledges alleged severe hazing. They claimed they were forced to endure strenuous physical activity and had substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, poured on them, causing severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The chapter was suspended by the university, and the pledges took legal action seeking $1 million in damages. While the full outcome may not be publicly disclosed, it highlights the severe physical dangers involved.
In a 2023 lawsuit involving hazing within the Corps of Cadets, a cadet alleged degrading hazing rituals. These included simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages. These incidents underscore that hazing is not confined to Greek life but can be a dangerous byproduct of deeply ingrained traditions within other campus organizations.

These cases, particularly those involving physical and chemical burns, demonstrate the grave risks and the university’s attempts to manage and sanction behavior within its powerful student bodies.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Hartley County students and their families navigating a hazing incident at Texas A&M, the legal landscape typically involves TAMU PD for on-campus incidents or Bryan/College Station police for off-campus events. Civil suits would generally be filed in Brazos County courts. Potential defendants are varied, spanning individual cadets or fraternity/sorority members, the local chapter, the national organization, property owners, and potentially Texas A&M for negligence related to its supervision of student organizations or the Corps of Cadets.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Hartley County families with students at Texas A&M should be particularly vigilant:

Stay informed about Texas A&M’s hazing policies and the university’s public list of sanctioned organizations, which can provide critical pattern evidence.
If hazing is suspected, document every detail: screenshots of group chats, photos of any injuries, specific dates, times, and names of individuals involved.
Promptly report concerns to the Student Conduct Office or TAMU PD.
Do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention for any injuries, no matter how minor they seem.
Consult with an experienced hazing attorney who understands the unique legal and cultural dynamics of Texas A&M. This is especially crucial given the strong traditions within organizations like the Corps of Cadets, which can make it challenging to discern where tradition ends and illegal hazing begins.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

As the flagship institution for many Texans, the University of Texas at Austin draws students from every corner of the state, including many from Hartley County. UT’s vibrant campus life, including its extensive Greek system, has also unfortunately been a site for hazing incidents.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin is a massive and influential public university, celebrated for its academic prowess, vibrant cultural scene, and passionate student body. Its Greek system is expansive, featuring numerous IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural Greek chapters, alongside many other highly prominent student organizations like spirit groups and athletic clubs. This dynamic environment can unfortunately foster intense social pressures and a competitive drive for belonging that sometimes leads to hazing.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin has a stringent anti-hazing policy that covers all registered student organizations, including Greek life and athletic teams. The policy prohibits any activity that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. UT is notably transparent with its hazing records, maintaining a public Hazing Violations webpage that lists organizations, dates of incidents, the nature of the conduct, and the disciplinary sanctions imposed. Reporting can be done via the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, or the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public hazing log provides invaluable insight into recurring issues:

In 2023, a Pi Kappa Alpha chapter was sanctioned after new members reported being directed to consume excessive amounts of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, actions that were found to constitute hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement stricter hazing-prevention education.
Historically, other prominent organizations, including various spirit groups (like the former Texas Wranglers) and social clubs, have faced sanctions for practices involving forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based initiation rituals. This pattern indicates that despite the transparency, hazing remains an ongoing concern across diverse student groups.

These publicly documented violations are critical because they demonstrate an institutional pattern and a “notice” that can be highly relevant in civil litigation.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a student from Hartley County involved in a hazing incident at UT Austin, legal proceedings could involve UTPD for incidents on campus or the Austin Police Department/Travis County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County courts. UT Austin, as a public university, benefits from sovereign immunity under Texas law, but as discussed, exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, or when suing specific individuals for their personal actions. The extensive public record of prior violations on UT’s hazing log can be a powerful tool for plaintiffs in civil cases, demonstrating the university’s awareness of ongoing patterns.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

Hartley County families with students at UT Austin should actively leverage the available information:

Regularly check UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations webpage to understand the history of any organization your child is considering joining.
Document any suspected hazing with screenshots, photos, and detailed notes.
Report concerns through UT’s official channels, but be aware of the potential for internal processes to downplay issues.
Seek immediate medical care for any injuries, clearly stating how they occurred.
Contact an experienced hazing attorney early. The public log of prior violations at UT can significantly strengthen a civil case, providing undeniable evidence of institutional knowledge and patterns.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

SMU, a prestigious private university located in Dallas, attracts a significant number of students from affluent communities across Texas, including Hartley County. Its vibrant Greek life and social scene, while providing opportunities for connection, have also unfortunately been associated with hazing.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University embodies a reputation for academic excellence coupled with a robust social scene, often characterized by active Greek life. With a significant percentage of its undergraduate population engaged in fraternities and sororities (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural), SMU’s campus culture is heavily influenced by these organizations. The pressure to join and maintain membership in these prominent social circles can, at times, contribute to an environment where hazing is implicitly or explicitly tolerated.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains strict anti-hazing policies and actively promotes prevention efforts through its Student Affairs and Greek Life offices. Hazing is broadly defined to include any act that causes mental or physical harm in the context of initiation or membership. SMU utilizes reporting forms and also supports anonymous reporting systems (such as “Real Response”) to encourage students to come forward. The university also publishes information regarding student organization conduct, including hazing violations, though as a private institution, its public reporting may differ from that of state universities.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Like many universities, SMU has had its share of hazing incidents:

In 2017, a Kappa Alpha Order chapter faced severe university sanctions after new members reportedly endured paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended and faced significant restrictions on its activities and recruitment for an extended period.
SMU’s history includes various other Greek organizations facing discipline for hazing violations, typically involving excessive alcohol use, forced servitude, and degrading activities, demonstrating a recurring challenge within its Greek system.

These incidents highlight the university’s attempts to curb hazing through disciplinary actions, while also revealing the persistent nature of the problem within certain chapters.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Hartley County students and their families navigating a hazing incident at SMU, legal action would typically involve the Dallas Police Department for criminal charges and civil suits filed in Dallas County courts. As a private university, SMU generally faces fewer sovereign immunity protections compared to public institutions, which can simplify some aspects of civil litigation aimed at the university itself for negligent supervision or premises liability. This can mean a more direct path to discovery and accountability against the institution.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Hartley County families with students attending SMU should:

Familiarize yourselves with SMU’s anti-hazing policies and its reporting mechanisms, including anonymous options.
Document any suspected hazing immediately, preserving digital evidence and photographing injuries.
Seek prompt medical attention for any physical harm.
Consult with an experienced hazing attorney. An attorney can help navigate the nuances of private university liability, which may differ from public institutions, and aggressively pursue discovery even when internal reports are not publicly posted.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist institution in Waco, attracts a significant Christian student population from Hartley County and across Texas. While rooted in strong moral values, Baylor has faced its own challenges with student conduct, including hazing, amidst broader controversies regarding institutional oversight.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University in Waco is known for its strong Christian identity, academic programs, and passionate athletic teams. Its campus culture is shaped by a mix of traditional Greek life (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, multicultural), vibrant campus ministries, and highly competitive athletic programs. The high expectations often placed on students, combined with the desire for social inclusion, can unwittingly create an environment where hazing and other forms of misconduct can occur, sometimes under the radar of official oversight.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor maintains a “zero tolerance” policy for hazing explicitly prohibiting any act used for initiation or affiliation that endangers mental or physical well-being. This policy applies to all student organizations, athletic teams, and university groups. Baylor emphasizes reporting through its Student Conduct Administration and the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD). The university also provides channels for anonymous reporting and has taken steps to publish some disciplinary actions against student organizations.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history includes documented hazing incidents that put its policies to the test against persistent student behaviors:

In 2020, the Baylor baseball team faced a hazing investigation that resulted in the suspension of 14 players. These suspensions were strategically staggered throughout the early season to minimize disruption. This incident, while not directly involving Greek life, highlighted that systemic hazing can embed itself even within highly visible athletic programs at Baylor.
While specific, widely publicized Greek hazing cases that resulted in major lawsuits aren’t as prevalent in public records compared to some other universities, Baylor has disciplined various fraternities and sororities over the years for policy violations relating to alcohol misuse, forced activities, and other conduct deemed to be hazing.

These incidents underscore Baylor’s recurring challenge in reconciling its stated values and policies with the realities of student behavior within certain groups.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For Hartley County students and their families facing hazing at Baylor, criminal charges would likely be handled by the BUPD or the Waco Police Department, with civil suits typically filed in McLennan County courts. As a private university, Baylor generally does not possess the sovereign immunity protections that public universities in Texas do. This can make it potentially more straightforward to pursue civil claims directly against the university for negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or other forms of institutional liability. Baylor’s broader history of scrutiny regarding institutional oversight, particularly in relation to conduct issues, could also factor into litigation strategies for hazing cases.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

Hartley County families with students at Baylor should:

Actively review Baylor’s anti-hazing policies and stay informed about disciplinary actions against student organizations.
Recognize that hazing can occur in athletic teams and other groups, not just Greek life.
Document any suspected hazing comprehensively, capturing evidence like digital communications and photos.
Report concerns promptly to ensure official investigations are initiated.
Seek immediate medical and psychological support for any student experiencing harm.
Consult with an experienced hazing attorney. Given Baylor’s private status and history of addressing institutional conduct issues, an attorney can provide critical guidance on how to pursue accountability effectively against the university and involved organizations.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For Hartley County families with children attending universities across Texas, understanding the history of hazing not only on specific campuses but also within national Greek letter organizations is critical. When a chapter at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor commits hazing, it’s often not an isolated act, but part of a repeating pattern seen across the country within the same national organization.

Why National Histories Matter

Many fraternities and sororities present at Texas universities are chapters of larger national organizations. These national headquarters are not merely advisory bodies; they are sophisticated entities that:

Develop extensive anti-hazing manuals and risk management policies specifically because they have a documented history of deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits stemming from hazing.
Are intimately aware of common hazing patterns, such as forced drinking nights, “Big/Little” rituals that escalate into alcohol abuse, paddling traditions, and humiliating initiation rites.

When a local chapter in Texas repeats the same dangerous script that has caused severe harm or death at another chapter of the same national organization in another state, this creates a powerful legal argument: foreseeability. It can be demonstrated that the national organization had ample prior knowledge and opportunity to prevent the harm but failed to do so. This can significantly support negligence arguments and, in some cases, claims for punitive damages against these national entities.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While it’s impossible to list every single chapter and incident, certain national fraternities and sororities have notable, recurring hazing problems that have led to fatalities, severe injuries, and significant legal action. For families in Hartley County, recognizing these patterns can offer crucial context:

Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT. Nationally, Pike has been involved in multiple tragic hazing incidents. The death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021, where he was forced to consume a bottle of whiskey, led to a $10 million settlement with the national fraternity and the university. Another case, David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (2012), also involving alcohol poisoning, resulted in a $14 million settlement. These cases highlight a dangerous pattern of extreme alcohol hazing within the fraternity.
Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. SAE has faced numerous hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide over the decades. In Texas, a Texas A&M SAE chapter faced a lawsuit in 2021 where pledges alleged chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner, along with other degrading substances. Separately, a University of Alabama SAE chapter faced a lawsuit in 2023 for a pledge who allegedly suffered a traumatic brain injury during hazing. This pattern shows a national organization with a recurring issue across multiple campuses.
Phi Delta Theta: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. This fraternity is nationally known for the tragic death of Max Gruver at Louisiana State University in 2017, where he died from severe alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” drinking game. This incident directly led to the Max Gruver Act, making felony hazing a reality in Louisiana.
Pi Kappa Phi: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, and UT. The severe alcohol poisoning death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017 during a “Big Brother Night” hazing event highlights the dangers within this fraternity’s chapters.
Beta Theta Pi: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. The fraternity was at the center of the nation’s largest hazing prosecution following the death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University in 2017, where delayed aid after extreme alcohol consumption and falls resulted in his death. This led to significant criminal and civil actions.
Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI): Present at Texas A&M. This fraternity was involved in the catastrophic injury case of Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri in 2021. Santulli suffered severe, permanent brain damage due to forced alcohol consumption during a “pledge dad reveal” night, leading to multi-million-dollar settlements with numerous defendants.
Kappa Sigma: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. Nationally, Kappa Sigma has a long history of hazing incidents, including the $12.6 million jury verdict awarded to the family of Chad Meredith who drowned during a hazing event at the University of Miami in 2001. A Texas A&M Kappa Sigma chapter recently faced ongoing litigation in 2023 for allegations of severe physical hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis—a serious muscular breakdown condition.
Sigma Chi: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. This fraternity recently faced a more than $10 million settlement for a victim severely hazed at its College of Charleston chapter in 2024. A UT Arlington chapter also settled a lawsuit in 2021 involving alcohol poisoning from hazing.

These examples reveal deeply disturbing patterns across specific organizations, not just isolated campus incidents.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

Understanding these national and campus-specific patterns is not just for awareness; it is foundational to building a strong legal case for Hartley County families.

Foreseeability and Prior Warnings: When national organizations have a documented history of hazing, especially involving specific rituals like forced drinking or endurance tests, subsequent incidents at other chapters (including those at Texas universities) become far less “unforeseeable.” This pattern evidence can demonstrate that the national entity had multiple opportunities and warnings to prevent similar tragedies.
Enforcement of Policies: Courts will scrutinize whether national organizations and universities genuinely enforced their anti-hazing policies, or if these policies were mere “paper policies” to deflect liability. Were prior incidents properly investigated? Was punishment severe enough to deter future behavior? Often, the answer is no.
Impact on Damages and Insurance: This pattern evidence can dramatically increase the likelihood of securing significant settlements or jury verdicts. It can also be crucial in overcoming insurance companies’ predictable arguments that hazing was an “unforeseeable” or “intentional” act excluded from coverage.

The Manginello Law Firm leverages this deep understanding of national and local hazing histories, policies, and failures to build robust cases for our clients. We understand that fighting these powerful institutions requires comprehensive knowledge and an aggressive strategy to ensure true accountability.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For families in Hartley County facing the aftermath of hazing, understanding how a legal case is built can demystify a complex and daunting process. At The Manginello Law Firm, we approach hazing litigation with an unparalleled focus on meticulous evidence collection, expert analysis of damages, and a strategic plan tailored to the unique facts of each case. We know that these cases are rarely straightforward, often involving a wall of silence and powerful institutional defendants.

Evidence

In hazing cases, evidence is everything. It disappears quickly, and identifying all relevant sources requires diligence and specialized knowledge. We systematically gather and preserve every piece of available information:

Digital Communications: In today’s world, group chats are often the smoking gun. We meticulously preserve (and often recover deleted) messages from platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, and even social media DMs. These communications reveal planning, intent, coercion, the identity of perpetrators, discussions of cover-ups, and the chain of command—showing who knew what, when. Our video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) outlines best practices for documenting this critical evidence.
Photos & Videos: Any content filmed by members during hazing events is crucial. This can include footage posted on social media, shared in private group chats, or captured by campus security cameras or residential Ring/doorbell cameras at houses and venues. We also help clients properly photograph any injuries from multiple angles and over time to document their progression.
Internal Organization Documents: Through the legal discovery process, we can compel production of internal chapter documents, pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, and emails or texts from officers or “pledge educators” detailing plans for new members. We also seek national organization policies and training materials to show contradictions between stated rules and actual conduct.
University Records: We investigate universities’ prior records, disciplinary files, probation or suspension histories, and incident reports related to the organization or individuals involved. Public record requests (for state universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT) and rigorous discovery (for private universities like SMU, Baylor) can uncover internal emails and reports among administrators regarding past hazing warnings and failures to act.
Medical and Psychological Records: Comprehensive medical documentation is paramount. This includes emergency room and hospitalization records, surgical reports, physical therapy notes, and toxicology reports. Equally important are psychological evaluations for conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation—critical for establishing non-economic damages.
Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are vital. We interview other pledges, members present at the incident, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, or other bystanders who may have observed changes in behavior or direct evidence of hazing. Former members who quit or were expelled for opposing hazing often provide powerful testimony.

Damages

The goal of a civil hazing lawsuit is to secure justice and provide comprehensive compensation for the victim’s suffering and losses. This compensation falls into several categories:

Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs associated with diagnosis, immediate treatment (ER, ICU stays), surgeries, ongoing physical therapy, medications, and specialized care. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure, this includes sophisticated life care plans outlining projected medical needs and costs for a lifetime.
Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes wages lost if the victim is unable to work, but also accounts for the profound impact hazing can have on a student’s academic and career trajectory. This can involve missed semesters, delayed graduation, loss of scholarships, and, in severe cases, a reduced earning capacity if permanent injuries (physical or psychological) hinder their ability to pursue their chosen career.
Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for the subjective, yet very real, human suffering:
- Physical Pain and Suffering: From the moment of injury through ongoing chronic pain.
- Emotional Distress and Trauma: Including PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, and the profound psychological scars left by hazing.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in hobbies, sports, social activities, or simply enjoy the college experience as they once did.
Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the most tragic hazing cases, families can seek:
- Funeral and burial costs.
- Lost financial support the deceased would have provided.
- Loss of companionship, love, and support for parents, siblings, or spouses.
- Grief and emotional suffering experienced by the surviving family members.

These are the types of damages we relentlessly pursue, working with economists, medical experts, and vocational specialists to quantify the full scope of your family’s loss.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases often involve multiple defendants, each with their own legal counsel and, crucially, their own insurance policies. While national fraternities and universities often have extensive liability insurance, these insurers are keen to avoid paying out and frequently deploy strategies to deny claims.

Insurance Companies’ Tactics: Insurers will often argue that hazing incidents are “intentional acts” or “criminal conduct” and therefore specifically excluded from coverage under their policies. They may also try to deny coverage by claiming a lack of proper notice or that the specific incident falls outside policy parameters.
Our Counter-Strategy: The Manginello Law Firm, with Lupe Peña’s invaluable background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), understands these tactics intimately. We identify all potential sources of coverage, including individual homeowners’ policies, local chapter policies, national organization policies, and university umbrella policies. We then strategically argue that even if the hazing was intentional, the national organization’s or university’s failure to supervise or enforce policies was negligent, which is covered. We will force insurers to defend and pursue bad faith claims if they wrongfully deny coverage, ensuring maximum leverage for our clients.

Navigating these complex insurance coverage disputes and challenging powerful institutional defense teams requires the kind of sophisticated, battle-tested legal experience that The Manginello Law Firm brings to hazing cases. We are equipped to fight for the full compensation and accountability your family deserves.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For Hartley County families and students navigating a hazing crisis, quick access to practical, actionable advice is invaluable. Here, we offer direct guidance for parents, students, and witnesses, empowering them to make informed decisions and protect their rights.

8.1 For Parents

As a parent, your child’s safety is paramount. Recognizing the warning signs and knowing how to respond can make all the difference.

Warning Signs of Hazing: Be alert for unexplained injuries (bruises, burns) or repeated “accidents” with flimsy explanations. Look for sudden, extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation (constant late-night calls/meetings). Drastic emotional changes, such as increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or withdrawal, are major red flags. Intense secrecy about group activities (“I can’t talk about it,” “it’s secret”) and constant phone use for messaging apps, often accompanied by fear of missing messages, are also indicators.
How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation gently and without judgment. Emphasize that their safety and well-being are more important than any club, team, or fraternity/sorority. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are you really doing?” or “Is there anything about the group that makes you uncomfortable?” Reassure them that you will support them, no matter what.
If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize immediate medical care. Insist that they be examined by a doctor, even if they claim they’re “fine.” Document everything: take clear photos of injuries (from multiple angles, with a reference object for scale), screenshot any relevant texts or digital communications, and immediately write down everything your child tells you, including names, dates, and locations.
Dealing with the University: Document every communication with university administrators. Ask specific questions about any prior incidents involving the organization and what actions the school took. Be wary of assurances that the university will “handle it internally” if you suspect serious wrongdoing.
When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, it’s time to consult an attorney. An experienced hazing lawyer can help you understand your rights, preserve critical evidence, and guide you through the complex legal actions.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

If you are a student or pledge in Hartley County or anywhere in Texas, you are not alone, and you have rights.

Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Does this activity make me feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Am I being forced to consume anything, endure pain, or perform degrading acts? Would this activity be hidden from my parents, the public, or university administrators? If the answer is yes to any of these, it is very likely hazing, regardless of what it’s called.
Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Texas law explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Organizers might tell you that by agreeing, you forfeit your rights, but this is legally inaccurate. The power dynamics, intense peer pressure, and fear of exclusion mean that “agreement” in these contexts is rarely truly voluntary.
Exiting and Reporting Safely: If you feel unsafe, you have the right to leave at any time. Consider speaking with a trusted adult first (parent, professor, counselor). You can report hazing confidentially or anonymously through campus channels, national hotlines like 1-888-NOT-HAZE, or to the police.
Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many schools and Texas law offer amnesty to students who call for help in an emergency, even if they were consuming alcohol or involved in the hazing themselves. Your safety is prioritized over minor infractions.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

If you are a former member or a witness to hazing, your decision to come forward can save lives and prevent future harm.

Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s common to feel guilt, fear of retaliation, or loyalty to former friends. However, your testimony can prevent another young person from suffering.
Your Role in Accountability: By cooperating with authorities or legal counsel, you can help expose dangerous practices, hold perpetrators responsible, and contribute to lasting change.
Seek Legal Advice: You may benefit from consulting with your own attorney to understand your rights, responsibilities, and how your cooperation might impact any potential personal legal exposure. Attorneys can help navigate your role as a witness or even as someone who played a part in the past.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For families in Hartley County and across Texas, avoiding common pitfalls in the immediate aftermath of a hazing incident is crucial to preserving legal options. These mistakes, often made out of distress or misunderstanding, can severely compromise a potential lawsuit.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence. Parents often want to protect their child from further trouble, leading to the deletion of incriminating messages or photos. This is a critical error. Deleting evidence can be viewed as spoliation or obstruction of justice, making a case nearly impossible to prove. What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even if it’s embarrassing.
Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly. Out of anger, parents might confront the organization. This immediately triggers their defense mechanisms: they will lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defense, often before you’ve even secured legal counsel yourself. What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation.
Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms. Universities may pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. These documents can waive your right to pursue legal action later, often for settlements far below the true value of the case. What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or an insurance company without an attorney reviewing it first.
Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer. While it’s natural to want to share what happened, anything posted publicly can be used against you. Defense attorneys will screenshot everything, and inconsistencies or emotional posts can be used to discredit your child’s testimony. What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging strategically.
Letting your child go back to “one last meeting.” Once you’re considering legal action, any further contact with the organization should cease. “One last meeting” is often an attempt to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can harm your case. What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.
Waiting “to see how the university handles it.” Universities often promise internal investigations, but these processes can be slow, lack transparency, and prioritize the institution’s reputation over your child’s well-being. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations can run out. What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult a lawyer immediately. The university’s internal process is not a substitute for real accountability.
Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer. Insurance companies, even those for the university or the fraternity, are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts. They will try to get recorded statements or offers before you understand the full extent of your damages. 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 (UH, Texas A&M, UT) have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in a personal capacity. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) generally 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, but it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers can also face criminal charges for failing to report hazing.
“Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize that “consent” under peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.
“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death in Texas, but the “discovery rule” may extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving cover-ups or fraud, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Learn more about Texas statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
Location doesn’t eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (like Pi Delta Psi retreat death, Sigma Pi unofficial house death) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.
“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. It is possible to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family in Hartley County faces the unimaginable pain of an hazing incident, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who intimately understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, universities, and their insurance companies—fight back, and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring a unique blend of experience and tenacity to hazing cases throughout Texas.

From our Houston office, we serve families across Texas, including Hartley County and its surrounding areas, understanding that hazing at major Texas universities deeply impacts communities like yours. We have built our reputation on taking on formidable opponents, not shying away from complex litigation against multi-billion-dollar corporations. Indeed, Ralph Manginello was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, an experience that instilled deep expertise in taking on massive defendants in federal court. We’ve fought—and won—against powerful entities, so confronting national fraternities and universities is a challenge we are uniquely prepared for.

Our firm’s strength in hazing litigation is bolstered significantly by our team. Lupe Peña, an associate attorney, brings invaluable insight with her past experience as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows their playbook because she used to run it. She understands exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies analyze, value, delay, and attempt to deny hazing claims. Her ability to anticipate their arguments and strategy is a critical advantage in overcoming coverage exclusions and securing fair compensation.

We possess extensive experience in multi-million dollar wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), working with economists, medical experts, and life care planners to value the true cost of lifelong injuries or the devastating loss of a loved one. We don’t settle cheap; we strategically build cases that demand full accountability. Furthermore, Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides us with a nuanced understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, allowing us to advise witnesses and former members with dual exposure. Read more about Ralph Manginello’s credentials at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/ and Lupe Peña’s background at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

Our investigative depth is second to none. We know how to uncover hidden evidence, from recovering deleted group chats and social media data with digital forensics experts, to subpoenaing national fraternity records that document a history of prior warnings and failures, to compelling universities to release internal files through aggressive discovery. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it often does.

We understand that you are navigating one of the hardest experiences a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We approach every case with empathy and a relentless commitment to true accountability, not just quick settlements. We know that behind every case are real people and profound suffering. Our firm is equipped to balance the need for justice with sensitivity to your family’s privacy during this difficult time.

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

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened without judgment, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward. We offer a transparent, contingency-fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

What to expect in your free consultation:

We’ll listen to your story without judgment.
We’ll review any evidence you have (photos, texts, medical records).
We’ll explain your legal options: criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
We’ll discuss realistic timelines and what to expect.
We’ll answer all your questions about costs.
There is no pressure to hire us on the spot—take the time to decide.
Everything you tell us is confidential.

Call us today. Your child’s well-being and future are too important to face alone.

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

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

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

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC.

Hazing laws, university policies, and legal precedents can change. The information in this guide is current as of late 2025 but may not reflect the most recent developments. Every hazing case is unique, and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, applicable law, and many other factors.

If you or your child has been affected by hazing, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified Texas attorney who can review your specific situation, explain your legal rights, and advise you on the best course of action for your family.