The Silent Epidemic: A Texas Guide to Hazing in UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor – What Houston Families Need to Know

The late-night call no parent wants to receive. A student, barely out of high school, is in a hospital bed, unresponsive, after a harrowing “initiation” at an off-campus fraternity house. The details are hazy, clouded by fear, loyalty, and the alcohol forced upon them. Friends are evasive, the university seems slow to respond, and the organization involved closes ranks. This terrifying scenario plays out far too often, not just in distant news reports, but here in our own Texas communities, impacting families across Houston, Harris County, and the broader Greater Houston metropolitan area.

We understand the confusion, the anger, and the desperation when a loved one is harmed by a practice that should have been eliminated decades ago. Hazing is a pervasive, dangerous problem that continues to plague campuses nationwide, including our esteemed institutions like the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University. For families in Houston, home to a vibrant student population and close ties to many of these universities, understanding the realities of modern hazing and knowing your legal options is crucial.

This comprehensive guide is designed for parents, students, and community members in Houston and throughout Texas. We will examine what hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes to reveal the insidious tactics employed today. We’ll break down the Texas legal framework for hazing, explore landmark national cases that have shaped legal precedent, and delve into specific incidents and policies at our major Texas universities. Our aim is to demystify the legal process, equip you with practical guidance, and explain how The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, known as Attorney911, stands ready to fight for accountability and justice for hazing victims across the Lone Star State.

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

When many people think of hazing, they might envision classic movie scenes or decades-old tales of physical challenges. However, modern hazing in 2025 is far more sophisticated, often hidden, and deeply psychological, exploiting social pressure and the yearning for belonging. For Houston families sending their children off to college, understanding these evolving tactics is the first step toward prevention and protection.

Hazing is broadly defined, both legally and practically, as 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 means that merely saying “I agreed to it” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal, especially when there’s an inherent power imbalance and intense peer pressure.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing practices often fall into a spectrum, escalating from subtle coercion to outright violence.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains one of the most dangerous and tragically common forms of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking, often leading to acute alcohol poisoning. Practices include “chugging challenges,” “lineups” where pledges consume multiple alcoholic beverages in quick succession, drinking games designed to induce rapid intoxication, and other forms of pressure to consume excessive or unknown substances. The goal is often to break down resistance, encourage bonding through shared transgression, and demonstrate loyalty.

• Physical Hazing: While some physical hazing (like paddling) has existed for decades, modern practices have evolved. This can include extreme calisthenics or “workouts” pushed far beyond safe limits, sleep deprivation often enforced through late-night “meetings” or calls, and deprivation of food or water. Pledges might be exposed to extreme environmental conditions or confined in uncomfortable spaces. The aim is to instill obedience and “break” new members through physical endurance.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This particularly egregious form of abuse involves forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (often demeaning), or being forced to wear degrading costumes. Hazing can also involve acts with racist, homophobic, or sexist overtones, including the use of slurs or forced role-play that targets marginalized groups. The psychological scars from such acts can be profound and long-lasting.

• Psychological Hazing: This often unseen but deeply damaging form of hazing can involve verbal abuse, constant threats, and deliberate social isolation. New members might face manipulation, forced confessions, or public shaming, sometimes through social media or in group meetings. This type of hazing aims to break a new member’s spirit, undermine their self-worth, and enforce absolute loyalty through fear and dependency.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones and social media, hazing has found new, insidious channels. This includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation orchestrated via Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Discord, or other online platforms. Pledges may be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or to respond instantly to demands 24/7, leading to chronic sleep deprivation and anxiety. Some organizations even demand location tracking through apps, violating privacy and control.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to just one type of student organization. While often associated with fraternities and sororities, it’s a problem that cuts across many campus groups. We’ve seen hazing incidents occur in:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes those under Interfraternity Council (IFC) (social fraternities), Panhellenic Council (Panhel) (social sororities), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) (historically Black Greek letter organizations), and multicultural Greek organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: The hierarchical structure and emphasis on tradition can, unfortunately, create environments where hazing flourishes.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Groups like cheerleading teams, dance teams, and university spirit organizations have faced disciplinary action for hazing.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball and cheerleading, collegiate athletic programs have documented histories of hazing.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly harmless artistic groups can succumb to hazing rooted in “tradition” or “team building.”
• Some Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group with an initiation process or a strong internal hierarchy can be vulnerable.

The common threads that keep these practices alive, despite their illegality and danger, are often social status, tradition, and a code of secrecy. New members feel intense pressure to “earn” their place and fear retaliation or social exclusion if they speak out. For Houston families, understanding that hazing can occur in nearly any collegiate group is essential.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is vital for families seeking accountability. Texas law, which governs cases in Houston and across the state, provides a specific framework for addressing hazing, encompassing both criminal and civil avenues.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. In plain terms, Section 37.151 defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed on or off campus, by one person or acting with others, 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.

Key Points from Texas Law:

• On or Off Campus: The legal definition applies regardless of where the hazing occurs. An incident at an off-campus house in Houston, a private ranch near College Station, or a national fraternity retreat out of state can still fall under Texas hazing law if the students and organization are based in Texas.
• Mental or Physical Harm: Hazing is not limited to physical abuse. Psychological torment, extreme humiliation, and deliberate intimidation that substantially affect mental health are also covered.
• “Reckless Act”: This is crucial. Hazing doesn’t require malicious intent. If an individual or organization acts with disregard for a known or obvious risk to a student’s health or safety, it can still fall under the law.
• Consent is NOT a Defense: Section 37.155 explicitly states that it is not a defense to hazing prosecution that the person being hazed consented to the activity. This recognizes the inherent power imbalance and duress involved in many hazing scenarios.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, there are typically two distinct legal pathways:

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (district attorney or prosecutor) against individuals or even organizations. The purpose of criminal law is to punish prohibited conduct. Hazing-related criminal charges in Texas can include:

  • Class B Misdemeanor (Texas Education Code § 37.152): The default for hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000).
  • Class A Misdemeanor: If hazing causes injury requiring medical treatment.
  • State Jail Felony: If hazing causes serious bodily injury or death.
  • Additional charges can include Assault, Furnishing Alcohol to Minors, Kidnapping, or even Manslaughter in fatal cases.
  • Officers or members who fail to report known hazing or retaliate against someone who reports it can also face misdemeanor charges.

• Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or surviving family members against those responsible for the harm. The goal of civil litigation is to recover monetary compensation for damages suffered, providing an avenue for accountability. Common civil claims in hazing cases include:

  • Negligence / Gross Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care, or acting with extreme disregard for safety.
  • Wrongful Death: When hazing leads to a fatality.
  • Negligent Supervision / Hiring: If a university or organization failed to properly oversee students or staff, or hired individuals prone to negligence.
  • Premises Liability: If the hazing occurred on property where the owner failed to maintain a safe environment.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For severe psychological harm.

It is important to note that criminal and civil cases can proceed simultaneously. A criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil lawsuit, and the standards of proof differ.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also impact hazing accountability, particularly for universities receiving federal funding:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA) of 2024: This landmark legislation mandates increased transparency and prevention efforts. By 2026, colleges and universities that receive federal funding will be required to publicly report hazing incidents, enhance hazing education, and strengthen prevention programs. This federal law aims to create a national, standardized approach to data collection, providing valuable information for families in Houston and elsewhere to assess the risk levels of organizations on various campuses.
• Title IX: When hazing involves sexual violence, sexual harassment, or discrimination based on sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities must investigate promptly and equitably. If a university fails to address such hazing, it could face a loss of federal funding and civil lawsuits.
• Clery Act: This federal law requires colleges to report campus crime statistics and maintain campus safety and security policies. Hazing incidents involving crimes like assault, alcohol violations, or intimidation can fall under Clery reporting requirements, providing another layer of institutional accountability.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Hazing lawsuits can cast a wide net, holding multiple parties responsible for the harm:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, carried out, supplied alcohol, or participated in the hazing can be held personally liable. This includes officers, “pledge educators,” and even seemingly passive members who stood by and allowed the abuse to occur. As seen in the Daylen Dunson case related to Stone Foltz’s death, individual officers can face massive personal liability.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be sued as a legal entity. This is often the primary target for damages, as it represents the immediate group responsible for fostering or allowing the hazing culture.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters often sets policies, collects dues, and provides oversight to local chapters. Their liability typically hinges on their knowledge of prior hazing incidents within the chapter or the organization as a whole, and their failure to adequately supervise, intervene, or enforce anti-hazing policies. Many national organizations have faced multi-million dollar judgments precisely because plaintiffs could prove a pattern of ignored warnings and insufficient oversight.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself may be held liable under theories of negligence, negligent supervision, or for failing to uphold its duty of care to students. Key factors include whether the university had prior knowledge of hazing, failed to enforce its own policies, or deliberately ignored dangerous behavior. Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT, while often protected by sovereign immunity in Texas, can still face lawsuits under specific exceptions (e.g., gross negligence, Title IX violations, or by suing individual employees in their personal capacity). Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Depending on the circumstances, others can also be named:
  • Landlords/Property Owners: If the hazing occurred on premises they owned and they were aware of dangerous activities.
  • Bars or Alcohol Suppliers: If they illegally served alcohol to minors, contributing to intoxication (under Texas dram shop laws).
  • Event Organizers or Security Providers: If their negligence contributed to the incident.

Every hazing case is fact-specific. Identifying all potentially liable parties requires a thorough investigation and a deep understanding of Texas personal injury law.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

While each hazing incident is a unique tragedy, major national cases reveal alarming patterns that resonate here in Texas. These high-profile stories set legal precedents, shape public opinion, and demonstrate the severe consequences for students, families, and the organizations involved. For Houston families, understanding these “anchor stories” helps illustrate the stakes and the legal strategies employed to achieve accountability.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most pervasive and deadly form of hazing involves the forced or coerced consumption of alcohol.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” night where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Fraternity surveillance cameras captured him falling repeatedly, suffering severe head injuries, while members delayed calling for medical help for nearly 12 hours. The subsequent legal actions were monumental, with dozens of fraternity members facing criminal charges, including involuntary manslaughter. The Piazza family pursued extensive civil litigation, which led to significant settlements. This tragedy directly spurred the creation of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, one of the nation’s toughest. This case powerfully illustrates how extreme intoxication, delayed medical care, and a culture of silence can lead to devastating legal and human consequences.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a freshman pledge, died of acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. He was found unresponsive after being forced to consume liquor throughout the night. Multiple fraternity members were prosecuted on criminal hazing charges. In response, Florida State University initiated a temporary suspension of all Greek life and overhauled its comprehensive hazing policies. This case underscores how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a recurring script for disaster, showing a clear pattern of dangerous conduct by chapters of the same national fraternity.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, also a freshman pledge, died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a coercive “Bible study” drinking game. During this ritual, pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered a question incorrectly. Max Gruver’s death led directly to the enactment of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, which upgraded hazing to a felony when it results in serious injury or death. His family pursued a successful civil case, underscoring that legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing’s tragic consequences.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, tragically died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of hard liquor during a “Big/Little” reveal event. The incident led to multiple criminal convictions for hazing-related offenses against fraternity members, including the chapter president. In a significant civil outcome, the Foltz family reached a $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 case serves as a powerful reminder that universities, including public institutions, can face substantial financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities when hazing occurs.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing can also lead to catastrophic injury and death.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a freshman pledge, died during a fraternity “retreat” in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. He was blindfolded, weighted down with a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled during a ritual known as “the glass ceiling.” Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for over two hours after he became unresponsive. The criminal investigation resulted in multiple members being convicted, and in a landmark decision, the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter. The Pi Delta Psi national organization was banned from operating in Pennsylvania for 10 years and faced substantial fines. This case starkly illustrates that off-campus “retreats” can be dangerously unsupervised environments, and national organizations can be held criminally and civilly accountable for the actions of their chapters, regardless of location.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse Pattern

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it is also a virulent issue within collegiate athletics.

• Northwestern University Football Hazing Scandal (2023–2025): This incident exposed widespread allegations of sexualized and racist hazing within the prestigious Northwestern football program, reportedly occurring over multiple years. Former players came forward, detailing forced naked acts, “dry-humping” rituals, and other degrading behaviors. The scandal led to the firing of long-time head coach Pat Fitzgerald, who subsequently filed a confidential wrongful-termination lawsuit against the university. Multiple former players pursued civil lawsuits against Northwestern and its coaching staff, alleging institutional knowledge and failure to protect student-athletes. This case powerfully demonstrates that hazing is deeply embedded in some high-profile athletic programs, leading to significant institutional liability and shaking the foundations of even elite universities.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national anchor stories, while geographically distant from Houston, hold critical lessons for families across our state:

• Common Threads: They reveal consistent patterns: forced drinking, extreme physical challenges, sexualized humiliation, delayed or denied medical care, and systematic cover-ups. These are the same tactics that can occur at institutions like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor.
• Legal Precedent: Multi-million dollar settlements and groundbreaking legislation following these tragedies have established legal precedents that strengthen the position of hazing victims in Texas. They show that powerful national fraternities, universities, and individual perpetrators can be held accountable.
• Foreseeability: The repeated nature of these incidents, especially within the same national organizations, highlights the concept of “foreseeability.” It becomes increasingly difficult for national fraternities or universities to claim they “didn’t know” or “couldn’t have foreseen” the dangers when similar tragic events have unfolded time and again across the country.
• Texas is Not Immune: The patterns, the players, and the institutional resistance seen in these national cases are mirrored in Texas. Families in Houston facing allegations of hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor are not alone; they are operating within a legal and cultural landscape shaped by these powerful lessons.

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

For families in Houston, home to the University of Houston and a vibrant population with strong ties to other major Texas universities, understanding the specific hazing environments at our state’s institutions is paramount. While hazing is a national issue, its manifestations and the institutional responses vary from campus to campus.

University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a cornerstone of the Greater Houston metropolitan area, serves a diverse student body, many of whom are from Houston and Harris County. Its active Greek life and numerous student organizations create a vibrant campus, but also present potential risks.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a large, urban public university with a significant commuter population alongside its growing residential campus. Its Greek life is extensive, encompassing Panhellenic, Interfraternity, National Pan-Hellenic, and Multicultural Greek Councils, alongside a wide array of other student groups. Students from Houston frequently attend UH, and alumni make up a substantial portion of the local professional community.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

UH maintains a clear anti-hazing policy, emphasizing that hazing is strictly prohibited, whether it occurs on or off campus. The policy prohibits any act that endangers mental or physical health, including forced alcohol/substance consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, or degrading activities, if tied to initiation or membership. UH provides various reporting channels, including the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). An online reporting form is also available for anonymous submissions.

5.1.3 Example Incident & Response

One notable incident involved the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity chapter at UH in 2016. Pledges reportedly endured a multi-day event involving sleep, food, and water deprivation. During this period, one pledge suffered a lacerated spleen after allegedly being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges, and the university moved to suspend the organization. This incident highlighted the severe physical dangers possible in Greek life and UH’s willingness to suspend chapters, though it also revealed the often-limited public details available about such disciplinary actions. More recently, other fraternities have faced suspensions or probation for behaviors deemed “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse and policy violations.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing incidents at UH will likely involve both campus authorities (UHPD, Dean of Students) and, depending on the severity and location of the incident, the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in state district courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. Potential defendants could include the individual students, the local fraternity chapter, the national fraternity/sorority, and potentially the university itself, particularly if there is evidence of known prior incidents and a failure to act. Property owners of off-campus residences where hazing occurred might also be named.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For students and parents in Houston with ties to UH:

• Familiarize yourself with UH’s official anti-hazing policies and reporting mechanisms, available through the Dean of Students website.
• If you suspect hazing, document everything, including screenshots of group chats, photos of injuries, and notes detailing dates, times, and specific incidents.
• Consider reporting to UHPD or the Houston Police Department if criminal acts are suspected, especially if the incident occurs off-campus within city limits.
• Contacting a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can help you navigate the UH system, understand your legal rights within Harris County courts, and obtain prior disciplinary records against organizations involved, which can be crucial for building a civil case.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station holds a unique place in the hearts of many Texans, including those in Houston. Its deep traditions, the Corps of Cadets, and a proud Aggie network make it a powerful institution, but not one immune to hazing concerns. Many Houston families send their children to Texas A&M, a short drive from the Greater Houston area, making these concerns particularly relevant.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its strong traditions, the Aggie Spirit, and the deeply ingrained culture of its Corps of Cadets, a paramilitary leadership training program. It also has a large and active Greek system. This environment, while fostering loyalty, can sometimes create heightened pressure, where “tradition” is used to justify behaviors that cross into hazing.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

Texas A&M explicitly prohibits hazing, adhering to Texas law. Its policies cover all student organizations, including Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, the Corps of Cadets leadership, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMU PD). The university strongly encourages reporting and emphasizes that assistance will be provided for students who step forward.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced its share of hazing allegations across various student groups. A significant incident in 2021 involved Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) pledges. Two pledges alleged severe hazing that included forced, strenuous physical activity and being doused with substances like an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, resulting in severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity, and the university suspended the chapter.

More recently, in 2023, a federal lawsuit was filed by a former cadet alleging degrading hazing within the Corps of Cadets. The lawsuit described simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. While Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its internal rules, the case highlights the ongoing challenges of hazing within even highly structured, traditional university organizations. These incidents illustrate that hazing at A&M can occur in both Greek life and within the sacred Corps traditions.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases originating at Texas A&M can involve the TAMU PD, the Bryan Police Department, or the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, depending on the incident’s location. Civil suits would typically be filed in Brazos County district courts. Due to the university’s public status, sovereign immunity may come into play, although exceptions exist for gross negligence or Title IX violations. Cases involving the Corps of Cadets add another layer of complexity, often scrutinizing the oversight and leadership within the military training structure. Given the relatively close proximity of Houston to College Station, Houston-based legal counsel often represents families affected by hazing at A&M.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For the many Houston families tied to Texas A&M:

• Be aware that hazing can be especially subtle and deeply ingrained in organizations, including the Corps, due to the reverence for “tradition.”
• Document any unusual demands on time, physical strain, or degrading activities, especially during “initiation” periods.
• Understand that reporting to university officials is a primary step, but for serious injuries or criminal acts, contacting TAMU PD or local law enforcement is crucial.
• An attorney experienced in Texas hazing law, particularly those familiar with the specific dynamics of Texas A&M, can help navigate internal university investigations and advise on civil litigation options, working to ensure all evidence is preserved.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, attracts students from across Texas, including a large population from Houston and surrounding areas like Sugar Land, Katy, and The Woodlands. Its vibrant campus culture and large Greek system make it a frequent site of hazing allegations.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a massive public university with a bustling campus life, a highly competitive Greek system embracing Panhellenic, IFC, NPHC, and multicultural organizations, alongside hundreds of other student groups. Its proximity to downtown Austin offers numerous off-campus venues where hazing might occur, often away from direct university oversight.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

UT Austin maintains one of the most proactive and transparent anti-hazing policies among Texas universities. It explicitly prohibits all forms of hazing on or off campus and provides clear reporting mechanisms through the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD). Crucially, UT makes public its Hazing Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu), which lists detailed disciplinary actions taken against organizations, including names, dates, specific conduct, and sanctions.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s public Hazing Violations page often provides direct insights into ongoing issues. For instance, Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) was sanctioned in 2023 for hazing that included new members being directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing prevention education. Various other organizations, including prominent spirit groups like the Texas Wranglers, have faced disciplinary action for behaviors such as forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, blindfolding, and degrading new members. These reported incidents, readily available for public inspection, demonstrate that despite increased transparency, hazing persists.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at UT Austin often involve UTPD for incidents on campus and the Austin Police Department or Travis County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events in the greater Austin area. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County district courts. For public institutions like UT, sovereign immunity can pose a challenge, though exceptions for gross negligence or Title IX violations may apply. Critically, UT’s public hazing logs provide invaluable evidence of prior violations, demonstrating a pattern of conduct and institutional knowledge that can significantly strengthen a civil lawsuit.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

For Houston families connected to UT Austin:

• Regularly check UT’s public Hazing Violations webpage (hazing.utexas.edu) to be informed about which organizations have a history of misconduct.
• Emphasize to students that “Longhorn Pride” does not mean enduring illegal or dangerous activities.
• Understand that while UT’s transparency is helpful, it is primarily a disciplinary, not a legal, process. For serious injuries or criminal acts, contact UTPD or Austin PD.
• A lawyer experienced in Texas hazing law can effectively utilize UT’s public records as evidence to build a compelling civil case for accountability.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Known for its beautiful campus and strong Greek presence, Southern Methodist University in Dallas is another key institution where hazing can become a serious concern. Many affluent Houston families send their children to SMU, expecting a safe and prestigious educational experience.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private, selective university with a strong focus on undergraduate residential life and a particularly active Greek system. Its fraternities and sororities play a prominent role in social life. The relatively contained campus environment might lead some to believe it’s immune to hazing, but the social pressures can be intense.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

SMU strictly prohibits hazing, in line with Texas law and its institutional values. The university’s policies cover all student organizations on or off campus. SMU offers reporting channels through its Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the SMU Police Department, and through anonymous platforms like “Real Response,” which allows students to report concerns via text.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has had its share of hazing incidents, often leading to the suspension of Greek chapters. In 2017, the Kappa Alpha Order chapter at SMU faced allegations of severe hazing, including reports of new members being paddled, pressured to consume excessive alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter was suspended by the university and faced significant restrictions on its recruitment activities for several years. Other Greek organizations have also been disciplined for violations ranging from alcohol misuse to physical and mental hazing.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

As a private institution, SMU does not have sovereign immunity, making it potentially more straightforward to sue the university directly compared to public schools. Hazing cases would involve the SMU Police Department for campus incidents and the Dallas Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would be filed in Dallas County district courts. Given its private status and extensive resources, SMU and its affiliated Greek organizations often mount robust defenses, necessitating experienced legal representation to navigate complex discovery processes and compel the release of internal reports that are not typically public.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For Houston families with students at SMU:

• Be aware that while SMU offers reporting mechanisms, the internal investigation process at private institutions may be less transparent than at public universities.
• If you suspect hazing, meticulous documentation is crucial. Keep records of all communications, disciplinary actions, and any evidence collected.
• For serious injuries or criminal acts, contact SMU PD or Dallas PD immediately.
• An attorney experienced in hazing litigation can help push for transparency and accountability at private institutions, compelling and examining SMU’s internal records and the national fraternity’s files to build a strong civil case.

Baylor University

Baylor University in Waco, deeply rooted in its Baptist traditions, serves a significant population of students from Houston and surrounding Texas communities. While known for its strong values, Baylor has faced its own challenges with misconduct, making hazing a serious concern for its student body.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is a private Christian university with a commitment to faith-based education. It maintains an active Greek system, as well as a variety of other student organizations and competitive athletic programs. Baylor’s history of scrutiny over its handling of sexual misconduct and athletic program issues has intensified the focus on student safety and institutional accountability.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting

Baylor’s policy explicitly prohibits hazing, broadly defined to include any substance abuse, physical abuse, “mental harassment,” or “required personal servitude” tied to group admission or membership. Baylor encourages reporting through its Division of Student Life, the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD), and an online reporting form. The university emphasizes a “zero tolerance” approach to hazing.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor has encountered hazing issues across its campus. In 2020, the Baylor baseball program faced a significant hazing investigation, which resulted in the suspension of 14 players. These suspensions were staggered over the early season to address the misconduct. This incident demonstrated that hazing at Baylor extends beyond Greek life into its highly visible athletic programs, challenging the institution’s stated commitments to student well-being and its “zero tolerance” policies. Further, public records and past incidents indicate ongoing challenges in various student organizations.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

As a private university, Baylor does not benefit from sovereign immunity in the same way public institutions do. Hazing cases would involve the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) for on-campus incidents and the Waco Police Department or McLennan County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County district courts. Given Baylor’s unique institutional culture and prior history of facing scrutiny over student safety, civil hazing cases may critically examine the university’s oversight, internal investigations, and consistency in applying its own stated policies.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For Houston families sending children to Baylor:

• Understand that Baylor’s “zero tolerance” policy must be met with vigorous enforcement. Be proactive if you suspect hazing.
• Document any suspected hazing incidents thoroughly, including how the events align with Baylor’s specific policy definitions.
• Contact BUPD or Waco PD if criminal acts are suspected.
• A lawyer with experience in hazing litigation can help navigate Baylor’s internal processes and vigorously pursue civil claims against the university and involved organizations, leveraging parallels to past institutional misconduct where relevant.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

The Greek letter organizations represented at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor are not isolated local chapters. They are typically extensions of larger national fraternities and sororities. This national connection is critical in hazing litigation because it often means that headquarters knew, or should have known, about dangerous patterns of behavior that recur across their chapters nationwide.

Why National Histories Matter

Most national fraternities and sororities have extensive anti-hazing manuals, risk management policies, and training programs. This isn’t just good practice; it’s a direct response to a painful history of deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million dollar lawsuits that have plagued Greek life for decades. They know the patterns: forced drinking, “Big/Little” rituals that turn deadly, violent paddling, and humiliating acts are documented parts of their past.

When a chapter in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, or Waco repeats the same script that led to a death or severe injury in another state at a different chapter, it creates a powerful legal argument for foreseeability. It demonstrates that the national organization had prior knowledge of the danger and failed to adequately prevent it. This “pattern evidence” is a cornerstone of proving negligence or even gross negligence against national entities.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

While we cannot list every single chapter at every Texas university, here’s a look at some of the prevalent Greek organizations at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, and how their national histories of hazing can be relevant:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor. Nationally, Pi Kappa Alpha has a deeply troubling history of hazing incidents. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University (2021) after forced alcohol consumption during a “Big/Little” night resulted in a $10 million settlement and multiple criminal convictions. Another pattern-setting case involved David Bogenberger at Northern Illinois University (2012), who also died from alcohol poisoning, leading to a $14 million settlement for his family. These incidents show a repeated pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing within the national organization, indicating a systemic failure to enforce anti-hazing policies effectively. When a Pike chapter in Texas faces hazing allegations, these national precedents directly inform the legal strategy.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): With a significant presence at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU, SAE has also faced numerous legal challenges related to hazing. National incidents include multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide over the years. Current and recent lawsuits against SAE include a traumatic brain injury suit filed in 2023 at the University of Alabama chapter, and severe chemical burn allegations against the Texas A&M chapter (2021) where pledges claimed substances like industrial-strength cleaner were poured on them, requiring skin graft surgeries. At UT Austin, an SAE chapter faced a $1 million lawsuit in January 2024 from an exchange student who alleged assault and serious injuries at a party, while the chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing. This history demonstrates a pattern of alleged disregard for safety and highlights the national body’s struggle to control its chapters’ conduct.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor. This fraternity gained unfortunate national attention with the death of Max Gruver at Louisiana State University (2017) due to alcohol poisoning during a forced drinking game. Gruver’s death led to Louisiana’s felony hazing statute, the Max Gruver Act. This case established clear liability for dangerous drinking rituals and strengthened legal arguments for accountability against national fraternities.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Chapters are found at UH, Texas A&M, and UT. The national organization was implicated in the tragic death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University (2017), who died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Multiple members were prosecuted for hazing. This incident reinforced the pervasive danger of forced alcohol consumption within Greek life and the national organization’s responsibility to prevent such occurrences.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. The death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University (2017) remains one of the most significant hazing cases in U.S. history. His death from severe injuries after extreme alcohol consumption and delayed medical care during a “bid acceptance” night resulted in dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members and spurred the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case set a precedent for holding both individuals and the national organization accountable for gross negligence and willful disregard for safety.

• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Found at Texas A&M and UT. FIJI was at the center of the Danny Santulli tragedy at the University of Missouri (2021). Santulli suffered severe, permanent brain damage and requires 24/7 care after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” night. His family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants, including the national fraternity, for reportedly multi-million dollar amounts. This case highlighted the catastrophic non-fatal injuries hazing can inflict and the extensive liability for both individuals and organizations.

• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): Represented at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor. This historically Black fraternity has also faced allegations of severe physical hazing. A federal lawsuit was filed in April 2023 against the Nu Eta chapter at the University of Southern Mississippi, where a former student alleged repeated beatings with a wooden paddle during “Hell Night” that required emergency surgery and months of rehabilitation. This national history demonstrates that all Greek organizations, regardless of council, grapple with hazing; early legal decisions, like the Joseph Snell case (1997) against Omega Psi Phi, established the precedent that national organizations can be held liable for local chapter hazing.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The documented national histories of these and other fraternities and sororities are not merely anecdotal; they are crucial components of a civil hazing lawsuit in Texas. They indicate:

• Foreseeability: It becomes increasingly difficult for national organizations to claim they “didn’t know” or “couldn’t have foreseen” the specific type of hazing that occurred when similar incidents have repeatedly happened in their chapters across the country.
• Institutional Knowledge: These patterns suggest that the national headquarters possessed knowledge (or should have possessed knowledge) of the risks associated with certain chapter activities or traditions.
• Failure to Enforce: Despite having anti-hazing policies, the recurrence of severe incidents demonstrates a potential failure by the national organization to adequately enforce these policies, train members effectively, or intervene aggressively enough in risky chapters.

This pattern evidence can significantly impact settlement leverage and, if a case goes to trial in state district courts in Houston, Austin, Bryan, Waco, or Dallas, can influence a jury’s determination of negligence and the potential for punitive damages. Experienced hazing attorneys use this detailed historical analysis to hold the deepest pockets – the national organizations and universities – accountable.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully pursuing a hazing lawsuit requires a meticulous and often aggressive legal strategy. At Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we understand that this is more than just a personal injury case; it’s about demanding accountability from powerful institutions. For Houston families, knowing what makes a strong case is essential.

Evidence

The strength of any hazing case hinges on the quality and breadth of the evidence collected. This is why immediate action to preserve evidence is so critical:

• Digital Communications: In 2025, group chats and direct messages are often the most incriminating sources of hazing evidence. We systematically locate and preserve:
  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and fraternity/sorority-specific apps. These may contain planning conversations, direct orders, humiliating exchanges, and admissions of hazing.
  • Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, TikTok comments: Often used for dares, humiliation, or clandestine communications.
  • Crucially, this includes working with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages that perpetrators believed were gone forever.
• Photos & Videos: Visual evidence is incredibly powerful. This includes:
  • Content filmed by members during hazing events (often shared in private group chats or on stories).
  • Footage from security cameras, Ring doorbells, or public surveillance at houses, venues, or on campus.
  • Images of injuries: These are critical to document the physical harm, captured from multiple angles and over time to show progression of bruising, burns, or other trauma.
• Internal Organization Documents: Through legal discovery, we compel the release of confidential records from local chapters and national headquarters, such as:
  • Pledge manuals, “tradition” books, initiation scripts.
  • Emails or texts from officers or advisors about “new member education” that hide hazing.
  • National policies, risk management guidelines, and training materials (or lack thereof).
• University Records: We obtain university files related to the organization or incident, including:
  • Prior conduct files, disciplinary actions, probation records, or previous suspensions for the specific chapter.
  • Incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices.
  • Clery reports and other disclosures that indicate a pattern of safety failures.
  • Internal communications among administrators that reveal knowledge of hazing.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These documents objectively confirm injuries and suffering:
  • Emergency room, ambulance, and hospitalization records.
  • Surgery reports, rehabilitation notes, toxicology reports (e.g., blood alcohol levels, drug screens).
  • Psychological evaluations that diagnose conditions like PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, or document suicidal ideation, establishing the profound emotional harm.
• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are invaluable. We interview:
  • Other pledges, current members (including those with moral qualms), roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, or other bystanders.
  • Former members who quit or were expelled, as they are often willing to speak frankly about the organization’s culture.

Damages

When hazing severely injures or kills a student, victims and their families can recover compensation for the full scope of their losses. These are categorized as:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs incurred, from initial emergency room visits, ambulance transport, and ICU stays, to ongoing surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and long-term care plans for catastrophic injuries (such as those for severe brain injuries or organ damage).

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes lost tuition and fees for missed semesters, lost scholarships, and the financial impact of delayed graduation. Crucially, if injuries are permanent, it also covers diminished future earning capacity, calculated by economists for a lifetime.

• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for subjective but very real suffering:

  • Physical pain and suffering (both past and ongoing).
  • Emotional distress, trauma, and humiliation endured due to the hazing.
  • Damages for loss of enjoyment of life, meaning the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life that the victim once enjoyed.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the most tragic cases, when hazing results in death, surviving family members (parents, spouses, children) can recover for:

  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, society, and guidance.
  • Grief and emotional suffering of family members.
  • Punitive damages may also be available in cases of gross negligence or malicious conduct, designed to punish the defendants and deter future hazing.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation often involves powerful defendants—national fraternities and universities—who are backed by extensive legal teams and significant insurance policies.

• Insurance Companies: These insurers often attempt to deny coverage based on policy exclusions (e.g., “intentional acts” or “criminal conduct”). However, experienced hazing lawyers understand how to argue that even if the hazing was intentional, the negligent supervision or failure to prevent such acts by the national organization or university can trigger coverage. We navigate these complex coverage disputes, identifying all potential policies, including homeowner’s policies of individual members, local chapter policies, national umbrella policies, and university insurance.
• Expertise in the Face of Resistance: At Attorney911, our background includes insights from former insurance defense attorneys, like Lupe Peña, who understands the tactics used by these large companies to minimize payouts. Ralph Manginello’s experience litigating against multi-billion-dollar corporations like BP ensures we are not intimidated by the resources of national fraternities or major universities. We identify all liable parties and relentlessly pursue every avenue for compensation.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family in Houston or anywhere in Texas, confusion and fear are natural responses. Knowing what to do, and what not to do, can make a crucial difference in protecting your child and preserving your legal options.

For Parents

Parents are often the first line of defense. Here’s what you need to know:

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be alert to changes in your child’s behavior. Look for unexplained bruises, burns, or “accidents.” Notice sudden exhaustion or extreme sleep deprivation. Watch for drastic changes in mood, increased anxiety, withdrawal from family or old friends, or secrecy about their student organization. A sudden, constant use of their phone for group chats, coupled with a palpable fear of missing “mandatory” events, can be a major red flag.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with your group?” or “Is there anything happening that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are paramount, far more important than any social status, and that you will support them unconditionally, no matter what.
• If Your Child Is Hurt: Get them immediate medical care, even if they claim they are “fine.” Document everything: take clear photos of injuries, screenshot any relevant texts or social media posts they show you, and write down everything they tell you, including names, dates, times, and locations. This meticulous record-keeping is vital.
• Dealing with the University: If you contact university administrators or Greek life advisors, document every conversation. Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization and what measures the school took in response. Understand that the university’s internal process is aimed at institutional discipline, which may not align with your family’s need for personal accountability or monetary compensation.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: You should consult with an experienced hazing lawyer immediately if your child has sustained significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or the organization is minimizing, stonewalling, or actively hiding what happened.

For Students / Pledges

If you are a student in Houston or at a Texas university, and you’re experiencing or witnessing hazing, remember: you have rights, and you are not alone.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Do I feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Am I being forced to drink or endure pain as part of this group? Is this activity hidden from the public or administrators? If the answer to any of these is yes, it is likely hazing, regardless of what they call it.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The intense peer pressure, the fear of exclusion, and the desire to “belong” at a new university are powerful forces. The law recognizes these dynamics. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. You cannot truly consent to an illegal act when under duress or pressure.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: If you are in immediate danger, call 911. To exit a harmful situation, tell a trusted non-member (parent, RA, professor, off-campus friend) first. Then, you can email or text the chapter leadership stating your resignation. You have the right to leave at any time. For reporting, you can use campus channels (Dean of Students, Title IX Coordinator, campus police), or confidential, anonymous tip lines like the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many Texas universities and state laws offer some form of amnesty or immunity for students who call for help in an emergency, even if underage drinking or other minor infractions were involved. Prioritize safety over fear of getting in trouble.

For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were part of a hazing incident, perhaps even participated, and now regret it or feel a moral obligation to act, we understand the guilt and fear you may be experiencing.

• Your testimony and evidence can be crucial in preventing future harm and saving lives.
• While you may require your own legal advice to understand your potential exposure, cooperating with an investigation can be an important step toward accountability and often provides opportunities for reduced legal consequences.
• Speak with a lawyer who can help you navigate your role as a witness and ensure your rights are protected.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

For Houston families, protecting a hazing victim also means avoiding critical errors that can undermine legal efforts. Here are common mistakes and what to do instead:

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence: What parents might think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.” Why it’s wrong: This can look like a cover-up, potentially constitute obstruction of justice, and makes proving your case nearly impossible. What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even content that feels embarrassing or irrelevant. Screenshots, saved chats, and stored photos are vital. Attorney911’s video on using your cellphone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices.
2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly: What parents might think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.” Why it’s wrong: The organization will immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare robust defenses. What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any direct confrontation.
3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms: What universities might do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your fundamental right to sue, and internal settlements are often far below the actual value of your case. What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or an insurance company without an attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer: What families might think: “I want people to know what happened.” Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything posted online, and any inconsistencies can hurt your credibility. Public posts can also inadvertently waive legal privilege. What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public communication.
5. Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”: What fraternities might say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic.” Why it’s wrong: They may attempt to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements used against your child in later proceedings. What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication should go through your lawyer.
6. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”: What universities might promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.” Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears quickly, witnesses graduate and scatter, and the university’s internal process prioritizes its own interests, not necessarily your child’s legal rights. The statute of limitations continues to run. What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult a lawyer immediately.
7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer: What adjusters might say: “We just need your statement to process the claim.” Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are often used against you, and early settlement offers are almost always lowball. What to do instead: Politely decline and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

For more insights into common pitfalls, watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can ruin your injury case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY.

Short FAQ

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

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. Under Texas law, hazing is a Class B misdemeanor by default. However, it escalates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who are officers or members can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report known hazing incidents.

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

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this 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 the statute of limitations for your specific situation. For more details, watch our video on the statute of limitations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability of hazing, even if it occurs at an off-campus house, private Airbnb, or retreat. Many major hazing cases that resulted in multi-million dollar judgments occurred at off-campus locations.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  While some hazing cases gain media attention, most civil hazing lawsuits ultimately settle confidentially before trial. It is often possible to request sealed court records and agree to confidential settlement terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy interests while fiercely pursuing accountability for the harm suffered.

For complex legal questions or issues specific to your child’s hazing incident, contact an experienced attorney to review the precise facts and applicable Texas law.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need tenacious attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we bring a unique combination of experience, insight, and dedication to hazing litigation that stands apart.

We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury law firm, deeply rooted in the communities we serve across the Greater Houston metropolitan area, Harris County, and throughout Texas. We’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact of hazing on students attending the University of Houston, and we regularly assist families connected to Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, as well as other institutions across the state.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Hazing Cases?

Our firm offers unparalleled insights into the intricate dynamics of hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings a critical advantage. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, she knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their coverage exclusion arguments, and their settlement strategies, allowing us to anticipate their moves. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Lupe’s complete credentials are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record of taking on formidable opponents. He was one of the few Texas firms involved in the complex BP Texas City explosion litigation, and he possesses extensive federal court experience, including in the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas. This means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, major 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 extensive experience is available at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: Hazing too often leads to tragic deaths or life-altering injuries. Our firm has a proven track record in obtaining multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. We work with leading economists, life care planners, and medical experts to accurately value the staggering costs of lifetime care needs (for brain injury or permanent disability cases), lost earning capacity, and the profound human suffering involved. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that compel accountability. Learn more about Attorney911’s wrongful death practice at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Dual Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a unique understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual perspective is invaluable when advising witnesses, former members, or even victims who may face criminal exposure while pursuing a civil claim. Attorney911’s criminal defense page (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) details our comprehensive capabilities.
• Aggressive Investigative Depth: We investigate hazing allegations like your child’s future depends on it—because it does. We deploy a network of experts, including digital forensics specialists to unearth deleted group chats and social media evidence, medical professionals to document injuries, and psychologists to assess emotional trauma. We know how to subpoena national fraternity records to expose patterns of prior incidents and compel universities to reveal critical internal files through discovery or public records requests.
• Empathy and Victim Advocacy: We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job extends beyond legal strategy; it’s about getting you answers, holding the right people accountable, and helping prevent this from happening to another family. We balance fierce advocacy with a warm, empathetic approach, prioritizing your and your child’s well-being throughout the legal process. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. As explained in our video, “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc), we don’t get paid unless we win your case.

We deeply understand how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments operate behind closed doors. This intimate knowledge allows us to navigate the unique challenges of hazing cases, balancing victim privacy with the drive for public accountability against powerful institutional forces.

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, from the University of Houston in our backyard to Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, we want to hear from you. Families in Houston and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers and accountability.

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

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story with empathy and without judgment.
• We’ll review any evidence you have collected, from photos and text messages to medical records.
• We will clearly explain your legal options, discussing whether a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither is appropriate for your situation.
• We’ll outline realistic timelines and what you can expect during the legal process.
• We’ll answer your questions transparently, including how our contingency fee structure works (we don’t get paid unless we win).
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time you need to decide.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

Whether you’re in Houston 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: Servicios legales en español disponibles. Contact Lupe Peña directly for a consultation in Spanish at lupe@atty911.com.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC / Attorney911
Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas
Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070 | Cell: (713) 443-4781
Website: https://attorney911.com
Email: ralph@atty911.com