When the Party Becomes a Nightmare: A Guide to Hazing in Texas for Lipscomb County Families
The cold East Wind sweeping across the plains of Lipscomb County often carries whispers of big dreams and bright futures for our children heading off to college. We imagine them thriving in academic environments, forging lifelong friendships, and embracing new experiences. But sometimes, those dreams turn to dust, replaced by the chilling reality of hazing.
Picture this: It’s Saturday night at an off-campus house near a major Texas university. Your son or daughter, perhaps a recent graduate from Lipscomb High, is participating in what they hoped would be a bonding experience – pledge night for a fraternity or sorority, or an initiation for a spirit group. The atmosphere crackles with forced camaraderie, but underneath, there’s a palpable tension. They’re being pressured, maybe even ordered, to drink far beyond safe limits, or endure physical “challenges” that feel less like team-building and more like abuse. Older members watch, chanting and laughing, recording the events on their phones. Someone stumbles, someone vomits, someone collapses. But no one calls 911 immediately. They’re afraid of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” Your child stands there, trapped between a desperate desire to belong and a terrifying sense of personal danger.
This isn’t a scene from a movie; it’s a tragic reality for too many Texas families. Whether your student attends Texas A&M, the University of Houston, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or another campus across our vast state, the threat of hazing is real and ever-present. This comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas is written specifically for families in Lipscomb County and across Texas who need to understand:
- What hazing truly looks like in 2025, a far cry from the outdated stereotypes.
- How Texas and federal law address hazing, outlining the responsibilities of institutions and individuals.
- What we can learn from major national cases and how their lessons directly apply to Texas families.
- What has been happening at major Texas universities, including UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.
- What legal options victims and families in Lipscomb County and throughout Texas may have for accountability and compensation.
Even if your child attends school far from Lipscomb County, Texas hazing law and experienced Texas counsel can help. This article provides general information and is not specific legal advice. The Manginello Law Firm can evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts. We serve families throughout Texas, including those in Lipscomb County who rely on us for clarity and justice.
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
For Lipscomb County families unfamiliar with modern Greek life or collegiate organizations, hazing is not just a “dumb prank” or “just partying.” It has evolved into a dangerous and often sophisticated tactic, designed to create a false sense of belonging through coerced submission.
Hazing, in plain English, is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. This definition makes it clear: claiming “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure and a significant power imbalance. The law recognizes that true consent is absent in these environments.
Main Categories of Hazing
Modern hazing manifests in various insidious forms. Understanding these categories is the first step toward recognizing and preventing it.
- Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is, unfortunately, the most common and often deadliest form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often in “chugging challenges,” “lineups,” or games designed for rapid consumption. Pledges may be pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances, leading to alcohol poisoning, impaired judgment, or worse. The goal is to break down inhibitions and exert control.
- Physical Hazing: This goes far beyond typical athletic conditioning. It includes practices like paddling and beatings, extreme calisthenics (often called “workouts” or “smokings”) far beyond safe limits, sleep deprivation through mandatory late-night activities, food or water deprivation, and exposure to extreme cold or heat, or other dangerous environments. Such acts can lead to severe injuries, organ damage, and long-term health problems.
- Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply degrading form of hazing involves forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like “roasted pig” positions), wearing humiliating costumes, or participating in acts with racial or sexist overtones, slurs, or role-playing. These actions inflict profound emotional trauma and can have lasting psychological scars.
- Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but equally damaging, psychological hazing includes verbal abuse, threats, forced social isolation, manipulation, or compulsory sharing of personal secrets (“forced confessions”). Public shaming, whether in meetings or on social media, isolates the victim and erodes their self-esteem, fostering an environment of fear and anxiety.
- Digital/Online Hazing: This is a rapidly growing area of modern hazing. It involves using platforms like GroupMe, Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, and Discord for group chat dares, “challenges,” and public humiliation. Pledges may be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or to respond instantly to messages at all hours, imposing digital chains that enforce constant compliance and sleep deprivation.
Where Hazing Actually Happens
Hazing is not confined to the stereotypes of fraternity houses. While Greek life unfortunately accounts for a significant portion of hazing incidents, these practices pervade many collegiate organizations.
- Fraternities and Sororities: This includes those under Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and various multicultural Greek organizations.
- Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Highly structured environments, like the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets, can sometimes misuse the concept of discipline, leading to hazing under the guise of “tradition” or “toughness.”
- Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Campus Organizations: Groups like “Texas Cowboys” at UT Austin or various spirit organizations, cultural associations, and social clubs can develop insular cultures where hazing traditions take root.
- Athletic Teams: Hazing can be found across all levels of collegiate sports, from football and basketball to soccer, swimming, and cheerleading. The desire to “earn your stripes” or “become part of the team” can be exploited.
- Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups can harbor hazing practices, with new members subjected to various forms of abuse to “prove their dedication.”
- Academic and Service Organizations: While less common, certain academic honor societies, service clubs, or professional fraternities can also develop internal cultures of hazing.
Social status, deeply ingrained traditions, and strict codes of secrecy are powerful forces that allow these practices to continue, even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited by universities. The desire for belonging and the fear of social exclusion create a coercive environment that is difficult for young students to resist.
Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)
Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial for Lipscomb County families seeking justice and accountability. While universities may have their own disciplinary processes, these rarely provide the full financial recovery or the comprehensive accountability that civil litigation can achieve.
Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)
Under Texas law – which governs cases in Lipscomb County and across the state – hazing is defined by the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. Specifically, Texas Education Code § 37.151 defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:
- Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, and
- Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.
In plain terms, if someone makes a student do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they meant to do it or were reckless about the risk, that’s hazing under Texas law. Significantly, the law applies whether the act happened on or off campus, and includes both mental and physical harm. The fact that the student “agreed to it” is not a defense; the law recognizes that coercion and power imbalances vitiate true consent in hazing scenarios.
Criminal Penalties: Hazing can lead to serious criminal charges under Texas Education Code § 37.152.
- By default, hazing is a Class B Misdemeanor (punishable by up to 180 days in county jail and/or a fine up to $2,000).
- If the hazing causes an injury requiring medical treatment, it can be elevated to a Class A Misdemeanor.
- Crucially, if hazing results in serious bodily injury or death, it becomes a State Jail Felony in Texas, carrying much harsher penalties.
Furthermore, individuals who are aware of hazing and fail to report it can face misdemeanor charges. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor. Importantly, Texas Education Code § 37.154 provides immunity for good-faith reporting, encouraging students and staff to come forward without fear of civil or criminal liability stemming from the act of reporting itself.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases
It is important for Lipscomb County families to understand the distinction between criminal and civil hazing cases, as both may apply to an incident.
- Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (a prosecutor) on behalf of the public. Their aim is to punish illegal behavior through fines, jail time, or probation. In hazing incidents, criminal charges can range from misdemeanor hazing offenses to furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or even manslaughter or negligent homicide in fatal cases. Criminal cases establish culpability under the law, but victims typically do not receive direct financial compensation from a criminal conviction.
- Civil Cases: These are initiated by victims or their surviving families. The primary goal is to obtain monetary compensation for the harm suffered and to hold responsible parties accountable. Civil lawsuits focus on concepts such as negligence (failure to act reasonably), gross negligence (extreme carelessness), wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil case; often, civil cases uncover evidence that aids criminal prosecutions, and vice versa.
Both types of cases can run simultaneously, allowing for victims to seek justice on multiple fronts.
Federal Overlay: Stop Campus Hazing Act, Title IX, Clery
Beyond Texas state law, federal provisions also play a role in addressing hazing and ensuring campus safety.
- Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark piece of legislation mandates new transparency and prevention measures for colleges and universities that receive federal funding. By around 2026, institutions will be required to publicly report hazing incidents, strengthen prevention programs, and maintain more comprehensive, publicly accessible hazing data. This act, alongside state-level efforts, aims to create a more comprehensive national picture of hazing and drive greater accountability.
- Title IX and Clery Act: When hazing involves sex discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault, Title IX obligations are triggered, requiring universities to investigate and respond to such incidents. The Clery Act mandates that colleges and universities disclose information about crime on and around their campuses, and hazing incidents that involve assaults, alcohol-related offenses, or drug violations often fall under Clery reporting requirements, further pushing for institutional transparency and safety.
Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit
For Lipscomb County families considering legal action, understanding who can be held responsible in a civil hazing lawsuit is critical. Hazing cases often involve multiple layers of liability, requiring a deep understanding of organizational structures and legal precedents.
- Individual Students: The individuals who actively planned, encouraged, supplied alcohol, carried out the hazing acts, or participated in cover-ups can be held personally liable for injuries and damages they caused.
- Local Chapter/Organization: The fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be sued as an entity. This often includes officers, “pledge educators,” or other members acting in an official capacity.
- National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which sets policies, collects dues, and supervises local chapters, can be held liable. This liability often hinges on whether the national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing within the chapter or the organization as a whole, and whether they failed to adequately intervene or enforce their own anti-hazing policies, demonstrating negligence or deliberate indifference.
- University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, whether public or private, can be held liable under various negligence theories. This may involve claims of negligent supervision, creating or allowing a dangerous environment, failing to enforce policies, or showing deliberate indifference to known hazing activities. For public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT), sovereign immunity can be a defense, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when individual employees are sued in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections.
- Third Parties: Other entities can sometimes bear responsibility. This might include landlords or owners of off-campus houses or event spaces where hazing occurred, bars or alcohol vendors that illegally served minors (under “dram shop” laws), or even security companies that failed to prevent incidents.
Every case is fact-specific, and not every party will be found liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney can help identify all potential defendants and build a comprehensive case.
National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)
These anchor stories reveal common threads in hazing incidents and demonstrate the devastating consequences. For Lipscomb County families, these national cases set crucial precedents, highlighting patterns of organizational negligence and laying the groundwork for accountability in Texas courts.
Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern
The most common and often fatal form of hazing involves forced alcohol consumption. The following cases illustrate the tragic and avoidable outcomes that have led to multi-million-dollar settlements and legislative changes across the country.
- Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died following a bid-acceptance event where he consumed dangerous amounts of alcohol. Fraternity surveillance cameras captured him falling repeatedly, suffering severe head injuries, while fraternity members delayed calling for medical help for nearly 12 hours. The aftermath led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation resulting in confidential settlements, and the passage of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. This case grimly illustrated how extreme intoxication, a callous delay in seeking emergency medical attention, and a pervasive culture of silence can lead to devastating legal and human consequences.
- Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, also 19, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” where pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them. The incident led to criminal hazing charges against multiple fraternity members, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life, implementing significant policy overhauls. This tragic event highlighted how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a recurring script for disaster, with fatal predictability.
- Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Maxwell “Max” Gruver died after participating in a brutally coercive “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink whenever they answered questions incorrectly. Max’s blood alcohol content was dangerously high at 0.495%. His death prompted the creation of Louisiana’s felony hazing law, the Max Gruver Act. This case was a stark reminder that legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of lethal hazing practices.
- Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a pledge night ritual, 20-year-old Stone Foltz was forced to drink nearly an entire bottle of whiskey. He died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple fraternity members were criminally convicted of hazing-related offenses. The Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University (a public university). This case demonstrated that universities, regardless of their public or private status, can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities when hazing occurs on their watch.
Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern
Beyond alcohol, hazing often involves extreme physical abuse or dangerous rituals, leading to severe injury or death.
- Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a pledge, died after participating in a brutal blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Members repeatedly tackled him while he wore a heavy backpack. Help was deliberately delayed. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This landmark case underscored that off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous or even more hazardous than on-campus events, and national organizations can face severe criminal and civil sanctions, holding them directly responsible for the dangerous acts of their local chapters.
Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse
Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it infiltrates other high-profile campus organizations, particularly athletic teams.
- Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): This very public scandal brought hazing in elite athletics into sharp focus. Former football players alleged systemic sexualized and racist hazing within the program over multiple years. The claims led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and coaching staff, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later filed his own wrongful-termination suit, which confidentially settled in August 2025), and a wide-ranging university investigation. This situation powerfully illustrated that hazing is not limited to Greek life; major athletic programs, with their high stakes and intense team cultures, can harbor widespread and deeply damaging abuse.
What These Cases Mean for Texas Families
These national stories, though geographically distant, reveal repeating patterns with direct relevance for Lipscomb County families. Common threads include forced drinking, sadistic humiliation, physical violence, deliberate delay or denial of medical care, and systematic cover-ups. These cases consistently show that meaningful reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after tragedy strikes and determined litigation holds institutions accountable.
For families in Lipscomb County facing hazing incidents at Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, it is important to know that you are not alone. The legal landscape for holding responsible parties accountable is continuously shaped by the lessons learned from these national tragedies, reinforcing the expectation that institutions prevent such harm and respond decisively when it occurs.
Texas Focus: UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, Baylor
Lipscomb County, while a thriving community in the northern part of the Texas Panhandle, often sees its students venture to larger universities across the state. Whether your child attends one of the state’s major universities or a smaller institution elsewhere in Texas, understanding the campus culture and hazing landscape at these prominent schools is vital. For Lipscomb County families sending students to these schools, knowing the specific policies and past incidents can be crucial.
University of Houston (UH)
5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
The University of Houston, a Tier One research institution and a vital part of the Houston metropolitan fabric, is home to a diverse student body, including many students from Lipscomb County who choose a vibrant urban campus setting. It boasts an active Greek life with a multitude of fraternities and sororities, alongside numerous cultural groups, spirit organizations, and sports clubs. The campus environment – a mix of commuter and residential students – contributes to a dynamic social scene, but also presents challenges for oversight of student group activities.
5.1.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting
UH maintains strict anti-hazing policies, prohibiting any act (on or off campus) that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of affiliation or membership in any student organization. This includes forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and actions causing extreme mental distress. UH provides various reporting channels through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the UH Police Department (UHPD). The university also posts its hazing statement and some disciplinary information on its website, aiming for transparency.
5.1.3 Example Incident & Response
One notable incident involved the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity chapter at UH in 2016. Pledges allegedly endured sleep, food, and water deprivation during a multi-day event. A student sustained a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. This incident led to misdemeanor hazing charges against some members and a significant university suspension for the chapter. While UH’s public reporting of violations can be less detailed than some other Texas universities, it does demonstrate a willingness to suspend chapters when hazing is confirmed. Other disciplinary actions have involved fraternities for behavior described as “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often linked to alcohol misuse and policy violations.
5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed
In a hazing case originating from UH, the involved agencies could include the UH Police Department for campus incidents or the wider Houston Police Department for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits might be filed in state district courts in Harris County, with jurisdiction over Houston. Potential defendants could include individual students, the local Pi Kappa Alpha chapter, the national Pi Kappa Alpha organization, the University of Houston itself (subject to sovereign immunity considerations for public universities), and potentially property owners if the hazing occurred off-campus.
5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do
For Lipscomb County families with students at the University of Houston:
- Report any suspected hazing to the UH Dean of Students Office, UHPD, or utilize online reporting forms.
- Document everything – screenshots of group chats, photos of injuries, and detailed notes of incidents.
- If you suspect hazing, consult a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases, who can help uncover prior disciplinary actions and internal university files, which can be crucial evidence.
- Familiarize yourself with the UH’s anti-hazing policies, especially regarding new member education.
Texas A&M University
5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
Texas A&M University in College Station holds a unique place in the hearts of many Texans, including those in Lipscomb County, known for its deep-seated traditions, strong alumni network, and the revered Corps of Cadets. The campus culture emphasizes loyalty, tradition, and a strong sense of community, which, while beneficial, can sometimes create an environment where hazing is disguised as “rite of passage” for both Greek organizations and the Corps. The Bryan-College Station area, encompassing a vast community around the university, is inextricably linked to A&M’s identity.
5.2.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting
Texas A&M has robust anti-hazing policies that cover all student organizations, including Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. These policies prohibit any act, on or off campus, that endangers a student’s physical or mental health for the purpose of group affiliation. Reporting channels include the Office of Student Conduct, the Corps of Cadets leadership, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). The university also participates in publicizing its hazing violations.
5.2.3 Example Incidents & Responses
Texas A&M has faced hazing allegations within both its Greek system and the Corps.
- In one significant lawsuit around 2021, two pledges of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity alleged severe hazing. They claimed they were forced into strenuous activity and had substances, including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, poured on them. This resulted in severe chemical burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued the fraternity for $1 million, and the university suspended the chapter for two years.
- Another compelling case from 2023 involved a Corps of Cadets lawsuit where a cadet alleged degrading hazing, including simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The student sought over $1 million, while A&M stated it addressed the matter internally under its rules. These cases highlight how hazing can range from physical injury to profound humiliation within both Greek life and the highly structured environment of the Corps. The Kappa Sigma fraternity has also faced allegations of hazing in 2023, resulting in severe injuries like rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing, leading to ongoing litigation.
5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed
Hazing cases at Texas A&M could fall under the jurisdiction of the Texas A&M UPD for campus incidents, or the College Station Police Department or Brazos County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits against A&M (a public institution) would face sovereign immunity challenges, but exceptions for gross negligence or Title IX violations might apply. Cases could be heard in Brazos County district courts. For Lipscomb County families, navigating a legal process potentially involving a large public university requires specific expertise.
5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do
For Lipscomb County families whose students attend Texas A&M or are involved in Corps activities:
- Familiarize yourselves with the university’s Code of Conduct and Corps regulations pertaining to hazing.
- If hazing is suspected, report it immediately to the Office of Student Conduct or UPD.
- Document any suspicious activities, particularly within group chats or social media, as this is critical for evidence.
- If your child is injured or profoundly affected, seeking legal counsel immediately from a firm with experience handling cases against public universities in Texas is paramount.
University of Texas at Austin (UT)
5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
The University of Texas at Austin is a flagship institution, drawing students from every corner of Texas, including Lipscomb County. Known for its vibrant academic and social scene, UT’s campus culture is rich with traditions, including a large and influential Greek system, highly competitive spirit organizations, and numerous student groups. Its position in the state capital makes it a focal point for both academic achievement and societal issues, including hazing.
5.3.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting
UT Austin maintains an explicit stance against hazing, defining it broadly and providing clear avenues for reporting. The university makes its policies and compliance with the state’s anti-hazing laws readily accessible through its Dean of Students office. UT is notably transparent with its public Hazing Violations page (found at haxing.utexas.edu), which lists organizations, the nature of their violations, and the sanctions imposed. This public log serves as a valuable resource for students and parents.
5.3.3 Example Incident & Response
UT’s public hazing log showcases various incidents and responses over the years. For example, the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity in 2023 was sanctioned for instances where new members were directed to consume milk excessively and perform strenuous calisthenics, actions found to constitute hazing. The chapter faced probation and was required to implement new hazing-prevention educational programs. Likewise, spirit groups and other organizations have faced sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, dignity violations, and punitive practices. The university’s transparency, while commendable, also continuously highlights the ongoing challenges it faces in eradicating hazing. A Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) chapter at UT was also sued in January 2024 after an Australian exchange student alleged assault at a party, suffering significant injuries; the chapter was already suspended for prior hazing/safety violations, demonstrating a pattern of issues.
5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed
Hazing cases at UT Austin would typically involve the UT Police Department (UTPD) for campus incidents, and potentially the Austin Police Department or Travis County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events in the Austin area. Civil lawsuits, while potentially challenging due to UT’s public university status and sovereign immunity, can proceed under specific legal theories, particularly if gross negligence or Title IX violations are evident. Cases would be heard in Travis County district courts. For Lipscomb County families, prior violations on UT’s public log can strongly support civil suits by demonstrating a pattern of problems and the university’s prior knowledge of hazing risks.
5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do
For Lipscomb County families with student ties to UT Austin:
- Regularly check UT’s official Hazing Violations page at haxing.utexas.edu to understand any group’s history.
- Report any hazing concerns to the Dean of Students office or UTPD; anonymous reporting options are available.
- Document any information that supports hazing allegations, focusing on digital evidence.
- Given UT’s proactive approach to publicizing violations, strong documentation combined with experienced legal counsel is essential for civil action.
Southern Methodist University (SMU)
5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
Southern Methodist University, a distinguished private university in Dallas, is often associated with a vibrant and influential Greek life, attracting students from Lipscomb County and across the nation. Its affluent student body and strong emphasis on campus traditions create a unique culture, but one where the pressures to conform within social organizations can be intense. The university’s location in a major metropolitan area like Dallas also impacts the dynamics of student life and oversight.
5.4.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting
SMU has clear-cut anti-hazing policies and provides multiple channels for students and parents to report concerns, including through the Office of the Dean of Students and the SMU Police Department. The university utilizes prevention tools such as anonymous reporting systems like Real Response to encourage students to come forward without fear. SMU is generally more responsive when allegations of hazing emerge, as a private institution typically faces fewer bureaucratic hurdles than a public one.
5.4.3 Example Incident & Response
One notable incident involved the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity chapter at SMU in 2017. Reports emerged of new members being paddled, pressured to consume excessive alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter faced significant disciplinary action, including suspension and restrictions on recruiting activities that lasted for several years. Private universities like SMU often have more latitude in addressing student conduct issues than public universities. However, SMU, like others, continuously works to balance tradition with student safety, often responding to incidents with chapter suspensions and mandatory educational programs. The Sigma Chi fraternity, also present at SMU, was involved in a significant hazing case at the College of Charleston in 2024, resulting in over $10 million in damages for a pledge who alleged severe physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment. While not at SMU, this demonstrates the types of issues affecting national fraternities with chapters on multiple campuses, including SMU.
5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed
A hazing case at SMU would likely involve the SMU Police Department for campus incidents or the Dallas Police Department for off-campus events. As a private institution, SMU does not benefit from sovereign immunity, making it potentially more directly liable in civil lawsuits compared to public universities. Cases would be heard in Dallas County district courts. For Lipscomb County families concerned about hazing at SMU, civil suits can compel comprehensive discovery, allowing attorneys to uncover internal reports and communications that might not be publicly posted.
5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do
For Lipscomb County families connected to SMU:
- Familiarize yourselves with SMU’s detailed anti-hazing policies and use their anonymous reporting options if needed.
- Document any hazing concerns diligently, including digital communications and photographic evidence.
- Contact a lawyer experienced in hazing litigation against private universities. The absence of sovereign immunity often means a more direct path to holding the institution accountable in civil court.
Baylor University
5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot
Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, holds a distinct position in Texas higher education, attracting students from Lipscomb County and conservative communities drawn to its faith-based mission. Its campus culture is strongly influenced by its religious affiliation, family values, and a passionate athletic program. While emphasizing character and community, Baylor, like other institutions, has wrestled with challenges related to student conduct and oversight, particularly after its well-publicized football and Title IX scandals.
5.5.2 Hazing Policy & Reporting
Baylor maintains a clear anti-hazing policy that is consistent with Texas law, applying to all student organizations, athletic teams, and spirit groups. Reporting mechanisms include the Office of Student Conduct, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and the university’s Title IX Office (especially when hazing involves issues of gender-based misconduct). Baylor strives to balance its faith-based values with regulatory compliance and student safety.
5.5.3 Example Incident & Response
Baylor has faced hazing issues, even within its athletic programs, which have garnered national attention. In 2020, the Baylor baseball team faced a significant hazing scandal, leading to the suspension of 14 players. The suspensions were staggered to allow the team to compete but still send a clear message. This incident unfolded against a backdrop of Baylor’s broader cultural and oversight challenges, particularly after its historic sexual assault scandal exposed gaps in institutional response and accountability. While Baylor maintains a “zero tolerance” stance, such incidents highlight the ongoing struggle to eliminate hazing practices. Some fraternities, such as Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) and Sigma Chi, which have national histories of hazing and chapters at Baylor, have faced disciplinary actions on other campuses for incidents similar to those described above.
5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed
Hazing cases at Baylor would typically involve the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) for campus incidents or the Waco Police Department for off-campus events. As a private university, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity, which generally simplifies the process for civil litigation compared to public university cases. Lawsuits would be heard in McLennan County district courts. Given Baylor’s history of scrutiny over its institutional oversight, civil claims can often focus on whether the university sufficiently enforced its own policies and adequately protected its students. For Lipscomb County families considering legal action, understanding Baylor’s specific policies, its past responses, and its private university status can significantly influence litigation strategy.
5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do
For Lipscomb County families with students at Baylor:
- Thoroughly understand Baylor’s anti-hazing policies, Code of Conduct, and reporting procedures.
- Document any suspected hazing, including detailed notes, digital evidence, and witness information.
- Contact a lawyer with experience in hazing litigation against private universities, particularly those with a history of institutional oversight challenges. Such expertise is crucial for successfully navigating the legal pathways for accountability at Baylor.
Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories
Lipscomb County families often seek to understand how local chapters at Texas universities are connected to their national organizations, especially when serious hazing incidents unfold. The deep-rooted histories of national fraternities and sororities, unfortunately, are often intertwined with patterns of hazing that recur across different campuses.
Why National Histories Matter
Many fraternities and sororities present at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University – organizations like Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, and Kappa Alpha Order – are part of large national organizations. These national headquarters often possess extensive anti-hazing manuals and sophisticated risk management policies. This is not coincidental; these policies exist precisely because the national organizations have witnessed myriad hazing-related deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits involving their chapters across the country.
When a Texas chapter of one of these organizations repeats a hazing “script” – whether it’s an alcohol-fueled initiation, a physical endurance test, or a psychologically abusive ritual – that has already led to suspensions, lawsuits, or criminal charges at another chapter in a different state, this establishes a critical legal concept: foreseeability. It demonstrates that the national organization knew, or should have known, about the dangers inherent in these specific behaviors, yet failed to adequately prevent them. This pattern of knowledge reinforces claims of negligence and can strengthen arguments for punitive damages against national entities.
Organization Mapping
Below, we highlight how some prominent national fraternities and sororities with chapters at Texas universities have been linked to hazing incidents nationally, illustrating the recurring patterns that impact student safety.
- Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): This fraternity has chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor. Pike has been repeatedly embroiled in severe hazing incidents, often involving forced alcohol consumption. The tragic death of Stone Foltz at Bowling Green State University in 2021, where he was forced to drink nearly a bottle of whiskey, clearly demonstrates the lethal risks. Another case, David Bogenberger’s death at Northern Illinois University in 2012, also from alcohol hazing, resulted in a $14 million settlement. These specific, recurring forms of alcohol hazing, particularly during “Big/Little” events, demonstrate a foreseeable pattern that national Pike should be aware of and proactively prevent in its Texas chapters.
- Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU, SAE has a national history peppered with hazing-related deaths and severe injuries. While the organization announced a ban on traditional pledging in 2014, incidents persist. A recent lawsuit at the University of Alabama (2023) alleged a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual. Closer to Lipscomb County, a 2021 lawsuit at Texas A&M University involved two pledges alleging severe chemical burns from industrial-strength cleaner poured on them during hazing, requiring skin graft surgeries. And in January 2024, a major lawsuit was filed against an SAE chapter at the University of Texas at Austin following an alleged assault. These incidents highlight persistent issues within the organization nationally and within Texas itself.
- Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Chapters are active at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor. The fatal hazing of Maxwell “Max” Gruver at Louisiana State University in 2017, where he died of alcohol poisoning from forced drinking games, is a defining case. The resulting Max Gruver Act (making felony hazing) underscores the organization’s national exposure to such serious incidents.
- Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Chapters are at UH, Texas A&M, and UT. The death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University in 2017 due to acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” exemplifies the lethal potential of its hazing patterns.
- Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Chapters are at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU. The devastating death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State University in 2017 after extreme alcohol consumption and delayed medical help remains one of the highest-profile hazing cases in U.S. history, leading to significant criminal charges and civil settlements.
- Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): A chapter is active at Texas A&M. The catastrophic brain injury suffered by Danny Santulli at the University of Missouri in 2021, due to forced excessive alcohol consumption, resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements with 22 defendants, including the fraternity, and is a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of hazing.
- Kappa Alpha Order (KA): Chapters are at Texas A&M and SMU. This fraternity has a history of hazing allegations, including the 2017 incident at SMU where new members were reportedly paddled, forced to drink, and deprived of sleep, leading to a chapter suspension.
- Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Chapters are at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor. This organization has faced serious hazing allegations nationally, including a $12.6 million jury verdict in 2005 for the drowning death of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami, where pledges were pressured to swim while intoxicated. More recently, allegations of hazing causing severe rhabdomyolysis were made against a Kappa Sigma chapter at Texas A&M University in 2023, which is currently undergoing litigation.
Tie Back to Legal Strategy
These patterns across states and campuses are not mere coincidences; they are crucial elements of legal strategy. They demonstrate a national pattern of hazing within certain organizations, indicating that national headquarters had repeated warnings and ample opportunity to effectively address these dangers.
In court, attorneys can argue that national organizations and universities had constructive knowledge of these hazing risks because similar incidents had occurred previously. Lawyers can examine whether national organizations:
- Meaningfully enforced their anti-hazing policies, or if those policies were mere window dressing.
- Responded aggressively enough to prior incidents, or if their disciplinary actions were weak, allowing dangerous behaviors to persist.
This evidence profoundly impacts:
- Settlement leverage: Demonstrating a pattern of prior misconduct can compel reluctant defendants toward more significant settlements.
- Insurance coverage disputes: Knowing the defendants’ history can inform strategies for overcoming insurance exclusions related to “intentional acts.”
- Potential for punitive damages: When defendants have ignored repeated warnings and acted with gross negligence or deliberate indifference, punitive damages may be sought, which are designed to punish egregious conduct and deter future harm.
For Lipscomb County families, understanding these national histories means recognizing that a local incident at a Texas campus is rarely an isolated event. It is often part of a broader pattern that experienced legal counsel can expose to build a powerful case for justice.
Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy
Successfully pursuing a hazing lawsuit requires a meticulous and exhaustive approach to evidence collection, a clear understanding of potential damages, and a precise legal strategy. The Manginello Law Firm is uniquely equipped to navigate these complex cases for Lipscomb County families.
Evidence
The landscape of hazing evidence has evolved dramatically. Modern cases rely heavily on digital footprints. Here’s what we prioritize:
- Digital Communications: These are often the most critical pieces of evidence. Group chat messages from platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even fraternity-specific apps can reveal the planning, intent, knowledge, and execution of hazing. They show orders, threats, humiliating directives, and details of forced consumption. We also look at Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages, and TikTok comments. Crucially, digital forensics can often recover deleted messages, but original screenshots (timestamped, showing sender names) are gold.
- Photos & Videos: In today’s digital world, hazing is often documented by participants. This includes content filmed by members during events, footage shared in private group chats, or even posts (and quickly deleted stories) on social media platforms. We also investigate security camera footage from houses, venues, or even Ring/doorbell cameras at off-campus residences where hazing occurred.
- Internal Organization Documents: These can include pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, and internal communications (emails/texts) from officers discussing new member activities. National fraternity/sorority policies and training materials are also crucial, often showing a stark contrast between official rules and actual practice.
- University Records: Through subpoenas and public records requests, we can uncover a wealth of information from universities. This includes prior conduct files, records of probation or suspensions, letters of warning issued to specific organizations, incident reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices, and Clery Act reports or similar disclosures that show patterns of unsafe behavior.
- Medical and Psychological Records: These document the full extent of physical and emotional harm. We collect Emergency Room reports, ambulance records, hospitalization notes, surgical records, and rehabilitation notes. Toxicology reports are vital in alcohol/drug hazing cases. Additionally, comprehensive psychological evaluations are essential for diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation, which are common after hazing. These records demonstrate the severe impact on mental health, which is a significant component of damages.
- Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are powerful. This includes testimony from other pledges, current members, former members who quit or were expelled, roommates, Resident Assistants (RAs), coaches, trainers, or even bystanders. Many individuals, especially those with guilt or a desire for justice, are willing to provide crucial information once they are protected and have legal guidance.
Damages
Families in Lipscomb County and across Texas need to understand that the law provides avenues to recover for the devastating impacts of hazing. While no amount of money can truly replace what’s lost, compensation can help cover immediate expenses, ongoing care, and the long-term cost of future.
- Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs, from immediate emergency room visits and ambulance transport to extended hospitalization, surgeries, physical therapy, medications, and specialist consultations. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure, it includes the complex and expensive life care plans needed for a lifetime of support.
- Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can derail a student’s academic progress, leading to missed semesters, withdrawal from school, or delayed graduation. This impacts their entry into the workforce and their future earning potential. If injuries are permanent, it can result in a lifetime of reduced earning capacity, which economists can calculate.
- Non-Economic Damages: These subjective, yet legally recognized, damages address the profound, non-financial suffering endured. They include intense physical pain and suffering; severe emotional distress, trauma, and humiliation; the loss of dignity and self-worth; and the loss of enjoyment of life, meaning the inability to pursue hobbies, social activities, or simply live life fully as before.
- Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): When hazing leads to a fatality, surviving family members (parents, spouses, children) can pursue wrongful death claims. This includes funeral and burial costs, the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and the incalculable loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society. It also accounts for the emotional grief and suffering of family members, and the need for their own mental health treatment.
These categories describe the types of damages that victims and families can recover; they are not promises of specific dollar amounts, as every case’s value depends on its unique facts and the severity of harm.
Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage
A significant part of hazing litigation involves navigating the complex web of responsibility among individual students, local chapters, national organizations, and universities. All these entities typically carry insurance policies that are meant to cover liabilities. However, insurers often argue that hazing, being an “intentional act,” falls under policy exclusions. They might try to deny coverage or limit payouts.
Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, brings invaluable insurance insider knowledge to The Manginello Law Firm. Having worked for a national defense firm, she understands exactly how these large insurance companies value (and often undervalue) claims, their delay tactics, and their arguments for coverage exclusion. This expertise allows us to anticipate their moves, identify all potential sources of coverage (including homeowners’ policies of individuals, chapter policies, national policies, and university umbrella policies), and aggressively fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve. We don’t just sue the responsible parties; we understand how to make their insurance carriers pay.
Practical Guides & FAQs
For Lipscomb County families and Texas students, knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of a hazing incident can make all the difference. The actions taken (or not taken) in the first 24-48 hours can profoundly impact whether justice is ultimately achieved.
For Parents
Parents in Lipscomb County play a critical role in recognizing the signs of hazing and supporting their children.
- Warning Signs of Hazing: Look for unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns (especially if explanations don’t add up); sudden extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, or weight changes; drastic shifts in mood, anxiety, or withdrawal from friends/family. Be wary of constant secret phone use (for group chats) and a persistent fear of missing “mandatory” events.
- How to Talk to Your Child: Approach your child with empathy, not judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things going with the organization? Is anything making you uncomfortable?” Reassure them that their safety and well-being are your top priority, and that you will support them no matter what.
- If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize their physical and mental health. Get them medical care immediately, even if they insist they’re “fine.” Then, meticulously document everything: take clear photos of injuries (multiple angles, with a scale like a coin for size), screenshot texts and group chats, and write down every detail your child shares (who, what, when, where).
- Dealing with the University: Document every communication with university administrators. Ask specific questions about prior incidents involving the same organization and what actions the school took in response. Understand that university internal investigations often prioritize protecting the institution’s reputation, not necessarily your child’s legal rights.
- 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, contact an experienced hazing attorney. We can ensure medical and psychological records are properly maintained, and initiate critical evidence preservation immediately.
For Students / Pledges
If you are a student in Lipscomb County or attending a Texas university, these insights are for you.
- Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Does this make me feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Am I forced to drink or undergo physical pain? Are we pressured to keep this activity secret from the public or administrators? If you answer yes to any of these, it probably is hazing, regardless of what they call it. Your well-being matters more than any so-called “tradition.”
- Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The desire to belong and the fear of exclusion are powerful motivators. The law recognizes this power dynamic, and in Texas, consent is not a defense to hazing charges. You cannot genuinely “consent” to illegal or harmful acts when under duress or pressure.
- Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. Inform a trusted adult (parent, RA, counseling center) first. If you want to formally resign, send a simple email to the chapter president and new member educator stating your immediate resignation. Do not attend any “exit meetings” alone, as these can be used to pressure or intimidate you. Report hazing privately or anonymously through campus channels or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).
- Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Texas law and many university policies encourage students to call for help in medical emergencies by offering amnesty or protections from punishment for underage drinking or minor policy violations, provided you acted in good faith to seek aid. Your life is more important than any campus rule.
For Former Members / Witnesses
If you were once part of a hazing incident, whether as a participant or a witness, and now regret it, you have a crucial role to play in stopping this dangerous cycle.
- Acknowledge Your Role: It’s understandable to feel guilt or fear of repercussions. However, your testimony and any evidence you possess could be instrumental in preventing future harm and saving lives.
- Seek Legal Advice: Contact an attorney to discuss your unique situation. We can explain your rights, potential legal exposures, and how to safely cooperate with investigations or litigation. Your cooperation can be a significant step toward achieving accountability and providing justice for victims.
Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case
Lipscomb County families pursuing a hazing case must be vigilant to avoid common pitfalls that can undermine their pursuit of justice. Attorney911 commonly advises clients on these crucial errors: Watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY
- Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence:
- Why it’s wrong: This act can be seen as obstruction of justice and makes building a case nearly impossible.
- What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even if it’s embarrassing. Use your cellphone to document a legal case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.
- Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:
- Why it’s wrong: This encourages them to immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses.
- What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation.
- Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms:
- Why it’s wrong: These forms often waive your right to sue, and internal settlements are typically far below the true value of a case.
- What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university without an attorney reviewing it first.
- Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer:
- Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys relentlessly scour social media. Inconsistencies can hurt credibility, and public posts might inadvertently waive certain legal protections.
- What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging strategically.
- Letting Your Child Go Back to “One Last Meeting”:
- Why it’s wrong: These meetings are often used to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against them.
- What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communications should go through your lawyer.
- Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”:
- Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, the statute of limitations continues to run, and the university controls the narrative to protect itself.
- What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult a lawyer immediately. University processes for accountability are distinctly separate from legal accountability.
- Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:
- Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements can be used against you, and initial settlement offers are almost always lowball attempts.
- What to do instead: Politely decline any conversation and state, “My attorney will contact you.”
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) 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. Individuals who are aware of hazing and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges. - “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. Courts recognize 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?”
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 graduate, and organizations destroy records. Learn about Texas statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. - “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 the Pi Delta Psi retreat or the Sigma Pi unofficial house death) occurred off-campus and still resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments against responsible parties. - “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. While some cases become public due to criminal charges or family advocacy, civil settlements can often include provisions for sealed court records and confidential terms. We prioritize your family’s privacy while pursuing accountability. Watch our video “Will You Keep Me Updated on My Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JrQowOLv1k to learn more about our communication commitment.
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 attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to win anyway. This is where The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, stands apart.
From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including Lipscomb County and surrounding areas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities affects families across the region, from the Panhandle to the Gulf Coast. We are uniquely qualified to handle the complexities of hazing litigation.
Our strength lies in our dual expertise and deep understanding of the tactics employed by institutions and their insurers. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insurance insider knowledge to our firm. As a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm, she knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Her background as a former insurance defense attorney is detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
Managing Partner Ralph Manginello brings extensive complex litigation experience against massive institutions. He was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, a monumental case against a billion-dollar corporation. His federal court experience in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, means he is not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their formidable defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants and build cases that force accountability. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
We also possess multi-million-dollar wrongful death and catastrophic injury experience, routinely collaborating with economists and life care planners to accurately value losses, including lifetime care needs for brain injury or permanent disability cases. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that compel accountability and provide meaningful compensation. Our wrongful death practice area is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
Our criminal defense background is a distinct advantage in hazing cases. Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) has honed his understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual civil/criminal expertise means we can advise not only on civil claims but also on the implications for witnesses and former members who may face criminal exposure. Our criminal defense experience is outlined at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
We possess unparalleled investigative depth that is critical in modern hazing cases. Our team leverages a network of experts, including digital forensics specialists, medical professionals, economists, and psychologists. We are experts at obtaining hidden evidence—from recovering deleted group chats and social media content to subpoenaing national fraternity’s prior incident records and uncovering university files through discovery and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.
We understand that hazing cases are different. They involve powerful institutional defendants, nuanced insurance coverage fights, and the delicate balance of victim privacy versus public accountability. We understand Greek culture, the coercive power of “tradition,” and how to prove that “consent” is not a defense to abuse.
We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We approach every case not with bravado or a desire for quick settlements, but with thorough investigation and a genuine commitment to real accountability.
If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, from the University of Houston to Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, we want to hear from you. Families in Lipscomb 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, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.
In your free consultation, you can expect us to:
- Listen to your story without judgment and with complete confidentiality.
- Review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
- Explain your legal options, discussing whether a criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither, is the best path for your family.
- Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
- Answer your questions about costs. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
- Provide you with time to make your decision, with no pressure to hire us on the spot.
Call Attorney911 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 – Contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for a confidential consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.
Whether you’re in Lipscomb 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 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