Texas Hazing: A Comprehensive Guide for Stephens County Families and Beyond

The call comes late, a shudder in the night. Your child, a bright student from Stephens County, is supposed to be at a study group, but the voice on the phone is slurred, terrified. They’ve been at an off-campus event, an “initiation” for a fraternity or a spirit group—forced to drink beyond recognition, endure degrading acts, or pushed to physical limits that are now taking their toll. Others are filming on phones, chanting, laughing, but no one wants to call 911 because they’re afraid of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” Your child feels trapped between loyalty to the group and their own safety, now facing a medical emergency as fear turns into physical collapse.

This scene, sadly, is not a rare occurrence on college campuses across Texas and the nation. It’s a reality that shatters families in moments, often leaving victims with lasting physical and psychological scars. For families in Stephens County, where our close-knit community values safety and well-being, the thought of their child enduring such a nightmare at a Texas university can be particularly terrifying. Whether your student attends Texas A&M, the University of Texas at Austin, Baylor University, Southern Methodist University, the University of Houston, or another institution hundreds of miles away from Breckenridge, this frightening scenario could unfold.

This comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas is written for families in Stephens County and across our great state who need to understand: what hazing looks like in 2025, moving far beyond outdated stereotypes; how Texas and federal law treat these dangerous activities; what we can learn from major national cases and how their precedents apply to Texas families; what has been happening at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University, among other Texas schools; and crucially, what legal options victims and families in Stephens County and throughout Texas may have.

We want to be clear: this information is for general education. It is not specific legal advice for your unique situation. However, we at The Manginello Law Firm are experienced in evaluating individual cases based on their specific facts, and we serve families throughout Texas, including those in Stephens County, Breckenridge, and the surrounding regions.

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, every moment counts:

• Get medical attention immediately, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages (DMs) immediately.
  • Photograph any visible injuries from multiple angles, ideally with a ruler or common object for scale.
  • Save any physical items that may be evidence (damaged clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or objects used in the hazing).
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what exactly happened, when and where it took place, and any specific pressures or threats made.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. Doing so can cause them to destroy evidence or coach witnesses.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice.
  • Post details of the incident on public social media. This can compromise your case and invite negative attention.
  • Let your child delete messages or attempt to “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears incredibly fast. Digital messages vanish, physical items are removed, and witnesses can be pressured or forget details.
• Universities and organizations often move quickly to control the narrative.
• We can help preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights from the very beginning.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation if hazing has impacted your family from Stephens County or anywhere in Texas.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

When we talk about hazing, many people still imagine something out of a low-budget movie: some harmless pranks, a little roughhousing. But for families in Stephens County and across Texas, the reality in 2025 is far more sinister and dangerous. Hazing is any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, keeping membership, or gaining status in a student group, where the behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits.

It’s crucial to understand that simply because a student “agreed” to an activity, it does not automatically make it safe or legal. In environments with peer pressure, power imbalances, and intense desire for belonging, true consent is often impossible. The law and common sense recognize this. If your child feels they “had” to participate to belong, that’s not genuine consent—that’s coercion.

Main Categories of Hazing

Modern hazing has evolved, becoming more insidious and harder to detect from the outside. Its tactics are often designed to circumvent anti-hazing policies and a watchful public.

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This remains the most common and often deadliest form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, participation in chugging challenges, “lineups,” or drinking games designed to induce rapid intoxication. It can also include being pressured to consume unknown or mixed substances. Many tragic deaths documented nationwide stem from this form of hazing.
• Physical Hazing: Beyond the classic paddling, this category includes extreme calisthenics, brutal “workouts,” or “smokings” far beyond normal conditioning. It can also involve sleep deprivation, food or water deprivation, or exposure to extreme temperatures or dangerous environments. The intent is often to “break down” pledges through physical endurance.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These activities are deeply scarring and often involve forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts, demeaning positions like “roasted pig,” or forcing individuals to wear degrading costumes. Hazing can also involve acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, abusive slurs, or role-playing of degrading stereotypes.
• Psychological Hazing: This type of hazing causes significant mental and emotional distress. It includes verbal abuse, threats, forced isolation, or manipulative tactics. Public shaming, whether face-to-face or on social media, forced confessions, and constant intimidation can leave lasting emotional scars, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
• Digital/Online Hazing: A newer but increasingly prevalent form, digital hazing uses technology to exert control and inflict humiliation. This can involve group chat dares, “challenges,” demanding constant availability, or public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. It can also include pressure to create or share compromising images or videos of oneself or others.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to the stereotypes of fraternity parties. It’s a pervasive issue that can occur in a wide range of collegiate and even high school organizations. For parents in Stephens County, it’s important to understand that children in various extracurriculars can be vulnerable.

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes Greek letter organizations across all councils—Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural organizations.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: The hierarchical structure and emphasis on tradition in these groups can sometimes lead to hazing disguised as “training” or “discipline.”
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Groups: Organizations like the Texas Cowboys, various spirit organizations, or other campus tradition groups have faced hazing allegations.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, cheerleading, and even club sports, hazing can occur as a twisted form of team bonding.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups focused on arts or performance can have hazing rituals.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group where there’s an initiation process or a strong emphasis on tradition can become a breeding ground for hazing.

These practices persist because of a toxic blend of social status, tradition, and intense secrecy. Members are often coerced into upholding a “code of silence,” making it incredibly difficult for institutions to identify and address the problem until it’s too late. When everyone “knows” hazing is illegal, but it continues anyway, it highlights a profound failure of oversight and enforcement.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Stephens County, understanding the legal landscape of hazing in Texas is essential for seeking justice and accountability. While the specifics can be complex, our firm aims to provide a clear, practical explanation of the legal environment.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear and specific anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code. In plain terms, hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student (e.g., beating, forced exercise, forced consumption of alcohol or drugs, severe sleep deprivation resulting in exhaustion), AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

This definition is critical. “Reckless” means the individual knew or should have known a risk existed and disregarded it. Critically, consent is not a defense in Texas hazing law—meaning even if the victim “agreed,” it’s still illegal.

Criminal Penalties

Hazing can lead to serious criminal charges in Texas. While a Class B misdemeanor is the default for hazing that doesn’t cause serious injury (up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000), these penalties escalate significantly:

• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury requiring medical attention.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This means potential incarceration in a state jail facility, not just fines or probation.

Texas law also holds individuals accountable for failing to report hazing. If you’re a member or officer of an organization and you knew about hazing but failed to report it, that’s a misdemeanor. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It’s important to distinguish between criminal and civil hazing cases, though both can proceed simultaneously.

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the State of Texas (through a prosecutor) against individuals or organizations. The aim is punishment, which can include incarceration, fines, and probation. In hazing contexts, common criminal charges include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and in tragic cases, even manslaughter. A criminal conviction can provide a sense of justice and public accountability.
• Civil Cases: These are brought by victims or their surviving families against those responsible. The primary aim is monetary compensation for the harms suffered, as well as holding institutional actors accountable. Civil cases often focus on legal theories such as negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. A critical point for families in Stephens County is that a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil case; the burden of proof is different, and even if criminal charges don’t lead to a conviction, a civil case can still succeed.

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

Beyond state law, federal provisions also play a role in hazing accountability, especially for institutions receiving federal funding.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal law requires colleges and universities that receive federal financial assistance to report hazing incidents more transparently, strengthen their hazing education and prevention efforts, and maintain public data on hazing incidents. This will be phased in by approximately 2026, offering greater insight into institutional failures.
• Title IX / Clery Act: When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or creates a hostile environment based on gender, Title IX obligations are triggered, requiring universities to investigate and address such conduct. The Clery Act mandates that colleges report certain crimes and maintain safety statistics; hazing incidents often overlap with categories like assault, alcohol violations, or drug offenses, which must be reported under Clery.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

Holding those responsible for hazing accountable often involves identifying multiple parties who failed in their duty to protect students.

• Individual Students: These are the members who directly planned, supplied the alcohol, carried out the hazing acts, or participated in cover-ups.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be held liable. Officers or “pledge educators” who were in leadership roles during the hazing are often key defendants.
• National Fraternity / Sorority: The national headquarters, which sets policies, collects dues, and supervises local chapters, can be held liable for negligent supervision, failure to enforce policies, or having knowledge of a pattern of hazing. This is particularly relevant when local chapters repeat harmful actions seen in other chapters nationally.
• University or Governing Board: Colleges and universities may be sued under various negligence theories, such as negligent supervision, negligent retention of an organization, or under civil rights statutes if discrimination was involved. Key questions include whether the university ignored prior warnings, poorly enforced its policies, or showed deliberate indifference to student safety. Public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT, may assert sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence or willful misconduct, and in some Title IX-related cases. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: This can include landlords or owners of houses or event spaces where hazing occurred, bars or other alcohol providers (under dram shop laws if they overserved minors or clearly intoxicated individuals), security companies, or event organizers.

Every case is fact-specific, and not every party will be liable in every situation. An experienced hazing attorney meticulously investigates to identify all potential responsible parties to ensure comprehensive accountability and compensation.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When hazing harms families in Stephens County or anywhere in Texas, it’s not an isolated event. Many of these tragedies echo earlier incidents nationwide, revealing disturbing patterns that experienced hazing attorneys leverage to establish foreseeability and accountability. These anchor stories highlight recurring themes and the severe consequences of institutional negligence.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced or coerced excessive alcohol consumption remains the single leading cause of hazing deaths. These stories illustrate how preventable these tragedies are, and why institutions are increasingly held accountable.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): At a “bid-acceptance” hazing event, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. After falling repeatedly and sustaining severe head injuries, fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours, capturing his deteriorating condition on surveillance cameras. The ensuing tragedy led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, intense civil litigation, and the creation of the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, one of the toughest in the nation. This case showed how extreme intoxication, a deliberate delay in seeking medical help, and a pervasive culture of silence can be legally devastating.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): During a “Big/Little” hazing event, Andrew Coffey, a pledge, was given a handle of liquor and reportedly coerced into drinking to dangerous levels. He died from acute alcohol poisoning. Multiple criminal hazing charges followed against fraternity members, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life, overhauling its policies. This case underscored how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster within Greek life.
• Max Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Maxwell Gruver, 18, died after a “Bible study” hazing ritual where pledges were forced to drink heavily if they answered questions incorrectly. His death directly led to Louisiana enacting the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing law with serious penalties. The takeaway from this tragedy is clear: legislative change often follows public outrage and clear, undeniable proof of hazing. The family later secured a $6.1 million verdict against one of the fraternity members and the insurer.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): During a pledge night, Stone Foltz, 20, was forced to consume nearly a full bottle of whiskey. He died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal convictions for their roles. In civil litigation, Bowling Green State University, a public institution, agreed to a nearly $3 million settlement with the family, in addition to other substantial settlements with the fraternity and individuals involved. This case highlighted that universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities, even public ones often claiming immunity.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing involving violence or extreme physical endurance also results in severe injuries and deaths.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): At a remote fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania, Michael Deng, 19, was subjected to a violent blindfolded ritual known as “glass ceiling,” where he was repeatedly tackled. He suffered a fatal traumatic brain injury, and fraternity members delayed seeking medical help. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity was found criminally liable for aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for a decade. This landmark case demonstrated how off-campus “retreats” can be as dangerous—or more so—than on-campus events, and that national organizations face significant sanctions, even criminal ones, for their chapters’ actions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not exclusive to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue within athletic programs, often disguised as “team building” or “character development.”

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Multiple former football players came forward alleging widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over several years. This led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and its coaching staff. The head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, was fired amidst the scandal and later filed a wrongful-termination suit, which was confidentially settled. This high-profile case highlighted that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, often affecting major athletic programs where power dynamics and a culture of silence can thrive, and raised critical questions about institutional oversight.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national anchor cases, along with many others, share common, tragic threads: forced drinking, humiliation, violence, deliberate delays in calling for medical care, and concerted cover-up efforts. These incidents are not anomalies; they are patterns that competent legal teams can identify and prove. Reforms, increased transparency, and multi-million-dollar settlements often only follow after tragedy strikes and diligent litigation forces accountability.

For families in Stephens County facing hazing on Texas campuses—whether at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, or Baylor—it’s crucial to know that you are not alone. You are operating within a legal landscape shaped by these national lessons, where the patterns of institutional negligence are well-established. An experienced legal team understands how to apply these precedents to your child’s case in Texas courts.

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

The Manginello Law Firm understands that Stephens County families send their children to universities across Texas with the expectation that they’ll be safe. Unfortunately, hazing lurks even at our most respected institutions. We will delve into these five major Texas universities, exploring their specific contexts, policies, and documented hazing incidents. For families in Stephens County, this insight can be invaluable, especially when considering the proximity of schools like Texas A&M and its impact on the region around Breckenridge.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus, is a significant institution within our state, attracting students from across Texas, including Stephens County. Its diverse student body includes a robust Greek life with a wide array of fraternities and sororities, alongside numerous other student organizations.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH serves a dynamic and diverse student population in the heart of Houston. It fosters a strong sense of Cougar pride, with a blend of commuter and residential students. Its Greek system, encompassing IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils, is deeply interwoven into campus social life, creating both community and, at times, environments ripe for hazing.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a clear stance against hazing. Its policy strictly prohibits hazing, defining it broadly to include any forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, or intentional mental distress imposed for initiation or affiliation purposes. This prohibition applies whether the activities occur on- or off-campus. UH provides multiple reporting channels, including the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct, the Office of Equal Opportunity Services (for Title IX related concerns), and the UH Police Department (UHPD). The university also often posts a hazing statement and information regarding disciplinary actions on its website.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UH has faced its share of hazing allegations and disciplinary actions. A notable incident involved Pi Kappa Alpha in 2016, where pledges allegedly suffered sleep and food deprivation during a multi-day event, with one student reportedly sustaining a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. This led to misdemeanor hazing charges against individuals and a significant university suspension for the chapter. Other disciplinary references at UH have involved various fraternities for behavior described as “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including dangerous alcohol misuse and policy violations, resulting in suspensions or probation. Despite these actions, public records for UH violations might not always be as detailed as some other institutions, sometimes limiting public insight into the full scope of incidents.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing case involving a UH student (perhaps a student from Stephens County attending UH), involved law enforcement agencies could include the UH Police Department and/or the Houston Police Department, depending on where the incident occurred in the vast Houston metropolitan area. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County. Potential defendants would include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, potentially the university itself, and the owners of any off-campus property where the hazing took place. Each party’s liability would depend on their specific actions, knowledge, and adherence to their duties of care.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Report Hazing: Students or parents concerned about hazing at UH should contact the Dean of Students Office, UHPD, or utilize the university’s online reporting forms. If it’s a medical emergency or immediate danger, call 911 first.
• Document Everything: Preserve all evidence—screenshots of group chats, photos of injuries, copies of any messages received, and detailed notes of incidents.
• Understand Prior Complaints: If possible, try to understand if the specific organization has a history of prior complaints or disciplinary actions at UH.
• Consult a Houston-Based Hazing Lawyer: Talking to a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can be critical. Our team can help you navigate UH’s internal processes, which can be complex, and work to uncover prior disciplinary records, internal files, and patterns of negligence that may not be publicly accessible.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University, a legendary institution with deep roots across Texas, is a common destination for students from Stephens County and the surrounding areas. The university’s strong traditions and distinctive culture, particularly within its Corps of Cadets and thriving Greek life, also present unique challenges regarding hazing.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M in College Station is renowned for its traditions, loyal Aggie Network, and a deeply ingrained sense of community. The university’s Corps of Cadets, a uniformed student military organization, fosters a rigorous, hierarchical environment rich in tradition. Alongside the Corps, A&M boasts a large and active Greek system that includes IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural organizations. The emphasis on tradition and loyalty within many A&M groups can, unfortunately, sometimes provide cover for hazing practices.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M takes a strong stance against hazing, defining it in accordance with Texas law—prohibiting any intentional or reckless act related to group affiliation that endangers a student’s mental or physical health or safety. The university’s Division of Student Affairs, particularly the Office of Student Conduct, oversees investigations and disciplinary actions. A&M provides reporting mechanisms through the Office of Student Conduct, University Police Department (UPD), and its hazing prevention website. The university also maintains a public record of organizational misconduct, including hazing violations.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced multiple high-profile hazing allegations. A significant civil suit in 2021 involved Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ), where two pledges alleged being forced into strenuous activity and subjected to a humiliating ritual where substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit, were poured on them. This reportedly caused severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The pledges sued the fraternity for $1 million, and the university suspended the chapter for two years.

More recently, a 2023 lawsuit involving the Corps of Cadets alleged degrading and sexualized hazing. A cadet claimed he was subjected to simulated sexual acts and tied up between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million, asserting gross negligence and a failure to address known hazing. Texas A&M responded by stating it handled the matter internally under its established regulations. These incidents highlight that hazing at A&M affects both Greek life and the revered Corps traditions.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases involving Texas A&M students would typically involve investigations by the Texas A&M University Police Department and/or the College Station Police Department. Civil lawsuits against organizations affiliated with A&M would be filed in Brazos County district courts. Potential defendants in these cases often include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, the individual leaders within the Corps of Cadets, and potentially the university itself, given its oversight responsibilities. For families in Stephens County, should they need to travel for legal consultations or court proceedings, College Station is within a manageable drive, often taking around three hours.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Report Concerns: Utilize Texas A&M’s Office of Student Conduct, UPD, or the public hazing reporting form available on their website.
• Document Everything: Given the often-secretive nature of hazing within strong traditions like the Corps or Greek life, meticulously document all incidents, communications, and injuries. Screenshots of group chats (like those in the SAE case) are invaluable.
• Understand Organizational History: Review A&M’s public record of organizational misconduct to see if the specific fraternity, sorority, or Corps unit has a history of hazing violations.
• Seek Legal Counsel: Families from Stephens County or any part of Texas whose students at Texas A&M have been victims of hazing should contact a lawyer experienced in Texas A&M hazing cases. Our team understands the unique culture, power dynamics, and the specific investigative challenges involved in pursuing accountability against both Greek organizations and elements of the Corps of Cadets.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in Texas, drawing students from across the state, including those from Stephens County. Its campus culture and vibrant Greek life, while offering numerous opportunities, have also been the site of repeated hazing controversies.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a sprawling, energetic campus in the heart of the state capital, with a diverse student body and a strong emphasis on academic excellence, athletics, and a dynamic social scene. Its Greek system is one of the largest and most active in the nation, comprising IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and various multicultural organizations, as well as numerous other student groups and spirit organizations. The “Longhorn” tradition is fiercely protected, sometimes to detriment of student safety.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin has one of the most transparent anti-hazing policies and reporting systems in the state, in part due to its size and history of incidents. UT policy strictly prohibits hazing, whether on or off-campus, and encourages prompt reporting. The Dean of Students office and Student Conduct manage investigations, alongside the UT Police Department (UTPD). Crucially, UT Austin maintains a publicly accessible Hazing Violations page (often found at hazing.utexas.edu), which lists specific organizations, dates of incidents, a description of the conduct, and the sanctions imposed. This public record is a vital tool for families and legal teams.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page is a chilling testament to the ongoing challenges. Entries show a recurring pattern of misconduct. For instance, Pi Kappa Alpha was cited in 2023 for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, actions found to constitute hazing. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing prevention education. Other groups, including spirit organizations like the Texas Wranglers, have faced sanctions for forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based practices creating mental or physical distress. The sheer volume and recurrence of violations across various Greek and non-Greek organizations underscore the persistent problem.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases involving UT Austin students would typically be investigated by the UT Police Department (UTPD) and/or the Austin Police Department. Civil lawsuits against organizations affiliated with UT Austin would generally be filed in Travis County district courts. The critical factor in these cases is often the university’s public record of prior hazing violations. Such documented, repeated misconduct can powerfully support civil suits by demonstrating patterns of behavior, institutional knowledge, and a failure to enforce existing policies, strengthening claims for negligence against the university and national organizations.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

• Utilize UT’s Public Resources: Review UT’s Hazing Violations page to research the history of any organization your child is considering joining.
• Report Directly: Report hazing concerns to the UT Dean of Students office, Student Conduct, or UTPD.
• Document Thoroughly: Given the prevalence of digital communication, securing screenshots of GroupMe, Snapchat, or Instagram messages is paramount. Photographs of injuries or evidence of coerced acts are also crucial.
• Seek Legal Expertise: For Stephens County families whose children have been victims of hazing at UT, contacting a lawyer experienced in UT Austin hazing cases is highly recommended. Our understanding of the specific processes and public records available at UT allows us to build robust strategies for accountability and compensation.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, known for its academic rigor and affluent student body, also hosts a prominent Greek life scene. Students from Stephens County may choose SMU for its strong academic programs and vibrant social opportunities, but like any institution, it faces its own hazing challenges.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private university in Dallas, distinguished by its beautiful campus and strong ties to the city’s business and cultural communities. Its Greek system is a central component of campus social life, highly competitive, and well-resourced, with numerous IFC and Panhellenic chapters, along with NPHC and multicultural organizations. The emphasis on social status and tradition within SMU’s Greek landscape can inadvertently foster environments where hazing persists.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies that prohibit any activity that endangers mental or physical health for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. As a private institution, SMU manages its conduct records differently than public universities, but still provides reporting channels through the Dean of Students, Student Conduct and Community Standards, and the SMU Police Department. The university utilizes systems like “Real Response” for anonymous reporting, aimed at encouraging students to come forward without fear of retribution.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has taken disciplinary action against several Greek organizations for hazing. A notable incident involved Kappa Alpha Order around 2017. Reports emerged of new members being subjected to paddling, forced alcohol consumption, and sleep deprivation. The chapter was suspended and subject to significant restrictions on recruitment for several years. While SMU prides itself on its efforts to promote a safe campus environment, the recurrence of hazing incidents underscores the ongoing battle against these harmful practices even within private, well-resourced institutions.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases involving SMU students would typically be investigated by the SMU Police Department and/or the Dallas Police Department. Civil lawsuits against organizations affiliated with SMU would be filed in Dallas County district courts. Unlike public universities, SMU’s private status means that internal disciplinary records are generally not subject to public information requests. However, civil discovery processes are powerful tools that can compel the university and organizations to disclose records of prior hazing, internal communications, and policy enforcement efforts, even if they aren’t publicly posted. The proximity of Dallas to Stephens County, typically a two-hour drive, makes it an accessible location for families needing to consult with legal teams or attend court proceedings.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Utilize SMU’s Reporting Tools: Students can use SMU’s anonymous reporting systems (like “Real Response”) or report directly to the Dean of Students or SMU Police.
• Meticulous Documentation: For a private institution where public records may be scarcer, personal documentation—screenshots of digital conversations, detailed incident logs, and medical records—becomes even more critical.
• Seek Legal Consultation: For families from Stephens County or North Texas whose children have suffered hazing at SMU, consulting a lawyer experienced in private university hazing cases is vital. Our firm understands how to navigate the unique challenges of private institution accountability, using civil discovery to uncover the truth and build a strong case for compensation.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a faith-based institution in Waco, has a distinct campus culture, strong traditions, and a prominent Greek life. While often chosen by students from Stephens County for its commitment to academic excellence and Christian values, Baylor, like other universities, has faced scrutiny over student safety, particularly concerning hazing and past scandals.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is known for its strong Christian identity, robust athletics (especially football), and a close-knit campus community in Central Texas. Its Greek system, comprising both Panhellenic and IFC chapters alongside NPHC and multicultural organizations, plays an active role in student life. The emphasis on “tradition” within many Baylor organizations, coupled with a fiercely loyal alumni base, creates a unique environment where scrutiny over student conduct can be intense.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor strictly prohibits hazing, aligning its definition and policies with Texas state law. The university’s hazing policy applies to all student organizations, athletic teams, and fraternities/sororities, on or off-campus. Violations are handled by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Relations, and the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) investigates criminal hazing. Baylor encourages reporting via its confidential ethics and compliance hotline or direct reporting to student life officials.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor University has a history of high-profile controversies related to student safety and institutional oversight, most notably its football and Title IX sexual assault scandal, which brought national attention to its campus culture. While hazing is a distinct issue, these past challenges underscore broader questions about university accountability. In 2020, Baylor’s baseball team faced a significant hazing investigation, resulting in the suspension of 14 players for varying periods during the early season. This incident, impacting a high-profile athletic program, highlighted the persistence of hazing even within university departments that are typically under close public scrutiny.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases involving Baylor students would typically be investigated by the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD) and/or the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits against organizations affiliated with Baylor would be filed in McLennan County district courts. As a private university, Baylor’s internal disciplinary records are generally not publicly available, but our legal team, through civil discovery, can compel access to records of prior hazing, internal communications, and evidence of policy enforcement (or lack thereof). Waco is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Stephens County, making legal consultations and court appearances accessible for families.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Report All Concerns: Utilize Baylor’s confidential ethics and compliance hotline or report directly to the Office of Student Conduct or BUPD if hazing is suspected.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: Given the private nature of Baylor’s records, detailed personal documentation of incidents, communications (especially text messages or social media posts), and medical treatments is absolutely paramount.
• Understand Baylor’s Oversight History: While not directly hazing-related, Baylor’s past challenges regarding Title IX and institutional negligence are relevant to claims of broader failures in student safety oversight.
• Seek Legal Guidance from Texas Experts: Families from Stephens County or Central Texas whose children have suffered hazing at Baylor should contact a lawyer experienced in private university hazing cases in Texas. Our firm understands how Baylor’s policies, religious branding, and past institutional challenges intersect with hazing claims, allowing us to build compelling cases for accountability.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

When hazing incidents occur at Texas universities like UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, it’s rarely an isolated event involving just a single local chapter. These local chapters are often part of larger national organizations that govern hundreds of chapters across the country. Understanding their national histories—a disturbing pattern of hazing incidents, injuries, and deaths—is crucial, particularly for families in Stephens County seeking to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Why National Histories Matter

Many fraternities and sororities present at Texas campuses are part of larger national organizations. These national headquarters typically have extensive anti-hazing manuals, risk management policies, and “zero-tolerance” statements. Why? Not because they are inherently proactive, but because they have a dark history of repeated hazing incidents, severe injuries, and tragic deaths across their chapters nationwide.

This pattern is critical in civil litigation. When a Texas chapter of a national fraternity or sorority repeats the same dangerous “tradition”—be it a forced drinking night, a brutal physical ritual, or a humiliating act—that has already caused injury or death at another chapter in a different state, it can be powerful evidence. This track record demonstrates foreseeability. The national organization knew, or should have known, about the inherent risks of such activities, yet failed to adequately prevent or police them. Such evidence strengthens arguments for negligence, gross negligence, and even punitive damages against the national entity.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

While every chapter is unique, certain national fraternities and sororities have particularly long and troubling hazing histories. Here’s a look at some of these organizations, many of which have chapters at a university your child from Stephens County might attend, and their national patterns:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, the national Pi Kappa Alpha organization has a devastating history of hazing. The most widely known case is the Stone Foltz death in 2021 at Bowling Green State University, where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume a bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event. This followed the David Bogenberger death in 2012 at Northern Illinois University, also from alcohol poisoning during a fraternity event, leading to a $14 million settlement. These repeated incidents involving forced alcohol consumption in initiation rituals demonstrate a clear pattern which national Pike was—or should have been—aware of.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU, SAE has faced numerous hazing allegations and devastating outcomes. This includes a 2008 alcohol poisoning death of Carson Starkey in California, a 2014 decision by the national organization to ban pledging altogether (later reversed) due to a pattern of deaths, and ongoing lawsuits. Recently, severe allegations arose from the Texas A&M chapter (2021), where pledges reported chemical burns from industrial cleaner poured on them, and the UT Austin chapter (2024) faced a lawsuit after a student allegedly suffered severe injuries during a party linked to the organization. These incidents showcase a pattern of reckless behavior, both alcohol-related and physically abusive.
• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Chapters are active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor. The national organization gained tragic notoriety with the 2017 death of Max Gruver at LSU, where he died from severe alcohol toxicity during a forced drinking “Bible study” game. This incident directly led to the Louisiana legislature passing the Max Gruver Act, making felony hazing a reality. This case, like others, highlights a repeated failure to control dangerous alcohol hazing.
• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH and Texas A&M, Pi Kappa Phi was involved in the 2017 alcohol poisoning death of Andrew Coffey at Florida State University, during a “Big Brother Night” where pledges were given handles of hard liquor. The incident led to multiple criminal prosecutions and a temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU.
• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU. The national organization is primarily associated with the 2017 death of Timothy Piazza at Penn State, where severe alcohol poisoning and delayed medical care during a hazing event led to his death. This case, captured on surveillance cameras, resulted in a landmark prosecution and stringent anti-hazing legislation.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Chapters are found at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor. Kappa Sigma is known for several hazing-related incidents, including the 2001 drowning death of Chad Meredith at the University of Miami, where a jury awarded his parents a $12.6 million verdict based on hazing-related negligence. More recently, allegations of severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing, have surfaced at Texas A&M (2023), leading to ongoing litigation.
• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): With chapters at UH, UT Austin, and Baylor, Sigma Chi has also faced substantial hazing lawsuits. A 2024 case at the College of Charleston resulted in a family receiving more than $10 million in damages for physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment during hazing. This case, among others, highlights the organization’s recurring issues with dangerous hazing practices.
• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Present at Texas A&M and SMU. This national fraternity has faced suspensions and disciplinary actions across various campuses for hazing violations, including the 2017 incident at SMU where members were reportedly paddled, forced to drink, and deprived of sleep. This underscores a pattern of physical and alcohol-related abuse in their pledging process.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

These repeated patterns across different campuses and states are not coincidences. They show that national organizations like those with chapters at universities attended by students from Stephens County have been given repeated warnings. They have been alerted to specific dangerous “traditions” or initiation customs prevalent across their chapters.

In civil litigation, this means courts can consider whether national organizations:

• Meaningfully enforced their strict anti-hazing policies, or if those policies were mere window dressing.
• Responded to prior incidents with aggressive, chapter-altering interventions, or if they allowed a culture of hazing to persist through minimal punishments.

This evidence can significantly impact:

• Settlement leverage: Demonstrating a history of similar incidents pressures national organizations to settle rather than risk facing a jury that sees a clear pattern of negligence.
• Insurance coverage disputes: Knowing the national history helps navigate the common defense that hazing was an “intentional act” not covered by insurance. We can argue their failure to supervise or ignorance of warnings was negligent, and therefore covered.
• Potential for punitive damages: In cases of egregious disregard for student safety, a history of similar incidents can be crucial in arguing for punitive damages, which are designed to punish organizations and deter future misconduct.

For families in Stephens County, understanding this connection between local incidents and national patterns is essential for building a robust legal case that seeks true accountability from all responsible parties.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

For families in Stephens County confronting the aftermath of hazing, understanding how a legal case is built can demystify a complex process. Our firm approaches hazing litigation with the same meticulous investigation and strategic planning we apply to other catastrophic personal injury cases. Every piece of evidence, every legal argument, and every potential defendant is carefully considered.

Evidence: The Foundation of Your Case

In a hazing case, evidence collection and preservation are paramount. Because hazing often thrives in secrecy, uncovering the truth requires aggressive and sophisticated investigation.

• Digital Communications: In 2025, group chats and direct messages are often the most critical source of evidence. Platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Snapchat, and even fraternity-specific apps hold the keys. This evidence can include discussions planning hazing events, instructions to pledges, humiliating remarks, or direct threats. Critically, we look for both live messages and work to recover deleted conversations, as these often reveal the true intent and scope of hazing. Our firm utilizes experts in digital forensics to retrieve what others try to hide.
• Photos & Videos: Cell phones are almost ubiquitous at college events. This means content filmed by members during hazing events, footage shared in private group chats, or even publicly accessible social media posts can be crucial. This includes videos of forced activities, humiliating acts, or dangerous drinking games. Security camera footage from campus buildings, off-campus houses, or door-cam systems (like Ring) can also provide objective evidence.
• Internal Organization Documents: Subpoenas can uncover official pledge manuals, initiation scripts, or “ritual books” that, while often sanitized, can reveal traditional practices. More damning might be informal emails, texts, or internal memos from chapter officers discussing “what we’ll do to pledges.” National organization policies and training materials are also vital, as they demonstrate what the national HQ claims to prohibit versus what it actually enforces.
• University Records: Through discovery in a lawsuit, or sometimes through public records requests (for public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT), we can obtain critical institutional documentation. This includes prior conduct files, records of probation or suspension for the specific chapter, incident reports to campus police or student conduct offices, and even Clery Act reports or similar disclosures that show a pattern of safety failures.
• Medical and Psychological Records: These records are foundational for proving damages. Emergency room and hospitalization records, surgical reports, ongoing physical therapy notes, and medication lists document physical injuries. Toxicology reports (blood alcohol content, drug screenings) are vital in substance-related hazing. Perhaps equally important are psychological evaluations for conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation—these records document the profound, often invisible, emotional and mental harm caused by hazing.
• Witness Testimony: The accounts of individuals are powerful. This includes other pledges, current or former members who are willing to speak up, roommates, Resident Advisors (RAs), coaches, trainers, or even bystanders who observed questionable activities. Former members who quit an organization over hazing or were expelled for issues related to it can be particularly insightful. Emergency responders (EMTs, hospital staff) who observed the immediate aftermath also provide crucial testimony.

Damages: Quantifying the Harm

Hazing inflicts devastating harm, both tangible and intangible. In a civil lawsuit, the goal is to secure financial compensation (damages) that reflects the full scope of that harm. While every case is unique, we assess these main categories:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs associated with physical injuries, including emergency care (ER visits, ICU stays), surgeries, ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, and medications. For catastrophic injuries like brain damage or organ failure, this can also include the extensive costs of long-term and lifelong care.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes any income lost if the victim, or a parent caring for them, must miss work. Crucially, it also encompasses the impact on the student’s education—missed semesters, tuition for transfers, lost scholarships, and setbacks in entering the workforce. For permanent injuries, it involves assessing reduced future earning capacity.
• Non-Economic Damages: These are the subjective, but legally compensable, impacts. They include physical pain and suffering from injuries, profound emotional distress, trauma, and humiliation. Often, victims suffer from a loss of enjoyment of life, no longer able to participate in activities they once loved, or experiencing severe social anxiety and withdrawal.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for families): In the most tragic cases, when hazing results in death, the surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. This covers funeral and burial costs, the economic loss of financial support the deceased would have provided, and the profound non-economic losses such as loss of companionship, love, guidance, and the intense grief and emotional suffering for parents and siblings.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

The complex nature of hazing often means there are multiple layers of responsibility. National fraternities, sororities, and universities typically carry substantial insurance policies to cover their liabilities. However, insurers are notorious for trying to minimize payouts or deny coverage altogether, often arguing that hazing or intentional conduct is excluded from their policies.

This is where our firm’s unique expertise becomes invaluable. Lupe Peña, with her background as a former insurance defense attorney, offers an insurance insider advantage. She understands precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She knows their delay tactics, their common arguments for coverage exclusion, and their settlement strategies because she used to work on their side. Ralph Manginello’s extensive experience in complex litigation against massive corporations (like in the BP Texas City explosion) means our firm is well-equipped to challenge powerful institutional defendants and their insurers. We know how to identify all potential sources of insurance coverage, navigate disputes about exclusions, and effectively compel insurers to meet their obligations.

Practical Guides & FAQs

For parents from Stephens County, students at Texas universities, or former members grappling with a hazy conscience, knowing what to do next is critical. Here, we offer direct, actionable advice.

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Your child may not tell you they’re being hazed directly. They might be ashamed, afraid of retaliation, or convinced it’s a “secret” they must keep. Look for these warning signs:

• Warning Signs of Hazing:
  • Unexplained injuries (bruises, cuts, burns) or repeated “accidents” they can’t quite explain.
  • Extreme exhaustion, sleep deprivation, or sudden changes in sleep patterns.
  • Drastic changes in mood, increased anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from old friends/family.
  • Constant, secret phone use for group chats, coupled with anxiety about missing “mandatory” events.
  • Sudden obsession with pleasing older members or the group, coupled with defensiveness when asked about activities.
  • Unexplained large expenses or requests for money without clear reasoning.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach them gently. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the fraternity?” or “Is there anything you’re being asked to do that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priority, and you will support them no matter what. Avoid judgmental language.
• If Your Child Is Hurt: Get them immediate medical care. Document everything: take clear photos of injuries, screenshot any text messages, and write down everything your child tells you about what happened, who was involved, and where/when it occurred. Save names, dates, and locations.
• Dealing with the University: Every communication with university administrators should be carefully documented. Ask specifically about prior incidents involving the same organization and what the school did or didn’t do in response. Universities are obligated to investigate but may be incentivized to minimize public exposure.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing or hiding what happened, it is crucial to contact a lawyer. We can help you navigate these complex situations and protect your child’s rights.

For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

If you’re a student from Stephens County at a Texas university, directly involved in pledging or a new member process, this is for you.

• Is this Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Does this activity make me feel unsafe, humiliated, or coerced? Am I being forced to drink, endure pain, or perform demeaning acts? Is this activity hidden from the public or administrators? If the answer is yes, then it probably is hazing. The law looks at the effect of the activity, not just what someone calls it.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: You are likely in a situation of power imbalance. The fear of exclusion, the desire to belong, and the intense peer pressure mean that your “agreement” to participate is often not true, voluntary consent. Texas law explicitly recognizes this by stating consent is not a defense to hazing.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any situation at any time. If you feel unsafe, get to a safe place immediately (your dorm, a trusted friend, family). You can formally resign from the organization. Many schools and Texas law offer good-faith reporting and amnesty for those who call for help in an emergency, even if underage drinking was involved. Explore anonymous reporting options offered by your university (e.g., student conduct offices, campus police hotlines) or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE).
• Document Everything: As soon as you suspect hazing, begin taking screenshots of all group chats, texts, photos, and videos. These are powerful pieces of evidence that can prove what happened.

For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were once part of a hazing incident, or witnessed one, and now regret your involvement or feel compelled to speak out:

• Your Testimony Matters: While you may feel guilt or fear potential repercussions, your testimony, evidence, or willingness to cooperate can be crucial to preventing future harm and saving lives.
• Seek Legal Advice: If you have concerns about your own legal exposure, it is wise to consult with a lawyer who can advise you on your rights and potential protections. While anonymous options exist, cooperating with a legal investigation can be an important step toward accountability for victims and for your own peace of mind.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For families from Stephens County, navigating a hazing aftermath is incredibly stressful. Unfortunately, common mistakes can unintentionally jeopardize a legal claim.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence: What parents think: “I don’t want them to get in more trouble.” Why it’s wrong: This looks like a cover-up, makes your case nearly impossible to prove without evidence, and can even be considered obstruction. What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even embarrassing content. Our video, “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs), explains best practices.
2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly: What parents think: “I’m going to give them a piece of my mind.” Why it’s wrong: They will immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare defenses. What to do instead: Document everything, then call a lawyer before any confrontation.
3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms: What universities do: Pressure families to sign waivers or “internal resolution” agreements. Why it’s wrong: You may inadvertently waive your right to sue; settlements may be far below the true value of your case, and these forms often protect the institution more than the student. What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything without an attorney reviewing it first.
4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer: What families think: “I want people to know what happened.” Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys screenshot everything; inconsistencies or emotional posts can hurt credibility; and you might inadvertently waive privacy protections. What to do instead: Document privately; let your lawyer control public messaging strategically.
5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” or “talk to elders”: What fraternities say: “Come talk to us before you do anything drastic.” Why it’s wrong: This is often a tactic to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against the victim. 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 promise: “We’re investigating; let us handle this internally.” Why it’s wrong: Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, the statute of limitations runs, and the university often prioritizes controlling the narrative over full accountability. What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW; consult a lawyer immediately. University processes are separate from legal accountability.
7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer: What adjusters say: “We just need your statement to process the claim.” Why it’s wrong: Recorded statements are used against you; early settlement offers are almost always lowball. What to do instead: Politely decline and say, “My attorney will contact you.” For a deeper dive into these pitfalls, watch Attorney911’s video on client mistakes that can ruin your 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, UT) have some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific, so contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.
• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals (including officers of an organization) can also face charges for failing to report hazing.
• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that “consent” under intense peer pressure, power imbalance, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.
• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death in Texas. However, 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 absolutely critical—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Learn more about the statute of limitations in our video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.
• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  The location of the hazing does not automatically eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities or sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge, and the foreseeability of the off-campus event. Many major hazing cases resulting in multi-million-dollar judgments (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat or the Sigma Pi unofficial house death) occurred off-campus.
• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before ever going to trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and can often negotiate for sealed court records and confidential settlement terms while still pursuing the accountability and compensation you deserve.

About The Manginello Law Firm: Your Legal Emergency Lawyers™

When your family faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, large universities, athletic programs—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 and empathy to hazing litigation.

From our Houston offices, we serve families throughout Texas, including Stephens County and surrounding areas. We understand that hazing at Texas universities can deeply impact families across our region, from Breckenridge to Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.

Our Unique Qualifications for Hazing Cases:

• Insurance Insider Advantage with Lupe Peña: Associate Attorney Lupe Peña brings invaluable insight from her previous career as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusion, and their settlement strategies because she used to work on their side. Lupe’s background as a former insurance defense attorney (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/) is crucial for navigating these critical disputes.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions with Ralph Manginello: Managing Partner Ralph Manginello has a proven track record against some of the largest defendants. Our firm was one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City explosion litigation, taking on a multi-billion dollar corporation. Ralph’s extensive federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means we are not intimidated by national fraternities, universities, or their well-funded defense teams. We’ve taken on massive corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants. Ralph Manginello’s complete credentials and case history are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. This experience is essential in hazing cases where we collaborate with economists to value loss of life and determine the lifetime care needs for severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries or permanent disabilities.
• Expertise in Criminal + Civil Hazing Matters: Ralph’s membership in the elite Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives our firm critical insight into the criminal aspects of hazing. This means we can skillfully navigate cases where criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation, and we can advise witnesses and former members who may face dual exposure. For insights into our capabilities, refer to our criminal defense page: https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
• Investigative Depth: We build our cases on relentless investigation. Our network includes top experts in digital forensics, medical analysis, economics, and psychology. We know how to obtain deleted group chats, discover hidden social media evidence, subpoena national fraternity records detailing prior incidents, and uncover critical 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 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 focus on thorough investigation and real accountability, not just quick settlements. We don’t get paid unless we win your case—that’s how our contingency fee works. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

Call to Action: Your Path to Accountability Starts Here

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at Texas A&M, the University of Texas at Austin, Baylor University, Southern Methodist University, the University of Houston, or another institution—we want to hear from you. Families in Stephens 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 without any pressure to hire us on the spot.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story without judgment.
• We’ll review any evidence you have, such as photos, screenshots of texts, or medical records.
• We’ll explain your legal options, discussing whether a criminal report, civil lawsuit, both, or neither is appropriate.
• We’ll discuss realistic timelines and what to expect from the legal process.
• We’ll answer your questions about costs, reminding you about our contingency fee arrangement: we don’t get paid unless we win.
• Everything you tell us is strictly confidential.

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

Call Attorney911: 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 by email at lupe@atty911.com for consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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