In Taylor County, our fraternity and sorority hazing lawyers at Attorney911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ offer vital support. With over 25 years of experience, including federal court expertise against national fraternities and universities, we understand the local dynamics. Our former insurance defense attorney knows fraternity insurance tactics, and our multi-million dollar proven results reflect our commitment. We handle cases from UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor, specializing in evidence preservation. Hablamos Español. Free consultation, contingency fee: no win, no fee. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Texas college experience is a vibrant tapestry, a time of growth, learning, and forging lifelong connections. For families in Taylor County and across the heart of Texas, sending a child off to a university like Texas Tech, Abilene Christian University, or any of the major institutions across the state is a moment filled with pride and anticipation. We envision academic success, new friendships, and healthy independence. However, for some, this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare of fear, abuse, and even tragedy when the dark shadow of hazing emerges. It’s a reality that no parent from Taylor County, or anywhere in Texas, wants to confront.

Imagine this: It’s late night at an off-campus house near a Texas university—perhaps in Lubbock, Abilene, or even further afield in College Station or Austin. A student, a young adult full of promise, is being pressured by older members of a fraternity, sorority, or club. They’re forced to drink far beyond safe limits, endure degrading acts in front of their peers, or participate in physical ordeals disguised as “team-building.” Others are filming on their phones, chanting, and laughing, fueled by the group mentality. Then, someone gets hurt – falls, vomits, collapses – but nobody wants to call 911 because they’re afraid of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble.” The student, your child, feels trapped between loyalty to a group they desperately want to join and their own safety, their own dignity. This could happen to a student from Taylor County at any Texas university, from the plains of West Texas to the urban centers.

This guide is designed for you—parents, students, and concerned community members in Taylor County and throughout Texas. We understand the profound impact hazing can have, shattering trust, causing severe physical and psychological harm, and in the worst cases, ending lives. We’ve seen firsthand how these incidents devastate families and how institutions and organizations often try to minimize their responsibility.

Here, we will provide a comprehensive, educational resource on hazing and the law in Texas. We’ll delve into:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes to expose modern tactics, including digital and psychological abuse.
• How Texas and federal laws define and address hazing, outlining the legal framework designed to protect students and hold perpetrators accountable.
• Key lessons from major national hazing cases, demonstrating patterns of abuse, institutional failures, and the legal precedents that inform cases here in Texas.
• Specific insights into hazing incidents and policies at major Texas universities, including the University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin (UT), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University. We’ll examine how these schools, often attended by students from Taylor County, navigate hazing challenges, and what parents and students connected to these institutions should know.
• The intricate web of liability, exploring how individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities can be held responsible in a civil hazing lawsuit.
• Practical guidance for building a legal case, from evidence collection and preservation to understanding the types of damages victims and their families may be entitled to.
• Actionable advice for parents, students, and witnesses, equipping you with the tools to recognize hazing, respond safely, and take critical steps to protect yourselves and others.

This article offers general information and insights, not specific legal advice for your unique situation. If you suspect hazing or if your child has been affected, seeking personalized legal counsel is crucial. We, The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, serve families throughout Texas, including those in Taylor County, who are seeking justice and accountability in the wake of hazing.

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.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
• Preserve evidence BEFORE it’s deleted:
  • Screenshot group chats, texts, and direct messages immediately.
  • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles and over several days to show progression.
  • Save physical items like clothing worn during the hazing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used.
• Write down everything while memory is fresh: who was involved, what happened, when it occurred, and where it took place.
• Do NOT:
  • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly. This can escalate the situation and lead to evidence destruction.
  • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal advice. You could unwittingly waive your rights.
  • Post details on public social media. This can be used against you and compromise your legal case.
  • Let your child delete messages or attempt to “clean up” any evidence.

Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

• Evidence disappears fast: group chats are deleted, physical items are destroyed, and witnesses are coached.
• Universities and organizations move quickly to control the narrative and minimize their liability.
• Our experienced team can help you preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s rights from the outset.
• Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For families in Taylor County, the image of hazing might still be rooted in movies or outdated media. Perhaps it’s a bit of harmless roughhousing, some silly pranks, or a boisterous rite of passage. However, the reality of hazing in 2025, especially on college campuses across Texas, is far more insidious, dangerous, and often digitally sophisticated. It’s rarely “just harmless fun.”

Hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, directed against a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or maintaining membership in any organization. Crucially, this act endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or is designed to humiliate or exploit.

A critical point often misunderstood is that “I agreed to it” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal. Laws and courts increasingly recognize that consent given under duress, coercion, or within a significant power imbalance (like between new members and older members) is not genuine consent. The desire to belong, fear of exclusion, and immense peer pressure create environments where true voluntary participation is often impossible.

Main Categories of Hazing

Hazing has evolved, but its core purpose—to create artificial hierarchy and enforce conformity through suffering—remains. We see it manifest in several main categories:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is, tragically, the most common and often fatal form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking, often excessive amounts in short periods. This can include “chugging challenges,” “lineups” where pledges consume multiple drinks in rapid succession, or dangerous “games” that require continuous, fast consumption. Beyond alcohol, some harrowing incidents involve pressuring students to consume unknown or mixed substances, including illicit drugs. The consequences can range from severe alcohol poisoning and organ damage to death.

• Physical Hazing: Despite being illegal, traditional physical hazing persists. This includes:

  • Paddling and Beatings: From ritualized swatting to outright assaults.
  • Extreme Calisthenics: Often called “workouts” or “smokings,” these are physical exertions pushed far beyond normal limits, designed to inflict pain and exhaustion rather than build strength.
  • Sleep and Food Deprivation: New members are intentionally kept awake for extended periods or denied regular access to meals and water, leading to extreme fatigue, disorientation, and vulnerability.
  • Environmental Exposure: Forcing pledges into extreme cold or wet conditions, or dangerous environments, which can lead to hypothermia or other health crises.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This particularly egregious form of hazing is designed to degrade and control.

  • Forced Nudity: Students may be compelled into full or partial nudity.
  • Simulated Sexual Acts: This can involve being forced to perform or participate in simulated sexual acts, often with grotesque or demeaning props. Terms like “roasted pig” positions or “elephant walks” describe some of these rituals.
  • Racial or Sexist Overtones: Hazing can be infused with slurs, stereotypes, or role-play that is deeply offensive and targets individuals based on their race, gender, or orientation.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but profoundly damaging, psychological hazing plays on individuals’ mental and emotional well-being.

  • Verbal Abuse and Threats: Constant yelling, insults, harsh criticism, and threats of social isolation or expulsion from the group.
  • Manipulation and Coerced Confessions: Pledges are often manipulated into confessing personal secrets or committing acts against their values.
  • Public Shaming: This can occur in person, during meetings designed to “break down” new members, or increasingly, on social media platforms.

• Digital/Online Hazing: The rise of social media and communication apps has given hazing a new, pervasive dimension.

  • Group Chat Coercion: Pledges are added to group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, etc.) where they are subjected to constant surveillance, demands, and humiliating directives around the clock. Failure to respond instantly can lead to punishment.
  • Social Media Humiliation: Being forced to post embarrassing content on Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, or participate in degrading online “challenges” for the amusement of older members.
  • Location Tracking: Requiring new members to share their live location via apps like Find My Friends or Life360, eliminating any sense of privacy or escape.
  • Evidence Manipulation: Directives to delete message threads or photos, creating a concerted effort to hide hazing activities from external scrutiny.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a misconception that hazing is exclusive to fraternities. While Greek life is a common arena, hazing permeates various student organizations across all types of institutions in Texas. This includes:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This encompasses all councils – Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council (NPC), National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC or “Divine Nine”), and Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) – across campuses like Texas A&M, UT Austin, and UH.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: At institutions like Texas A&M, traditional military-style organizations can sometimes present a context for hazing that blurs the lines between discipline and abuse.
• Spirit Squads and Tradition Clubs: Groups like student government, cheerleading, dance teams, and university spirit organizations (e.g., the Texas Cowboys or some Aggie traditions) have faced allegations and sanctions related to hazing.
• Athletic Teams: From football to baseball, track to swim teams, hazing has been documented in high school and collegiate sports programs nationwide, including in Texas.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous academic or performance-based organizations can fall prey to hazing rituals.
• Service, Cultural, and Academic Organizations: Any group that involves initiation or a hierarchy can, unfortunately, become a setting for hazing.

The common threads running through all these environments are social status, tradition, and intense secrecy. These elements create a powerful force that sustains hazing, even as anti-hazing laws strengthen and universities implement stricter policies. New members are taught to “trust the process,” “respect tradition,” and above all, “don’t snitch,” perpetuating cycles of abuse under the guise of “bonding.”

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For families in Taylor County, understanding the legal landscape of hazing in Texas is crucial. It’s not just an extracurricular activity gone wrong; hazing is a serious violation of Texas law, with civil and criminal consequences for individuals and institutions alike.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific prohibitions against hazing, primarily outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. This framework defines hazing broadly and aims to protect students by holding accountable those who endanger their well-being for the sake of group affiliation.

Texas Education Code § 37.151. Definition:

Under Texas law, hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that:

• Endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, AND
• Occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students.

In plain English, if someone makes a student from Taylor County, or anywhere in Texas, do something dangerous, harmful, or degrading to join or stay in a group, and they either intended to do it or were reckless about the risks involved, that’s hazing under Texas law.

Key aspects of this definition include:

• Location Doesn’t Matter: Hazing can happen on or off campus, whether in a university dorm, an off-campus fraternity house, or even at a remote retreat.
• Brings Physical or Mental Harm: The harm doesn’t have to be physical injury alone; psychological harm, extreme stress, humiliation, and emotional distress also count.
• Intent: The perpetrator doesn’t need to have malicious intent to cause severe injury. If their actions were “reckless” – meaning they knew or should have known there was a substantial risk of harm and disregarded it – that is sufficient for the act to be considered hazing.

§ 37.152. Criminal Penalties:

Hazing is not just a university policy violation; it’s a crime in Texas. The severity of criminal penalties can vary:

• Class B Misdemeanor: This is the default classification for hazing that does not result in serious injury. Penalties can include up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes an injury that requires medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: Critically, if hazing causes serious bodily injury or death, the offense can be elevated to a state jail felony, carrying much more severe consequences.

Furthermore, individuals who are members or officers of an organization and fail to report hazing they know about are often subject to misdemeanor charges. Retaliating against someone who reports hazing is also a misdemeanor.

§ 37.153. Organizational Liability:

This provision is crucial for holding student organizations accountable. Organizations—be it fraternities, sororities, clubs, or teams—can be criminally prosecuted for hazing if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing, OR
• An officer or member acting in their official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it.
  Penalties for organizations can include fines of up to $10,000 per violation. Additionally, the university can revoke its official recognition, effectively banning the organization from campus. This highlights that responsibility for hazing extends beyond individual perpetrators to the groups that enable or tacitly permit it.

§ 37.155. Consent Not a Defense:

This is a cornerstone of modern anti-hazing law in Texas: it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. Even if a student from Taylor County explicitly says “yes” or “I want to do this,” the law recognizes that true voluntary consent is often impossible within coercive, high-pressure hazing environments where fear of exclusion or physical harm looms large.

§ 37.154. Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting:

To encourage reporting, Texas law provides some protection: a person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university authorities or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability stemming from that report. Additionally, Texas law, and many university policies, offer amnesty for students who call 911 in a medical emergency related to hazing, even if they were consuming alcohol underage or involved in the hazing itself. This is intended to prioritize saving lives over punishing minor violations.

§ 37.156. Reporting by Educational Institutions:

Texas colleges and universities are obligated to:

• Provide hazing prevention education to students.
• Publish clear anti-hazing policies.
• Crucially, they must maintain and publish annual reports of hazing violations and disciplinary actions taken against organizations and individuals. This publicly accessible information can be vital evidence in a civil lawsuit, demonstrating a pattern of conduct and institutional awareness. The University of Texas at Austin is a well-known example with its hazing.utexas.edu site.

Criminal vs Civil Cases

It’s important for Taylor County families to distinguish between the two primary legal avenues for addressing hazing:

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (prosecutor) against individuals or organizations accused of violating hazing statutes or other criminal laws. The primary aim is punishment, which can include jail time, fines, or probation. Hazing-related criminal charges often include direct hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, and in tragic cases of death, even manslaughter.
• Civil Cases: These are initiated by victims or their surviving families against individuals, organizations, and institutions. The goal is different: to obtain monetary compensation (damages) for the harm suffered and to ensure accountability. Civil claims often focus on legal theories such as negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring/supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

Crucially, a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil case. A civil lawsuit can proceed even if criminal charges are dropped or never filed. In fact, many civil cases reach resolution without a criminal trial, and the standard of proof is lower in civil court.

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

Beyond Texas state law, a federal framework also influences how hazing is addressed on college campuses:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation, recently passed, requires colleges and universities receiving federal funding to be more transparent about hazing incidents. By around 2026, institutions must publicly report hazing data, similar to how they report other campus crimes. This aims to strengthen prevention efforts and provide families with more comprehensive information when choosing a school.
• Title IX: If hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based violence or discrimination, it can trigger obligations under Title IX. This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education and requires institutions to investigate and respond appropriately to such allegations.
• Clery Act: The Clery Act mandates that institutions that receive federal funding disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. While not exclusively focused on hazing, many hazing incidents involve crimes (like assault, alcohol violations, or sex offenses) that fall under Clery reporting requirements.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

One of the complexities of hazing litigation is identifying all potential parties responsible for the harm. For a family in Taylor County, this is critical to ensure full accountability and adequate compensation. Potential defendants can include:

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, encouraged, orchestrated, or carried out the hazing acts, supplied alcohol, or participated in cover-ups can face personal liability.
• Local Chapter/Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be sued if it exists as a legal entity. This includes its officers or “pledge educators” who acted in an official capacity.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: The national headquarters, which often sets policies, provides training, receives dues, and oversees local chapters, often bears significant responsibility. Liability can arise if the national organization knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing and failed to intervene effectively or enforce its own anti-hazing policies, especially when repeat offenses happen.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, or its governing board (like the Board of Regents for public universities), can be held liable under theories of negligence, gross negligence, or even civil rights violations. Key factors often include whether the university had prior warnings, how it enforced its policies, its supervision of student organizations, and whether it was deliberately indifferent to known hazing problems. Private universities (like SMU and Baylor) often have less legal protection than public ones (UH, Texas A&M, UT) due to sovereign immunity laws for state entities.
• Third Parties: This can include landlords or property owners of off-campus houses or event spaces where hazing occurred, or even commercial establishments that illegally furnished alcohol to minors (under Texas dram shop laws).

Determining who is legally responsible is highly fact-specific; not every party is liable in every hazing incident. An experienced hazing attorney can thoroughly investigate and identify all potentially liable parties to ensure comprehensive accountability.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

When a hazing incident devastates a family in Taylor County, it can feel isolated and unique. However, hazing tragedies across the country often share disturbing similarities, forming patterns of reckless behavior and institutional failures. These national cases are more than just headlines; they establish crucial legal precedents that shape how hazing lawsuits are pursued here in Texas. They demonstrate foreseeability – that organizations and universities knew, or should have known, the dangers of certain activities.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced or coerced alcohol consumption is, by far, the most common and deadliest form of hazing. Our firm has seen time and again how these “initiation” rituals escalate, leading to catastrophic outcomes.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” night involving extreme alcohol consumption. Horrifying surveillance footage from the fraternity house showed him suffering multiple falls, including down a flight of stairs, resulting in traumatic brain injuries. Fraternity brothers delayed calling 911 for nearly 12 hours, attempting to care for him themselves to avoid getting in trouble. The aftermath led to dozens of criminal charges against fraternity members, intense civil litigation with confidential settlements, and the passage of the landmark Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. For Texas families, this case underscores how a culture of silence and delayed medical care can turn an already dangerous situation deadly, and how states can respond with stronger legislation.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. Pledges were given handles of hard liquor and pressured to consume them rapidly. His death, which occurred just two months after Max Gruver’s, prompted an immediate, temporary suspension of all Greek life at FSU and a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida. The event highlights the dangerous “formulaic” nature of many hazing rituals, where “tradition” leads to repeated patterns of abuse.

• Max Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (September 2017): Maxwell Gruver, an 18-year-old LSU pledge, died after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where wrong answers meant taking shots of high-proof liquor. His blood alcohol content was 0.495%, a near-lethal level. This tragedy led to significant criminal charges, a civil settlement with the family, and the passage of the Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, making hazing a felony offense with potential prison time. The Max Gruver case is a stark reminder that legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of lethal hazing.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (March 2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was forced to consume a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” reveal event. He died three days later from alcohol poisoning. This case resulted in multiple criminal convictions of fraternity members and a $10 million settlement with his family, including $7 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha organization and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. It powerfully demonstrates that universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences for hazing, especially when they fail to enforce their policies.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physically aggressive or dangerously ritualized hazing continues to cause severe injury and death.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (December 2013): During a fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Michael Deng, 19, was blindfolded, forced to wear a heavy backpack, and repeatedly tackled in a brutal ritual known as “glass ceiling.” He suffered a fatal traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members delayed calling for help, instead attempting to cover up the incident. Multiple members were convicted, and strikingly, the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, the first time a national fraternity was convicted in a hazing death. This landmark case showed that off-campus locations offer no shield from liability, and national organizations can be held directly responsible.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life. High-profile incidents in athletic programs highlight that systemic abuse can occur in any powerful student organization.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): In 2023, former Northwestern football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program over multiple years, including forced naked “dry-humping” drills and other humiliating acts. This scandal led to the firing of Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald, who subsequently filed a wrongful-termination lawsuit which was confidentially settled in August 2025. Multiple players also sued the university and coaching staff. This case served as a critical reminder that hazing extends beyond Greek life into major athletic programs, raising profound questions about institutional oversight.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies, while heart-wrenching, reveal critical patterns. The common threads—forced drinking, humiliation, violence, delayed medical care, and concerted cover-ups—recur again and again. These cases also demonstrate that significant reforms, multi-million-dollar settlements, and even new state laws often only come about after a tragedy and the subsequent public and legal pressure.

For families in Taylor County and across Texas, if your child experiences hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or any other institution, you are not alone. You stand on the shoulders of these national lessons, equipped with precedents that demand accountability from powerful institutions. The Manginello Law Firm understands how to leverage these patterns of abuse and institutional negligence to build a compelling case.

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

For parents in Taylor County, perhaps you have a child attending Abilene Christian University or McMurry University within Taylor County itself. Or perhaps your child has gone off to one of the larger institutions across the state, such as those in Lubbock, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, or College Station. Hazing can occur at any of these schools. For Texas families, especially those in Taylor County, understanding the specific environments and hazing histories of major universities can be critical. Here, we delve into the context of some of Texas’s most prominent universities—University of Houston, Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University—and how hazing is addressed within their respective cultures.

University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant and diverse urban campus, draws students from across Texas, including from Taylor County, and beyond. Its active Greek life, alongside numerous other student organizations, contributes to a bustling campus environment both on and off-campus.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH has evolved into a major research institution located in the heart of Houston, serving a large commuter and residential student body. Greek life thrives with a broad representation across Panhellenic, Interfraternity, Multicultural, and National Pan-Hellenic councils. Beyond Greek organizations, UH supports a vast array of sports clubs, academic societies, and cultural groups, all of which fall under the university’s anti-hazing policies.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy that prohibits any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with any organization. This includes forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and acts that cause mental distress, embarrassment, or ridicule. UH encourages reporting through various channels, including the Dean of Students Office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the UH Police Department. The university website also typically provides information on how to report concerns anonymously.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Like many large universities, UH has faced its share of hazing allegations and incidents.

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: In a notable incident around 2016, the UH chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) faced severe consequences after allegations of brutal hazing surfaced. Pledges were reportedly deprived of sufficient food, water, and sleep during a multi-day event. One student, an 18-year-old pledge, suffered a lacerated spleen after reportedly being slammed onto a table or similar hard surface. The chapter was charged with misdemeanor hazing by local authorities and consequently suspended from the university. This incident highlighted the dangerous combination of physical abuse and deprivation that can characterize hazing and UH’s willingness to suspend chapters engaged in such acts.
• More recently, UH has issued disciplinary references involving various fraternities for conduct described as “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often alongside alcohol misuse and non-compliance with university policies, resulting in probation or suspensions for these chapters.

These actions demonstrate UH’s commitment to addressing hazing, but they also highlight the persistent challenges that universities face in eradicating these practices.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at UH, legal proceedings can be complex. Because UH is centrally located in Houston, criminal investigations may involve both the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) and the Houston Police Department, depending on the specifics and location of the incident. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in state district courts within Harris County, or potentially federal court depending on the claims.

Potential defendants in a UH hazing lawsuit could include individual students directly involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority organization, and potentially the University of Houston itself, as well as property owners of off-campus venues. Proving the university’s liability often centers around its knowledge of prior incidents, its enforcement of policies, and its oversight of student organizations.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For students attending UH from Taylor County and their families, being proactive is key:

• Report Concerns: Utilize UH’s reporting channels, including the Dean of Students Office or UHPD. If a crime has been committed, contact the Houston Police Department.
• Document Everything: Maintain meticulous records of any suspicious behavior, injuries, or communications. Given the firm’s location, The Manginello Law Firm is adept at handling Houston-based hazing cases and can help uncover prior discipline and internal files from the UH administration.
• Seek Legal Counsel: If hazing has resulted in significant harm, engage a lawyer experienced in Houston and Texas hazing cases immediately to navigate both university processes and any potential criminal or civil actions.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University in College Station, a proud institution with deep-rooted traditions, sends a significant number of its graduates back to communities throughout Texas, including Taylor County. The Aggie Spirit and traditions, especially the esteemed Corps of Cadets, define a unique institutional culture which, unfortunately, has also seen its share of hazing complexities.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M is renowned for its spirit, loyalty, and its emphasis on tradition, leadership development, and military service through the Corps of Cadets. Alongside a thriving Greek life system, the university has numerous student organizations. The unique culture, particularly within the Corps, can sometimes blur the lines between legitimate discipline and harmful hazing rituals.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, defining it in alignment with Texas state law. The university’s student rules include clear prohibitions against any act that impairs, endangers, or infringes upon a student’s well-being for the purpose of initiation or membership. Reporting channels are managed through the Division of Student Affairs, the Office of Student Conduct, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). The university encourages confidential and anonymous reporting.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

A&M’s history includes incidents across Greek life and the Corps:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Chemical Burns Case (around 2021): In a deeply disturbing incident, two pledges of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE) chapter alleged severe hazing that involved being forced to participate in strenuous activities while substances including industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit were poured on them. This resulted in agonizing chemical burns on their bodies, requiring extensive skin graft surgeries and potentially life-altering injuries. The pledges subsequently filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against the fraternity. The chapter was suspended by the university for two years. This case tragically illustrates how hazing can involve dangerous chemicals, escalating physical harm far beyond typical notions of “discipline.”
• Corps of Cadets Allegations (2023): Allegations surfaced from a former cadet claiming degrading hazing within the Corps. This included simulated sexual acts and being bound in a humiliating “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The cadet eventually filed a lawsuit seeking over $1 million. While Texas A&M stated it handled the matter under its student rules, the case brought renewed scrutiny to the intensity of initiation rituals within the Corps and the fine line between tradition and abuse.
• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ) Rhabdomyolysis Case (Ongoing 2023): Another active case against Kappa Sigma at Texas A&M alleges physical hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis, a severe and life-threatening condition where muscle tissue breaks down, releasing harmful proteins into the bloodstream. This typically results from extreme, prolonged physical exertion, often seen in forced workouts or “smokings.” This incident, still under litigation, highlights the extreme physiological risks of physical hazing.

These examples underscore the need for constant vigilance and strict enforcement of anti-hazing policies, even in environments steeped in tradition like A&M.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at Texas A&M, criminal investigations would involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) and potentially the College Station Police Department (given the university’s presence within the city). Civil lawsuits would typically be heard in state district courts within Brazos County or federal court.

Civil cases at Texas A&M may uniquely focus on both Greek life organizations and the Corps of Cadets, examining the specific cultural dynamics and whether the university had knowledge of or tacitly approved hazing-like activities. Given the firm’s statewide reach, The Manginello Law Firm is equipped to handle complex cases in Brazos County and work with families from Taylor County if their children attend A&M.

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

For students from Taylor County attending Texas A&M and their families:

• Understand the Culture: Be aware that A&M’s emphasis on tradition and loyalty can sometimes be exploited to perpetuate dangerous hazing.
• Report Threats: Utilize Texas A&M’s anonymous reporting mechanisms, the UPD, or the College Station Police Department if a crime has occurred.
• Critical Evidence: Document any communications, injuries, or odd behavior. Prioritize health and safety above “loyalty” to a group.
• Seek Informed Legal Counsel: Contact a lawyer experienced in both Greek and Corps of Cadets hazing cases, particularly those familiar with challenging institutional defenses in Brazos County.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, serves a massive and diverse student body, including many from Taylor County. Its vibrant campus life, renowned academics, and large Greek system make it a dynamic environment, yet one where hazing can unfortunately take root alongside legitimate student activities.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is one of the largest and most prestigious universities in the state, offering a vast array of academic, athletic, and social opportunities. It boasts a very extensive Greek life system, encompassing numerous fraternities and sororities, alongside a wide range of academic, cultural, and spirit organizations. The sheer size and decentralized nature of student life can sometimes make oversight challenging.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a robust anti-hazing policy that strictly prohibits hazing as defined by Texas law. The university has been proactive in trying to educate students and parents and ensures multiple reporting channels, including the Dean of Students Office, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and the UT Police Department (UTPD). Notably, UT Austin is recognized for its relative transparency regarding hazing sanctions.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin stands out for its public database of hazing violations and disciplinary actions taken against student organizations, available on its website (hazing.utexas.edu). This public record is a crucial tool for families and legal investigations.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) Incident (2023): In 2023, the Pi Kappa Alpha chapter at UT faced disciplinary action for hazing that involved new members being directed to consume large quantities of milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. This incident, while not resulting in catastrophic injury, clearly met the definition of hazing under Texas law. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention educational programs.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE) Assault Case (January 2024): A more serious incident occurred in January 2024, when an Australian exchange student alleged he was assaulted by members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon chapter at an off-campus party. The student suffered extensive injuries, including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, a fractured tibia, and a broken nose. He subsequently filed a lawsuit against the SAE chapter for over $1 million. This chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations, underscoring a pattern of misconduct that universities and national organizations failed to curb.
• “Absolute Texxas” Spirit Group (2022): Beyond Greek life, spirit organizations like “Absolute Texxas” have also faced disciplinary action for hazing violations, including alcohol and drug misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, and degrading new members. This reinforces that hazing is not exclusive to fraternities and sororities.

UT’s publicly listed violations demonstrate an ongoing struggle to fully eradicate hazing, but the transparency provides valuable insight for legal cases by showing patterns of misconduct and knowledge on the university’s part.

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at UT Austin often involve multiple jurisdictions. Criminal investigations may be handled by the UT Police Department (UTPD) and the Austin Police Department, depending on where the incident occurred. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in state district courts in Travis County, where Austin is located, or potentially federal court.

The availability of UT’s public hazing log is a significant factor in civil suits. Prior violations listed on this log can be compelling evidence, demonstrating a pattern of behavior by an organization and the university’s previous knowledge of such issues. This can strengthen arguments for gross negligence or failure to supervise.

What UT Students & Parents Should Do

For families from Taylor County with students at UT Austin:

• Utilize Public Resources: Familiarize yourself with UT’s hazing.utexas.edu website for documented violations. This can provide early warning about organizations with a history of issues.
• Report to Authorities: Contact the Dean of Students Office, UTPD, or Austin PD if hazing occurs.
• Meticulous Documentation: Any digital communications, photos, or witness accounts related to hazing are crucial. The transparent records at UT can provide valuable context for these.
• Engage Experienced Counsel: If hazing leads to serious harm, retaining a lawyer experienced in hazing cases in Travis County and against a large institution like UT Austin is vital.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private university in Dallas, has a strong, historically prominent Greek life and many students coming from affluent communities, including those from Taylor County who might choose SMU for its academic rigor and social scene. Its private status can impact how hazing incidents are communicated publicly, but not the legal repercussions.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is a private, well-regarded university known for its strong academics and vibrant Greek life, which plays a significant role in student social culture. The university’s location in Dallas ensures a dynamic urban context, but its private nature means less public disclosure of disciplinary actions compared to state schools.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU strictly prohibits hazing in accordance with Texas law and its own code of conduct. The university emphasizes the severe consequences of hazing, including suspension or expulsion for students and revocation of recognition for organizations. SMU provides reporting mechanisms through the Office of Student Affairs and its police department (SMU PD), often including anonymous reporting options.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While private universities often maintain a degree of privacy regarding internal disciplinary proceedings, some hazing incidents at SMU have become publicly known:

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): In 2017, the Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ) chapter at SMU was suspended after allegations of severe hazing activities. Reports included new members being paddled, forced to consume excessive alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The chapter faced a ban on recruiting new members for several years until around 2021 as part of its sanctions. This incident, typical of physical and alcohol-related hazing, underscores that even prestigious private institutions are not immune.
• SMU has, at other times, placed various Greek organizations on probation or suspended them for violations related to hazing, alcohol misuse, and failure to comply with university policies.

The private nature of SMU means that while the university investigates and sanctions organizations, the public disclosure of these actions may be more limited compared to universities like UT Austin. However, this lack of public transparency does not diminish the legal liabilities involved.

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at SMU, criminal investigations would involve the SMU Police Department and potentially the Dallas Police Department. Civil lawsuits against individuals, chapters, or national organizations would typically proceed in state district courts in Dallas County or federal court.

When pursuing a case against a private university like SMU, plaintiffs often have tools for legal discovery that can compel the release of internal reports, prior incident records, and communications that may not be publicly available. This allows for thorough investigation into the university’s knowledge and response to past hazing.

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

For families from Taylor County with students at SMU:

• Be Aware: While private universities may be less transparent publicly, hazing still occurs. Be vigilant for warning signs.
• Report Internally if Safe: Utilize SMU’s internal reporting channels or the SMU PD for incidents that pose a crime.
• Prioritize Confidentiality: When engaging legal counsel, discuss the desire for confidentiality if that’s a priority, as settlements often can be structured to protect privacy.
• Connect with Experienced Counsel: Contact an attorney experienced in hazing litigation in Dallas County who understands the complexities of pursuing claims against private institutions.

Baylor University

Baylor University in Waco, a prominent Christian university, attracts students from all over Texas, including from thriving communities like Taylor County. While its faith-based mission emphasizes community and ethical conduct, Baylor has also grappled with hazing allegations, particularly within its athletics programs.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University is the world’s largest Baptist university, a private institution known for its strong academic programs, vibrant student life, and a foundational commitment to Christian faith. It has fraternities and sororities, numerous student organizations, and competitive athletic programs. Baylor’s history, notably its past Title IX controversies related to sexual assault, has placed it under immense scrutiny regarding institutional oversight and accountability for student conduct.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University maintains a clear and firm anti-hazing policy in line with Texas law and its own commitment to a safe and respectful campus environment. The policy outlines prohibited acts (physical, mental, emotional harm) and lists severe disciplinary consequences for individuals and organizations found in violation. Reporting is managed primarily through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Baylor Police Department, and various confidential reporting functions.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While hazing incidents at Baylor may not garner as much national media attention as some other universities, the institution has faced its own challenges:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): In 2020, the Baylor baseball program was rocked by a hazing investigation that led to the suspension of 14 players. The suspensions were staggered over the early part of the season, indicating that the hazing was significant enough to warrant disciplinary action against a substantial portion of the team. This incident highlighted that hazing issues can profoundly affect highly visible athletic programs, even within institutions with strong ethical codes.
• Baylor’s broader history of scrutiny over instances of misconduct and its handling of the Title IX sexual assault scandal underscore critical concerns about institutional oversight, transparency, and the effectiveness of its internal disciplinary processes. These past issues, while not directly hazing-related, establish a context of heightened awareness regarding the university’s accountability for student safety.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a hazing incident at Baylor, criminal investigations would involve the Baylor Police Department and potentially the Waco Police Department. Civil lawsuits against individuals, student organizations, or the university would typically be filed in state district courts in McLennan County, where Waco is situated, or in federal court.

Suing a private religious institution like Baylor can involve unique considerations, given its specific policies and institutional structure. However, Baylor’s private status does not grant it immunity from civil lawsuits based on negligence, gross negligence, or intentional misconduct. Investigating such cases would involve compelling discovery of internal communications, disciplinary records, and evidence of prior knowledge related to hazing or student safety issues.

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

For families from Taylor County with students at Baylor University:

• Be Diligent: Despite Baylor’s faith-based mission, hazing can occur. Parents should remain vigilant for any warning signs.
• Report Concerns Internally: Utilize Baylor’s comprehensive reporting channels, or contact the BUPD or Waco PD if a crime has taken place.
• Contextual Awareness: Understand that Baylor’s history of institutional oversight challenges may influence how allegations are handled internally.
• Secure Specialized Legal Counsel: If hazing has caused significant harm, retaining an attorney experienced in hazing lawsuits in McLennan County and against private universities is crucial to navigating the legal landscape effectively.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

When hazing occurs at a Texas university, families from Taylor County often seek to understand not just what happened on their campus, but also whether the organization involved has a history of such behavior. The truth is, many fraternities and sororities operating at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor are part of national organizations with well-documented, and often tragic, hazing histories stretching across the country. These national patterns are not mere coincidence; they are critical in building a legal case for accountability.

Why National Histories Matter

The anti-hazing policies and risk management manuals that national fraternities and sororities distribute to their chapters are often written in direct response to past deaths and catastrophic injuries. These organizations know the deadly patterns: the “Big/Little” alcohol nights, the forced drinking games, the brutal physical initiations, and the traditions of “hell week.”

When a local chapter at a Texas university, whether in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, or Waco, repeats these same hazing scripts – activities that have garnered national headlines and led to multi-million-dollar lawsuits or criminal charges elsewhere – it provides compelling evidence of foreseeability. It argues that the national organization knew, or absolutely should have known, the inherent dangers of these practices, given their prevalence within their own system. This, in turn, strengthens arguments for negligence, gross negligence, and even punitive damages against national entities who failed to prevent repeated harm.

Organization Mapping: Connecting Local Chapters to National Patterns

While we cannot list every single chapter at every Texas university, here’s a look at some prominent fraternities and sororities across UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, and how their national histories speak to broader patterns of hazing.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor, this fraternity has a national history tragically marked by alcohol hazing.

  • Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University (March 2021): Stone Foltz died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to consume an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” night. This case resulted in a $10 million settlement, including $7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national, and criminal convictions.
  • David Bogenberger – Northern Illinois University (2012): Pledge died from alcohol poisoning. Civil case resulted in a $14 million settlement.
  • Why this matters: When a Pike chapter in Texas uses a “Big/Little” event for forced alcohol consumption, the national organization can be seen as having explicit prior knowledge of the risks, given this history.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (ΣΑΕ / SAE): Active at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU, SAE has faced numerous hazing allegations and deaths nationally, prompting the organization to notoriously eliminate its traditional pledge process (though this hasn’t always stopped hazing).

  • University of Alabama (2023): Lawsuit filed alleging a pledge suffered a traumatic brain injury during hazing.
  • Texas A&M University (2021): As discussed, pledges suffered severe chemical burns from industrial cleaner during an alleged hazing ritual, leading to a lawsuit against the fraternity.
  • University of Texas at Austin (January 2024): Lawsuit filed against the chapter after an exchange student was allegedly assaulted, suffering extensive injuries. This chapter was already suspended for prior violations.
  • Why this matters: SAE’s long national history of severe hazing, including multiple deaths and the recent Texas cases, demonstrates a clear pattern that can be used to establish foreseeability against the national organization in future incidents.

• Phi Delta Theta (ΦΔΘ): Chapters are found at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.

  • Max Gruver – Louisiana State University (September 2017): Max Gruver died from alcohol poisoning during a forced “Bible study” drinking game. This led to the Max Gruver Act (felony hazing) in Louisiana and a $6.1 million verdict against an individual and a confidential settlement with the family.
  • Why this matters: The Gruver case is a direct example of how forced drinking “games” specific to this organization can lead to death, making similar incidents in Texas highly foreseeable for the national entity.

• Pi Kappa Phi (ΠΚΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, and UT Austin.

  • Andrew Coffey – Florida State University (November 2017): Andrew Coffey died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were given handles of hard liquor.
  • Why this matters: This incident contributes to the pattern of dangerous alcohol hazing during “Big/Little” or “Big Brother” events within specific organizations.

• Kappa Alpha Order (ΚΑ): Found at Texas A&M and SMU.

  • SMU Chapter Suspension (2017): As discussed, the SMU chapter was suspended after allegations of paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.
  • Why this matters: Violations at one prominent Texas chapter for specific hazing behaviors can be compelling evidence if similar patterns emerge at another Texas chapter under the same national organization.

• Kappa Sigma (ΚΣ): Chapters include UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor.

  • Chad Meredith – University of Miami (2001): Chad Meredith drowned after being persuaded by fraternity members to swim across a lake near campus while intoxicated, resulting in a $12.6 million jury verdict based on hazing.
  • Texas A&M University (Ongoing 2023): Lawsuit alleging severe physical hazing leading to rhabdomyolysis, a life-threatening muscle breakdown condition.
  • Why this matters: The Meredith verdict is a classic precedent for hazing liability, showing that even indirect pressure can lead to death. The A&M incident speaks to ongoing physical hazing risks.

• Phi Gamma Delta (ΦΓΔ / FIJI): Present at Texas A&M.

  • Danny Santulli – University of Missouri (October 2021): Danny Santulli sustained severe, permanent brain damage after being forced to consume excessive alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” night. His family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants, reportedly for multi-million-dollar amounts.
  • Why this matters: This devastating case illustrates that non-fatal hazing can still lead to life-altering injuries and massive liability across numerous parties.

• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): Chapters exist within the NPHC at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.

  • University of Southern Mississippi (April 2023): Former student Rafeal Joseph alleged severe hazing including repeated beatings with a wooden paddle during “Hell Night,” causing extensive injuries and requiring emergency surgery. He filed a federal lawsuit.
  • Joseph Snell – Bowie State University (1997): Endured severe beatings and burns over a four-week period, ultimately winning a $375,000 verdict when the fraternity’s bank assets were seized across multiple states.
  • Why this matters: These cases demonstrate patterns of extreme physical hazing, particularly paddling, which is officially prohibited by national NPHC organizations but sometimes persists, and show how national organizations can be held directly liable.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

Understanding these national patterns, and specifically how they connect to the chapters at Texas universities, is a cornerstone of our legal strategy. When we represent a family from Taylor County whose child has been hazed, we investigate:

• Foreseeability: Did the national organization have specific knowledge, or should they have had knowledge, that their chapters, particularly in Texas, were engaged in dangerous similar practices? Prior incidents, even in other states, can prove this.
• Policy-to-Practice Gap: Did the national organization’s anti-hazing policies amount to merely “paper policies” – great on paper, but not enforced? We scrutinize whether prior violations were met with aggressive intervention or simply brushed under the rug.
• Settlement Leverage: Evidence of repeated national misconduct often provides significant leverage in settlement negotiations, as national organizations and their insurers seek to mitigate their exposure to a potentially larger, public verdict.
• Insurance Coverage: Insurers of national fraternities may attempt to deny coverage by arguing hazing is an “intentional act” exclusion. However, experienced hazing attorneys can argue that the national organization’s negligent supervision or failure to enforce policies falls within covered negligence.
• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, establishing a pattern of willful indifference to known risks can support claims for punitive damages, which are designed to punish the defendant and deter future misconduct.

This deep understanding of how local conduct connects to national patterns is what allows The Manginello Law Firm to pursue broad accountability, not just against individual students, but against the powerful organizations and institutions that often enable hazing.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

When a hazing incident occurs, especially to a student from Taylor County attending a college in Texas, the immediate aftermath can be confusing and overwhelming. Parents often wonder: “Can we really do anything about this?” The answer is often yes, but building a successful hazing case requires a meticulous, strategic approach to evidence collection and a deep understanding of the types of damages that can be recovered.

Evidence: The Cornerstones of a Hazing Case

Modern hazing cases are often won or lost based on the quality and volume of evidence, much of which is digital. We aggressively pursue every avenue to gather and preserve this crucial information.

• Digital Communications: This is arguably the most critical category of evidence in today’s hazing landscape. Group chats, direct messages (DMs), and online interactions often provide undeniable proof of hazing, showing:

  • Detailed planning and instructions for hazing activities.
  • Explicit orders for pledges to participate in dangerous or demeaning acts.
  • Screenshots shared by members of hazing in progress.
  • Discussions among older members about avoiding detection or coaching pledges on what to say.
  • Platforms targeted: GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage/SMS, Discord, Slack, Instagram DMs, Snapchat chats, TikTok DMs.
  • Our approach: We advise immediate, thorough screenshots (with timestamps and participant names visible), and leverage digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages or content from phone backups when necessary. Our video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs explains best practices for preserving this vital evidence.

• Photos & Videos: In the age of smartphones, hazing is often captured on camera, even inadvertently.

  • Evidence includes: Photos or videos showing injuries, humiliating acts, forced drinking, or dangerous activities.
  • Sources: Content filmed by members themselves (often shared in private group chats or on social media stories), surveillance footage from houses or venues, or eyewitness recordings.
  • Crucial for establishing: What happened, who was involved, and the severe nature of the hazing.

• Internal Organization Documents: These provide insight into the hazing culture and any efforts by organizations to hide or sanction it.

  • Examples: Pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, emails/texts from officers discussing “new member education,” attendance logs, or meeting minutes.
  • How we get them: These are typically obtained through subpoenas during civil discovery. They can reveal official sanctioning of hazing or explicit efforts to cover it up.

• University Records: A comprehensive hazing investigation always includes scrutinizing the university’s knowledge and response history.

  • Examples: Prior conduct files on the specific organization or individuals, probation/suspension records, letters of warning, campus police incident reports, responses to prior complaints from students/parents, and Clery Act reports.
  • How we get them: Public records requests (for public universities like UH, A&M, UT) and subpoenas in discovery (for both public and private institutions like SMU, Baylor). These records can establish a pattern of misconduct and the university’s knowledge of it, critical for establishing institutional liability.

• Medical and Psychological Records: These documents confirm the extent of the harm suffered.

  • Examples: Emergency room reports, ambulance records, hospitalization notes, surgical reports, lab results (blood alcohol, toxicology, kidney function if rhabdomyolysis is suspected), diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CTs, MRIs), and prescription records.
  • Also crucial: Psychological evaluations for PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation. These help quantify the emotional and mental toll, which is often as devastating as physical injuries.

• Witness Testimony: Eyewitness accounts are invaluable.

  • Sources: Other pledges, current members, former members who left the organization, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, or even bystanders.
  • Our approach: We conduct thorough interviews, often coordinating with experts to ensure testimony is collected ethically and effectively. We understand that many witnesses, especially students, may fear retaliation, and we work to protect their identities where possible, or offer guidance on their own legal options.

Damages: Recovering What Was Lost

The purpose of a civil hazing lawsuit is to recover damages – monetary compensation for the harm suffered. For families in Taylor County, understanding the full scope of what can be recovered is key to ensuring justice and providing long-term support for their child.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs associated with the physical and mental injuries, both past and future.

  • Past: Emergency room visits, ambulance transport, hospital stays (ICU, surgery), medications, and initial therapies.
  • Future: Ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy (for brain injury victims), psychiatric care and medications (for PTSD, depression, anxiety), and potentially life care plans for catastrophic injuries like those suffered by Danny Santulli, which involve 24/7 care for life.

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can disrupt a student’s academic and professional trajectory.

  • Compensation for missed semesters, lost scholarships (academic, athletic, Greek-based), and tuition/fees for periods of withdrawal or medical leave.
  • For permanent injuries affecting a student’s ability to work, we work with expert economists to calculate diminished future earning capacity over their lifetime.

• Non-Economic Damages: These compensate for subjective, non-financial forms of suffering.

  • Physical Pain and Suffering: The pain from injuries, ongoing discomfort, and loss of physical abilities (e.g., inability to participate in sports, chronic pain).
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: The profound mental and emotional toll, including diagnosed conditions like PTSD, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, humiliation, shame, loss of dignity, fear, and even suicidal ideation. Therapy records become critical evidence here.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life that the victim once enjoyed, and the overall disruption to their college experience and personal relationships.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the most tragic cases, when hazing results in death, surviving family members – typically parents, spouses, and children – can recover significant damages.

  • Economic Losses: Funeral and burial costs, and critically, the loss of financial support the deceased would have provided to the family over their lifetime (calculated by economists).
  • Non-Economic Losses: The deeply personal and profound suffering of the family, including loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society, as well as their own grief and emotional distress.

• Punitive Damages: In cases of severe or malicious misconduct, punitive damages may be sought. These are not about compensating the victim but are designed to punish the defendants for outrageous behavior and deter future hazing. In Texas, punitive damages are available but capped in some cases, requiring demonstration of specific gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

A key aspect of hazing litigation involves identifying all insurance policies that may apply, which can be complex. National fraternities, universities, and sometimes even local chapters carry insurance that could cover hazing-related claims.

• Insurance Challenges: Insurers often try to deny coverage by arguing that hazing, especially when it involves “intentional” acts or criminal behavior, is excluded from their policies. They may also attempt to cast blame entirely on individual students to avoid covering institutional liability.
• Our Expertise: With Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, The Manginello Law Firm has an insider’s understanding of how these insurance companies operate. We know how to:
  • Identify all potential layers of insurance coverage (chapter policies, national policies, university umbrella policies, homeowner’s policies of individuals).
  • Navigate complex coverage disputes, arguing that even if the hazing was intentional, the negligent supervision or failure to prevent it by the national organization or university is a covered claim.
  • This deep knowledge is crucial for forcing accountability and securing fair compensation, even when insurers resist.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family from Taylor County, knowing what actions to take, what mistakes to avoid, and what rights you have can be the difference between enduring silent suffering and achieving justice and accountability.

For Parents

No parent wants to imagine their child experiencing hazing, but knowing the signs and what to do is your first line of defense.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be vigilant for changes in your child’s physical and emotional state, as well as their behavior:

  • Physical: Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or frequent “accidents.” Extreme fatigue, dramatic weight changes, or signs of sleep deprivation. Injuries to the hands, back, or legs from forced exercise or paddling. Chemical burns or rashes.
  • Behavioral & Emotional: Sudden secrecy about organizational activities (“I can’t talk about it,” “I’m not allowed to say”). Withdrawal from family, old friends, or non-Greek activities. Uncharacteristic anxiety, depression, irritability, or anger. Defensiveness when asked about the group. Expressing sentiments like “I just have to get through this” or “everyone did it before me.”
  • Academic: A sudden, unexplained drop in grades. Missing classes or assignments due to “mandatory” events. Falling asleep in class.
  • Financial: Unexpected requests for money, purchases far exceeding advertised dues, or unexplained financial pressures (e.g., buying excessive alcohol for older members).
  • Digital: Constant, anxious monitoring of group chats. Obsessively deleting messages or clearing browser history. Newly installed location-tracking apps (e.g., Find My Friends, Life360).

• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach the conversation with empathy, not accusation.

  • Start with open-ended questions: “How are things really going with your fraternity/sorority?” “Are you enjoying it?”
  • Emphasize their safety and well-being over group affiliation or status.
  • Reassure them that you will support them no matter what, and that they won’t get in trouble by speaking up.
  • Avoid judgmental language. Listen carefully and be prepared to act if they confide in you.

• If Your Child is Hurt:

  • Get medical care immediately. Prioritize their health and safety above all else, even if they protest. If seriously injured or intoxicated, call 911.
  • Document everything. Photograph any injuries from multiple angles and over several days. Screenshot any incriminating texts, group chats, or DMs your child shows you. Write down details while fresh: who, what, when, where.
  • Save any physical items: clothing they wore, receipts for forced purchases.

• Dealing with the University: Document every interaction with university administrators. Ask specific questions about their knowledge of prior incidents involving the organization and what actions were taken. Be wary of university requests to handle the matter “internally” without transparency or accountability.

• 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 dismissing or covering up what happened, contact an experienced hazing lawyer immediately. The Manginello Law Firm can help you preserve evidence and protect your child’s rights.

For Students / Pledges

For students from Taylor County going through new member processes, distinguish between genuine tradition and illegal hazing.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself:

  • Am I being forced or pressured to do something I don’t want to do?
  • Would I do this if I had a real choice, without fear of social consequences or being “cut”?
  • Is this activity dangerous, degrading, or illegal?
  • Would my parents or the university approve if they knew exactly what was happening?
  • Are older members making new members do things they don’t have to do themselves?
  • Am I being told to keep secrets, lie, or hide this from outsiders?
  • If you answer YES to any of these, it’s likely hazing.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Texas law (Education Code § 37.155) explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that true consent is absent in coercive environments, especially when there’s a power imbalance, fear of exclusion, or intense peer pressure. You have legal protections even if you initially “agreed.”

• Exiting and Reporting Safely: If you feel unsafe or want to leave:

  • You have the legal right to leave at any time.
  • Tell someone outside the organization first (a trusted friend, RA, parent, counselor) before notifying the organization.
  • If you fear retaliation, report those fears to the Dean of Students or campus police immediately.
  • You can report hazing anonymously through campus hotlines or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293).

• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: If someone is in medical distress due to hazing (especially alcohol poisoning), always seek help. Texas law and most university policies provide some form of amnesty or immunity for individuals who call 911 or seek medical help in good faith, even if they were consuming alcohol underage or involved in the hazing itself. Prioritize saving a life over fear of personal trouble.

For Former Members / Witnesses

If you were a part of hazing, either as a participant, a witness, or a perpetrator who now carries regret, your role in preventing future harm can be vital.

• Your Testimony Matters: Your perspective and any evidence you have can be crucial in holding responsible parties accountable and preventing other students from suffering.
• Navigating Your Role: You may have your own legal concerns. Consult with a lawyer who understands both civil and criminal aspects of hazing to discuss your rights and options. Cooperation, when handled correctly, can be a path towards accountability and healing.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For families in Taylor County and across Texas, knowing what not to do after a hazing incident is as important as knowing what to do. These common missteps can severely harm a potential legal case.

MISTAKES THAT CAN RUIN YOUR HAZING CASE:

1. Letting your child delete messages or “clean up” evidence

   • Why it’s wrong: While understandably trying to avoid further trouble, deleting evidence makes a legal case nearly impossible and can even constitute obstruction. Digital forensics can often recover deleted messages, but original, untampered screenshots are gold.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, no matter how embarrassing or incriminating. This includes screenshots of group chats, texts, photos, and any social media interactions.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly

   • Why it’s wrong: Direct confrontation often triggers an immediate defense response. The organization will likely lawyer up, destroy evidence, delete communications, and coach witnesses. This makes the job of your legal team far more difficult.
   • What to do instead: Document everything privately. Before any confrontations, consult with an experienced hazing lawyer.

3. Signing university “release” or “resolution” forms

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities may pressure families into signing agreements or internal resolutions, sometimes in exchange for modest concessions. These forms often contain language that waives your right to pursue further legal action or civil lawsuits, and the “settlement” offered is typically far below the true value of the case.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or any student organization without having an attorney review it first.

4. Posting details on social media before talking to a lawyer

   • Why it’s wrong: While the urge to share your story or seek support is understandable, anything posted publicly can be exploited by defense attorneys. Inconsistencies between public statements and official records can damage credibility, and you might inadvertently waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document your experiences privately and meticulously. Allow your legal counsel to control any public messaging strategically.

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting”

   • Why it’s wrong: Organizations facing scrutiny will often request one last “chat” with a member or pledge considering leaving. These sessions are rarely conciliatory; they are often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can be used against the victim in a future legal proceeding.
   • What to do instead: Once you are considering legal action, all communication with the organization should go through your attorney.

6. Waiting “to see how the university handles it”

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities often have a vested interest in containing negative publicity and may act to protect their reputation rather than aggressively pursuing justice for your child. Valuable evidence disappears, key witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run while you wait.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Even if you ultimately decide not to pursue legal action, having the evidence secured gives you options. Consult with a lawyer immediately, as the university process is often separate from real legal accountability.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters, representing the organization or university, are trained to minimize payouts. They may offer lowball settlements, or ask for recorded statements that can be used against your child.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with any insurance adjuster and tell them, “My attorney will contact you.”

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

Short FAQ

“Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities like the University of Houston, Texas A&M, and UT Austin have some sovereign immunity protections, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, Title IX violations, and when suing individuals in their personal capacity for misconduct. Private universities like SMU and Baylor have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts; contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis tailored to your family in Taylor County.

“Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
It can be. Texas law classifies hazing as a Class B misdemeanor by default. However, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individual officers of an organization can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report hazing they knew about.

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

“How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
Generally, in Texas, you have 2 years from the date of injury or death to file a civil lawsuit. 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 of limitations may be tolled (paused) for a period. Time is critical—evidence disappears, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations may destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your legal rights. Learn more about the statute of limitations in our video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

“What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
The location of the hazing incident does not eliminate liability. Universities and national fraternities/sororities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship of the organization, their control over its members, their knowledge of hazing risks, and the foreseeability of the off-campus conduct. Many major hazing cases that resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments, such as the Pi Delta Psi retreat case or the Sigma Pi “unofficial” house case, occurred off-campus.

“Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
Most hazing cases settle confidentially before ever reaching a public trial. It is often possible to request sealed court records and confidential settlement terms to protect your child’s privacy and reputation. While we prioritize full accountability, we also work to achieve a resolution that respects your family’s needs for privacy.

We recommend learning about how our contingency fees work, given that we don’t get paid until we win your case. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.

Where the law is complex or depends on specific details, you should always consult with a qualified attorney to review the unique facts of your situation.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family in Taylor County faces a hazing incident, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—how national fraternities, universities, and their insurers leverage resources to protect themselves—and how to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we provide this specialized expertise.

We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with deep experience in serious injury, wrongful death, and complex institutional accountability cases, serving families throughout Texas, including Taylor County and its surrounding communities. We understand that hazing at Texas universities significantly impacts families in Taylor County and across the region, from those attending Texas Tech and Abilene Christian University to the larger institutions across the state.

Our unique qualifications set us apart:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insight with her background as a former insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows exactly how fraternity and university insurance companies operate, how they value (and undervalue) hazing claims, and understands their delay tactics, coverage exclusion arguments, and settlement strategies. We know their playbook because we used to run it. Lupe Peña’s complete credentials are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has a proven track record taking on entrenched, well-funded defendants. He was one of the few Texas firms involved in the massive BP Texas City explosion litigation, and his federal court experience (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) means he is not intimidated by national fraternities, powerful universities, or their sophisticated defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won. We know how to fight powerful defendants and secure justice. 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 don’t settle cheap. We build cases that force accountability. We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases, collaborating with economists to meticulously value the loss of life and future financial impact. We have extensive experience valuing lifetime care needs for catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or organ damage, ensuring that our clients receive comprehensive compensation for their long-term recovery. Attorney911 has extensive wrongful death experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/), having recovered millions for families in catastrophic cases.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a crucial understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual perspective allows us to advise witnesses and former members who may face both civil and criminal exposure, and to strategically navigate the interplay between criminal investigations and civil lawsuits. When hazing results in criminal charges, Attorney911’s criminal defense experience (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/) means we understand how to pursue justice on both fronts.
• Investigative Depth: We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. We have an extensive network of experts, including medical professionals, digital forensics specialists, economists, and psychologists. We are adept at obtaining hidden evidence, from deleted group chats and social media content to subpoenaed national fraternity records and university files uncovered through aggressive discovery and public records requests. Our video “Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and other critical evidence.

We understand the intricate dynamics of how fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments actually work behind closed doors. We know how to investigate modern hazing, from uncovering digital footprints of abuse to challenging institutional reluctance to disclose prior incidents. We know what makes hazing cases different: the powerful institutional defendants, the complex insurance coverage fights, and the need to balance victim privacy with public accountability while understanding the nuances of Greek culture, tradition, and how to prove coercion under Texas law.

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. Our approach is not about bravado or quick settlements; it’s about thorough investigation and real accountability.

Call to Action

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether at Abilene Christian University, the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, Baylor, or anywhere else—we want to hear from you. Families in Taylor County and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, accountability, and justice.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to what happened without judgment, explain your legal options, and help you decide on the best path forward.

What to expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story and the details of what occurred.
• We will review any evidence you have collected (photos, texts, medical records).
• We will explain your legal options: whether to pursue a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• We will answer your questions about costs. We operate on a contingency fee basis – we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
• There’s no pressure to hire us on the spot. You’ll have the information you need to make an informed decision for your family.
• Everything you tell us during the consultation is completely confidential.

Reach out to Attorney911 today:

• 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 directly at lupe@atty911.com for a consultation in Spanish. Servicios legales en español disponibles.

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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