Hazing in Texas: A Definitive Guide for City of Humble Families and Students

The text message pings at 3 AM: “Mandatory meeting at the house in 10. Don’t be late.” Your college-aged child, a new member of what you thought was a reputable fraternity or sorority at one of Texas’s proud universities, wearily gets out of bed. They’ve been exhausted for weeks, their grades are slipping, and they’ve grown distant and secretive. You worry, but they dismiss your concerns with “It’s just part of the experience, Mom/Dad. Everyone goes through it.” This scene could easily unfold for a family in the City of Humble, whose children attend schools throughout our great state, from the University of Houston in our own backyard to Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor.

Then comes the call you dread. Your child is in the emergency room, suffering from severe alcohol poisoning, physical injuries, or deep psychological distress after an “initiation ritual” gone wrong. Or worse, the university calls to report a tragedy. In that moment, the lines blur between “tradition,” “party,” and “crime.” You’re left asking: What happened? Why was this allowed? And what do we do now?

We understand the fear and confusion that grips families in the City of Humble and across Texas when hazing strikes. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ dedicated to helping victims and their families navigate the devastating aftermath of hazing. This comprehensive guide is designed to empower you with knowledge. It will clarify what hazing looks like in 2025, explain the Texas and federal laws governing it, and examine prominent national and Texas-specific cases. We’ll show you how to build a case, what damages you might recover, and provide practical guides for parents, students, and witnesses. Our goal is to ensure that no family in City of Humble or beyond has to face the complexities of hazing litigation alone.

This article offers general information and insights into the legal landscape of hazing in Texas. It is not specific legal advice, but rather a robust resource for understanding your rights and options. We serve families throughout Texas, from the Houston metropolitan area that includes City of Humble, to far-flung communities connected to our state’s universities.

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, DMs immediately, capturing full conversations with timestamps and participants.
    • Photograph any injuries from multiple angles, including a ruler or coin for scale.
    • Save physical items like stained clothing, receipts for forced purchases, or any objects used in the hazing.
  • Write down everything while memory is fresh: who, what, when, where, and any specific details your child shares. Contemporaneous notes are powerful evidence.
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity/sorority or individuals involved. This can compromise evidence and lead to retaliation.
    • Sign anything from the university or an insurance company without legal review. You could inadvertently waive your rights.
    • Post details or images on public social media. This can harm your legal case.
    • Let your child delete messages or attempt to “clean up” evidence. Digital forensics can recover deleted data, but original images are best.

• Contact an experienced hazing attorney within 24–48 hours:

  • Evidence disappears fast, from deleted group chats and social media posts to destroyed physical evidence like paddles. Witnesses may also be coached or intimidated.
  • Universities and organizations often move quickly to control the narrative or conduct rushed internal investigations that may not fully uncover the truth.
  • We can help preserve critical evidence, guide you through official reporting channels, and protect your child’s rights from the outset.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

The popular image of hazing often involves harmless pranks or simple rites of passage. However, modern hazing, particularly at Texas universities where students from City of Humble attend, is far more insidious and dangerous. It’s not about “boys will be boys” or “earning your letters”; it’s about control, coercion, and often, abuse that can have lifelong consequences or even be fatal.

At its core, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person or with others, directed against a student for the purpose of initiating, affiliating, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any student organization – and which endangers the mental or physical health or safety of that student. This applies whether the act occurs on or off campus. The crucial element here is the power imbalance and the absence of true, uncoerced consent. “I agreed to it” does not automatically make it safe or legal when there is peer pressure, implicit threats, and a desire to belong.

Main Categories of Modern Hazing

Hazing tactics have evolved, becoming more covert and psychologically damaging, even while traditional dangerous practices persist. For City of Humble families and students navigating college life, understanding these categories is crucial:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is by far the most common and often deadliest form of hazing. It includes forced or coerced drinking, often excessive amounts of hard liquor in short periods. Examples include “drink or die” games, “Big/Little” reveal nights where pledges are given entire bottles of alcohol, “lineups” of shots, or games requiring rapid consumption. There’s also pressure to consume unknown or mixed substances, including illicit drugs. Many student deaths, both in Texas and nationally, have been directly linked to this type of hazing.

• Physical Hazing: Still prevalent, this includes violent acts like paddling, beatings, punches, or kicks. Less obvious but equally dangerous are extreme calisthenics, “workouts,” or “smokings” (forced strenuous exercise) far beyond safe limits, sleep deprivation for extended periods (especially around exam times), food or water deprivation, or exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures or dangerous environments. These tactics can lead to rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle breakdown), dehydration, heatstroke, hypothermia, or serious internal injuries.

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This type of hazing is deeply damaging, involving forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (often demeaning gestures like “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” positions), wearing degrading costumes, or engaging in acts with racial, sexist, or homophobic overtones, including slur usage or role-play. Such acts inflict deep psychological wounds and can be considered sexual assault under criminal law and Title IX.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but profoundly impactful, psychological hazing involves sustained verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, and isolation tactics. It can also include manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming, whether in person or online. These tactics break down a student’s self-esteem and independence, making them more susceptible to further abuse and leading to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation.

• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones, hazing has moved into the virtual realm. This includes constant monitoring through group chats (GroupMe, WhatsApp, Discord, iMessage), demanding immediate responses at all hours, and using social media for public humiliation through dares, “challenges,” or embarrassing posts on Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok. Pledges can be pressured to create or share compromising images or videos, or have their location constantly tracked via apps like Find My Friends. The digital nature often leaves a clear, albeit easily deleted, trail of evidence.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

A common misconception is that hazing is limited to fraternities and sororities. While Greek life remains a significant arena for hazing, it is far from exclusive. Hazing, as a systemic issue, manifests across a wide spectrum of student organizations at public and private universities that students from the City of Humble attend.

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes male, female, and co-ed organizations across all councils—Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and multicultural Greek councils. The pressure to conform and undergo “traditions” often runs deep.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: Organizations with hierarchical structures and military affiliations, such as the storied Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M, can unfortunately be breeding grounds for hazing disguised as “discipline” or “team building,” often involving physical endurance tests and sleep deprivation.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Student Organizations: Groups like the Texas Cowboys at UT, or various spirit organizations, honor societies, and even academic or cultural clubs, can fall prey to hazing, where new members are put through demeaning “tasks” or “tests” to prove their loyalty.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to soccer, baseball, swim teams, and cheerleading squads, hazing in collegiate athletics is a widespread problem. These acts are often framed as “team bonding” or “earning your stripes” and can involve forcing rookies to consume alcohol, endure physical abuse, or perform embarrassing stunts.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous groups like university marching bands have been the site of brutal hazing rituals, as sadly exemplified by high-profile cases outside Texas.

In each of these settings, hazing thrives on elements of social status, unquestioning tradition, and an enforced code of secrecy that promises severe social or physical consequences for those who “snitch.” Even when every student “knows” hazing is illegal and explicitly prohibited, these underlying cultural dynamics enable dangerous practices to persist. For City of Humble families, understanding this broader context is key to identifying and addressing potential risks.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

Understanding the legal landscape surrounding hazing in Texas is crucial for families in City of Humble whose children attend our state’s thriving universities. Both state and federal laws provide avenues for accountability, offering protections and demanding transparency.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has clear and robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, Chapter 37, Subchapter F. For families and students, the core definition is paramount:

Hazing is defined as 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.

This definition carries several critical implications:

• Location is irrelevant: Whether the hazing happens in a dorm room, an off-campus fraternity house in City of Humble, a remote Airbnb, or a university athletic facility, if it meets the definition, it is hazing under Texas law.
• Mental or Physical Harm: Hazing is not limited to physical injury. Acts that severely impact a student’s mental health through humiliation, threats, terror, or extreme stress are explicitly covered.
• Intent vs. Recklessness: The law doesn’t require intent to cause harm; merely being “reckless” about the potential for harm is enough. This means someone who thought a dangerous activity was “just a bit of fun” can still be held legally responsible if they ignored obvious risks.
• “Consent” is Not a Defense: Critically, Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that it is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person being hazed consented to the hazing activity. This acknowledges the power imbalances and coercion inherent in initiation rituals, where students may “agree” out of fear of social exclusion or a desperate desire to belong.

Criminal Penalties

Texas law provides for serious criminal penalties for hazing:

• Class B Misdemeanor: This is the default charge for hazing that does not cause significant injury (punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000).
• Class A Misdemeanor: If the hazing causes bodily injury that requires medical attention beyond basic first aid.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury (e.g., broken bones, organ damage, significant burns) or death. This carries substantial prison time.

Separate criminal liability exists for:

• Failing to report hazing: An officer or member of an organization who knows about hazing and fails to report it can face misdemeanor charges.
• Retaliating against a reporter: Individuals who retaliate against someone who has reported hazing can also face criminal charges.

Organizational Liability

Under Texas Education Code § 37.153, organizations themselves (fraternities, sororities, clubs, teams) can be held criminally liable if:

• The organization authorized or encouraged the hazing; OR
• An officer or member acting in an official capacity knew about the hazing and failed to report it.
  Penalties for organizations can include fines up to $10,000 per violation, in addition to university sanctions like revoking recognition and banning the organization from campus. This is critical because it means both the individuals involved and the institution they represent can be held criminally accountable.

Immunity for Good-Faith Reporting

Texas Education Code § 37.154 provides crucial protection: a person who in good faith reports a hazing incident to university officials or law enforcement is immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the report. This provision aims to encourage reporting by removing the fear of legal repercussions for whistleblowers and victims. Furthermore, Texas law and university policies often provide limited amnesty for students who call 911 in a medical emergency, even if underage drinking or hazing were involved, prioritizing medical aid over minor infractions.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

It is important for City of Humble families to understand that hazing cases can involve two distinct legal tracks:

• Criminal Cases: These are initiated by the state (through a local prosecutor’s office, such as the Harris County District Attorney’s office for incidents in City of Humble) and aim to punish unlawful behavior. The focus is on proving guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Charges can range from misdemeanor hazing to serious felonies like assault, providing alcohol to minors, or even manslaughter in fatal cases.

• Civil Cases: These are initiated by the victims of hazing (or their surviving family members in wrongful death cases) and aim to obtain monetary compensation for the harm suffered. The standard of proof is “preponderance of the evidence,” which is lower than in criminal cases. Civil cases often focus on theories of:

  • Negligence: Failure to exercise reasonable care, leading to harm.
  • Gross Negligence: A conscious indifference to the rights, safety, or welfare of others.
  • Wrongful Death: When a person’s death is caused by another’s negligence or wrongful act.
  • Negligent Hiring/Supervision: Institutional failure to properly vet or oversee individuals or groups.
  • Premises Liability: Landowners (including universities) being liable for dangerous conditions on their property.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: Deliberate extreme and outrageous conduct causing severe emotional suffering.

A crucial point is that a criminal conviction is NOT required to pursue a civil case. Both types of cases can progress independently, or even simultaneously. Civil litigation can often succeed even if criminal charges are not filed or do not result in a conviction, because the standards of proof and focus are different.

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

Beyond state law, federal regulations also impact how hazing is handled at Texas universities:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation, effective around 2026, requires colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid to be far more transparent about hazing incidents. Institutions will need to:

  • Report hazing incidents prominently on their websites, including the nature of the violation, sanctions, and disciplinary actions taken against organizations and individuals.
  • Strengthen hazing education and prevention programs for students.
  • Collect and publicly report hazing data in a manner similar to Clery Act crime statistics, providing families with unprecedented access to information. This act empowers families from City of Humble to make more informed decisions about which institutions and organizations their children join.

• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, gender-based humiliation, or creates a sexually hostile environment, Title IX obligations are triggered. Universities are required to investigate and respond promptly and effectively to such complaints, regardless of where they occurred. Failure to do so can lead to loss of federal funding and civil lawsuits.

• Clery Act: The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires colleges and universities to disclose information about crime on and around their campuses. While hazing is not a specific crime category under Clery, hazing incidents often involve other reportable crimes such as assault, sexual assault, burglary, and alcohol or drug violations. This data contributes to understanding campus safety and institutional responses.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

For City of Humble families pursuing a civil hazing claim, identifying all potentially liable parties is critical to ensuring full accountability and compensation. These can include:

• Individual Students: Those who actively participated in, planned, enabled, or helped cover up the hazing activities. This includes “pledge educators,” chapter officers, or even general members.
• Local Chapters/Organizations: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself, particularly if it operates as a recognized legal entity. Liability frequently extends to the chapter’s leadership during the period of hazing.
• National Fraternities/Sororities: These national headquarters often assert they have strict anti-hazing policies. However, they can be held liable if:
  • They knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing at a local chapter (e.g., through prior complaints, warnings, or public incidents).
  • They failed to adequately train, supervise, or enforce their own anti-hazing policies.
  • They derive financial or reputational benefit from the local chapter while failing to control its dangerous activities.
• Universities or Governing Boards: Colleges and universities themselves can be held liable if they:
  • Were deliberately indifferent to a known risk of hazing on their campus.
  • Failed to properly supervise recognized student organizations despite having knowledge of previous hazing incidents or a general hazing culture.
  • Failed to adequately investigate or discipline hazing complaints.
  • Were negligent in their duties under Title IX or other federal statutes.
  • Note on Sovereign Immunity: Public Texas universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT) often claim sovereign immunity, a legal doctrine that protects state entities from lawsuits. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, in cases involving Title IX violations, or when claims are brought against individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU and Baylor) generally do not have this protection.
• Third Parties: This can include:
  • Landlords/Property Owners: If hazing occurred at a privately owned off-campus house (even in City of Humble) where the owner knew or should have known of dangerous activities.
  • Bars or Alcohol Providers: Under Texas dram shop laws, establishments that over-serve visibly intoxicated patrons or serve alcohol to minors who then cause harm can be held liable.
  • Event Organizers or Security Companies: If they failed to provide adequate security or oversight at an event where hazing took place.

Every hazing case is complex and fact-specific. It is essential to conduct a thorough investigation to identify all potentially liable parties to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, and victims receive the compensation they deserve.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

To understand the severity and recurring nature of hazing, City of Humble families can learn from a series of high-profile national incidents. These cases, many of which led to tragic deaths, have not only sparked legislative change but also established critical legal precedents for liability against individuals, chapters, national organizations, and universities. They illustrate patterns that we often see replayed, tragically, at campuses across Texas.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and devastating hazing incidents involve forced or excessive alcohol consumption. These cases highlight a dangerous pattern of extreme intoxication, delayed medical attention, and attempts at cover-up within organizations.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (February 2017):
  This tragic case occurred during a “bid acceptance” night. 19-year-old Timothy Piazza was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol, enduring numerous falls and developing a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity security cameras captured his agonizing decline, including members delaying calling 911 for nearly 12 hours. The incident led to over a thousand criminal counts against 18 fraternity members and substantial civil litigation. It directly inspired the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania, a tough anti-hazing statute. This case demonstrated the legally devastating consequences of extreme intoxication, criminal negligence in medical aid, and a pervasive culture of silence.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (November 2017):
  During a “Big Brother Night,” pledge Andrew Coffey was given a full handle of hard liquor, leading to acute alcohol poisoning and his death. Multiple fraternity members were prosecuted, mostly pleading guilty to misdemeanor hazing. Florida State University immediately suspended all Greek life and launched a comprehensive overhaul of its policies. This case underscored how seemingly formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster, with fatal results.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (September 2017):
  Max Gruver died from alcohol toxicity with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where incorrect answers forced pledges to drink. Several members were charged, and one was convicted of negligent homicide. The civil case led to a settlement with the family. This tragedy prompted Louisiana to enact the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute with serious penalties, showcasing how legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing’s lethal consequences.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (March 2021):
  Pledge Stone Foltz was forced to consume nearly an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night, a common hazing ritual. He later died from alcohol poisoning. Multiple fraternity members faced criminal convictions for hazing-related charges. The Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million from the Pi Kappa Alpha national fraternity and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This case demonstrated that universities, even public ones, can face significant financial and reputational consequences alongside fraternities, and that national organizations are liable for failing to address known dangerous patterns.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualistic hazing methods also carry extreme dangers and significant legal repercussions.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (December 2013):
  During a remote fraternity retreat in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, pledge Michael Deng was subjected to a violent blindfolded ritual known as the “glass ceiling.” He was repeatedly tackled while wearing a heavy backpack, suffering a traumatic brain injury. Fraternity members delayed calling 911 for hours, trying to move him and cover up the incident. Michael later died. Numerous members were convicted, and the national Pi Delta Psi fraternity was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, fined over $110,000, and banned from operating in Pennsylvania for a decade. This case proved that off-campus “retreats” are just as dangerous, if not more so, than on-campus events, and that national organizations can face severe criminal and civil sanctions for their chapters’ acts.

• Danny Santulli – University of Missouri, Phi Gamma Delta (October 2021):
  18-year-old Danny Santulli suffered severe and permanent brain damage after being forced to drink excessive amounts of alcohol during a “pledge dad reveal” night. He sustained injuries that left him unable to walk, talk, or see, requiring 24/7 care for the rest of his life. His family settled lawsuits with 22 defendants, including the fraternity, with reported multi-million-dollar settlements. This case is a stark reminder that even non-fatal hazing can lead to catastrophic, lifelong injuries that demand extensive financial and medical support, involving a wide net of liable parties.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing is not confined to Greek life; it is a pervasive issue within collegiate athletic programs nationwide, including in Texas.

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025):
  Former players came forward alleging widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the football program over multiple years. The incidents included forced nudity, simulated sexual acts, and racial taunts. Multiple players filed lawsuits against Northwestern University and the coaching staff. The head coach, Pat Fitzgerald, was fired amidst the scandal, later settling a wrongful-termination suit confidentially. This scandal demonstrated that hazing extends far beyond Greek life, even into high-profile, revenue-generating athletic programs, raising profound questions about institutional oversight and accountability.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national hazing cases, though occurring outside of Texas, set critical precedents and reveal patterns that are highly relevant to City of Humble families who may be dealing with hazing at the University of Houston, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor.

The common threads are stark: forced drinking, physical abuse, psychological torment, humiliation, a dangerous delay in calling for medical assistance, and systematic attempts at cover-up. Each of these tragedies unfolded despite university policies and national fraternity anti-hazing guidelines. They demonstrate that reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often follow only after a tragedy has occurred and victims or their families pursue diligent legal action.

Texas families facing hazing at our state’s universities are not alone. They operate within a legal and cultural landscape profoundly shaped by these national lessons. These cases underscore that accountability is possible, even against powerful institutions, and that legal action can lead to meaningful change and compensation for those who have endured such profound suffering.

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

The Manginello Law Firm is intimately familiar with the unique environments of Texas’s leading universities. For families in City of Humble, whose children often attend these schools, understanding the specific dynamics, policies, and prior incidents at each campus is crucial.

Our firm is based in Houston, a short drive from City of Humble, and our attorneys serve families across the entire Greater Houston area, including Harris County and beyond. We understand the local context and the connections between suburban communities like City of Humble and the universities that draw our students.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

The University of Houston, a vibrant urban campus right here in our extended backyard, is a natural choice for many students from City of Humble. UH combines a diverse student body with a thriving campus life, including a significant Greek presence and numerous student organizations. For parents in City of Humble, the proximity of UH can feel reassuring, but it’s important to remember that hazing risks exist at any institution.

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is a rapidly growing Tier One research university, known for its academic rigor and metropolitan energy. Its residential population is expanding, fostering a more traditional campus feel for many, complementing its substantial commuter student body. Greek life at UH is robust, with a broad range of fraternities and sororities under various councils (IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, Multicultural Greek Council, United Greek Council), each maintaining active chapters. Beyond Greek life, UH boasts hundreds of student organizations, including cultural groups, academic societies, and sports clubs, all of which operate under university policies.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a clear and comprehensive anti-hazing policy, emphasizing that hazing is strictly prohibited and a violation of both university regulations and Texas state law. The policy explicitly defines hazing (aligning with the Texas Education Code) and prohibits acts such as forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and any activity causing mental or physical distress as part of initiation or membership.

Students, faculty, and staff can report suspected hazing through various channels:

• The Dean of Students Office
• The Office of Student Conduct
• The University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) for criminal matters
• An online reporting form on the university’s website
• The national Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE

UH also states it provides educational programs on hazing prevention and promotes a culture of safety and respect. The university encourages students to report any activity that might constitute hazing, with provisions for anonymity and protection against retaliation.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While UH-specific hazing incidents don’t always garner widespread national attention, the university has taken disciplinary action against organizations for hazing violations. One notable instance involved Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) in 2016. Pledges alleged they were subjected to prolonged periods of sleep, food, and water deprivation during a multi-day event. More alarmingly, one student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface during a hazing activity. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges from the Harris County District Attorney’s office and was suspended by the university.

Other disciplinary actions against fraternities and sororities at UH have involved behaviors “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including alcohol misuse, forced calisthenics, and violations of university rules aimed at fostering a safe environment. These incidents demonstrate that even at institutions with strong anti-hazing policies, dangerous practices can persist, and universities must actively enforce their rules.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a City of Humble family grappling with a hazing incident at the University of Houston, understanding the jurisdictional aspects is key.

• Law Enforcement: Depending on the nature of the hazing and where it occurred, investigations could involve the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) for incidents happening on campus property, or the Houston Police Department (HPD) or Harris County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events within Greater Houston or City of Humble itself.
• Criminal Charges: If the hazing rises to the level of a crime under Texas law (e.g., felony hazing for serious bodily injury or death), the Harris County District Attorney’s office would handle the prosecution.
• Civil Litigation: Civil lawsuits for personal injury or wrongful death would typically be filed in courts with jurisdiction over Houston and Harris County, such as District Courts or County Civil Courts. Potential defendants could include the individual students involved, the local UH chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the University of Houston itself if negligence can be proven under exceptions to sovereign immunity. Property owners of off-campus residences where hazing occurred in City of Humble or Houston could also be implicated.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

For students from City of Humble attending the University of Houston and their families, swift and informed action is vital:

• Prioritize Safety and Medical Care: If there is any physical injury or signs of extreme distress, seek medical attention immediately via UHPD or 911. Prioritize health over fear of repercussions.
• Document Everything: If your child confides in you or you observe warning signs, meticulously document dates, times, locations, individuals involved, and the nature of the incidents. Screenshot any relevant group chats, texts, or social media posts, and photograph any injuries.
• Understand UH Reporting: Be familiar with UH’s official reporting channels. Contact the Dean of Students office to formally report hazing. While there are anonymous options, formal reports are often necessary to trigger investigations.
• Legal Consultation: Contacting a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases is strongly advised. We can help you understand the specific nuances of UH’s policies, previous disciplinary actions, and how to uncover evidence that the university or organization might prefer to keep confidential. Our firm has deep roots in the Houston legal community and can navigate the complexities of litigation in Harris County.
• Know Your Rights: Remember that under Texas law, explicit “consent” to hazing is not a defense, and students who report in good faith are immune from civil or criminal liability for the report itself.

5.2 Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University stands as a unique institution with a powerful culture centered around tradition, particularly its storied Corps of Cadets. For City of Humble families, Texas A&M represents excellence and deep-seated values, yet even here, hazing presents persistent challenges within both Greek life and the Corps.

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M’s identity deeply intertwines with its military heritage and the pervasive “Aggie Spirit.” It is renowned for its strong alumni network and traditions. Beyond the academic focus, the university boasts a large and active Greek system under various councils and, most notably, the Corps of Cadets. The Corps is the largest uniformed body of students outside the federal service academies, fostering a structured, hierarchical environment that, while instilling discipline, also carries inherent risks for hazing disguised as “training” or “initiations.” Sports teams, clubs, and other organizations also feature prominently.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing, adhering strictly to Texas state law and its own Student Rules. The university’s definition mirrors the state statute, covering both mental and physical endangerment, on or off campus, for any recognized or unregistered student group.

Reporting channels at Texas A&M include:

• The Dean of Student Life Office
• The Aggie Honor System Office (for academic aspects)
• The Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMU PD)
• An anonymous reporting form available on the Student Life website
• The national Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE

Texas A&M emphasizes a proactive approach to educating students about hazing and encourages reporting without fear of reprisal, particularly acknowledging the “Good Samaritan” provisions for medical emergencies. The Student Life website typically provides a list of student organization sanctions, which can sometimes include hazing violations.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Hazing incidents at Texas A&M have drawn significant attention, particularly those involving high-profile organizations or the Corps of Cadets.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuits (around 2021): In a harrowing incident, two pledges of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at Texas A&M alleged they were subjected to forced strenuous activity and then covered in various substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, eggs, and spit. This led to severe chemical burns requiring skin graft surgeries. The pledges subsequently sued the fraternity for $1 million, and the local chapter was suspended by the university for two years. This case tragically highlights the extreme and physically damaging nature modern hazing can take, moving beyond alcohol to chemical abuse.
• Corps of Cadets Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging he endured degrading and physically abusive hazing within the Corps. This included claims of simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit sought over $1 million in damages. Texas A&M, in response, stated it handled the matter internally under its established rules. Such cases underscore both the persistent challenge of hazing in highly traditional environments and the potential for legal claims against even the most decorated institutions.

These cases, whether involving Greek life or the prestigious Corps, illustrate the ongoing struggle to eradicate violent initiation “traditions” and the university’s responsibility to manage and respond to such incidents.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For families in City of Humble considering legal action related to a Texas A&M hazing incident:

• Law Enforcement: Incidents could involve Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMU PD) for on-campus occurrences, or the Bryan Police Department or Brazos County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus hazing in College Station or Bryan.
• Criminal Charges: The Brazos County District Attorney’s office would handle any criminal prosecutions.
• Civil Litigation: Civil lawsuits would be filed in Brazos County District Courts. Potential defendants could include the individual students, the local chapter, the national organization, and potentially Texas A&M University (though sovereign immunity defenses would need to be addressed, arguing gross negligence or other exceptions). The complexity escalates when the Corps of Cadets is involved, as its unique structure brings specific chain-of-command and institutional oversight questions to the forefront.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Families from City of Humble whose students attend Texas A&M should:

• Recognize Warning Signs: Be acutely aware of changes in behavior, unexplained injuries, sleep deprivation, or secrecy about “training” or “bonding” activities within both Greek life and the Corps.
• Utilize Official Channels: Report suspected hazing to the Dean of Student Life or TAMU PD. Formal complaints are necessary to initiate a university investigation.
• Preserve Evidence Meticulously: This is especially true given the focus on digital communication and the “code of silence” prevalent in many group dynamics. Screenshot all digital messages, photos, or videos. Document any physical evidence or injuries.
• Seek Legal Expertise: Given the unique culture and institutional power of Texas A&M, consulting an experienced hazing attorney is paramount. We understand the specific defenses and unique operational dynamics often employed by large universities and organizations like the Corps of Cadets. Our firm can effectively navigate the legal process to hold all responsible parties accountable.
• Understand Sovereign Immunity: While Texas A&M, as a public university, benefits from sovereign immunity, this protection is not absolute. An expert attorney can explore avenues for liability against the university, such as for gross negligence or through claims against individual employees.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, attracts many talented students from City of Humble. Known for its vibrant campus life and diverse student body, UT Austin’s Greek system and other student organizations are highly active, making it another crucial focal point for hazing awareness.

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin exemplifies a large public research university, deeply integrated into the state capital. Its Greek community is one of the largest and most prominent in the country, encompassing a wide array of fraternities and sororities under various councils (Panhellenic, IFC, Texas Asian Pan-Hellenic Council, NPHC). Beyond Greek life, hundreds of other student organizations, from spirit groups like the Texas Cowboys and Orange Jackets to athletic teams and club sports, form the fabric of campus culture. The “Hook ’em Horns” spirit is strong, fostering intense loyalty that, at times, can unfortunately be exploited through hazing.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Texas at Austin has a comprehensive and publicly accessible policy condemning hazing. Its definition aligns with Texas state law, prohibiting any acts that endanger mental or physical health or safety for purposes of initiation or membership. UT Austin is notably more transparent than many other universities regarding hazing violations.

UT’s hazing prevention website (hazing.utexas.edu) is a critical resource, providing:

• Clear policy statements.
• Reporting instructions: through the Dean of Students office, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, UTPD (campus police), or an anonymous online form.
• The national Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE.

Crucially, UT Austin maintains a public Hazing Violations database on its website. This publicly accessible log details student organizations, the dates of their violations, a summary of the conduct, and the disciplinary sanctions imposed. This level of transparency is rare and invaluable for City of Humble parents and students, offering a direct insight into which organizations have a history of hazing.

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public Hazing Violations page chronicles numerous incidents, demonstrating a persistent challenge despite aggressive policy.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): This fraternity, also with a significant national hazing history (as seen in the Stone Foltz case), was sanctioned for hazing. New members were reportedly directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. The chapter was found in violation, placed on probation, and required to implement new hazing-prevention education. This specific incident at UT mirrors types of hazing seen across the country, involving forced consumption and physical exertion.
• “Absolute Texxas” Spirit Group (2022): This non-Greek spirit organization was disciplined for hazing violations that included alcohol/drug misconduct, blindfolding, kidnapping, and generally demeaning new members. This reinforces that hazing is not confined to Greek life and can permeate any student group where a power differential exists.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (January 2024): This fraternity faced a new lawsuit after an Australian exchange student alleged assault occurring at a party, resulting in severe injuries including a dislocated leg, broken ligaments, and a fractured tibia. The chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing and safety violations. This case underscores a pattern of repeat offenses and the escalating severity when organizations are allowed to operate with prior misconduct.
• Other organizations, including other fraternities and even sports clubs, have also been sanctioned for behaviors like forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, or punishment-based initiation practices, all detailed on UT’s public website.

This transparency, while laudable, underscores the ongoing nature of the problem and provides a roadmap for attorneys investigating hazing at UT, allowing us to identify patterns and demonstrate institutional knowledge of prior violations.

5.3.4 How a UT Austin Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a City of Humble family pursuing a hazing claim at UT Austin:

• Law Enforcement: Investigations can involve the UT Police Department (UTPD) for incidents on campus or the Austin Police Department (APD) for off-campus events in the City of Austin.
• Criminal Charges: The Travis County District Attorney’s office would handle any criminal prosecutions.
• Civil Litigation: Claims would typically be filed in Travis County District Courts, or in federal court depending on the nature of the claim (e.g., if Title IX is involved). Potential defendants could include individuals, the chapter, the national organization, and the University of Texas itself (subject to sovereign immunity considerations, with arguments for gross negligence or individual liability). The detailed records on UT’s public hazing.utexas.edu site are highly valuable in civil litigation.

5.3.5 What UT Austin Students & Parents Should Do

Families from City of Humble whose children attend UT Austin should:

• Leverage UT’s Transparency: Regularly check the hazing.utexas.edu website for information on sanctioned organizations. If your child is pledging, check the history of that organization.
• Document Thoroughly: If you suspect hazing, document everything – texts, social media, photos, injury reports. The existence of UT’s public log makes it even more critical to connect individual incidents to a broader pattern the university was aware of.
• Report Officially: Utilize UT’s official reporting channels for hazing. A formal report is generally necessary for the university to initiate an investigation and take disciplinary action.
• Consult Legal Counsel: Contacting a lawyer experienced in hazing litigation in Texas is essential, especially when dealing with a large public university like UT. We can help interpret university records, navigate the legal system in Travis County, and establish liability against all responsible parties, including the university, if appropriate.
• Prioritize Well-being: Always prioritize your child’s physical and mental health. If they are in distress, seek medical and psychological help immediately.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Southern Methodist University, a private institution nestled in Dallas, attracts a significant number of students from City of Humble and the broader Houston area. Known for its academic prestige and vibrant Greek life, SMU’s private status introduces different legal and procedural considerations for hazing cases compared to public universities.

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU boasts a beautiful campus and a strong academic reputation, often associated with a socially active student body and a very prominent Greek life. Its Interfraternity Council (IFC) and Panhellenic Council house numerous chapters, creating a dynamic environment where social interactions and membership in student organizations are central to campus life. As a private university, SMU cultivates a close-knit community, but also exercises more internal control over student conduct and disciplinary processes, which can affect the transparency of hazing reports.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU strictly prohibits hazing, defining it in alignment with Texas law as any action that causes or is likely to cause mental or physical discomfort, intimidation, or ridicule for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. SMU emphasizes its “zero tolerance” policy and offers various avenues for reporting:

• The Office of the Dean of Students
• The Office of Student Conduct & Community Life
• SMU Police Department (SMU PD) for criminal matters
• An online reporting form, including options for anonymous submission.
• The national Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE.

SMU also employs tools like “Real Response,” a platform for anonymous reporting that aims to gather candid feedback from students on campus climate issues, including hazing. The university commits to educating students on hazing prevention and fostering a safe environment.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While SMU is typically less public about specific hazing incidents due to its private status, prior instances have resulted in significant disciplinary action.

• Kappa Alpha Order (KA) (2017): This fraternity was reportedly involved in a serious hazing incident where new members were allegedly paddled, forced to consume excessive alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The SMU chapter was suspended and faced restrictive conditions, including a ban on recruiting, for several years. This incident underscored that serious physical hazing and alcohol abuse persist within Greek life at prestigious private institutions.
• Ongoing vigilance is needed, as hazing patterns identified nationally, like those involving Sigma Alpha Epsilon and Pi Kappa Alpha, are present at SMU through their local chapters.

The private nature of SMU means that public documentation of specific violations is often limited to broad announcements rather than detailed public logs like UT Austin’s. However, this does not mean incidents do not occur or that the university is not aware of them.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a City of Humble family navigating a hazing claim at SMU:

• Law Enforcement: Incidents on or immediately adjacent to campus would involve the SMU Police Department. Off-campus incidents in the broader Dallas area would fall under the jurisdiction of the Dallas Police Department or Dallas County Sheriff’s Office.
• Criminal Charges: Any criminal prosecutions would be handled by the Dallas County District Attorney’s office.
• Civil Litigation: Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Dallas County District Courts. Unlike public universities, SMU, as a private institution, does not benefit from sovereign immunity. This can significantly simplify the process of holding the university directly accountable through a civil lawsuit, alongside individuals, the local chapter, and the national organization. The challenge often lies in compelling discovery to uncover internal university reports and communications that SMU is not legally compelled to make public.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Families from City of Humble with students at SMU should:

• Be Vigilant: Due to SMU’s private nature and less public reporting, parents should be particularly attentive to changes in their child’s behavior, secrecy, or any physical signs of hazing.
• Utilize SMU’s Reporting Tools: SMU’s Dean of Students Office and its anonymous Real Response tool are important avenues for reporting concerns. For serious incidents, contacting SMU PD is crucial.
• Consult Legal Counsel Promptly: Given the potential for less public transparency, securing a lawyer experienced in hazing cases who understands how to compel discovery from private institutions is vital. Our firm can strategically navigate the investigative process to uncover the facts, especially when a private university manages information internally.
• Document Everything Thoroughly: As always, screenshot digital communications, photograph injuries, and meticulously record all pertinent details. This evidence strengthens any claim against individuals, the chapter, the national organization, and potentially SMU itself.

5.5 Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university in Waco, embodies a distinct blend of faith-based education and rigorous academics. Students from City of Humble are drawn to its strong community and traditions, yet even within this environment, Baylor has faced hazing incidents that highlight the universal challenges of campus safety.

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor projects a strong Christian identity, influencing its campus rules and community life. It fosters a close-knit and spirited atmosphere. While historically more conservative, Baylor has a diverse range of student organizations, including a Greek system, athletic programs that are central to its identity, and numerous religious and service groups. The university’s emphasis on ethical conduct and community values shapes its approach to student accountability, though, as history shows, it does not make it immune to problems like hazing.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, defining it broadly to include any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for initiation or membership purposes. Its policy echoes the Texas Education Code and emphasizes penalties for both individuals and organizations. The university promotes a culture of care and encourages reporting hazing through various channels:

• The Dean of Students Office
• Baylor Police Department (BUPD) for criminal matters
• The Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards
• An online Speak Up reporting form, offering anonymity
• The national Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE.

Baylor often highlights its commitment to a safe and supportive campus environment, which extends to its stance against hazing.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history, while primarily recognized for academic and athletic achievements, includes instances where hazing has emerged as a concern, sometimes against a backdrop of broader institutional scrutiny regarding student welfare.

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): An internal investigation led to the suspension of 14 Baylor baseball players for hazing violations. The suspensions were staggered over the early season, indicating a university response to clear misconduct within a high-profile athletic program. While specifics of the hazing were less publicized, it underscored that even prominent sports teams are susceptible to dangerous behaviors.
• Broader Context: Baylor has faced immense external scrutiny in the past regarding its handling of student safety, particularly in the wake of the 2016 sexual assault scandal involving its football program. While distinct from hazing, this history means that any allegations of student misconduct, violence, or institutional negligence are viewed through a lens of heightened expectation for transparency and accountability.
• Greek organizations at Baylor, including Pi Kappa Alpha, Kappa Sigma, and Sigma Chi, which have national hazing histories, require specific vigilance from parents and students.

These incidents demonstrate that even at institutions with strong ethical foundations and prior experiences of intensive public scrutiny, vigilance against hazing remains critical.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For City of Humble families dealing with a hazing incident at Baylor University:

• Law Enforcement: Incidents on campus would involve the Baylor University Police Department (BUPD). Off-campus hazing in Waco or McLennan County would fall under the Waco Police Department or McLennan County Sheriff’s Office.
• Criminal Charges: The McLennan County District Attorney’s office would handle any criminal prosecutions.
• Civil Litigation: Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County District Courts. Like SMU, Baylor University, as a private institution, is not protected by sovereign immunity. This means direct claims against the university for negligence or gross negligence can often be pursued more straightforwardly than against public universities. Given Baylor’s unique institutional history, any civil litigation would likely explore the adequacy of its policies, training, and enforcement mechanisms in light of both specific hazing allegations and its broader commitment to student safety.

5.4.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

Families from City of Humble with students at Baylor should:

• Be Culturally Aware: Understand Baylor’s strong community and faith-based values, but also recognize that hazing can occur even within such frameworks. Distinguish between legitimate community-building and coercive rituals.
• Utilize Baylor’s Reporting Options: Use the Dean of Students Office, BUPD, or the anonymous Speak Up reporting form for any concerns.
• Document Everything Diligently: As with all hazing cases, detailed documentation (screenshots, photos, personal notes) is paramount for strengthening any potential legal claim or university investigation.
• Seek Experienced Legal Counsel: Given Baylor’s status as a private university and its institutional history, legal counsel experienced in hazing and complex civil litigation is crucial. Our firm understands how to navigate litigation against private universities and will pursue every avenue for accountability and compensation, taking into account any patterns of institutional oversight.
• Prioritize Support: Ensure your child receives immediate medical and psychological support if distressed or injured. Baylor’s counseling services can offer confidential help.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

For students from City of Humble attending Texas’s universities, joining a fraternity or sorority is often seen as a pathway to friendships, networking, and leadership. However, this also links them to organizations with complex histories—histories that include tragic hazing incidents. When hazing occurs at a local chapter at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, the actions of the national organization become a crucial element in determining accountability.

Why National Histories Matter

Most fraternities and sororities with chapters at Texas universities are part of large, national organizations. These national headquarters often publish thick anti-hazing manuals and implement risk management policies. They do this precisely because they have a history of deaths, catastrophic injuries, and multi-million-dollar lawsuits stemming from hazing at their chapters across the country. They are aware of the dangerous “traditions” – the forced drinking nights, the paddling rituals, the humiliating stunts – that have recurred within their organizations.

When a local chapter in Texas, Whether it’s in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, or Waco, repeats the same scripts or dangerous behaviors that have led to another chapter being shut down or sued in a different state, this establishes foreseeability. It means the national organization knew, or should have known, that such incidents were likely to occur. This pattern evidence is critically important in civil litigation, supporting claims of negligence or even gross negligence against the national entity and increasing the likelihood of significant punitive damages.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While an exhaustive list of every chapter and incident is beyond the scope here, we can highlight how the presence of specific national fraternities and sororities at Texas campuses connects to a broader history of hazing. Our firm has deep familiarity with these organizations and their patterns of conduct.

Here’s an overview of some major fraternities and sororities present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, and how their national histories are relevant:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike – ΠΚΑ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, Baylor, and SMU.

  • National Hazing History: Pike has a particularly troubling national record. The Stone Foltz fatality at Bowling Green State University (2021), where a pledge died after being forced to drink an entire bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” night, resulted in a $10 million settlement ($7 million from Pi Kappa Alpha national). The David Bogenberger fatality at Northern Illinois University (2012) from alcohol poisoning also resulted in a $14 million settlement. Pike’s pattern of alcohol-related dangerous “Big/Little” initiations is well-documented and forms strong evidence of foreseeability. At UT Austin, a Pike chapter was sanctioned in 2023 for hazing involving forced consumption.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE – ΣΑΕ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and SMU.

  • National Hazing History: SAE has faced multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide over the decades. In 2014, the national organization even announced it was eliminating its pledge process, moving to a “genuine member first” model, a direct response to its extensive hazing record.
  • Texas Incidents: At Texas A&M (2021), two pledges alleged they suffered severe chemical burns after being covered in industrial-strength cleaner during hazing, leading to a $1 million lawsuit and chapter suspension. At UT Austin (2024), a local chapter faced a $1 million lawsuit after an Australian exchange student was seriously injured in an alleged assault at a party, occurring while the chapter was already under suspension for prior hazing violations. These local incidents, coupled with national patterns (including a recent traumatic brain injury lawsuit against SAE at the University of Alabama), highlight a serious and persistent risk.

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

  • National Hazing History: The Max Gruver fatality at Louisiana State University (2017) during a forced drinking game (“Bible study”) led to criminal convictions and Louisiana’s Max Gruver Act. This case, among others, clearly outlines the dangers of forced alcohol consumption disguised as “games” or “tradition” within Phi Delta Theta.

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

  • National Hazing History: The Andrew Coffey fatality at Florida State University (2017) from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” led to multiple criminal prosecutions and a statewide anti-hazing movement in Florida. This case, like others, involves chapters forcing pledges to consume dangerous amounts of hard alcohol during initiation.

• Beta Theta Pi (ΒΘΠ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.

  • National Hazing History: The Timothy Piazza fatality at Penn State University (2017), featuring delayed medical aid for hours after extreme forced drinking and falls, led to landmark criminal charges and anti-hazing legislation. While the Piazza case is the most prominent, it underscores a dangerous capacity for severe hazing within this organization.

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

  • National Hazing History: This fraternity has faced various hazing allegations and disciplinary actions across the country, including suspensions for alcohol-related hazing and physical abuse. At SMU (2017), a KA chapter was suspended after reports of paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.

• Sigma Chi (ΣΧ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor.

  • National Hazing History: Sigma Chi has a history of hazing incidents across the country. A recent case at the College of Charleston (2024) resulted in a $10 million-plus settlement for a pledge who alleged severe physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment. This marks one of the largest known hazing settlements, underscoring the severe consequences of its pattern of behavior. Another incident at UT Arlington in 2020 involved a pledge hospitalized with alcohol poisoning.

• Omega Psi Phi (ΩΨΦ): Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, and Baylor.

  • National Hazing History: This NPHC fraternity has faced numerous hazing allegations involving physical violence, paddling, and other forms of abuse. The Joseph Snell case (Bowie State University, 1997), which resulted in a $375,000 verdict collected by seizing national fraternity assets, set an early precedent for the liability of national organizations for member hazing. More recently, a federal lawsuit (2023) was filed against the Nu Eta chapter at the University of Southern Mississippi alleging repeated beatings with a wooden paddle, requiring emergency surgery.

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

  • National Hazing History: The Chad Meredith fatality at the University of Miami (2001), where a freshman drowned after being coerced into a dangerous lake swim while intoxicated, resulted in a $12.6 million jury verdict against the fraternity and helped criminalize hazing in Florida. Allegations of severe physical hazing causing rhabdomyolysis led to ongoing litigation at Texas A&M (2023).

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

For City of Humble families, these national patterns are not just historical footnotes; they are potent legal tools.

• Foreseeability: A consistent pattern of hazing within a national organization, particularly for specific rituals (e.g., Big/Little nights, forced “workouts”), provides compelling evidence that the national body had foreseeable knowledge of the risks posed by its chapters. If they knew or should have known, and failed to act, their liability increases significantly.
• Institutional Knowledge: We argue that these national organizations possess an immense amount of institutional knowledge regarding the dangers inherent in their “traditions.” If they continue to allow such traditions, or fail to effectively eradicate them, they are willfully ignoring known risks.
• Policy vs. Practice: National fraternities and universities will often present their comprehensive anti-hazing policies as a shield. However, when a chapter’s conduct mirrors prior, well-documented incidents from other chapters, it demonstrates that these policies are either mere “paper policies” or are not being meaningfully enforced. Our litigation reveals whether policies were window-dressing or genuinely implemented.
• Insurance Coverage: The existence of these national patterns strongly influences insurance coverage disputes. Insurers often try to deny coverage for “intentional acts” of hazing. However, an attorney can argue that the national organization’s (or university’s) negligent supervision or failure to prevent foreseeable harm was covered. This is where Attorney911’s “insurance insider” knowledge from Lupe Peña’s background becomes invaluable, helping us identify and overcome these common insurance defense tactics.
• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, especially where negligence rises to the level of gross negligence (conscious indifference to known risks), courts may award punitive damages. Evidence of repeated, ignored warnings across the national organization strengthens the argument for punitive damages, which are designed to punish misconduct and deter future harm.

By connecting the local incidents at Texas campuses to these broader national patterns, we build powerful civil cases designed to hold all responsible parties—from individual students to the largest national organizations and universities—fully accountable.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

When hazing impacts a student from City of Humble, the resulting legal case demands meticulous investigation, a comprehensive understanding of potential damages, and a strategic approach tailored to fighting powerful institutional defendants. At The Manginello Law Firm, we are built for this fight.

Evidence is Everything

In hazing cases, securing and preserving evidence is paramount because it can vanish quickly. Organizations often act swiftly to delete digital communications, coach witnesses, and destroy physical evidence. Our legal team, combining the investigative depth of Attorney911 with a network of experts, focuses on uncovering every piece of the puzzle.

• Digital Communications: In 2025, group chats and direct messages are the single most critical source of evidence in hazing cases.

  • Platforms: We target GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage/SMS, Discord, Slack, and any custom fraternity/sorority apps. We also examine DMs on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and other social media platforms.
  • Content: These messages reveal planning, intent, specific instructions, participant lists, timestamps, and conversations before, during, and after hazing events. They often show a clear “code of silence” or attempts at cover-up.
  • Preservation: Our firm advises families immediately to screenshot full conversation threads with names and timestamps. For deleted messages, our digital forensics experts can often recover data from cloud backups or device storage, but timely action is crucial. Attorney911’s video on using your phone to document evidence (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs) explains best practices for preserving screenshots and photos.

• Photos & Videos:

  • User-generated Content: Content filmed by members during hazing events is invaluable. This might be raw footage shared in private group chats, TikToks, Instagram stories, or snaps. This evidence directly contradicts claims of “fun” or “mutual participation.”
  • Security Camera Footage: We seek surveillance footage from fraternity houses, university properties, bars, or event venues to establish timelines, identify participants, and observe actions.
  • Injury Documentation: Immediately photographing injuries from multiple angles, with a ruler or coin for scale, and then documenting their progression over several days is critical.

• Internal Organization Documents: These provide insight into an organization’s policies, knowledge, and past conduct.

  • Pledge Manuals/Ritual Books: These often contain explicit or coded instructions for “new member education” that can be interpreted as hazing.
  • Emails/Texts: Communications between local chapter officers, national representatives, or university advisors often contain warnings, complaints, or discussions about member conduct.
  • National Policies/Training: These manuals, while seemingly protective, can be used to show what the national organization knew should happen versus what actually occurred.

• University Records: These records are vital for establishing institutional knowledge and a pattern of inaction or inadequate response.

  • Prior Conduct Files: Documented instances of probation, suspension, or warnings against the hazing organization.
  • Incident Reports: Reports filed with campus police or student conduct offices related to the organization or its members.
  • Clery Act Reports: Publicly available crime statistics that can show patterns of alcohol violations, assaults, or other crimes associated with specific organizations.
  • Internal Communications: Emails and memos among university administrators can reveal awareness of hazing problems and decisions (or indecisions) regarding enforcement.

• Medical and Psychological Records: Crucial for documenting the extent of harm.

  • ER/Hospital/Toxicology Reports: Immediate medical records, blood alcohol content, and drug screens establish the direct physical impact.
  • Ongoing Treatment: Records from physical therapy, rehabilitation, and long-term care for severe injuries (e.g., brain injury, organ damage).
  • Mental Health Evaluations: Documentation from psychologists or psychiatrists regarding PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other emotional trauma.

• Witness Testimony: Direct accounts from individuals provide crucial narrative and corroboration.

  • Pledges/Members: Other new members, or current/former members often hold key information.
  • Bystanders: Anyone who observed the hazing or its aftermath – roommates, RAs, coaches, even service staff at event venues.

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Our firm works closely with economists, medical experts, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and life care planners to calculate accurately the full scope of damages in a hazing case. This comprehensive approach ensures that City of Humble families receive justice for all forms of harm suffered.

• Economic Damages (Calculable Financial Losses):

  • Medical Expenses: Covers all past medical bills (ER, hospitalizations, surgeries, medications) and projected future medical needs (ongoing therapy, psychiatric care, specialized equipment, or even lifelong care plans for catastrophic injuries).
  • Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Includes wages lost due to injury or recovery, tuition for missed semesters, lost scholarships, and any diminishment in future earning potential if injuries or trauma impact a student’s career trajectory.

• Non-Economic Damages (Subjective, But Legally Compensable):

  • Physical Pain & Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain endured from injuries and any ongoing discomfort from permanent conditions.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: Addresses conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, severe anxiety, humiliation, and loss of dignity, often supported by therapy records and expert testimony.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the inability to participate in activities once enjoyed, withdrawal from social life, and the general impairment to their quality of life.

• Wrongful Death Damages (For Surviving Families):

  • In the tragic event of a hazing-related death, families (parents, spouses, children, and in some cases, siblings) can recover for:
    • Funeral and burial costs.
    • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
    • Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society.
    • The family’s own grief and mental anguish.

• Punitive Damages (To Punish and Deter):

  • Available in certain cases of egregious conduct (gross negligence, malice, conscious indifference to safety), punitive damages are designed to punish defendants and deter future hazing. These are often capped under Texas law but can be substantial when egregious misconduct is proven.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation is complex because it involves multiple layers of potential defendants and intricate insurance coverage issues.

• Identifying All Liable Parties: We meticulously investigate to identify every individual (students, coaches, advisors), local chapter, national organization, and university that may have contributed to or enabled the hazing. Each party may have unique legal duties and their own insurance policies.
• Navigating Insurance Coverage Disputes: National fraternities and universities carry substantial insurance policies. However, their insurers often try to deny coverage by arguing that hazing constitutes “intentional conduct” or falls under policy exclusions for “criminal acts.” This is where Attorney911’s specific expertise is invaluable. Our firm, uniquely informed by Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney, knows these tactics intimately. We understand how to challenge these exclusions, compel insurers to defend, and creatively identify all potential sources of recovery.
• Trial vs. Settlement Strategy: While we meticulously prepare every case for trial, the vast majority of personal injury cases, including hazing claims, settle out of court. This allows for more control over the outcome and often results in confidential agreements. However, we are always ready to go to trial if a fair offer is not made, leveraging our extensive courtroom experience and our successful track record against major defendants like BP. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for the family, balancing compensation, accountability, and, where appropriate, privacy.

In the face of devastating hazing, building a robust case requires not just legal knowledge, but unparalleled investigative skill and a deep understanding of the tactics employed by powerful institutions. For City of Humble families, our firm offers precisely that expertise.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing impacts a family in City of Humble, practical, actionable advice is desperately needed. We’ve compiled guides for parents, students, and witnesses, along with answers to frequently asked questions, designed to empower you with immediate steps and informed decisions.

8.1 For Parents in City of Humble

As a parent, your intuition is your strongest tool. If you suspect something is wrong, trust your gut.

• Warning Signs of Hazing to Look For:

  • Unexplained Injuries: Bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” with shifting or unbelievable explanations.
  • Extreme Fatigue: Consistent exhaustion, sudden difficulty staying awake, or frequent late-night phone calls for “mandatory” events.
  • Drastic Mood Changes: Sudden anxiety, depression, irritability, withdrawal from family or old friends, personality shifts.
  • Secrecy & Avoidance: Evasive answers about organization activities, refusal to talk about what goes on, or fear of missing required “pledge” events.
  • Obsessive Phone Use: Constant monitoring of group chats, anxiety when the phone pings, or attempts to hide phone activity.
  • Academic Decline: Sudden drops in grades, missed classes, or inability to focus due to lack of sleep or stress.
  • Financial Strain: Unexplained requests for money, high dues, or forced purchases for events or older members.

• How to Talk to Your Child:

  • Choose a Calm Setting: When they’re not rushed or stressed.
  • Ask Open-Ended Questions: “How are things really going with the fraternity/sorority?” or “Is there anything about the experience that makes you uncomfortable?”
  • Emphasize Safety Over Status: Reassure them that their well-being is your priority, not their membership in any group.
  • Listen Without Judgment: If they open up, let them talk without interrupting or reacting with anger. Your support is crucial.

• If Your Child is Hurt:

  • Immediate Medical Care: Prioritize their health. Get them to an emergency room or a doctor immediately, even if they insist they are “fine” or “don’t want to get anyone in trouble.”
  • Document Everything Meticulously: While memory is fresh, write down dates, times, specific events, comments, and names of individuals involved. Screenshot any digital communications—texts, social media posts, group chats—and photograph all injuries from multiple angles. Save any relevant physical items.
  • Keep Records: Maintain a file of all communications with the university and the organization.

• Dealing with the University:

  • Document all Communications: Keep a detailed log of every phone call, email, or meeting with university administrators, including who you spoke to, what was discussed, and what actions were promised.
  • Ask Direct Questions: Inquire about specific prior incidents involving the same organization at that university and the disciplinary actions taken.
  • Avoid Signing Forms: Do not sign any university “release” or “resolution” forms without having an attorney review them first. You could inadvertently waive your child’s legal rights.

• When to Talk to a Lawyer:

  • If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm.
  • If you perceive the university or the organization is minimizing, deflecting, or hiding what happened.
  • If you are seeking accountability and compensation beyond internal university discipline.
  • The sooner you contact an attorney, the better equipped we are to preserve crucial evidence that can quickly disappear.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

We understand the immense pressure you face. You want to belong, to fit in, to earn your place. But your safety and well-being should never be compromised.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Self-Assessment:

  • Ask yourself: Would I do this activity if older members weren’t watching or pressuring me?
  • Does this activity make me feel unsafe, embarrassed, or humiliated?
  • Am I being told to keep secrets from my parents or the university about what happens?
  • Is anyone forcing me to consume alcohol or other substances, or denying me sleep and proper food?
  • Does this activity endanger my physical or mental health?
  • If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s likely hazing.

• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The desire to belong is powerful. You might “agree” to things out of fear of being ostracized, cut from the group, or labeled as “not committed.” The law recognizes this power dynamic. You cannot truly consent to illegal or dangerous acts when you are under duress. Texas law explicitly states that your “consent” is not a defense for the perpetrators of hazing.

• Exiting and Reporting Safely:

  • Immediate Danger: If you are ever in immediate physical danger, call 911 or campus police immediately. Your safety is paramount.
  • Leaving: You have the right to leave any organization or activity at any time. Informing a trusted adult (parent, RA, academic advisor) before you quit can provide a layer of support. Sending a brief email or text to the chapter president stating “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately” is often sufficient. Do not go to a “final meeting” if you fear further pressure or intimidation.
  • Reporting: Many universities offer confidential and anonymous reporting channels (Dean of Students, online forms, campus police). The national Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-NOT-HAZE) is also available 24/7.
  • Good Faith Reporting & Amnesty: In Texas, if you report hazing or call for help in an emergency, you are generally immune from civil or criminal liability for making that report. Most universities also have “Good Samaritan” policies that protect students who call for medical help, even if underage drinking was involved.

• Preserving Critical Evidence:

  • Screenshot Everything: If hazing involves digital communications, screenshot group chats, texts, DMs, photos, and videos with timestamps and participant names. Do this as soon as you see them, as messages can be deleted quickly.
  • Medical Documentation: If you receive medical attention, clearly state that your injuries or condition resulted from hazing. Ask for copies of all medical records.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

You may carry guilt or fear of repercussions, but your voice can be pivotal in preventing future harm and holding those responsible accountable.

• Your Role in Accountability: Your testimony can be crucial for uncovering the truth, stopping dangerous practices, and bringing justice to victims. You can help save lives.
• Legal Guidance: While your involvement means you may have legal exposure, you can seek your own confidential legal advice. An attorney can help you understand your rights, navigate the process of cooperating with investigations, and explore options for your own protection or potential legal exposure. Our firm can advise you on these complex issues, including how any criminal defense background Ralph Manginello brings to the table can help (https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/).

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

For City of Humble families, avoiding common pitfalls is as important as taking the right actions. Here are critical mistakes to avoid:

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

   • Why it’s wrong: While your intent might be to protect your child, deleting evidence can be seen as obstruction and severely cripples any legal claim. Modern hazing cases often hinge on digital forensics.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately. Screenshot, save, and back up all digital communications. Photos of injuries, physical items—keep it all.

2. Confronting the fraternity/sorority directly:

   • Why it’s wrong: This typically puts the organization on immediate alert. They will likely lawyer up, begin deleting evidence, instruct members to remain silent or offer false narratives, and prepare their defenses. You lose the element of surprise and critical evidence.
   • What to do instead: Document everything, then contact an experienced hazing attorney BEFORE any direct confrontation.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities often push for internal resolutions that may waive your right to pursue further legal action or offer compensation far below what your family deserves.
   • What to do instead: Do NOT sign anything from the university or the organization without having a qualified attorney review it first.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: While tempting to share your story online, social media posts can be used by defense attorneys to scrutinize credibility, create conflicting narratives, or argue that you’ve waived your privacy rights.
   • What to do instead: Document everything privately and confidentially. Let your attorney advise you on appropriate communication strategies.

5. Letting your child go back to “one last meeting” or “talk it out”:

   • Why it’s wrong: This is a common tactic to pressure, intimidate, or coerce students into agreements that undermine their legal case. They may try to extract statements or apologies that can be used against them.
   • What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communications with the organization should typically go through your attorney.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: The university’s internal process is geared towards institutional compliance and often falls short of full accountability. Evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations continues to run.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence NOW. Consult a hazing attorney immediately to understand all your options, not just those offered by the university.

7. Talking to insurance adjusters without a lawyer:

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters, representing the defendants’ interests, are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you give can be used against you, and initial settlement offers are often significantly undervalued.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with adjusters directly and inform them that your attorney will contact them.

8.5 Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities here in Texas (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) benefit from sovereign immunity, which generally protects state entities from lawsuits. However, exceptions exist for gross negligence, in cases involving federal law like Title IX, or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (like SMU and Baylor) typically have fewer immunity protections. Every case depends on its specific facts—we encourage you to contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  Yes, it certainly can be. While hazing is a Class B misdemeanor by default under Texas law, it becomes a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Moreover, individuals can face additional criminal charges like assault, furnishing alcohol to minors, or even manslaughter. Officers of an organization who know about hazing and fail to report it can also face misdemeanor charges.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Absolutely. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Courts and juries understand the immense pressure on students to “earn their spot” or avoid social rejection. True voluntary consent is impossible when there’s an inherent power imbalance, peer pressure, and fear of exclusion.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit in Texas?”
  Generally, there is a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of injury or death for most personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” may extend this period if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately known. In cases involving deliberate cover-ups or fraud, the statute might be “tolled” (paused). Time is always critical in hazing cases because evidence disappears rapidly, witnesses graduate, and memories fade. We strongly advise you to call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for a precise analysis of your case’s timeline. 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 outside of City of Humble?”
  The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability. Many major hazing cases that resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments (like the Pi Delta Psi retreat case in Pennsylvania or the Sigma Pi case involving an unofficial house) occurred off-campus. Universities, local chapters, and national organizations can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge of dangerous patterns, and foreseeability of the events, regardless of whether the hazing took place in a dorm, an off-campus residence in City of Humble, or a remote event space.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Protecting your family’s privacy is a key concern for our firm. While some hazing cases do become public, especially those involving criminal charges or large jury verdicts, many civil hazing cases are resolved through confidential settlements performed out of court. We work diligently to protect your child’s anonymity and privacy while pursuing the full accountability and compensation your family deserves.

• “How much is my hazing case worth?”
  Every hazing case is unique, and its value depends on numerous factors, including the severity of injuries, the medical costs, lost income, emotional trauma, and the reprehensibility of the defendants’ conduct. There is no simple answer to this question without a thorough investigation. We examine all forms of damages (medical bills, lost income/education, pain and suffering, and, in tragic cases, wrongful death) to build the strongest possible claim. We strive for settlements and verdicts that reflect the true extent of your family’s suffering. Our video, “How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onBzdkIWadY), provides more general information on this process.

Where the law is complex or depends on specific details, you should always consult an attorney to review the precise facts of your situation.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family in City of Humble faces the devastating impact of hazing, you need more than just a general personal injury lawyer. You need astute attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—from national fraternities to major universities—fight back, and possess the unique expertise to win anyway. At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ with a proven track record against such formidable opponents.

From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including City of Humble and surrounding areas like Humble, Kingwood, Atascocita, and Spring. We understand that hazing at Texas universities deeply impacts families across our region, extending far beyond the immediate campus.

Our firm brings a distinctive combination of strengths to hazing litigation:

• The Insurance Insider Advantage: Our Associate Attorney, Lupe Peña, served as a former insurance defense attorney at a national law firm. This background provides us with invaluable “insider” knowledge of how fraternity and university insurance companies operate. We know their playbook because we used to run it: their delay tactics, their go-to arguments for coverage exclusions (e.g., claiming hazing is an “intentional act” not covered by policy), and their strategies for undervaluing hazing claims. Lupe Peña’s complete professional background is detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/. This unique insight allows us to anticipate their moves, counter their defenses, and aggressively pursue the maximum compensation for our clients.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Ralph Manginello, our Managing Partner, is one of the few Texas attorneys with direct experience in the complex BP Texas City explosion litigation. This background means we are not intimidated by taking on billion-dollar corporations, national fraternities with powerful legal teams, or major universities. Our experience navigating federal courts and multi-party lawsuits equips us to handle the most intricate hazing cases, securing justice against even the most well-resourced defendants. Ralph Manginello’s qualifications and extensive experience are detailed at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, working closely with economists, life care planners, and medical experts. This means we understand how to accurately value not just immediate medical costs, but also lifelong care needs for brain injuries, lost earning potential, and the profound non-economic damages families suffer. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force accountability and truly reflect the devastating impact of hazing. You can review our firm’s approach to these critical cases at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

• Dual Criminal and Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph Manginello’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a deep understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. When hazing crosses into criminal territory, we are uniquely positioned to advise not only the victims but also witnesses or former members who may face dual exposure, protecting their rights on both fronts. Our firm’s criminal defense capabilities are further detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.

• Unmatched Investigative Depth: Our team excels at uncovering the truth in hazing cases. We use advanced digital forensics to recover deleted group chats and social media evidence, subpoena national fraternity records to expose patterns of prior misconduct, and compel universities to release internal files through discovery or public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does.

We understand that you and your family in City of Humble are facing one of the hardest times imaginable. We know the shame, the confusion, and the anger you might feel. Our job is to listen with empathy, get you answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We balance tireless investigation and aggressive advocacy with genuine compassion and clear communication.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm Today

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus—whether it’s the University of Houston near City of Humble, or Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor—we want to hear from you. Families in City of Humble and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, accountability, and justice.

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

In your free consultation, you can expect us to:

• Listen to your experience with compassion and without judgment.
• Review any evidence you’ve gathered, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• Explain the different legal options available to you, including criminal reporting, a civil lawsuit, or both.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what to expect throughout the legal process.
• Answer your questions about costs. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. Watch our video explaining contingency fees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• Provide you with information so you can make an informed decision without any pressure to hire us on the spot. Everything you tell us is confidential.

You don’t have to face this alone. Whether you’re in City of Humble or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, call us today.

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

Hablamos Español – Contact Lupe Peña by emailing lupe@atty911.com for a 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