Texas Hazing Laws: A Comprehensive Guide for City of Waller Families

The lights are dim, the music is loud, and a student from right here in City of Waller is at an off-campus house near their university. Tonight is “initiation night,” and the air is thick with anticipation and unease. They’re being pressured to drink far beyond safe limits, feeling a potent mix of fear and the desperate desire to “fit in.” Others around them are filming on phones, chanting, and laughing. Then, someone gets hurt—a friend falls, vomits uncontrollably, or collapses, but nobody wants to call 911. They’re caught between loyalty to the group and the growing terror for their friend’s safety and their own. “Don’t call anyone,” a senior member hisses. “We’ll get the chapter shut down, and you’ll be out.” This isn’t just a story; it’s a scenario that plays out far too often at Texas campuses, impacting families throughout our state, including those in City of Waller.

We are The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. We understand the devastation hazing visits upon students and their families. This guide is dedicated to families in City of Waller and across Texas who are touched by incidents like this. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of hazing, its modern manifestations, the legal landscape in Texas, and how major national cases shape our approach to campus safety.

This guide will illuminate:

• What hazing truly looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• The intricacies of Texas and federal laws that govern hazing.
• Critical lessons from prominent national hazing cases and their relevance to Texas families.
• Specific insights into the patterns and incidents at the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, and Baylor University.
• The legal avenues available to victims and families in City of Waller and across Texas.

While this article offers general information, it is not a substitute for specific legal advice. We are here to evaluate individual cases based on their unique facts. Our firm serves families throughout Texas, from Houston to City of Waller and beyond, protecting victims and seeking justice.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

Hazing situations can escalate rapidly, putting students in grave danger. If your child is in danger right now, immediate action is crucial:

• If your child is in immediate physical danger (injured, intoxicated, or threatened):

  • Call 911 for urgent medical assistance or to report criminal activity.
  • Then call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). As Legal Emergency Lawyers™, we provide immediate guidance.

• In the critical first 48 hours following an incident:

  • Prioritize medical attention for the student, even if they claim to be fine. Their health is paramount.
  • Preserve all possible evidence before it disappears: This includes screenshots of group chats, texts, and DMs, clear photographs of injuries from multiple angles, and any physical items like damaged clothing or receipts.
  • Document everything while memories are fresh – who was involved, what exactly happened, when and where it occurred.
  • Crucially, do NOT:
    • Directly confront the involved fraternity, sorority, or organization.
    • Sign any documents from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel.
    • Share details publicly on social media, which could compromise a future legal case.
    • Permit your child to delete messages or otherwise “clean up” any evidence.

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

  • Evidence, especially digital, is often deleted quickly. Universities and organizations frequently work to control the narrative. An attorney can help secure vital evidence and protect your child’s rights from the outset.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate, confidential consultation.

Hazing in 2025: What It Really Looks Like

For City of Waller families, understanding hazing today requires looking beyond the “boys will be boys” mentality or fictional depictions. Modern hazing is often subtle, insidious, and deeply psychological, though physical and alcohol-related abuses remain tragically common. It’s any forced, coerced, or strongly pressured action tied to joining, maintaining membership, or gaining status in a group, where that behavior endangers physical or mental health, humiliates, or exploits. The critical point is that even if a student “agreed” to participate, true consent is often absent due to immense peer pressure and power imbalances.

Clear, Modern Definitions of Hazing

Hazing has evolved, becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. We often encounter several distinct categories:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is tragically common and often fatal. It involves intense pressure or direct force to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, participate in dangerous drinking games (like chugging contests or “lineups”), or ingest unknown or illicit substances. The goal is often to incapacitate, humiliate, or control.

• Physical Hazing: Despite anti-hazing campaigns, physical abuse persists. This can range from traditional beatings and paddling to extreme, punitive calisthenics or “workouts” that push individuals beyond their physical limits. Other forms include sleep deprivation, food or water restrictions, forced exposure to extreme temperatures, or dangerous environments, often under the guise of “conditioning.”

• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: These acts are deeply degrading and often leave lasting psychological scars. They include forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (like “roasted pig” poses or “elephant walks”), or activities designed to publicly embarrass, sometimes with racist, sexist, or homophobic undertones.

• Psychological Hazing: Often overlooked but profoundly damaging, psychological hazing involves sustained verbal abuse, threats, forced isolation from friends and family, manipulation, and forced confessions. Public shaming, whether face-to-face or via social media, can severely impact a student’s mental well-being.

• Digital/Online Hazing: A growing and particularly insidious form, digital hazing leverages technology. This includes dares or challenges issued through group chats, public humiliation via social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok, and pressure to create or share compromising images or videos. It creates a constant, inescapable environment of coercion.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

Hazing is not confined to one type of organization or campus group. While fraternities and sororities (across IFC, Panhellenic, NPHC, and multicultural councils) are frequently linked to incidents, hazing occurs across a much broader spectrum of student life:

• Fraternities and Sororities: These organizations, with their initiation rituals and power structures, are unfortunately common sites for hazing.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: High-pressure, tradition-bound environments can sometimes normalize hazing as “character building” or “discipline.”
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to cheerleading and swim teams, hazing for new athletes, often involving physical abuse or forced substance use, is a persistent issue.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly benign groups can develop hierarchies that lead to hazing, sometimes involving physical demands, public humiliation, or sleep deprivation.
• Spirit Squads, Tradition Clubs, and Academic Organizations: Any group with a strong sense of identity, exclusivity, and tradition can be vulnerable to hazing practices.

The common threads that allow hazing to persist across these diverse groups are the profound desire for social status, the pressure to uphold “tradition,” and a deeply ingrained culture of secrecy. These factors create an environment where dangerous behaviors are normalized and hidden, even when everyone “knows” hazing is illegal and harmful.

Law & Liability Framework (Texas + Federal)

For City of Waller residents sending their children to college in Texas, understanding the legal framework surrounding hazing is crucial. Texas has specific laws designed to combat hazing, complemented by federal provisions that enhance accountability.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Under Texas law, specifically the Texas Education Code, hazing is clearly defined and prohibited. As outlined in Section 37.151, hazing is any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed on or off campus, by an individual or a group, directed against a student. This act must either endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student or be for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation, holding office in, or maintaining membership in an organization whose members include students.

This definition carries significant weight:

• Location is irrelevant: Whether hazing occurs in a dorm room, an off-campus house, or even online, it falls under the purview of Texas law.
• Mental or Physical Harm: Hazing is not limited to physical injury. Acts that create extreme humiliation, intimidation, or psychological distress are equally actionable.
• “Reckless” is enough: The law does not require malicious intent. If someone knew the risks and proceeded anyway, that can fulfill the “reckless” element.
• “Consent” is not a defense: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that a student agreeing to participate does not absolve the perpetrators of liability. This is crucial because true consent is impossible under duress, coercion, or immense peer pressure.

These anti-hazing provisions in the Texas Education Code carry both criminal and civil implications.

Criminal Penalties

Hazing incidents can lead to serious criminal charges in Texas.

• Class B Misdemeanor: For acts of hazing that do not result in serious 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 requiring medical treatment.
• State Jail Felony: If the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. This can carry significant prison time and substantial fines.

Beyond direct participation, the law also makes it a criminal offense (misdemeanor) to fail to report a hazing incident if you are a member or officer aware of it, or to retaliate against someone for reporting hazing.

Reporter Protections

Texas law encourages reporting. Section 37.154 grants immunity from civil or criminal liability for individuals who report hazing incidents to university authorities or law enforcement in good faith. Furthermore, in cases of medical emergencies often linked to hazing (like severe alcohol poisoning), Texas law and many university policies provide amnesty for students who call 911, protecting them from prosecution for minor offenses (like underage drinking) if they are seeking help for someone in distress.

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

Understanding the distinction between criminal and civil cases is vital for families in City of Waller affected by hazing. While both seek to address wrongdoing, their aims, and processes differ significantly.

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the state (prosecutors) against individuals or organizations accused of violating criminal laws. The goal is to punish the guilty through fines, imprisonment, or probation. In hazing contexts, common criminal charges can include hazing offenses, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, or, in the most tragic cases, manslaughter or negligent homicide. A criminal conviction requires proof “beyond a reasonable doubt.”

• Civil Cases: These are initiated by victims or their surviving family members (plaintiffs) against those responsible for the harm (defendants). The primary goal is monetary compensation for damages suffered. Civil hazing cases often involve claims of negligence, gross negligence, wrongful death, negligent hiring or supervision, premises liability, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The burden of proof in civil cases is typically lower, requiring a “preponderance of the evidence.”

It’s important to note that criminal and civil cases can proceed concurrently. A criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil case, and often, the information uncovered in civil discovery can be valuable in criminal investigations, and vice versa.

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

Beyond state law, federal provisions further reinforce accountability and transparency in hazing incidents.

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This significant federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding enhance their hazing prevention and reporting. By approximately 2026, these institutions will be required to publicly report hazing incidents, provide more transparency regarding disciplinary actions, and strengthen their prevention education. This act aims to create a more comprehensive national picture of hazing incidents and foster greater accountability.

• Title IX / Clery Act:

  • Title IX: When hazing involves sex-based discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexual assault, it triggers a university’s obligations under Title IX. This federal law prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. Universities failing to address such hazing promptly and effectively can face severe penalties, including loss of federal funding.
  • 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. Hazing incidents involving assault, forced alcohol/drug use, or other serious crimes often fall under Clery reporting requirements, compelling institutions to provide greater transparency about campus safety.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

When hazing occurs, multiple parties can be held legally responsible in a civil lawsuit, extending beyond the immediate perpetrators. This multi-layered liability is crucial for securing comprehensive compensation for victims and ensuring true accountability.

• Individual Students: Those who actively planned, encouraged, participated in, or even failed to intervene in hazing acts can be held personally liable for the harm caused. This includes “pledge educators,” chapter officers, and individual members.

• Local Chapter / Organization: The specific fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself (if it’s a recognized legal entity) can be sued. Liability often arises if the organization, through its customs or practices, condoned or facilitated the hazing.

• National Fraternity/Sorority: Most Greek organizations operating on campuses have a national or international governing body. These national headquarters set policies, provide training, and collect dues from their local chapters. They can be held liable if they knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (either at the local chapter or across multiple chapters nationwide) and failed to take adequate preventive or corrective action. This “foreseeability” often hinges on their past incident reports and how they enforced their own anti-hazing policies.

• University or Governing Board: Colleges and universities have a duty to provide a safe environment for their students. They can be held liable for hazing if they were negligent in supervising student organizations, failed to enforce their own anti-hazing policies, were deliberately indifferent to a known hazing problem, or failed to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm. The specific level of liability can vary depending on whether the institution is public (which may have some sovereign immunity protections in Texas) or private.

• Third Parties: Liability can also extend to others:

  • Landlords/Property Owners: If hazing occurs on private property (like an off-campus house), the owner might be liable if they knew or should have known about dangerous activities occurring on their premises and failed to act.
  • Alcohol Providers: Under Texas dram shop laws, establishments that overserve visibly intoxicated individuals who then cause harm, or illegally serve minors, can be held responsible.
  • Security Companies / Event Organizers: If present, they might bear some responsibility for failing to ensure safety.

Each hazing case is unique, and the specific defendants and legal theories will depend entirely on the facts, the nature of the hazing, and who had knowledge or control over the situation. This complex web of potential liability highlights why experienced legal counsel is essential.

National Hazing Case Patterns (Anchor Stories)

The tragic stories of hazing victims echo across the nation, providing stark warnings and critical legal precedents. These anchor cases, though occurring outside Texas, profoundly influence how hazing incidents are litigated and addressed here, including for families in City of Waller. They demonstrate common patterns, the horrific outcomes, and the legal pathways to accountability.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

Forced or excessive alcohol consumption remains the single leading cause of hazing fatalities. These cases often reveal a heartbreaking commonality: intense pressure, a culture of secrecy, and a cruel delay in seeking medical help.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State University, Beta Theta Pi (2017): In one of the most widely publicized cases, 19-year-old Timothy Piazza died after a “bid acceptance” event where he suffered multiple falls, including a fatal one down a flight of stairs, following extreme alcohol consumption. Chapter surveillance cameras devastatingly showed fraternity members delaying critical medical assistance for hours. This tragedy led to numerous criminal charges against fraternity members, civil litigation against various parties, and the enactment of Pennsylvania’s stringent Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law. This case underscored the lethal combination of extreme intoxication, delayed medical response, and a pervasive culture of silence.

• Andrew Coffey – Florida State University, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, a 20-year-old FSU pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event where pledges were pressured to consume copious amounts of hard liquor. The incident resulted in criminal hazing charges against several members and prompted Florida State University to temporarily suspend all Greek life, overhauling its risk management policies. Coffey’s case highlights how seemingly “traditional” drinking nights can quickly become fatal.

• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – Louisiana State University, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, 18, died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after participating in a “Bible study” drinking game where pledges were forced to drink heavily for incorrect answers. Multiple members faced criminal charges, and one was convicted of negligent homicide. Gruver’s death spurred Louisiana to pass the Max Gruver Act, a felony hazing statute, demonstrating that public outcry and legal action can lead to significant legislative change.

• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, an 18-year-old pledge, was forced to consume a full bottle of whiskey during a “Big/Little” event and died from alcohol poisoning. The incident resulted in multiple criminal convictions of fraternity members and a significant $10 million settlement for his family, including $7 million from the national Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and about $3 million from Bowling Green State University. Foltz’s case vividly illustrates that universities, even public ones, face substantial financial and reputational consequences alongside the fraternities themselves.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and psychologically brutal rituals continue to claim lives or cause catastrophic injuries, often cloaked in the guise of “tradition.”

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, 19, died from traumatic brain injuries sustained during a terrifying “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains. Pledges were blindfolded, weighted down, and repeatedly tackled. Fraternity members shamefully delayed calling 911 for hours. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter, subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for a decade. This case serves as a powerful reminder that hazing moved to off-campus, third-party locations does not negate liability, and national organizations can be held criminally responsible for their chapters’ actions.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing’s reach extends far beyond Greek life, infiltrating other high-profile campus organizations, including competitive athletic programs.

• Northwestern University Football Scandal (2023–2025): This incident exposed widespread sexualized and racist hazing within Northwestern’s football program, going back multiple years. Former players alleged pervasive physical abuse and humiliating acts. The scandal resulted in multiple lawsuits against the university and senior coaching staff, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later confidentially settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit), and a major institutional crisis. This case underscores that hazing is a systemic problem not exclusive to Greek life, and that even major athletic programs with significant resources can harbor deeply ingrained cultures of abuse.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national tragedies reveal a disturbing commonality: forced drinking, physical abuse, psychological torment, delayed medical care, and concerted cover-up efforts. While the names and locations change, the patterns often remain chillingly consistent.

It is a somber truth that significant reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often only materialize after a tragedy has occurred and after determined legal action by victims’ families. Texas families in City of Waller, whose children attend institutions like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, or Baylor, are not isolated from these national trends. Unfortunately, they operate within a higher education landscape that has been profoundly shaped by these national lessons, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance and legal readiness from the outset.

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

For City of Waller families, understanding the unique cultures and hazing histories of Texas’s major universities is paramount. While City of Waller itself may not host a large university, our residents send their children to colleges across the state. The Manginello Law Firm serves families throughout Texas, from Houston to City of Waller, and we monitor incidents at all major institutions. The closest major university to City of Waller is the University of Houston, connecting many City of Waller families to its campus life. However, students from City of Waller attend all five of these prominent institutions, and each has its own context regarding hazing.

University of Houston (UH)

As a large urban campus, the University of Houston is a hub of diverse student life, with a significant Hellenic community and countless student organizations. Its proximity means many City of Waller families have a direct connection to UH, either through students currently attending or alumni.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UH is known for its vibrant, diverse student body, an active Greek life with dozens of fraternities and sororities, and a wide array of student organizations, including cultural groups, sports clubs, and academic societies. While a significant commuter school, its growing residential population means campus life, including Greek life, plays a central role for many.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains a strict anti-hazing policy, clearly prohibiting any act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation, affiliation, or membership. This prohibition extends to both on-campus and off-campus activities. UH’s policy specifically bans forced alcohol or substance consumption, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and acts causing mental distress. Students and families can report hazing through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, or the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). UH also provides information about hazing prevention and past disciplinary actions on its website.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

One notable incident involved the Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) fraternity in 2016. Pledges allegedly endured sleep and food deprivation during a multi-day event, with one student reportedly suffering a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges, and the university imposed a suspension, highlighting UH’s willingness to act decisively, even if the public details of such incidents are often limited after the initial news cycle. While specific details can be difficult to access, subsequent disciplinary records have occasionally referenced organizations being sanctioned for behavior “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” often involving alcohol misuse and policy violations leading to suspensions or probation.

How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For City of Waller residents, a hazing case originating at UH would typically involve the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD) for on-campus incidents, and potentially the Houston Police Department for off-campus events in the city. Any civil lawsuits would likely fall under the jurisdiction of the large, complex court system covering Houston and Harris County. Potential defendants could include individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and (depending on the facts) the university or property owners. Uncovering prior disciplinary actions or internal communications at the university is crucial for building a strong case.

What UH Students & Parents Should Do

• Report Strategically: Familiarize yourself with UH’s reporting channels (Dean of Students, UHPD, online forms).
• Document Everything: Even prior complaints or whispers of past incidents can be vital. Keep careful notes of dates, times, and specific occurrences.
• Seek Houston-Based Legal Counsel: Due to UH’s location, attorneys experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can navigate the local legal landscape, understand the city’s unique judicial system, and effectively uncover prior disciplinary actions and internal files that may be hidden from public view. Attorney911 operates directly out of Houston and is deeply familiar with these processes.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M, known for its deep-rooted traditions and the revered Corps of Cadets, draws students from all corners of Texas, including City of Waller. The university’s strong emphasis on tradition can sometimes create unique challenges in distinguishing between time-honored rituals and prohibited hazing.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M boasts a distinctive culture centered around its “Aggie Spirit,” rigorous academics, and the highly visible Corps of Cadets. Greek life is also prominent, but the unique traditions of the Corps, military-style training, and numerous student organizations mean that hazing can manifest in various ways, often under the guise of “toughening up” or “bonding.”

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M strictly prohibits hazing across all student organizations, including Greek life and the Corps of Cadets. Its comprehensive policy, enforced through the Dean of Student Life and the Director of Residence Life, defines hazing broadly to include any mental or physical endangerment. Reporting channels include the Student Conduct Office, the local police (in College Station for residents of City of Waller), and the University Police Department (UPD). A&M actively publicizes information regarding its hazing policies and the disciplinary process for violations.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (circa 2021): This case drew national attention when two pledges alleged they were subjected to a torturous hazing ritual. They claimed members poured industrial-strength cleaner, raw eggs, and spit on them, causing severe chemical burns that required skin graft surgeries. The pledges filed a $1 million lawsuit against the fraternity, which was subsequently suspended by the university for two years. Such incidents painfully illustrate the extreme and dangerous nature of some hazing.
• Corps of Cadets Hazing Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging he was subjected to degrading hazing practices, including simulated sexual acts and being bound in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. He sought over $1 million in damages. While the university stated it had handled the matter internally according to its rules, the incident sparked further scrutiny into the hazing culture within the Corps. These cases underscore that alleged hazing at A&M can affect both Greek life and the highly regarded Corps traditions.

How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For City of Waller families involved in an A&M hazing incident, investigations could involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (TAMUPD) or the College Station Police Department for off-campus events. Civil claims would be heard in Brazos County courts. The legal strategy would often focus on distinguishing “tradition” from illegal hazing, as well as the unique oversight structures within the Corps of Cadets versus the broader university and Greek life.

What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand the Culture: Be vigilant of practices in any organization that might blur the line between rigorous tradition and hazing.
• Document Aggressively: Given the emphasis on “tradition,” precise documentation of what occurred, where, and by whom is crucial for demonstrating it was not consensual or part of a legitimate process.
• Seek Legal Review: An early consultation with an attorney can help separate the university’s internal interpretations from your child’s legal rights under Texas law.

University of Texas at Austin (UT)

The University of Texas at Austin, a flagship institution, attracts a vast number of students, including many from City of Waller who pursue its diverse academic programs and vibrant campus life. Its Greek system, like its academic profile, is among the largest and most influential in the state.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

UT Austin is a sprawling campus with a rich academic tradition and a lively, diverse student population. Greek life is a central component of social activity for many, alongside hundreds of other student organizations, spirit groups, and athletic teams. The university’s size and social environment can sometimes contribute to incidents going unreported or being difficult to investigate thoroughly.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin has a clearly articulated no-tolerance hazing policy, which aligns with Texas state law, prohibiting any act on or off campus that harms students attempting to join or maintain membership in an organization. The university maintains a notably transparent Hazing Violations page on its website (hazing.utexas.edu), which lists organizations, dates of incidents, the nature of the conduct, and the disciplinary sanctions imposed. Reporting can be made through the Dean of Students, the Office of Student Conduct, the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD), or the Austin Police Department.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT’s transparency provides a public record of ongoing challenges:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) (2023): This chapter was sanctioned after new members were directed to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics, a clear example of hazing impacting physical health. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement enhanced hazing-prevention education.
• Texas Wranglers / Spirit Organizations: UT’s public log also frequently features non-Greek organizations, including spirit groups and clubs like the Texas Wranglers, sanctioned for hazing. These incidents often involve forced workouts, underage drinking, or degrading activities disguised as “tradition.” The repeated appearance of various organizations on this list underscores the pervasive nature of hazing despite clear policies.

How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at UT Austin would involve investigations by UTPD or the Austin Police Department, depending on the incident’s location. Civil lawsuits would typically proceed in Travis County courts. The existence of UT’s public Hazing Violations log can be a powerful asset in civil cases, as it can demonstrate a pattern of similar incidents and the university’s prior knowledge or failure to adequately deter hazing behavior within specific organizations.

What UT Students & Parents Should Do

• Review UT’s Hazing Log: Families from City of Waller should regularly check UT’s public hazing violations page (hazing.utexas.edu) for relevant organizations to be informed of past conduct.
• Document Prior Violations: If an organization with a history of hazing is involved in a new incident, this history is crucial evidence.
• Be Prepared for Austin Legal Processes: Work with an attorney who understands the Travis County legal system and how to leverage public university records and discovery processes for maximum impact.

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

SMU, a private institution, attracts students from affluent backgrounds across Texas and the nation, including City of Waller. Its social scene is heavily influenced by its prominent Greek life.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

SMU is known for its beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and a vibrant social scene where Greek life often plays a central role. Its private status allows for some differences in how it handles and reports incidents compared to public universities, often emphasizing internal processes over public disclosure.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU has a strict anti-hazing policy that applies to all student organizations. It utilizes a Dean of Students office and a student conduct process for investigations and disciplinary actions. The university also promotes anonymous reporting systems, such as “Real Response,” to encourage students to come forward without fear of retaliation. While SMU provides public statements on hazing prevention, detailed internal reports and disciplinary actions are typically less publicly accessible than those at public institutions.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): This specific incident, widely reported, involved allegations of new members at the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity being paddled, forced to consume alcohol, and deprived of sleep. The university responded by suspending the chapter, imposing restrictions on its recruiting activities, and placing it under stringent oversight for several years. This demonstrated SMU’s willingness to act decisively, even if the public details of such events from private universities are generally more limited.

How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

Since SMU is a private institution, legal proceedings wouldn’t involve university police. Instead, the Dallas Police Department would jurisdiction. Civil lawsuits against SMU or its affiliated organizations would proceed in Dallas County courts. A key difference from public universities is that private institutions generally have fewer protections under sovereign immunity, potentially making them more directly liable in civil suits. However, obtaining internal documents often requires a subpoena through the discovery process, as they are not subject to public records requests.

What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

• Understand Private University Dynamics: Be aware that internal investigations might not be transparent, making independent legal inquiry crucial.
• Leverage Discovery: An experienced attorney can compel the release of internal documents, emails, and disciplinary records from SMU and national fraternities through the legal discovery process.
• Be Prepared for Dallas Legal System: Families from City of Waller will navigate the Dallas County legal system, requiring counsel familiar with its specific procedures and judges.

Baylor University

Baylor University, a private Baptist university, also attracts students from City of Waller, who are drawn to its strong academic and faith-based community. Baylor’s well-documented history of institutional oversight challenges, particularly concerning Title IX violations and its football program, adds a layer of complexity to hazing concerns.

Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor maintains a distinct religiously-affiliated culture, which shapes its student life and social organizations. While it has a traditional Greek system, numerous other student groups, including athletic teams, are integral to campus life. Baylor’s past struggles with major scandals have led to increased scrutiny over student safety and institutional accountability.

Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor has a comprehensive hazing policy, which broadly defines and prohibits hazing both on and off campus. The university emphasizes a “zero tolerance” approach and provides multiple channels for reporting incidents, including the Dean of Students office, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and an online reporting system. The university also highlights its educational initiatives aimed at hazing prevention.

Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): This incident led to the suspension of 14 baseball players following an investigation into hazing allegations. The suspensions were staggered, indicating the university’s effort to address the issue within its prominent athletic program. This incident highlighted that hazing extends to athletic teams, even within institutions that publicly espouse strong ethical codes.
• Broader Oversight Challenges: Baylor’s history of challenges, particularly the sexual assault scandal involving its football program and subsequent Title IX investigations, has created a backdrop where questions about institutional oversight and student well-being are paramount. While not directly hazing, these incidents underscore the need for vigilance regarding all forms of student misconduct and the effectiveness of institutional response.

How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

Hazing cases at Baylor would involve investigations by BUPD or the Waco Police Department for off-campus events. Civil actions would be filed in the McLennan County court system. Given Baylor’s private university status, obtaining internal documents would require aggressive legal discovery, similar to SMU. The legal strategy would often incorporate arguments about Baylor’s broader institutional history and its effectiveness in ensuring student safety following previous controversies.

What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

• Scrutinize Institutional Response: Closely monitor Baylor’s response to any hazing allegations, comparing words to actions, especially given its history.
• Understand Baylor’s Context: Be aware of how Baylor’s policies, religious branding, and unique history interact with hazing and abuse claims.
• Seek Experienced Counsel for Private Universities: Attorneys familiar with litigating against private institutions can effectively navigate the complexities of discovery and liability for City of Waller families.

Fraternities & Sororities: Campus-Specific + National Histories

Many students from City of Waller join Greek organizations at universities across Texas, often unaware of the deeper, sometimes troubled, histories of these national fraternities and sororities. The sad truth is that many national organizations have long histories of hazing at various chapters across the country. These histories are not mere anecdotes; they are critical legal facts.

Why National Histories Matter

The fraternities and sororities thriving at UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor—such as Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Phi Delta Theta, Pi Kappa Phi, Kappa Alpha Order, and many others—are not independent entities. They are chapters of larger national or international organizations. These national headquarters are critical entities that:

• Set Policies: They issue extensive anti-hazing manuals, risk management guidelines, and codes of conduct.
• Provide Training: They conduct national and regional training sessions for student leaders and advisors.
• Collect Dues: Members pay fees to the national organization, implying a reciprocal duty of care and oversight.
• Have Prior Knowledge: Crucially, these national organizations often possess a vast internal database of prior hazing incidents, injuries, and even deaths that have occurred at their chapters nationwide. They know, or should know, the patterns of dangerous behavior because they have seen them before.

When a local chapter at a Texas university—whether in Houston, College Station, Austin, Dallas, or Waco—repeats a hazing act eerily similar to one that led to a death or serious injury at another campus, it strengthens the argument that the national organization had foreseeability. This means they knew, or reasonably should have known, that such hazing was a foreseeable risk within their organization and failed to take adequate steps to prevent it. Such pattern evidence is invaluable in supporting claims of negligence or gross negligence against national entities, and can significantly impact settlement leverage and potential for punitive damages.

Organization Mapping

Here, we connect some of the major fraternities and sororities present at Texas universities with their national hazing issues. This is not an exhaustive list but highlights organizations with well-documented national hazing incidents that influence liability.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike): A common fraternity at many Texas campuses, including UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor. Pike’s national organization has been embroiled in multiple hazing deaths and severe injury cases.

  • Stone Foltz (Bowling Green State University, 2021): This case, where a pledge died from alcohol poisoning after being forced to drink a whole bottle of liquor during a “Big/Little” event, led to a $7 million settlement from the national Pi Kappa Alpha. This case, along with others such as David Bogenberger (Northern Illinois University, 2012) who also died from alcohol poisoning, clearly demonstrates a pattern of dangerous “Big/Little” drinking culture within the national fraternity. These incidents show extreme foreseeability regarding forced alcohol consumption.

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE): SAE charters are found at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU, among others. Historically, SAE has faced a disproportionate number of hazing-related deaths and serious injuries.

  • University of Alabama (2023): A pledge allegedly suffered a traumatic brain injury during a hazing ritual.
  • Texas A&M (2021): Two pledges alleged severe chemical burns requiring skin grafts after members poured industrial-strength cleaner on them. A $1 million lawsuit was filed.
  • University of Texas at Austin (2024): An international student alleged assault at an SAE party, resulting in severe lower body injuries.
  • These incidents, combined with national cases like Carson Starkey (Cal Poly, 2008) who died from alcohol poisoning during hazing, underscore a pattern of dangerous physical and alcohol-related activities within SAE, demonstrating a clear history of warnings to the national organization.

• Phi Delta Theta: With chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor.

  • Max Gruver (Louisiana State University, 2017): Gruver’s death from alcohol poisoning during a “Bible study” drinking game is a landmark case for hazing fatalities and led to the Max Gruver Act. This specific hazing method highlights a pattern of dangerous drinking games.

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

  • Andrew Coffey (Florida State University, 2017): Coffey’s death from alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” cemented Pi Kappa Phi’s place in the tragic history of hazing fatalities. This points to a pattern of forced alcohol consumption.

• Beta Theta Pi: Widespread, including at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and SMU.

  • Timothy Piazza (Penn State University, 2017): Piazza’s death from traumatic brain injuries after a night of extreme drinking and delayed medical attention is one of the most thoroughly documented hazing cases, highlighting a national organization’s failure to control its chapter.

• Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI): At Texas A&M and UT.

  • Danny Santulli (University of Missouri, 2021): Pledges were forced to drink an entire bottle of liquor. This resulted in Santulli suffering severe, permanent brain damage and requiring 24/7 care. Settlements with 22 defendants, including the fraternity, reportedly totaled multi-million dollars. This case is a critical example of catastrophic, non-fatal hazing injury that can lead to lifelong care costs.

• Omega Psi Phi: Present at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor.

  • Rafeal Joseph (University of Southern Mississippi, 2023): Allegations of severe beatings with a wooden paddle during “Hell Night” leading to an emergency surgery. Joseph filed a federal lawsuit against the university and the chapter, demonstrating that severe physical hazing, even traditionally, can lead to serious legal action against both the chapter and university.

• Kappa Sigma: Chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, and Baylor.

  • Chad Meredith (University of Miami, 2001): Meredith, 18, drowned after being coerced by fraternity members to swim across a lake while intoxicated. A jury awarded his parents a $12.6 million verdict for hazing-related negligence. This case led to Florida’s law making hazing a criminal offense.
  • College of Charleston (2024): A family received more than $10 million in damages for physical beatings, forced drug/alcohol consumption, and psychological torment, showing juries are willing to award substantial sums for severe hazing.
  • Texas Christian University (2018) & Texas A&M (2023): Pledges at Texas A&M alleged severe injuries including rhabdomyolysis from extreme physical hazing. This organization faces ongoing hazing concerns within Texas.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

The documented histories of hazing within these national organizations serve a critical purpose in civil litigation. They demonstrate that:

• Foreseeability: National organizations, given their long record of similar incidents across various chapters, cannot credibly claim ignorance when parallel hazing occurs at a Texas branch. They’ve been warned repeatedly.
• Pattern of Negligence: This pattern evidence can show that anti-hazing policies, while written, were not meaningfully enforced, or that prior incidents resulted in insufficient punishment to deter future conduct.
• Enhanced Liability: Such histories bolster arguments for gross negligence, potentially leading to higher damages, including punitive damages, which aim to punish egregious conduct and deter future similar actions.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: Armed with these patterns, skilled attorneys can counter insurers’ attempts to deny coverage by arguing that the national organization’s ongoing negligence, rather than just individual intentional acts, contributes to the harm—thereby triggering coverage under their general liability policies.

For City of Waller families seeking justice, understanding this broader context is vital. It’s not just about what happened at a single chapter; it’s about connecting that incident to a national pattern of organizational failure that may stretch back decades.

Building a Case: Evidence, Damages, Strategy

Successfully pursuing a hazing case in Texas, whether for a student from City of Waller or elsewhere, requires a meticulous and aggressive legal approach. It means confronting powerful institutions with deep resources, which is why the quality of evidence, understanding of damages, and a clear legal strategy are paramount.

Evidence: The Foundation of Your Case

In hazing litigation, evidence is not merely collected; it is unearthed, analyzed, and strategically deployed. Attorney911 specializes in modern evidence collection methods, understanding that today’s hazing often leaves a digital footprint.

• Digital Communications: This is often the most critical category of evidence in contemporary hazing cases.

  • GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, Fraternity/Sorority Apps: These platforms are where hazing is often planned, executed, and documented. Messages can reveal explicit instructions, threats, dates, times, and participants. We understand how to preserve and analyze these.
  • Social Media DMs & Posts: Instagram DMs, Snapchat messages (though ephemeral, they often leave traces), TikTok comments, and public posts (even if later deleted) can incriminate individuals and organizations.
  • Recovery of Deleted Data: While perpetrators often attempt to delete incriminating messages, skilled digital forensic experts can often recover deleted content, making prompt legal action essential before data is permanently overwritten.

• Photos & Videos:

  • Content Filmed by Participants: Many hazing incidents are recorded by members for “entertainment” or “proof.” This footage, often shared in group chats, can be devastating evidence.
  • Surveillance/Ring Cam Footage: Security cameras at private residences, off-campus venues, or even campus buildings can capture incidents or the comings and goings of participants.
  • Personal Injuries: Comprehensive photos and videos of any injuries (bruises, burns, lacerations) taken immediately and over time provide irrefutable documentation of physical harm.

• Internal Organization Documents: Subpoenas can compel the release of:

  • Pledge Manuals, Membership Education Handbooks: These documents can sometimes contain veiled instructions or historical “traditions” that facilitate hazing.
  • Meeting Minutes, Emails, Texts from Officers: These reveal planning, knowledge, and directives related to new member activities.
  • National Policies & Training Materials: These documents are crucial for demonstrating what the national organization knew or should have known about hazing risks and how they supposedly intended to prevent it.

• University Records: Through public records requests (for public universities like UH, A&M, UT) and aggressive discovery (for all universities), we can obtain:

  • Prior Disciplinary Files: Records of past hazing violations, probations, or suspensions involving the same organization. This is crucial for establishing a pattern and foreseeability.
  • Incident Reports: Records from campus police, student conduct offices, or security personnel related to the incident or previous issues.
  • Emails Among Administrators: These can reveal what university officials knew and when, and how they responded (or failed to respond).

• Medical and Psychological Records: These document the full extent of the harm suffered:

  • ER & Hospitalization Records: Initial treatment, diagnoses, and toxicology reports (e.g., blood alcohol levels).
  • Ongoing Treatment Notes: From surgeons, physical therapists, neurologists, etc., detailing long-term physical recovery needs.
  • Psychological Evaluations: Diagnoses of conditions like PTSD, depression, anxiety, humiliation, or trauma caused by the hazing. These are vital for non-economic damages.

• Witness Testimony:

  • Other Pledges/Members: Their accounts are invaluable, though they may initially be reluctant to speak due to fear of retaliation.
  • Roommates, Friends, RAs, Coaches: Anyone who observed changes in the victim or had knowledge of the hazing.
  • Former Members: Often, individuals who have left the organization due to moral objections can provide compelling testimony.

Damages: What Families Can Recover

Hazing cases often involve extensive damages, encompassing both a victim’s tangible losses and profound emotional suffering. We meticulously quantifies all types of damages to ensure that clients receive justice for every aspect of their harm.

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This includes past costs for emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation. Critically, it also covers future medical needs, such as ongoing therapy (physical, occupational, speech), long-term psychiatric treatment for PTSD, or even a full life care plan for catastrophic injuries (like in the Danny Santulli case, where the victim needs 24/7 care for life).

• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: Hazing can disrupt a student’s academic path, leading to missed semesters, loss of scholarships, and delayed graduation. In cases of permanent injury, it can result in a diminished future earning capacity, impacting a victim’s ability to work throughout their lifetime. These economic losses are calculated with expert economists.

• Non-Economic Damages: These intangible losses are often the most profound:

  • Physical Pain & Suffering: From the initial injuries through ongoing chronic pain.
  • Emotional Distress & Psychological Harm: Including diagnosed conditions like PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and the deep humiliation and loss of dignity associated with hazing.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The inability to participate in activities, hobbies, or social life that once brought joy, and the general loss of the college experience.

• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the tragic event of a hazing death, surviving family members (parents, children, and sometimes siblings) can recover:

  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided.
  • Loss of companionship, love, guidance, and society.
  • Emotional grief and suffering for the family.

• Punitive Damages: When hazing involves particularly malicious, reckless, or egregious conduct, courts may award punitive damages. These are not intended to compensate the victim but to punish the defendants and deter similar future behavior. Examples include cases where there were repeated warnings ignored, a deliberate cover-up, or callous indifference to student safety. Texas law does place caps on punitive damages but allows for significant awards in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing cases are complex because they typically involve multiple defendants (individuals, local chapters, national organizations, universities) and often extensive insurance coverage disputes.

• Insurance Policies: National fraternities, sororities, and universities typically carry substantial general liability insurance policies. However, their insurers often try to avoid paying claims by arguing:

  • “Intentional Act” Exclusions: Policies may exclude coverage for “intentional” acts like assault, claiming hazing falls under this.
  • “Hazing Exclusion” Riders: Some policies now explicitly exclude hazing.
  • “No Relationship” Claims: Insurers may argue the local chapter acted independently or off-campus, breaking the chain of responsibility to the national or university.

• Experienced Hazing Lawyers: We understand these tactics. Our firm’s associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings invaluable insurance insider knowledge from her background at a national defense firm, understanding exactly how these companies value claims, negotiate, and defend cases. We strategically counter these arguments by focusing on:

  • Negligent Supervision: Arguing that even if individual hazing acts were intentional, the national organization’s or university’s failure to adequately supervise, warn, and prevent was negligent, which is covered.
  • Discovery of Pattern Evidence: Using evidence of prior hazing incidents (as noted in Section 6) to demonstrate foreseeability and an organization’s negligent failure to act.
  • Identifying All Policies: Pursuing coverage from all possible sources, including local chapter policies, national policies, and university umbrella policies.

This intricate dance with multiple defendants and powerful insurance companies requires highly specialized legal insight. Without it, victims and their families risk being outmaneuvered and denied justice.

Practical Guides & FAQs

When hazing strikes, families in City of Waller and students across Texas often feel isolated and overwhelmed. We’ve compiled practical advice for parents, students, and witnesses, along with answers to frequently asked questions, empowering you with knowledge during a challenging time.

For Parents: Recognizing & Responding to Hazing

Your child’s well-being is your top priority. Learn to identify the warning signs and know how to react effectively.

• Warning Signs of Hazing: Be watchful for changes in your child’s behavior, physical appearance, or academic performance.
  • Physical Signs: Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns; extreme fatigue or exhaustion; dramatic weight changes; signs of sleep deprivation; injuries from paddling or forced exercise.
  • Behavioral & Emotional Changes: Sudden secrecy about their organization’s activities (“I can’t talk about it”); withdrawal from old friends or family; personality shifts (anxiety, depression, irritability); defensiveness when asked about the group; fear of “getting in trouble” with the organization.
  • Academic Red Flags: Unexpected drops in grades, missing classes, falling asleep in lectures due to late-night “mandatory” events.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach conversation empathetically. Focus on their safety and well-being. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going with the [organization]?” or “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?” Reassure them that you will support them, no matter what.
• If Your Child is Hurt: Prioritize medical care immediately. Document everything: take clear photos of injuries, screenshot any relevant texts or group chats on their phone, and write down every detail while memory is fresh (who, what, when, where).
• Dealing with the University: Document all communications with university administrators. Ask specific questions about any prior incidents involving the organization in question. Be aware that the university’s priority may be to manage its reputation, not solely to advocate for your child.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has suffered significant physical or psychological harm, or if you suspect the university or organization is minimizing or covering up the incident, it is crucial to contact an experienced hazing attorney immediately.

For Students / Pledges: Self-Assessment & Safety Planning

You have rights, and your safety is paramount. Here’s how to assess your situation and take action.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Am I being forced to do something unsafe, humiliating, or against my will? Would I do this if my choice came with no social consequences? If the activity is hidden from outsiders, or if I’m told not to tell anyone, it’s likely hazing. If your gut tells you it’s wrong, it probably is.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: The pressure to belong, the fear of exclusion, and power imbalances nullify true consent in hazing scenarios. Texas law explicitly recognizes this, making consent no defense to hazing charges.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time. If you feel unsafe, get to a safe place and contact a trusted adult (parent, RA, counseling center). Most schools and Texas law have good-faith reporting protections if you call for help in an emergency. You can report hazing anonymously through campus channels or the National Anti-Hazing Hotline (1-888-668-4293).
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: If you are involved in a hazing incident and call 911 for a medical emergency, Texas law (and most university policies) offers some legal immunity for minor infractions (like underage drinking). Your safety, and the safety of others, comes first.

For Former Members / Witnesses: A Path to Accountability

If you were once involved in hazing, or witnessed it, and now grapple with guilt or fear, know that your courage can prevent future tragedies.

• Your Testimony Matters: Your firsthand account and evidence can be instrumental in securing justice for victims and protecting other students. It can quite literally save lives by holding dangerous individuals and institutions accountable.
• Seeking Legal Advice: You may want to seek your own legal advice regarding your role in past incidents. An attorney can help you understand any potential exposure while navigating cooperation with civil investigations. For former members providing information, lawyers can often negotiate protections or leniency.

Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Hazing Case

For parents and students in City of Waller who are considering legal action, avoiding common pitfalls is as important as collecting evidence. These mistakes can severely undermine a case or even destroy it entirely. Attorney911 created an educational video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case,” available on our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY), to help you navigate this complex terrain.

1. Letting Your Child Delete Messages or “Clean Up” Evidence:

   • Why it’s wrong: Deleting evidence appears to be a cover-up, can be considered obstruction of justice, and makes proving your case exponentially harder.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately, even if it seems embarrassing or irrelevant. Screenshots with timestamps are gold.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly:

   • Why it’s wrong: Direct confrontation alerts the organization, prompting them to immediately hide evidence, coach witnesses, and prepare their defenses.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in private, then contact experienced legal counsel before any direct confrontation.

3. Signing University “Release” or “Resolution” Forms:

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities may pressure families into signing agreements that waive your right to pursue legal action or settle for far less than the true value of your case.
   • What to do instead: Never sign any document from the university or an insurance company without an attorney’s review.

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Consulting a Lawyer:

   • Why it’s wrong: Defense attorneys actively scour social media. Inconsistent statements can hurt credibility, and public posts can inadvertently waive legal privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document everything privately and allow your legal team to control any public messaging strategically.

5. Letting Your Child Go Back for “One Last Meeting”:

   • Why it’s wrong: Organizations often use these meetings to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can later be used against your child in a legal setting.
   • What to do instead: Once you’re considering legal action, all communication from the organization should be directed to your attorney.

6. Waiting “To See How the University Handles It”:

   • Why it’s wrong: Evidence rapidly disappears, witnesses graduate and scatter, and the statute of limitations continues to run. Universities often prioritize their own reputation over full accountability.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence immediately and consult with an attorney. University internal processes are distinct from legal accountability.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer:

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Any statement you make can be used to undervalue or deny your claim.
   • What to do instead: Politely decline to speak with them and state, “My attorney will contact you.”

For more details on avoiding these crucial missteps, watch Attorney911’s video, “Client Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Injury Case” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3IYsoxOSxY).

Short FAQ

• “Can I sue a university for hazing in Texas?”
  Yes, under certain circumstances. Public universities (UH, Texas A&M, UT) benefit from some sovereign immunity under Texas law, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, serious wrongdoing, or Title IX violations. Private universities (SMU, Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Every case is fact-specific; contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”
  It can be. While basic hazing is a Class B misdemeanor, it elevates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Individuals who fail to report hazing or retaliate against reporters can also face misdemeanor charges.

• “Can my child bring a case if they ‘agreed’ to the initiation?”
  Yes. Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that “agreement” under peer pressure and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent. Our video, “What Is Comparative Negligence?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agzHKY_v9l4) explains how this often ties into victim’s conduct.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”
  Generally 2 years from the date of injury or death (statute of limitations) in Texas. However, the “discovery rule” can extend this if the harm or its cause wasn’t immediately apparent. In cases involving cover-ups, the statute may be tolled (paused). Time is critical; evidence disappears, and organizations destroy records. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Our video “Is There a Statute of Limitations on My Case?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c) details this further.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”
  Location does not eliminate liability. Universities and national organizations can still be liable based on sponsorship, control, knowledge, and foreseeability. Many major hazing cases (like Pi Delta Psi’s retreat; Sigma Pi’s unofficial house) occurred off-campus yet resulted in multi-million-dollar judgments.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”
  Most hazing cases settle confidentially before trial. While some high-profile cases do garner media attention, we prioritize protecting your family’s privacy and can often achieve confidential settlements and sealed court records. Our video “Will Your Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ed5AnmCMcc) can provide more context.

About The Manginello Law Firm + Call to Action

When your family faces the heartbreaking reality of hazing, you need more than just a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions—national fraternities, wealthy universities, and their deep-pocketed insurers—fight back, and how to win anyway. This is where The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, the Legal Emergency Lawyers™, stands apart.

We are a Houston-based Texas personal injury firm with a statewide reach, serving families across the state, including in City of Waller and surrounding communities in Waller County. Many City of Waller families have children attending institutions across Texas, and we are prepared to bring our expertise to any Texas campus.

Our firm brings a unique blend of skills that are critical for successful hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, formerly worked as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. This invaluable experience gives us an intimate understanding of how fraternity and university insurance companies operate. We know their playbook—their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusions, and their settlement strategies—because we used to run it. This insider knowledge allows us to anticipate their moves and counter them effectively. Learn more about Lupe Peña at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/.

• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has extensive experience in complex litigation, including being one of the few Texas firms involved in the massive BP Texas City explosion litigation. With over 25 years of practice and experience in federal courts, we are not intimidated by national fraternities, multi-billion-dollar universities, or their formidable defense teams. We’ve taken on billion-dollar corporations and won, applying the same aggressive strategies to fight for hazing victims. Explore Ralph Manginello’s credentials at https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/.

• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar settlements in complex wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases. This includes sophisticated work with economists to value loss of life and extensive experience valuing lifetime care needs for victims of brain injury or permanent disability. We don’t settle cheaply; we build comprehensive cases that force accountability and achieve full and fair compensation. Our wrongful death practice is detailed at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.

• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the prestigious Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) gives our firm a unique edge. We understand the intricacies of how criminal hazing charges interact with civil litigation. This dual perspective allows us to advise witnesses and former members who may face dual criminal and civil exposure, navigating the delicate balance between the two spheres.

• Investigative Depth: We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it does. We utilize a network of experts, including medical professionals, digital forensic specialists, economists, and psychologists. We meticulously work to obtain hidden evidence, from deleted group chats and social media data to internal chapter records and university files discovered through aggressive legal processes.

We know that hazing cases are different. They involve understanding the insular culture and power dynamics of Greek life, Corps programs, and athletic departments. They require balancing a victim’s privacy with the need for public accountability, and proving coercion when “consent” is claimed. Our firm is founded on empathy and victim advocacy. We understand that this is one of the hardest things a family can face, and our job is to get you answers, hold the responsible parties accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We focus on thorough investigation and real accountability, not just quick settlements.

Call to Action for City of Waller Families

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

Contact The Manginello Law Firm for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We will attentively listen to what happened, explain your legal options transparently, and help you determine the best path forward for your family.

In your free consultation, you can expect us to:

• Listen to your story with empathy and without judgment.
• Review any evidence you may have (photos, texts, medical records).
• Explain your legal options, such as a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• Discuss realistic timelines and what the legal process typically entails.
• Answer your questions about costs – we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless we win your case. For more information, watch our video on “How Do Contingency Fees Work?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There is no pressure to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time you need to decide.
• Everything you discuss with us is strictly confidential.

Do not face this alone. Evidence disappears quickly, institutions control narratives, and the legal landscape is complex.

Contact The Manginello Law Firm today:

• Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Line: (713) 528-9070
• Cell: (713) 443-4781 (Available for urgent inquiries)
• Website: https://attorney911.com
• Email: ralph@atty911.com

Hablamos Español: If you prefer communication in Spanish, please contact Lupe Peña directly at lupe@atty911.com for consultation. Servicios legales en español están disponibles.

Whether you’re in City of Waller or anywhere across Texas, if hazing has impacted your family, you don’t have to navigate this challenging journey alone. Call us today.

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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