In the vibrant City of Lewisville, our fraternity and sorority hazing lawyers are ready to assist. Attorney911 — Legal Emergency Lawyers™ offers university hazing injury and wrongful death representation. Our former insurance defense attorney understands fraternity insurance tactics. We have federal court experience taking on national fraternities and universities, with BP Explosion Litigation proving our fight against massive institutions. With HCCLA criminal defense + civil wrongful death expertise and multi-million dollar proven results, we handle UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin, SMU, and Baylor hazing cases. We offer evidence preservation specialists, 25+ years experience, and Hablamos Español. Free consultation. Contingency fee: no win, no fee. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

When the crisp autumn air returns to North Texas, bringing with it the excitement of college life, families across the City of Lewisville often send their children off to universities across the state with hopes for academic success and enriching experiences. For many, this includes participation in Greek life, athletic teams, or other valued student organizations. However, beneath the surface of camaraderie and tradition, a darker shadow can lurk: hazing.

Imagine this scenario: It’s “initiation night” at an off-campus fraternity house near one of Texas’s prominent universities. A student from the City of Lewisville, eager to prove their loyalty and secure their place within the brotherhood, is being pressured to consume an entire bottle of liquor—far beyond safe limits. Other students film on their phones, chanting and laughing, as the pledge’s eyes glaze over and their movements become unsteady. Suddenly, they collapse, vomiting violently, but nobody wants to call 911. They’re afraid of “getting the chapter shut down” or “getting in trouble” with the university. The student feels trapped, caught between a dangerous sense of loyalty to the group and a desperate need for help.

This chilling vignette isn’t a rare occurrence; it’s a tragically common one, and it could happen to a student from the City of Lewisville attending any university in Texas. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to hazing and the law in Texas. It’s written for families in the City of Lewisville and across the state who need to understand:

• What hazing really looks like in 2025, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.
• How Texas and federal law address hazing incidents.
• The critical lessons learned from major national hazing cases and their direct relevance to Texas families.
• The specifics of what has been happening at the state’s major institutions: University of Houston (UH), Texas A&M University (Texas A&M), University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), Southern Methodist University (SMU), and Baylor University.
• The legal options victims and their families in the City of Lewisville and throughout Texas may have when hazing leads to serious injury or death.

This article provides general information, not specific legal advice. Every case is unique, and we understand the unique challenges faced by families in the City of Lewisville and surrounding communities when their children attend universities across this vast state. The Manginello Law Firm is here to evaluate individual cases based on their specific facts and serves families throughout Texas, including the City of Lewisville.

IMMEDIATE HELP FOR HAZING EMERGENCIES:

• If your child is in danger RIGHT NOW:

  • Call 911 for medical emergencies immediately.
  • Then call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We provide swift, essential guidance in legal emergencies – that’s why we’re the Legal Emergency Lawyers™.

• In the first 48 hours, every moment counts:

  • Get medical attention without delay, even if the student insists they are “fine.” Prioritize their health and safety above all else.
  • Preserve evidence BEFORE it vanishes forever. This means taking immediate screenshots of group chats, texts, and direct messages, photographing any injuries from multiple angles, and securing any physical items involved (clothing, receipts, objects).
  • Write down everything you remember while the details are fresh: who, what, when, where, and how. This contemporaneous record is invaluable.
  • Do NOT:
    • Confront the fraternity, sorority, or organization directly.
    • Sign any documents from the university or an insurance company without legal counsel.
    • Post specifics or identifying details on public social media.
    • Allow your child to delete messages or attempt to “clean up” any evidence.

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

  • Evidence can disappear rapidly—deleted group chats, destroyed paddles, coached witnesses.
  • Universities often act quickly to manage the narrative, sometimes at the expense of victims.
  • Our firm can help you preserve critical evidence and protect your child’s legal rights from the outset.
  • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate and confidential consultation.

HAZING IN 2025: WHAT IT REALLY LOOKS LIKE

For families in the City of Lewisville and across Texas, understanding hazing means moving beyond outdated images of harmless pranks or simple rites of passage. Modern hazing is often sophisticated, deeply psychological, and alarmingly dangerous. It’s not just about silly stunts; it’s about power, control, and coercion that can lead to severe physical and mental anguish, and even death.

Clear, Modern Definition of Hazing

At its core, hazing refers to any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, committed by one person alone or with others, directed against a student, that occurs for the purpose of pledging, initiation, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members include students. This act must endanger the mental or physical health or safety of a student.

It’s crucial to emphasize: “I agreed to it” or “I consented” does not automatically make the activity safe or legal. In environments marked by peer pressure, a strong desire for belonging, and an inherent power imbalance, genuine consent is often impossible. The law recognizes that coercion, subtle or overt, negates true consent.

Main Categories of Hazing

Modern hazing manifests in diverse and often overlapping ways:

• Alcohol and Substance Hazing: This is tragically the most common and deadly form of hazing. It involves forced or coerced drinking of excessive amounts of alcohol, often rapidly. Examples include “chugging challenges,” “lineups” where multiple pledges must drink simultaneously, competitive drinking games, or situations where pledges are pressured to consume unknown or illicit substances. These activities frequently aim to strip pledges of their inhibitions and control.
• Physical Hazing: This category includes direct physical abuse, such as paddling and beatings, which can be inflicted with objects or bare hands. It also extends to extreme calisthenics, prolonged “workouts,” or “smokings” (forced strenuous exercise) far beyond safe limits. Other forms involve sleep deprivation (requiring attendance at late-night events for days), food and water deprivation, or exposure to extreme cold or heat, sometimes with limited clothing, or dangerous environments.
• Sexualized and Humiliating Hazing: This deeply degrading form of hazing includes forced nudity or partial nudity, simulated sexual acts (such as “elephant walks” or “roasted pig” positions), and the imposition of degrading costumes or public acts designed to shame. It often includes acts with racial, homophobic, or sexist overtones, the use of slurs, or forced role-playing of stereotypes.
• Psychological Hazing: This type targets a student’s mental and emotional well-being. It involves verbal abuse, constant yelling, threats, and deliberate isolation from friends, family, or the outside world. Manipulation, forced confessions, and public shaming, whether in person or online, are common tactics. The goal is often to break down a new member’s sense of self and independence, fostering absolute loyalty and obedience to the group.
• Digital/Online Hazing: With the ubiquity of smartphones and social media, hazing has moved into the digital realm. This includes group chat dares, “challenges,” and online public humiliation via platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and Discord. There is often immense pressure to create or share compromising images or videos, or to respond instantly to commands at all hours, further contributing to sleep deprivation and anxiety.

Where Hazing Actually Happens

It’s a common misconception that hazing is limited to fraternities. The reality, which families in the City of Lewisville need to understand, is that hazing occurs across a wide spectrum of campus organizations:

• Fraternities and Sororities: This includes social Greek letter organizations across all councils – Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and various multicultural Greek councils.
• Corps of Cadets / ROTC / Military-Style Groups: The traditions and hierarchical structures within these organizations can sometimes be exploited for hazing activities, under the guise of “discipline” or “team building.”
• Spirit squads and tradition clubs: Groups like cheerleading squads, dance teams, and powerful campus tradition organizations (akin to groups like the Texas Cowboys or other spirit groups) have also been implicated in hazing incidents.
• Athletic Teams: From football and basketball to baseball, swimming, and cheer, hazing can be found in a wide array of varsity and club sports.
• Marching Bands and Performance Groups: Even seemingly innocuous organizations like university marching bands and other performance ensembles have had documented hazing incidents.
• Other Organizations: Some service organizations, cultural groups, and even academic clubs have occasionally faced allegations and findings of hazing.

The common threads running through these diverse environments are often social status, the allure of tradition, and an intense culture of secrecy. These factors regrettably allow hazing practices to persist and thrive, even when everyone involved “knows” that hazing is officially prohibited and illegal.

LAW & LIABILITY FRAMEWORK (TEXAS + FEDERAL)

For families in the City of Lewisville facing the trauma of hazing, understanding the legal landscape in Texas is paramount. While the emotional and physical pain is immediate, the legal framework provides pathways for accountability and justice.

Texas Hazing Law Basics (Education Code)

Texas has specific, robust anti-hazing provisions outlined in the Texas Education Code, particularly Subchapter F, which clearly defines and criminalizes hazing. Under Texas Education Code § 37.151, hazing is broadly defined as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, on or off campus, by an individual or a group, 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 crucial implications for City of Lewisville residents:

• Location is irrelevant: Hazing can happen anywhere—in a dorm room, at an off-campus house, in a rural retreat, or even via remote digital communication. The law applies regardless of whether the act occurs “on or off campus.”
• Harm can be physical or mental: The law recognizes that hazing can cause both bodily injury (like beatings, forced exercise, or alcohol poisoning) and severe psychological distress (such as extreme humiliation, intimidation, or prolonged sleep deprivation).
• Intent doesn’t require malice: An act is considered hazing if it’s “intentional, knowing, or reckless.” This means someone doesn’t have to intend to cause harm; if they knew the risks or should have known and proceeded anyway, it still qualifies as hazing.
• “Consent” is not a defense: As detailed in Texas Education Code § 37.155, “It is not a defense to prosecution for hazing that the person against whom the hazing was directed consented to the hazing activity.” This is a critical legal tenet, acknowledging the coercive nature of hazing and protecting victims even if they initially “agreed” to participate.

Criminal penalties under Texas Education Code § 37.152 can range from a Class B misdemeanor if no serious injury occurs, to a state jail felony if the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death. This means jail time and significant fines are a real possibility for those involved. Furthermore, Texas law penalizes individuals who fail to report hazing and protects those who do (Texas Education Code § 37.153).

This summary provides a foundational understanding, but the specific language of the law is more technical. Rest assured, our firm navigates these complexities daily.

Criminal vs Civil Cases

When hazing occurs, families from the City of Lewisville need to understand that there are distinct legal avenues for justice: criminal cases and civil cases. These can often run concurrently.

• Criminal Cases: These are brought by the State of Texas (through district attorneys or prosecutors) against individuals or organizations accused of violating hazing laws or other criminal statutes. The primary aim of a criminal case is to impose punishment, which can include incarceration, fines, probation, or community service. In hazing contexts, criminal charges can range from misdemeanor hazing, furnishing alcohol to minors, assault, battery, all the way up to negligent homicide or manslaughter in fatal incidents. A criminal conviction serves justice by holding individuals accountable to society.
• Civil Cases: These are initiated by the victim or their surviving family members (the plaintiffs) against those responsible for the hazing (the defendants). The primary aim of a civil case is to obtain monetary compensation—damages—for the harm suffered. Civil claims often focus on legal theories such as:
  • Negligence and Gross Negligence: That the defendants failed in their duty of care, leading to the injury.
  • Wrongful Death: When hazing results in a fatality.
  • Negligent Hiring, Supervision, or Retention: Against organizations (like universities or national fraternities) that failed to properly manage their staff or members.
  • Premises Liability: Against property owners where hazing occurred.
  • Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress: For the severe psychological harm caused.

A crucial point is that a criminal conviction is not a prerequisite for pursuing a civil case. The standards of proof differ, and a victim can often win compensation in a civil court even if criminal charges were never filed or did not result in a conviction.

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

Beyond Texas state law, federal regulations play an increasingly significant role in campus safety and hazing accountability:

• Stop Campus Hazing Act (2024): This landmark federal legislation mandates that colleges and universities receiving federal funding (which includes most institutions) must enhance their transparency regarding hazing incidents. By approximately 2026, these schools will be required to publicly report hazing offenses, strengthen their hazing education and prevention programs, and maintain readily accessible data on hazing incidents. This will provide unprecedented data and accountability for City of Lewisville families seeking information about campus safety.
• Title IX: This federal law prohibits sex-based discrimination in education. When hazing involves sexual harassment, sexual assault, or creates a sexually hostile environment, Title IX obligations are triggered. This can compel universities to investigate, implement protective measures, and take disciplinary action.
• 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 often involve alcohol and drug offenses, assaults, or sex offenses, which fall under Clery reporting requirements. This act helps track patterns and failures in campus safety.

Who Can Be Liable in a Civil Hazing Lawsuit

For a City of Lewisville family considering legal action, understanding who can be held responsible is key. Hazing lawsuits often involve multiple defendants, reflecting the layers of responsibility in campus organizations.

• Individual Students: Those who planned, encouraged, orchestrated, or directly carried out the hazing acts are primary targets. This includes those who supplied alcohol, physically assaulted others, or participated in the cover-up.
• Local Chapter / Organization: The immediate fraternity, sorority, club, or team itself can be sued if it operated as a legal entity or if its officers, acting in an official capacity, knew about or encouraged the hazing.
• National Fraternity/Sorority: Most Greek organizations operating on Texas campuses (including UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor) are part of larger national entities. These national headquarters often set policies, receive dues, and exercise some level of supervision over their local chapters. They can be held liable if they knew or should have known about a pattern of hazing (especially from incidents at other chapters nationwide) and failed to take adequate preventative or corrective action.
• University or Governing Board: The educational institution itself, or its governing board (Board of Regents), can be sued under various theories, including negligence, gross negligence, negligent supervision, or for violations of federal laws like Title IX. This typically happens when a university knew or should have known about hazing and failed to act, or if its own policies or employees contributed to the harm. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, UT Austin) often assert sovereign immunity, but crucial exceptions exist for gross negligence or when certain federal laws are violated. Private universities (like SMU and Baylor) generally have fewer immunity protections.
• Third Parties: Other entities can sometimes be held liable, such as landlords or owners of off-campus houses or event spaces where hazing occurred, bars or liquor stores that illegally furnished alcohol to minors (under Texas dram shop laws), or even security companies or event organizers who failed in their duty of care.

It’s important to remember that not every party listed above is liable in every situation. Each case is fact-specific, and a thorough investigation by experienced legal counsel is essential to identify all potential defendants and the appropriate legal theories for holding them accountable.

NATIONAL HAZING CASE PATTERNS (ANCHOR STORIES)

The tragic reality is that hazing incidents are rarely isolated events. For families in the City of Lewisville, understanding the patterns in national hazing cases is vital because these precedents establish foreseeability and liability, particularly for national organizations. When hazing methods that killed or severely injured students in other states reappear at a Texas campus, it strongly suggests that the responsible organizations had ample warning and failed to act.

Alcohol Poisoning & Death Pattern

The most common and devastating hazing pattern involves forced or coerced alcohol consumption, leading to alcohol poisoning, severe injury, or death.

• Timothy Piazza – Penn State, Beta Theta Pi (2017): Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old pledge, died after a “bid acceptance” event where he was forced to consume dangerous amounts of alcohol. Fraternity surveillance cameras captured footage of Piazza falling multiple times and suffering severe head injuries. His “brothers” waited nearly 12 hours before calling for medical help. This tragic incident led to over 1,000 criminal charges against fraternity members, extensive civil litigation, and the creation of the robust Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law in Pennsylvania. The Beta Theta Pi chapter was permanently banned from Penn State. The takeaway for Texas families is clear: extreme intoxication, coupled with a deliberate delay in calling 911 and a culture of secrecy, creates a legally devastating scenario for all involved.
• Andrew Coffey – Florida State, Pi Kappa Phi (2017): Andrew Coffey, another pledge, died from acute alcohol poisoning during a “Big Brother Night” event. He was given a handle of hard liquor and pressured to consume it. Multiple fraternity members were prosecuted, and Florida State University temporarily suspended all Greek life, leading to significant anti-hazing reforms across the state. This case highlights how formulaic “tradition” drinking nights are a repeating script for disaster, showing that national organizations, including those with chapters at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor, should have been well aware of the risks.
• Maxwell “Max” Gruver – LSU, Phi Delta Theta (2017): Max Gruver, an 18-year-old pledge, died with a blood alcohol content of 0.495% after a perverse “Bible study” drinking game. Pledges were forced to drink heavily whenever they answered questions incorrectly. This incident led to criminal charges and the passing of the landmark Max Gruver Act in Louisiana, which made felony hazing a reality. A civil verdict later awarded the family $6.1 million against a fraternity member and an associated insurance company, further emphasizing that legislative change often follows public outrage and clear proof of hazing.
• Stone Foltz – Bowling Green State University, Pi Kappa Alpha (2021): Stone Foltz, a 20-year-old pledge, was compelled to drink an entire bottle of alcohol during a “Big/Little” night. He died from alcohol poisoning. This case resulted in multiple criminal convictions for fraternity members, and the Foltz family reached a $10 million settlement in 2023, with $7 million coming from the Pi Kappa Alpha national organization and nearly $3 million from Bowling Green State University. This demonstrates that not only fraternities but also universities can face significant financial and reputational consequences when hazing occurs, particularly when there is a known pattern of similar incidents within a national organization.

Physical & Ritualized Hazing Pattern

Beyond alcohol, physical and ritualized hazing can also lead to catastrophic injury or death.

• Chun “Michael” Deng – Baruch College, Pi Delta Psi (2013): Michael Deng, a pledge, was subjected to a brutal blindfolded “glass ceiling” ritual at an off-campus fraternity retreat in the Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania. He was repeatedly tackled while carrying a heavy backpack. He suffered a traumatic brain injury, and fraternity members dangerously delayed calling for emergency medical assistance. Multiple members were convicted, and the national fraternity itself was criminally convicted of aggravated assault and involuntary manslaughter and subsequently banned from Pennsylvania for 10 years. This case critically shows that off-campus “retreats” are not a shield from liability and can be as dangerous, or even more so, than on-campus parties. This is a vital lesson for institutions and national organizations with chapters in Texas.

Athletic Program Hazing & Abuse

Hazing isn’t exclusive to Greek life; it also pervades athletic programs, often under the guise of “team building” or “tradition.”

• Northwestern University Football (2023–2025): Multiple former Northwestern football players alleged widespread sexualized and racist hazing within the program spanning several years. This scandal led to multiple lawsuits against Northwestern University and coaching staff, the firing of head coach Pat Fitzgerald (who later settled a wrongful-termination lawsuit confidentially), and a national reckoning for major college athletics. This pattern clearly indicates that hazing extends beyond Greek life into big-money athletic programs, raising profound questions about institutional oversight and the responsibility of universities to protect student-athletes.

What These Cases Mean for Texas Families

These national anchor stories, tragically, share common threads that families in the City of Lewisville should recognize: forced drinking, extreme humiliation, severe physical abuse, deliberate delay or denial of medical care, and concerted cover-up efforts. Time and again, these horrific patterns yield the same devastating outcomes.

It’s also a stark reality that significant reforms and multi-million-dollar settlements often only follow after a tragedy has occurred and determined legal action has been pursued. For families in the City of Lewisville grappling with hazing at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, these national lessons underscore that they are not alone. The legal landscape in Texas is continually shaped by these precedents, affirming the possibility of accountability through experienced legal counsel.

TEXAS FOCUS: UH, TEXAS A&M, UT, SMU, BAYLOR

For families in the City of Lewisville, understanding the specific dynamics and histories of hazing at major Texas universities is key, particularly given the proximity of many Lewisville students to these institutions. While we are based in Houston, we serve families throughout Texas, and many residents of Denton County send their children to these respected schools.

The City of Lewisville is situated in Denton County, placing it in North Central Texas. While not immediately adjacent to any of the five universities we’re focusing on, families here often send their children to these institutions. Therefore, understanding the specific environments and hazing histories of each campus is critical.

5.1 University of Houston (UH)

5.1.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Houston, located in the heart of the bustling city of Houston (approximately 4-4.5 hours’ drive from the City of Lewisville), is a large, diverse urban campus known for its vibrant energy. It serves a mix of commuter and residential students. UH boasts an active Greek life with a wide array of fraternities and sororities under various councils, alongside numerous student organizations, cultural groups, and sports clubs. Families from the City of Lewisville who choose UH for its academic programs or urban environment should be aware of the university’s efforts and challenges in combating hazing.

5.1.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

The University of Houston maintains clear policies prohibiting hazing, applicable both on and off-campus. UH specifically forbids forced consumption of alcohol, food, or drugs, sleep deprivation, physical mistreatment, and acts causing mental distress as part of any initiation or membership process. The university provides several reporting channels through the Dean of Students office, the Office of Student Conduct, and the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). While UH posts a hazing statement and some general disciplinary information on its website, the level of detailed public reporting of violations can sometimes be less extensive compared to some other prominent Texas universities.

5.1.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

While many university incidents remain confidential, certain cases at UH have become publicly known:

• 2016 Pi Kappa Alpha Case: In a highly publicized incident, pledges of Pi Kappa Alpha at UH were allegedly deprived of adequate food, water, and sleep during prolonged hazing events. One student reportedly suffered a lacerated spleen after being slammed onto a table or similar surface. The chapter faced misdemeanor hazing charges and a significant university suspension.
• Subsequent Disciplinary Actions: Over the years, other fraternities at UH have faced disciplinary action for behaviors described as “likely to produce mental or physical discomfort,” including widespread alcohol misuse, forced activities, and general policy violations, leading to suspensions and probationary periods.

These incidents highlight UH’s documented history of hazing, even as the university strives to enforce its policies. One key takeaway is UH’s demonstrated willingness to suspend chapters found in violation, yet there remains a gap in consistent, public, detailed reporting of all violations.

5.1.4 How a UH Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a City of Lewisville family whose child experiences hazing at UH, legal proceedings could involve multiple entities. Criminal investigations and charges might fall under the jurisdiction of UHPD for on-campus incidents or the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Harris County, Texas, leveraging the legal precedents that have developed within the state’s largest metropolitan area. Potential defendants could include the individual students involved, the local chapter, the national fraternity or sorority, and potentially the University of Houston itself, as well as any property owners where the hazing occurred. Our Houston-based firm is intimately familiar with the local legal landscape and the specific challenges of navigating these complex cases in Harris County.

5.1.5 What UH Students & Parents Should Do

Families from the City of Lewisville with students at UH should take proactive steps:

• Report Hazing: Utilize UH’s reporting channels through the Dean of Students, UHPD, or online reporting forms.
• Document Everything: Immediately screenshot any relevant group chats, texts, or social media posts, and meticulously photograph any injuries. Documenting prior complaints and past incidents within the organization, if known, can strengthen a case.
• Seek Legal Counsel: If a hazing incident causes significant harm, talking to a lawyer experienced in Houston-based hazing cases can be critical. Our firm can help navigate university processes and uncover prior discipline records and internal files that may not be publicly accessible.
• Prioritize Safety: If in immediate danger, call 911. Remember that protections often exist for those who seek help in an emergency.

5.2 Texas A&M University

5.2.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Texas A&M University in College Station, a little over a 2-hour drive south of the City of Lewisville, is renowned for its deep-seated traditions, loyal alumni network, and the unique presence of its Corps of Cadets. These elements create a highly organized, often intense, and tradition-heavy environment that, while fostering immense camaraderie, can also be a breeding ground for hazing under the guise of “discipline”, “team building,” or “tradition.” The emphasis on “Aggie Spirit” and a strong in-group identity can unfortunately contribute to cultures of secrecy. Denton County families who send their children to Texas A&M are often drawn to its strong values and traditions but must be aware of the potential for hazing.

5.2.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Texas A&M unequivocally prohibits hazing in all its forms. The university’s policies are comprehensive, covering physical, mental, and emotional harm. These policies are enforced through the Division of Student Affairs, the Corps of Cadets leadership, and the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD). The university encourages reporting through various channels, including online forms and direct contact with student affairs or Corps officials. While A&M publishes its hazing policies, the transparency of specific disciplinary actions varies, sometimes making it challenging for parents to assess the full scope of incidents.

5.2.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Texas A&M has faced its share of significant hazing allegations and incidents, both within Greek life and the Corps of Cadets:

• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) Lawsuit (Around 2021): This incident involved pledges who alleged they were covered in noxious substances, including an industrial-strength cleaner, resulting in severe chemical burns that required emergency skin graft surgeries. The SAE chapter was suspended by the university, and the pledges subsequently pursued legal action against the fraternity. This case dramatically illustrates the severe physical harm hazing can inflict.
• Corps of Cadets Hazing Lawsuit (2023): A former cadet filed a lawsuit alleging degrading and sexually charged hazing, specifically describing instances of simulated sexual acts and being bound between beds in a “roasted pig” pose with an apple in his mouth. The lawsuit, seeking over $1 million, brought to light the darker underbelly of some Corps traditions, highlighting the potential for non-Greek institutional hazing. Texas A&M stated it addressed the matter through its internal regulations.
• Kappa Sigma (2023, ongoing): Allegations surfaced of hazing resulting in severe injuries, including rhabdomyolysis—a serious condition involving muscle breakdown from extreme physical activity—suggesting prolonged and dangerous physical hazing. This ongoing litigation emphasizes how specialized legal representation focused on specific injury types like rhabdomyolysis is often required.

These incidents underscore the fact that hazing at Texas A&M can manifest in both Greek life and highly traditional, institutionally connected environments like the Corps of Cadets, posing unique challenges for oversight and accountability.

5.2.4 How a Texas A&M Hazing Case Might Proceed

For families from the City of Lewisville with a child affected by hazing at Texas A&M, legal proceedings would typically involve the Texas A&M University Police Department (UPD) or perhaps the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office or College Station Police for off-campus incidents. Civil suits would be filed in Brazos County, where the university is located. Complex cases might need to address both Greek life leadership and Corps regulations, potentially involving high-level university officials. Our firm has the experience to navigate the unique cultural and legal aspects of cases involving this powerful institution.

5.2.5 What Texas A&M Students & Parents Should Do

Students and parents from the City of Lewisville connected to Texas A&M should be particularly vigilant:

• Understand Corps Culture: If affiliated with the Corps, understand the difference between legitimate training and hazing. Any activity causing physical or mental harm under the guise of tradition is hazing.
• Report to Leadership: Utilize the official A&M reporting mechanisms through the Office of Student Conduct, the Commandant’s Office for Corps issues, and UPD.
• Document Everything Meticulously: Given the strong sense of loyalty, especially within the Corps, documentation is paramount. Screenshot all digital communications, photograph injuries, and collect witness information discreetly.
• Seek Experienced Counsel: Due to the scale and influence of Texas A&M and its organizations, consulting an attorney experienced in hazing litigation is crucial for ensuring that internal investigations are thorough and that legal rights are protected.

5.3 University of Texas at Austin (UT)

5.3.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

The University of Texas at Austin, the state’s flagship public university, is a dynamic and sprawling campus located approximately 3 hours south of the City of Lewisville. It boasts a massive student body, a vibrant Greek life, and numerous highly competitive student organizations. The culture at UT is often characterized by a strong sense of identity, spirited traditions, and a highly active social scene. While these elements contribute to a rich college experience, the intense pressure for social inclusion and the reverence for tradition can, unfortunately, create fertile ground for hazing. Families from the City of Lewisville often choose UT for its academic prominence, but should be aware of the university’s ongoing challenges with hazing.

5.3.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

UT Austin maintains a robust and publicly available anti-hazing policy that prohibits any act endangering the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or affiliation. A key strength of UT’s approach is its public Hazing Violations page on its website (hazing.utexas.edu), which lists organizations, dates of infractions, specific conduct, and disciplinary sanctions. Reporting channels are comprehensive, including the Dean of Students, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, the Title IX Office (if sexual misconduct is involved), and the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD).

5.3.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

UT Austin’s public transparency means numerous incidents are on record, providing valuable insight into recurring patterns:

• Pi Kappa Alpha (2023): As noted on UT’s hazing violations page, the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity faced sanctions when new members were directed to consume milk and subsequently perform strenuous calisthenics, causing physical discomfort. The chapter was placed on probation and required to implement new hazing-prevention education. This reflects a common “punishment” tactic in hazing.
• Other Organizations: Beyond Greek life, various student groups and spirit organizations, such as the Texas Wranglers, have also faced discipline for hazing violations involving forced workouts, alcohol-related hazing, degrading acts, or other punishment-based tactics. These incidents illustrate that hazing transcends traditional Greek organizations at UT.

The strength of UT’s public log is that it directly shows patterns of misconduct, especially when organizations appear multiple times or conduct similar hazing to their national counterparts documented elsewhere. This history can be powerful evidence in civil suits.

5.3.4 How a UT Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a City of Lewisville family involved in a hazing incident at UT, criminal investigations might engage the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) for on-campus incidents or the Austin Police Department and Travis County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in Travis County, utilizing the extensive legal framework available in the state capital. Lawsuits against UT itself, as a public university, would need to navigate sovereign immunity, but exceptions for gross negligence or Title IX violations are critical to pursue. The public hazing log serves as a powerful resource, potentially demonstrating repeated failures by the university or specific student organizations and directly supporting arguments that UT had prior knowledge of hazing risks.

5.3.5 What UT Students & Parents Should Do

Families from the City of Lewisville with students at UT Austin should prioritize:

• Review UT’s Hazing Log: Familiarize yourself with utexas.edu/hazing to understand prior incidents and the university’s actions.
• Use Reporting Channels: Utilize the Dean of Students, Student Conduct, UTPD, or the anonymous “Report a Concern” system if hazing is suspected.
• Screenshot Everything: Digital evidence is crucial. Preserve all text messages, group chats, and social media interactions related to hazing.
• Obtain Medical Records: If injuries occur, ensure medical professionals document the cause of injury, specifically noting if it resulted from hazing.
• Consult a Hazing Attorney: Given the university’s size and complexity, especially with sovereign immunity for public institutions, an experienced hazing attorney can help dissect prior violation records to build a strong case.

5.4 Southern Methodist University (SMU)

5.4.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Southern Methodist University (SMU), located in the affluent University Park neighborhood of Dallas, is approximately a 30-45 minute drive south of the City of Lewisville, making it a very accessible campus for Denton County families. SMU is a private university with a reputation for a vibrant social scene, heavily influenced by a prominent Greek life. The campus culture often blends academic rigor with active social engagement. While boasting beautiful grounds and strong academic programs, SMU’s Greek system has historically faced substantial scrutiny regarding hazing incidents, a concern for families in the City of Lewisville considering this institution.

5.4.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

SMU maintains clear anti-hazing policies that align with Texas law, prohibiting any acts that endanger the physical or mental well-being of students during affiliation or initiation rites. The university enforces these policies through its Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, and hazing reports can be made directly to this office, the SMU Police Department, or through anonymous reporting systems like SMU’s Real Response app. While SMU doesn’t maintain as publicly transparent a hazing log as UT Austin, it does publish policy statements and communicate disciplinary actions internally to students.

5.4.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

SMU has had a number of significant hazing incidents:

• Kappa Alpha Order Incident (2017): This well-documented case involved pledges of the Kappa Alpha Order fraternity reportedly subjected to paddling, forced consumption of alcohol, and sleep deprivation. The university swiftly suspended the chapter, which faced severe restrictions on recruiting and operations for a period of years.
• Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) (Earlier Incidents): SAE at SMU has faced multiple suspensions and disciplinary actions over its history due to various hazing and conduct violations, reflecting a recurring pattern of issues within the chapter and national organization.
• Ongoing Monitoring: SMU’s hazing prevention efforts include continuous monitoring and rapid response to reports, with suspensions and strict sanctions often following investigations into misconduct.

These incidents highlight that despite its private status and stated commitment to anti-hazing, SMU’s Greek system continues to present challenges, often leading to stringent university responses.

5.4.4 How an SMU Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a City of Lewisville family whose child experiences hazing at SMU, criminal investigations would typically involve the SMU Police Department for incidents on campus, or the University Park Police Department and Dallas County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would be filed in Dallas County, where SMU is situated. Because SMU is a private university, it does not enjoy the same sovereign immunity protections as public institutions, potentially simplifying aspects of legal claims against the university itself. Civil litigation against fraternities and their national organizations, the university, and involved individuals would focus on negligence and other tort claims. Our firm’s proximity to Dallas and experience with both public and private university cases prepares us for the unique challenges of hazing cases involving SMU.

5.4.5 What SMU Students & Parents Should Do

Families and students from the City of Lewisville connected to SMU should:

• Scrutinize Greek Life: Be particularly attentive to the reputation of specific Greek organizations at SMU, as some have a documented history of violations.
• Use SMU’s Reporting Tools: Utilize the Office of Student Conduct, SMU Police, or anonymous channels like Real Response effectively.
• Understand Private University Dynamics: While private universities like SMU are not subject to the same public information laws as state schools, they also lack sovereign immunity, which can be an advantage in civil litigation.
• Preserve All Evidence: Act quickly to save texts, photos, and any other digital or physical evidence of hazing, as SMU may conduct its own internal investigation.
• Contact an Attorney with Dallas Ties: An attorney with experience in complex litigation in Dallas County, familiar with SMU’s specific institutional culture and legal landscape, can provide invaluable guidance.

5.5 Baylor University

5.5.1 Campus & Culture Snapshot

Baylor University in Waco, Texas, is approximately a 1.5-hour drive south of the City of Lewisville. As the oldest continually operating university in Texas, Baylor is a private Christian institution with a strong religious identity. Its campus culture emphasizes community, faith, and academic excellence, alongside an active Greek life and athletic programs. However, Baylor has faced significant scrutiny over its institutional oversight in the past, particularly concerning sexual assault and Title IX compliance. This history creates a complex dynamic for hazing incidents, where institutional responses may be viewed through the lens of prior challenges. For City of Lewisville parents choosing Baylor for its unique blend of faith and academia, understanding these layers is essential.

5.5.2 Official Hazing Policy & Reporting Channels

Baylor University strictly prohibits hazing, adhering to Texas law and its own institutional values. Its policies classify hazing as conduct that violates the dignity of individuals and undermines the community spirit, covering physical aggression, forced alcohol consumption, humiliation, and other forms of abuse. Reporting channels include the Department of Student Conduct, the Baylor Police Department (BUPD), and the Title IX Office (especially if hazing involves elements of sexual misconduct or gender-based discrimination). Baylor also provides an anonymous reporting mechanism.

5.5.3 Selected Documented Incidents & Responses

Baylor’s history of disciplinary issues, though primarily focused on sexual assault scandals in the past, has brought its hazing incidents into a context of broader institutional oversight:

• Baylor Baseball Hazing (2020): A significant incident involved the Baylor baseball team, where a hazing investigation led to the suspension of 14 players. These suspensions were staggered across the early season, impacting the team significantly. This incident highlights that hazing is not confined to Greek organizations but can affect high-profile athletic programs even at religious institutions.
• Ongoing Scrutiny: Baylor’s official statements consistently emphasize a “zero tolerance” policy for hazing. However, given its past struggles with institutional transparency and accountability concerning other forms of misconduct, hazing allegations at Baylor often draw intense scrutiny, both internally and externally.

These incidents, particularly the baseball team hazing, demonstrate Baylor’s ongoing struggle with ensuring a safe environment across all student organizations, despite its official policies.

5.5.4 How a Baylor Hazing Case Might Proceed

For a family in the City of Lewisville whose child experiences hazing at Baylor, criminal investigations would involve the Baylor Police Department (BUPD) for on-campus incidents or the Waco Police Department and McLennan County Sheriff’s Office for off-campus events. Civil lawsuits would typically be filed in McLennan County. As a private university, Baylor does not have sovereign immunity, making it more directly subject to civil litigation. Claims could target individual students, the local chapter, the national fraternity/sorority (if applicable), and Baylor University itself, particularly if a pattern of inadequate oversight or a failure to enforce policies can be demonstrated. Given Baylor’s unique institutional history, lawyers handling hazing cases need a deep understanding of how its internal structures and past challenges might influence claims of negligence or gross negligence.

5.5.5 What Baylor Students & Parents Should Do

Families and students from the City of Lewisville at Baylor should focus on:

• Immediate Reporting: Prioritize reporting any hazing incident to the appropriate Baylor authorities, including Student Conduct, BUPD, or the Title IX Office.
• Document Everything Diligently: Given Baylor’s past, meticulous documentation of incidents, communications, and injuries is paramount.
• Understand Institutional Context: Be aware that Baylor’s history of scrutiny regarding institutional oversight can amplify the public and legal implications of hazing incidents.
• Seek Independent Legal Counsel: Especially if the hazing results in significant harm, consulting an attorney experienced in hazing and institutional liability cases is essential to ensure that the university’s response is adequate and that all avenues for accountability are explored.

FRATERNITIES & SORORITIES: CAMPUS-SPECIFIC + NATIONAL HISTORIES

For families in the City of Lewisville, it’s not enough to understand individual campus incidents. It’s critical to connect these local allegations at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, and Baylor to the broader, often tragic, national histories of the fraternities and sororities involved. This connection is fundamental to establishing foreseeability and liability in hazing lawsuits.

Why National Histories Matter

Most Greek organizations at Texas universities are chapters of larger national organizations. These national entities typically:

• Maintain extensive anti-hazing manuals, risk management policies, and codes of conduct. They do so not merely as a formality, but because they have seen deaths and catastrophic injuries in the past at chapters nationwide.
• Possess deep institutional knowledge of recurring hazing patterns: the “Big/Little” drinking nights, the forced calisthenics, the humiliating acts that students endure “to earn their letters.”
• Collect dues from every member, offer national-level training (often focusing on how to prevent or cover up hazing rather than genuinely eliminating it), and typically maintain some level of oversight through regional staff and alumni advisors.

When a local chapter in Texas, whether at UH, Texas A&M, UT, SMU, or Baylor, repeats the same scripts or tactics that have led to severe injury or death at other chapters of the same national organization in other states, it creates a powerful legal argument for foreseeability. It demonstrates that the national headquarters had prior knowledge of the dangerous conduct and, despite having the means, failed to intervene aggressively enough to prevent similar harm. This is a linchpin for strengthening negligence and even punitive damages arguments against these larger entities.

Organization Mapping (Synthesized)

While an exhaustive list is beyond this guide, we can connect some prominent fraternities and sororities, present at one or more of the Texas universities discussed, to their known national hazing histories. This shows recurring patterns that should raise red flags for City of Lewisville families.

• Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ / Pike): Active at UH, Texas A&M, and UT.

  • Description: A large national fraternity with a history of prominent chapters.
  • National Hazing History: Infamous for the Stone Foltz fatality at Bowling Green State University ($10 million settlement). Also involved in the David Bogenberger death at Northern Illinois University ($14 million settlement). The pattern typically involves extreme alcohol consumption during “Big/Little” reveal nights or other initiation events, often with fatal results.
  • Texas Relevance: At UT Austin, Pi Kappa Alpha was sanctioned in 2023 for directing new members to consume milk and perform strenuous calisthenics. At UH in 2016, a pledge suffered a lacerated spleen in a hazing incident involving PKA. These local Texas incidents echo the reckless disregard seen nationally.

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

  • Description: Historically one of the largest fraternities, SAE has often been at the center of hazing controversies.
  • National Hazing History: Has a pattern of multiple hazing-related deaths and severe injuries nationwide involving alcohol. Notable for a traumatic brain injury lawsuit at the University of Alabama (2023) and lawsuits at Texas A&M (chemical burns, 2021) and UT Austin (assault, 2024) chapters, demonstrating both physical and chemical hazing. This history led SAE in 2014 to formally announce the elimination of its traditional pledge process nationwide, an acknowledgment of its systemic issues.
  • Texas Relevance: The Texas A&M SAE case, where pledges endured chemical burns from industrial cleaner, and the UT Austin assault case, where an exchange student suffered severe injuries at an SAE party, directly link local conduct to a long national pattern of dangerous behavior.

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

  • Description: A well-established national fraternity.
  • National Hazing History: Tragically known for the Max Gruver death at Louisiana State University (2017), which prompted the powerful Max Gruver Act, making felony hazing a reality. This typically involved forced drinking “games.”
  • Texas Relevance: While specific recent fatal hazing incidents connected to Phi Delta Theta in Texas’s top universities aren’t publicly as prominent as some other fraternities, the national history means any similar forced drinking ritual at a Texas chapter would be deeply foreseeeable.

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

  • Description: Another national fraternity with a significant presence.
  • National Hazing History: Strongly associated with the Andrew Coffey death at Florida State University (2017), where pledges were given handles of hard liquor on “Big Brother Night.”
  • Texas Relevance: The presence of Pi Kappa Phi chapters at major Texas universities means that any similar forced alcohol consumption incident in the City of Lewisville or surrounding areas would directly invoke this national precedent.

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

  • Description: A fraternity with a strong emphasis on Southern tradition.
  • National Hazing History: Chapters have faced hazing suspensions across the country. At SMU, the Kappa Alpha Order chapter was suspended in 2017 after reports of paddling, forced drinking, and sleep deprivation.
  • Texas Relevance: The SMU incident directly demonstrates local hazing patterns that led to significant university action.

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

  • Description: A large and prominent international fraternity.
  • National Hazing History: Recently involved in a settlement of more than $10 million in damages at the College of Charleston (2024) for physical beatings, forced consumption of drugs/alcohol, and psychological torment during hazing. This shows a national pattern of severe physical and psychological abuse.
  • Texas Relevance: The University of Texas at Arlington Sigma Chi chapter also faced a lawsuit (2020) for a pledge being hospitalized with alcohol poisoning, which settled in 2021. This indicates a demonstrable pattern across Texas campuses.

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

  • Description: A historic African-American fraternity.
  • National Hazing History: Despite national bans, some chapters have been implicated in severe physical hazing. A recent federal lawsuit (2023) alleged severe beatings with a wooden paddle during “Hell Night” at the University of Southern Mississippi, causing extensive injuries requiring emergency surgery.
  • Texas Relevance: The presence of chapters on Texas campuses implies a similar risk of severe physical hazing, despite national prohibitions.

Tie Back to Legal Strategy

This pattern of misconduct across states and campuses is critically important for legal strategy. It helps our firm argue that certain organizations, particularly national fraternities and sororities, had repeated warnings about specific dangerous behaviors. This knowledge means they can be held accountable for failing to implement effective safeguards.

• Settlement Leverage: A documented history of prior identical incidents gives victims significant leverage in settlement negotiations, as defendants know that juries will likely be highly swayed by such pattern evidence.
• Insurance Coverage Disputes: Our firm, with former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña on staff, understands how to counter insurer arguments that hazing was an “unforeseeable” or “uncovered” intentional act. We argue that the national organization’s negligent supervision despite extensive prior knowledge is what triggers coverage, even if the individual acts were intentional.
• Punitive Damages: In egregious cases, establishing a long-standing pattern of ignored warnings and unaddressed hazing can be key to pursuing punitive damages, which are designed to punish defendants for their reckless or malicious conduct and deter future harm.

For City of Lewisville families, understanding this landscape allows us to clearly articulate the gravity of the situation and the depth of accountability we can pursue.

BUILDING A CASE: EVIDENCE, DAMAGES, STRATEGY

Building a successful hazing case demands a methodical, in-depth investigation and a nuanced understanding of legal strategy. For families in the City of Lewisville dealing with the aftermath of hazing, the swift and strategic collection of evidence is paramount. Evidence, especially digital, disappears quickly, and universities and organizations are adept at controlling information. We act with urgency to secure the truth.

Evidence

The types of evidence crucial to a hazing lawsuit have evolved dramatically in the digital age. Our firm leverages every available source:

• Digital Communications: In 2025, group messaging apps are often the single most powerful source of evidence. This includes platforms like GroupMe, WhatsApp, iMessage, Discord, Slack, and even fraternity-specific internal communication apps. These messages reveal planning, intent, knowledge, recurring patterns, who was involved, and what was said before, during, and after a hazing incident. Critically, we work with digital forensics experts to recover deleted messages, though original screenshots are always invaluable. Our firm understands the importance of our clients using their cellphones to document a legal case as highlighted in our video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs
• Photos & Videos: Any content secretly filmed by members during events, footage shared in private group chats, or even publicly posted on social media can serve as compelling evidence. We also seek security camera footage from houses or venues.
• Internal Organization Documents: These include pledge manuals, initiation scripts, “tradition” lists, and even emails or texts from officers about planned activities. We also examine national organization policies and training materials to compare them against actual practices.
• University Records: Through discovery and public records requests (for public universities like UH, Texas A&M, and UT), we seek prior conduct files, probation/suspension records, incident reports to campus police or student conduct offices, and Clery Act reports. These can reveal a history of ignored warnings or inadequate responses.
• Medical and Psychological Records: Comprehensive medical documentation is vital. This includes emergency room and hospitalization records, surgical and rehabilitation notes, and toxicology reports (especially for alcohol or drug-related hazing). Crucially, we also obtain psychological evaluations documenting PTSD, depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation resulting from the trauma. These records quantify the physical and mental toll.
• Witness Testimony: We seek testimony from other pledges, current members who have had a change of heart, roommates, RAs, coaches, trainers, or any bystanders who observed the hazing. Former members who quit or were expelled can be particularly powerful witnesses.

Damages

When hazing leads to injury or death, the law aims to compensate victims and their families for the full scope of their losses, encompassing both economic and non-economic harm. While every case is unique and we cannot predict specific dollar amounts, we pursue all available damages on behalf of our City of Lewisville clients:

• Medical Bills & Future Care: This covers all costs, from immediate emergency room visits and ambulance transport to long-term rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and specialized care for catastrophic injuries such as brain damage or organ failure.
• Lost Earnings / Educational Impact: This includes compensation for any missed semesters, the resulting delay in entering the workforce, and any reduction in future earning capacity if injuries are permanent and affect career prospects.
• Non-Economic Damages: This category accounts for the subjective, yet profoundly impactful, losses. These include physical pain and suffering, intense emotional distress, psychological trauma (like PTSD, anxiety, or depression), profound humiliation, and the loss of enjoyment of life.
• Wrongful Death Damages (for Families): In the tragic event of a hazing-related death, surviving family members can recover for funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support from the deceased, and the immeasurable loss of companionship, love, and support. This also includes the emotional suffering and grief experienced by parents, siblings, or spouses.

Role of Different Defendants and Insurance Coverage

Hazing litigation is often complex, involving multiple defendants and intricate insurance coverage disputes. National fraternities and universities, being large institutions, typically carry substantial insurance policies designed to protect them from liability.

However, insurers frequently attempt to:

• Deny Coverage: They may argue that hazing constitutes “intentional conduct” or a “criminal act,” which could be excluded from their policies.
• Minimize Payouts: They may try to settle claims for significantly less than their true value, hoping to avoid jury trials.

Our firm, with Lupe Peña’s invaluable background as a former insurance defense attorney, leverages this insider knowledge to:

• Identify All Potential Policies: We meticulously search for and identify all applicable insurance coverage, which can include policies held by individuals, local chapters, national organizations, and universities.
• Challenge Exclusions: We skillfully argue that even if individual hazing acts were intentional, the national organization’s or university’s negligent supervision or failure to prevent foreseeable harm should trigger coverage.
• Force Insurers to Negotiate Fairly: Our aggressive litigation strategy and willingness to take cases to trial if necessary compel insurers to treat claims seriously and offer just compensation.

By understanding the defendant’s playbook inside and out, we build comprehensive cases that anticipate and counteract these legal and financial hurdles, ensuring our City of Lewisville clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

PRACTICAL GUIDES & FAQS

For families, students, and witnesses in the City of Lewisville, immediate and accurate information can make all the difference in a hazing situation. Knowing what to look for, how to respond, and who to trust is crucial.

8.1 For Parents

As a parent in the City of Lewisville, your instincts are your best resource. Pay close attention to your child, even if they’re hesitant to share.

• Warning Signs of Hazing:
  • Unexplained Injuries: Look for bruises, burns, cuts, or repeated “accidents” with inconsistent explanations.
  • Extreme Fatigue/Sleep Deprivation: Your child may seem constantly exhausted, even more than normal college stress would warrant. They might be called upon for mandatory, late-night events.
  • Sudden Mood Changes: Noticeable shifts in personality, increased anxiety, depression, irritability, or social withdrawal from friends and family.
  • Constant Secret Phone Use: An unusual obsession with their phone for group chats, coupled with an intense fear of missing “mandatory” events or messages.
  • Defensiveness/Secrecy: Your child may become evasive, secretive, or defensive when asked about their organization’s activities, often stating, “I can’t talk about it.”
  • Academic Decline: A sudden drop in grades, missed classes, or a lack of focus on schoolwork due to draining organizational commitments.
• How to Talk to Your Child: Approach them with empathy and without judgment. Ask open-ended questions like, “How are things really going in your organization?” or “Is there anything that makes you uncomfortable?” Emphasize that their safety and well-being are your top priorities, far above any organizational affiliation. Assure them you will support them, no matter what.
• If Your Child Is Hurt: Immediately prioritize their medical care – call 911 if necessary. After ensuring their safety, meticulously document everything. Take clear, well-lit photos of injuries from multiple angles and over several days. Screenshot any relevant texts, group chats, or social media posts your child shows you. Write down what they tell you (who, what, when, where) while the details are fresh. Save names, dates, and locations.
• Dealing with the University: Document every communication with university administrators. Ask specific questions about any prior incidents involving the same organization and what actions the school took in response. Understand that while universities may launch internal investigations, their primary interest is often institutional reputation, not necessarily your child’s legal rights or full compensation.
• When to Talk to a Lawyer: If your child has sustained significant physical or psychological harm due to hazing, or if you feel the university or organization is minimizing, delaying, or actively trying to hide what happened, it’s time to speak with experienced legal counsel. Our firm specializes in uncovering such institutional behaviors.

8.2 For Students / Pledges

For students in the City of Lewisville, navigating the pressures of college organizations can be overwhelming. Knowing your rights and recognizing when “tradition” crosses the line into hazing is crucial.

• Is This Hazing or Just Tradition? Ask yourself: Am I being coerced or strongly pressured to do something I don’t want to do? Does this activity endanger my physical or mental health? Would I do this if my parents or the university administrators were watching? Would members who have “crossed over” never do this themselves? Is this activity kept secret? If the answer to any of these is yes, it is likely hazing.
• Why “Consent” Isn’t the End of the Story: Texas Education Code § 37.155 explicitly states that your consent is not a defense to hazing. The law recognizes that in environments with power imbalances, intense peer pressure, and a strong desire to belong, true, voluntary consent is often impossible. You are a victim, and you have rights.
• Exiting and Reporting Safely: You have the legal right to leave any organization at any time, despite what you might be told. If in immediate danger, call 911. You will not face legal repercussions for seeking help in an emergency (good-faith reporter protections exist in Texas). If you wish to leave, discreetly inform a trusted adult outside the organization. You can send a simple text or email to the chapter president stating, “I am resigning my pledge/membership effective immediately.” Avoid “one last meeting” if you fear pressure or retaliation.
• Good-Faith Reporting and Amnesty: Many Texas universities and state law offer protections for students who report hazing in good faith or call for medical help in an emergency, even if they were drinking underage or involved in the hazing itself. These policies aim to remove barriers to reporting and prioritize life-saving actions.

8.3 For Former Members / Witnesses

You may carry guilt or fear retribution, but your testimony can prevent future tragedies.

• Acknowledge the fear: It’s natural to be afraid of consequences, but your perspective is invaluable.
• Prevent Future Harm: Your evidence and testimony could be the key to holding dangerous organizations accountable and saving lives.
• Seek Legal Advice: You may want your own legal counsel to understand your rights and potential exposure. A lawyer can help navigate your role as a witness, and cooperating can be a powerful step toward accountability and healing.

8.4 Critical Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Case

For City of Lewisville families and students, knowing these pitfalls can protect your legal rights and preserve crucial evidence:

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

   • Why it’s wrong: This can appear as an attempt to obstruct justice, making a case nearly impossible. It also destroys the most compelling evidence.
   • What to do instead: Preserve everything immediately – even embarrassing content. Screenshots, printouts, and cloud backups are essential.

2. Confronting the Fraternity/Sorority Directly.

   • Why it’s wrong: Direct confrontation often leads organizations to immediately lawyer up, destroy evidence, coach witnesses, and solidify their defenses, making subsequent legal action much harder.
   • What to do instead: Document everything in private, then consult with a hazing lawyer before any direct confrontation.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: Universities may pressure families into signing waivers or “internal resolution” agreements that could inadvertently waive your right to pursue further legal action or accept settlements far below your case’s true value.
   • What to do instead: Never sign any document from a university without first having an experienced attorney review it.

4. Posting Details on Social Media Before Talking to a Lawyer.

   • Why it’s wrong: Anything posted online can be used by defense attorneys, potentially hurting your credibility or compromising your legal strategy. It can also waive confidentiality privileges.
   • What to do instead: Document incidents privately and discreetly. Let your legal team guide public messaging to protect your case.

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

   • Why it’s wrong: These meetings are often designed to pressure, intimidate, or extract statements that can be used against victims later.
   • What to do instead: If you are considering legal action, all communications with the organization should be handled by your lawyer.

6. Waiting “to See How the University Handles It.”

   • Why it’s wrong: University investigations can be slow, sometimes prioritizing institutional protection over victim justice. Evidence disappears, witnesses graduate, and the statute of limitations can expire, diminishing your legal options.
   • What to do instead: Preserve evidence immediately and consult with a hazing attorney. The university’s internal process is often separate from and insufficient for real accountability and compensation.

7. Talking to Insurance Adjusters Without a Lawyer.

   • Why it’s wrong: Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Recorded statements can be used against you, and early settlement offers are typically lowball.
   • 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 specific circumstances. Public universities (like UH, Texas A&M, and UT) benefit from some sovereign immunity, but exceptions exist for gross negligence, certain federal law violations (like Title IX), or when suing individual employees in their personal capacity. Private universities (such as SMU and Baylor) have fewer immunity protections. Hazing cases are highly fact-specific. Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, case-specific analysis.

• “Is hazing a felony in Texas?”

  • Yes, it can be. While hazing generally begins as a Class B misdemeanor under Texas law, it escalates to a state jail felony if the hazing causes serious bodily injury or death. Additionally, individual officers of an organization and others involved can face criminal charges for various offenses related to hazing.

• “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 that “agreement” made under intense peer pressure, social coercion, and fear of exclusion is not true voluntary consent.

• “How long do we have to file a hazing lawsuit?”

  • In Texas, the general statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is two years from the date of injury or death. However, certain circumstances, like the “discovery rule” (when the harm or its cause isn’t immediately known) or fraudulent concealment, can extend this period. For minors, the clock may be paused until they reach adulthood. Time is critical in hazing cases because evidence can disappear quickly, witnesses’ memories fade, and organizations destroy records. It’s imperative to call 1-888-ATTY-911 as soon as possible. Our video explaining the statute of limitations can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRHwg8tV02c.

• “What if the hazing happened off-campus or at a private house?”

  • The location of the hazing does not eliminate liability for universities or national organizations. Many major hazing judgments have involved incidents that occurred off-campus at private residences, Airbnbs, or retreats. Universities and national fraternities can still be held liable based on their sponsorship, control, knowledge of hazing patterns, and foreseeability of the risks involved.

• “Will this be confidential, or will my child’s name be in the news?”

  • We understand the concern for privacy. The vast majority of hazing cases settle confidentially before ever going to trial. Our firm prioritizes your family’s privacy and works to secure confidential settlement terms and, where possible, sealed court records, while still pursuing the fullest measure of accountability.

ABOUT THE MANGINELLO LAW FIRM + CALL TO ACTION

When your family in the City of Lewisville faces a hazing case, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need attorneys who understand how powerful institutions fight back—and how to pierce through their defenses, uncover the truth, and win accountability. You need a firm that knows how to go head-to-head with well-funded universities, national fraternities, and their insurance carriers.

At The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, operating as Attorney911, we are the Legal Emergency Lawyers™. From our Houston office, we serve families throughout Texas, including the City of Lewisville and surrounding Denton County communities. We understand that hazing at Texas universities can profoundly impact families across the region, from students attending UT Austin or Texas A&M to those closer to home at SMU or Baylor. We’ve dedicated our practice to taking on the toughest personal injury and wrongful death cases, and hazing falls squarely within our specialized expertise.

Our firm offers unique qualifications that make us particularly effective in hazing litigation:

• Insurance Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/lupe-pena/), brings invaluable insight from her previous career as an insurance defense attorney at a national firm. She knows precisely how fraternity and university insurance companies value (and often undervalue) hazing claims. She understands their delay tactics, their arguments for coverage exclusion, and their settlement strategies because she used to run their playbook. This insider knowledge gives our City of Lewisville clients a significant edge.
• Complex Litigation Against Massive Institutions: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello (https://attorney911.com/attorneys/ralph-manginello/), has extensive experience in federal court and was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the historic BP Texas City explosion litigation. We are not intimidated by national fraternities, powerful universities, or their deep-pocketed defense teams. This experience means we understand how to fight powerful defendants and secure justice.
• Multi-Million Dollar Wrongful Death and Catastrophic Injury Experience: We have a proven track record in complex wrongful death cases and cases involving catastrophic injuries, working with economists and medical experts to value lifetimes and secure the resources needed for long-term care. We don’t settle cheap; we build cases that force accountability and truly compensate for profound losses. You can learn more about our wrongful death practice at https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/wrongful-death-claim-lawyer/.
• Criminal + Civil Hazing Expertise: Ralph’s membership in the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association (HCCLA) provides a deep understanding of how criminal hazing charges interact with potential civil litigation. This dual expertise means we can advise families, and even witnesses or former members, on navigating both civil compensation and any criminal exposure that may arise. For more on our criminal defense capabilities, visit https://attorney911.com/law-practice-areas/criminal-defense-lawyers/.
• Unrivaled Investigative Depth: We leverage a network of cutting-edge experts in digital forensics, medicine, economics, and psychology. Our experience extends to meticulously obtaining hidden evidence, including recovering deleted group chats and social media content, subpoenaing national fraternity’s records that show prior incidents, and uncovering university files through discovery and public records requests. We investigate like your child’s life depends on it—because it truly does.

We understand the intricate cultures of fraternities, sororities, Corps programs, and athletic departments. We know how they attempt to operate behind closed doors, how they conduct “new member education,” and how to prove coercion even when victims initially “consent.” We know that hazing cases present unique challenges – from navigating insurance coverage fights to balancing victim privacy with the pursuit of public accountability.

We know this is one of the hardest things a family can face. Our job is to get you answers, hold the right people accountable, and help prevent this from happening to another family. We approach every case with empathy, offering thorough investigation and a tenacious pursuit of real accountability.

Call to Action

If you or your child experienced hazing at any Texas campus, from UH in Houston to Texas A&M in College Station, UT Austin, SMU in Dallas, or Baylor in Waco, we want to hear from you. Families in the City of Lewisville and throughout the surrounding region have the right to answers, accountability, and justice when hazing causes suffering.

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

What you can expect in your free consultation:

• We will listen to your story with compassion.
• We’ll review any evidence you have, such as photos, texts, or medical records.
• We will explain your legal options, whether that involves a criminal report, a civil lawsuit, both, or neither.
• We will discuss realistic timelines and what you can expect during the legal process.
• We will answer all your questions about our contingency fee structure – you don’t pay us unless we win your case. Our video explaining contingency fees can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upcI_j6F7Nc.
• There’s no pressure to hire us on the spot; we encourage you to take the time you need to make the right decision for your family.
• Everything you share with us is held in strict confidence.

Provide clear contact information:

• 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

Spanish-Language Services:
We are proud to offer legal services in Spanish. Hablamos Español – please contact Lupe Peña at lupe@atty911.com for a confidential consultation in Spanish.

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

Legal Disclaimer

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

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

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

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